Great Value! Classic Cottage on Balboa Island, Walk to Beach/Marine Ave, Corner Lot, Spacious Patio
Free Whale Watching, Bike Rentals! We are happy to offer our guests Free Admission to some of the area's top attractions each and every day! Create exciting memories, have more fun, and truly experience your destination! Please click on the image below to see the latest offers!
Enjoy and relax in this classic Balboa Island Beach Cottage. This duplex is a 2 bedroom/1 bath island cottage. This cottage will bring back memories of staying at Grandma and Grandpa's beach getaway! Perfect for family vacations and one of the best values on Balboa Island. This cottage is a duplex and the other unit may also be available for rentals. Summer rental are typically week-long rentals.
SLP12920
For summer 2026, we have the following weeks available:
6/13 to 6/19 (Sat to Fri)
619 to 6/26 (Fri to Fri)
7/31 to 8/7 (Fri to Fri)
8/7 to 8/14 (Fri to Fri)
Located on the corner of Park and Amethyst, two blocks from Marine Avenue (Main Street) on Balboa Island. This cottage is steps to all of the restaurants and short walk to the bay of the famous Balboa Island Ferry. Probably the most visible feature of the front unit is the patio that provides a spacious outdoor mix of seating. The front patio is surrounded by a classic white picket fence and has two Adirondack chairs for relaxing! There is also a patio table and umbrella that seats up to six people. The patio feature a gas BBQ grill to cook up a summer feast! The patio is connected to the cottage through the classic dutch doors as it blends into the living, dining and kitchen areas. The living room, kitchen, and bathroom are located on the first floor and the bedrooms are located on the upper floor.
Sleeping Arrangements (sleeps 5)
• Master: Queen Bed, TV (Smart TV)
• Guest Room 2: 1 twin bed and a twin bunk bed, sleeps 3
Living Room
• Medium TV (Smart TV)
• Seating for 8
Front Patio:
• Outdoor Dining for 6 People
• Gas BBQ
Kitchen / Dining
• Service for 6
• Oven, stove, microwave, coffee maker
Bathrooms
• Tub and Shower
Linens / Towels
• Included
Beach Items
• Beach Towels
• Beach chairs, umbrella, sand toys
Home Highlights
• Short walk to Marine Avenue for dining and shopping
• Short walk to Balboa Island Ferry
• Open Patio with Seating
• WI-FI
• Outside Parking (1 car)
• Hair Dryer / Iron
• Dog friendly home (additional pet fee is required)
The living room and outdoor patio are separated by a classic dutch door that can fully open or just opened at the top that the entire family can use to enjoy the cool ocean breezes. The living room has a medium flatscreen TV so you can keep up with the game or the news. Just a few steps from the main living area, the kitchen serves as a central meeting point - which is fully stocked with cooking/dining gear and basic appliances. You can choose to cook your meal on the outdoor charcoal grill or in the kitchen!
As you continue through the house, there are private laundry facilities are conveniently located in the hallway that leads to the stairs to the bedrooms on the second floor. The master bedroom has a Queen bed and TV.
The second bedroom is for the kids! It has a twin bed and a twin bunk bed. A closet with space for clothes. The hallway bathroom has a shower/tub combo.
To fulfill the sleeping arrangements for 6 total guests, please consider that the pullout living room sofa is a full size bed, best suited for 2 children or 1 adult.
Both televisions are Smart TVs and you can connect to your favorite streaming apps.
PARKING: The parking for the front unit is on the outside of the gate at the rear alley. All guests are guaranteed a parking space. We do not recommend extremely large vehicles at this location. You may have to move your vehicle on Wednesdays to allow access for the trash trucks.
Check-in time: 3:30 p.m.
Check-out time: 10 a.m.
Dogs are welcome and there is a pet fee of $100 per pet. We allow a maximum of two pets.
Balboa Island is a gem whether you drive, walk, bike or take the Balboa Island Ferry to the island. Balboa Island’s Marine Avenue is home to chic coastal shops featuring unique nautical designs, stylish beach fashions, art and jewelry. It’s also home to quaint Balboa Island restaurants and bistros serving up a variety of dishes bursting with flavor. The selections on Balboa Island go beyond the local fresh seafood of the day with flavors of Italian, Mexican, and French-Swiss mixed in to the culinary choices.
Enjoy the island’s two famous desserts, the Balboa Bar and Frozen Banana. These sweet tooth treasures have been mainstays for nearly 75 years, and have been imitated and replicated, including on the hit TV show “Arrested Development.” The tasty treats are dipped in chocolate and covered with a variety of coatings from nuts and sprinkles to cookie crumbs.
If you want to visit the DISNEYLAND, we located just under 20 miles to DISNEYLAND and DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE. After a great day at the parks, you can return back to your villa, refresh, relax, and take a stroll down to the beach.
If you are interested in the Laguna Beach PAGEANT OF MASTERS during July, this is a fantastic place to stay. Lyft or Uber is the easiest way to get to the event. You can enjoy a nice glass of wine on the balcony before your ride picks you up and takes you to Laguna Beach.
Additional local attractions include Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Whale Watching, Aquarium of the Pacific, South Coast Plaza, and Fashion Island.
A trip to Balboa Island is not complete without a visit to the Balboa Fun Zone or the Peninsula, where the Ferris wheel has stood for more than 80 years. The best way to get is the world famous Balboa Island Ferry.
This cottage can also be rented in conjunction with the rear unit for larger families. We do allow dogs and there is a $100 pet fee that will be charged.
Please note that our properties may have electronic devices installed such as electronic locks, front door cameras, or noise monitors. There are no video devices inside the property. Parking is available in the rear alley. Balboa Island, in general, is replacing utility lines and we expect parking to occasionally be impacted.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number SLP12920
Property # 7660005
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
How much does it cost to stay at Great Value! Classic Cottage on Balboa Island, Walk to Beach/Marine Ave, Corner Lot, Spacious Patio?
As of 12 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Great Value! Classic Cottage on Balboa Island, Walk to Beach/Marine Ave, Corner Lot, Spacious Patio on 18 May 2026 start from NZ$700, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
On-site parking is available at the property.
This cottage is situated near the beach.
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Had a wonderful stay. The cottage was neat as a pin. Great for a family with small kids. Perfectly located — a short walk to downtown and the bay shore, and a good walk to the ferry.
The cottage on Amethyst street was perfect for our short 4 day visit.
Mark R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Eddie S.
3 December 2025
Thanksgiving Week stay
My family and I have stayed in this property for a few years now, always Thanksgiving week. Upon arrival, a couple small things were in need of attention, emailed Scott, and were addressed rt away. This location is a 3 minute walk from Marine Ave (village), which is very convenient. The amenities of the house all work and function which makes eating in very doable.
Balboa Island is a special place for all of us, and look forward to more stays.
It's a great place to stay. It's a historical building and furnished accordingly. It was very close to the beach. We enjoyed our time there.
Asoke C.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Jennifer H.
20 December 2025
Liked: Location
Disliked: Communication
Old & smelled. but good location, except on corner, so loud.
Jennifer H.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 January 2026
I am sorry that you did not enjoy your stay like so many of our other guests. I do think you reason for the review is that you wanted to alter your booking 2 days before your arrival and that those new dates were not available due to the Holiday Boat parade. Unfortuantely, you expected a full refund, which was not possible. We did try to work with you, but nothing was acceptable.
We really enjoyed our stay at the cottage. It’s the perfect distance from the water, shops and restaurants. We loved the family room and porch areas for hanging out as a family. We would definitely stay here again!
Excellent location close to shops, restaurants and the bay. The house is very cozy. Family and I had a great time. I would definitely stay here again.
Teresa D.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Adam K.
19 August 2025
Perfect Beach Cottage for our family of 5
This beautiful cottage was exactly as described. It was the perfect place for our family of 5 to make so many memories of long beach days and sunny skies at the end of summer break before heading back to school. We especially enjoyed the porch, the quiet neighborhood, and the quick walk to the Balboa ferry. We’ll be back!
Adam K.
Response from VrboOwner on 20 August 2025
We're thrilled to hear that you and your family had a wonderful time at Amethyst Avenue. It's fantastic to know that the cottage provided the perfect setting for creating lasting memories during your end-of-summer getaway. We're glad you enjoyed the porch, the peaceful neighborhood, and the convenient access to the Balboa ferry. We look forward to welcoming you back for more sunny beach days and memorable family moments!
This is a beautifully cared for and convenient cottage. The location is perfect and the home is well stocked with everything that you would need to start your vacation. I would definitely stay here again!
Staying at the cottage in Balboa is the best time of the year. Hanging out on the front porch or a quick walk to Main Street feels like I’ve landed in a Dickens novel.
Jeffrey
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Chris V.
8 January 2024
Great place to relax
We had the best time in this very relaxing cottage. It’s located very close to all the shopping and restaurants which makes for a nice walk. We will definitely be back.
I stayed there for a week with my family and it was in the perfect location. We were able to walk to downtown shops and restaurants on Balboa Island and we were just a short drive to other great locations in Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. I couldn't have asked for more.
Thank you for everything. Cute, clean and comfortable
Donna C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Thomas B.
28 May 2019
Great location, charming cottage.
Great location, charming cottage. Good value. We felt welcome and would rent again.Clean, but livingroom furniture & upholstery needs "spring cleaning" or replacement.iTrip was very responsive to questions.
Thomas B.
Response from VrboOwner on 1 April 2020
Thomas, thanks for the review and comments. We are alway working to improve this location and expect to make more changes in the future. It is one of the best values on Balboa Island....location, parking are the best!
Third time staying here. Love the large front patio and the ease of getting to Marine Street or just taking a stroll. Very comfortable living room area. Was like stepping back in time in this 1924 historic location!
Chris H.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Holly G.
19 November 2022
Charming house, great location!
We loved this home. It was perfectly located, just two blocks from the main street, one to the boardwalk and a great coffee shop around the corner. We loved sitting on the porch in the mornings and evenings. The house was very clean and had everything we could need. We cannot wait to be able to come back.
Great Location for a Quick Family Trip to New Port Beach
This was a super cute house that was perfect for our family's short visit. It was clean, and the pictures of the property were very accurate - definitely a cottage! Location was walkable to shops and the ferry. There was a thoughtful welcome note and amenity, which was a nice touch! There was a lot of construction on the island, so it was noisy... not the owner's fault. Bring a sound machine, because it's a busy island!
Dana S.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
About the host
Hosted by Scott Carpenter
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests