Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society

Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society Mission: To collect, preserve and promote the culture and history of Balboa Island and Newport Beach. Vision: Inspiring our community. A place to gather.
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Celebrating our heritage. Balboa Island, with all its allure and charm, has been a favorite California location for locals and vacationers alike. Now residents and visitors can discover all sorts of interesting and fascinating facts about this magical Island by visiting the Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society. Visitors will be fascinated by the display of Island memorabilia, including classi

c photographs that depict the Island’s captivating history. The Museum was founded in 2000 after local Pat Buderwitz had the idea of turning the old Fire Station into an Island Museum. Pat and a group of Island neighbors started meeting regularly and formed an organization, the Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society (BIMHS). On May 13, 2000, a reception was held at the Newport Beach Yacht Club to introduce the BIMHS to the Island residents. When the fire station option fell through, the BIMHS decided to rent a space until a more permanent location could be found. They moved into their first location across from the ferry during March of 2002. In the spring of 2011, the Board of Directors made the decision to relocate the Museum to 331 Marine Avenue, becoming part of Balboa Island’s “Main Street.” This charming vintage cottage is the perfect site to showcase the Museum’s artifacts and it is the hope and desire of the committee that this location will also provide a meeting place for the local community. (Coincidentally, the new location is very close to the old Fire Station, their original chosen spot!)

Locals and visitors are welcome to check out the new location and learn a little bit of Balboa Island’s enchanting history.

the original house at 305 North Bay front from the 1910's. A sign over the door reads "Hate to Leave It" and it's taken ...
06/16/2026

the original house at 305 North Bay front from the 1910's. A sign over the door reads "Hate to Leave It" and it's taken from a pier made from 2x4s nailed together extended out over the beach and water.

1702 Balboa Avenue. Original house prior to any remodeling. A ranch style house with a large front living room with huge...
06/15/2026

1702 Balboa Avenue. Original house prior to any remodeling. A ranch style house with a large front living room with huge windows and a recessed deck area.

Visitors of all ages enjoyed meeting everyone's favorite bear and creating memorable moments on Balboa Island. Thank you...
06/14/2026

Visitors of all ages enjoyed meeting everyone's favorite bear and creating memorable moments on Balboa Island. Thank you for joining us and making the day so special.

What's your favorite Paddington story or movie?

These kinds of shell bakes were common on the island in the early days as seafood was a plentiful resource in the area. ...
06/14/2026

These kinds of shell bakes were common on the island in the early days as seafood was a plentiful resource in the area. Campers often set up makeshift set-ups just like this for shucking sand crabs, clams, and other creatures collected along the shore.

Collins Island in 1914, taken by a couple on their honeymoon from a rowboat off shore.
06/13/2026

Collins Island in 1914, taken by a couple on their honeymoon from a rowboat off shore.

Looking towards the Pavillion on Main Street on the the Left you can see the McCoy drug Company which replaced the Green...
06/12/2026

Looking towards the Pavillion on Main Street on the the Left you can see the McCoy drug Company which replaced the Green Dragon after 1935.

Approaching Balboa from the mainland.
06/11/2026

Approaching Balboa from the mainland.

Paddington Bear Visits the Balboa Island MuseumJoin us on June 13 from 12–2 PM for a delightful afternoon with Paddingto...
06/11/2026

Paddington Bear Visits the Balboa Island Museum

Join us on June 13 from 12–2 PM for a delightful afternoon with Paddington Bear at the Balboa Island Museum. Enjoy photo opportunities, treats, refreshments, and family-friendly activities. No RSVP required, just stop by and celebrate with everyone's favorite bear!

Marine Avenue. Guess the year?
06/10/2026

Marine Avenue. Guess the year?

Join us on June 18 at 5:30 PM as we welcome Susan Werner back to the Museum for Charm School: Manners Matter for ages 8 ...
06/10/2026

Join us on June 18 at 5:30 PM as we welcome Susan Werner back to the Museum for Charm School: Manners Matter for ages 8 to 12. This fun, hands on class introduces children to table settings, dining etiquette, and social skills that can last a lifetime.

Spaces are limited. RSVP today at 949-675-3952.

Follow and visit the link in bio for upcoming events, exhibits, and local history programs.

Address

210 Marine Avenue, Ste B
Newport Beach, CA
92662

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+19496753952

Website

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