California travel guide Veronica Hill shares a tour of Balboa Island, Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Fun Zone in Newport Beach in this episode of California Travel Tips.

This charming little island, located in the city of Newport Beach, is a Cape Cod-style community with more than 70 unique gift shops, galleries and restaurants.

Best seen by foot, Balboa Island's streets (view map) offer stunning views of multi-million-dollar homes, the bay and harbor.

On Marine Avenue, the island's main street, you'll find several wonderful cafes, including Amelia's Ristorante (949-673-6580), Wilma's Patio (949-675-5542) and The Village Inn (127 Marine Avenue, Balboa Island; 949-675-8300). Hershey's Market (200 Marine Ave., Balboa Island; 949- 673-0330) has been a staple since 1929.

Though it was once home to Western legend John Wayne and his beloved Wild Goose, Balboa's main claim to fame is its famous Balboa Bars and frozen bananas, invented here around 1945. These cool concoctions are dipped in chocolate and then smothered in crushed peanuts or chocolate sprinkles. Try them at Sugar & Spice (310 Marine Avenue; 949-673-8907), which has autographs of "The OC" cast members posted on its window.

Tip: Balboa Island is accessible by ferry from Palm Street at Balboa Peninsula, and by car from Jamboree Road at Pacific Coast Highway. From the island, catch the ferry back to Newport Beach at Agate Avenue.

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