Since 1919, Balboa Island Ferry has been shuttling drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians across Newport Harbor between Balboa Island and Balboa Peninsula. The crossing spans about 800 feet, and while you could take the bridge route, the ferry gives you something the bridge doesn’t—time on the water with actual views of the harbor. You get to slow down, breathe in the ocean air, and watch the waterfront slip past.

Dogs are welcome on the ferry, which makes it a practical way to get across if you’re exploring the island with yours. Keep your dog leashed since the ferry does get crowded with other passengers, and the boat’s small enough that people and dogs end up fairly close together. The ride itself takes just a few minutes, so even anxious dogs usually handle it fine. The fresh air and slight motion seem to settle most of them.

Once you land on Balboa Island, you’ve got waterfront walks right there. The island’s compact layout means you’re never far from the water, and the paths along the shore give your dog interesting smells and sights without being as hectic as a busy beach. There are small parks scattered around too—nothing huge, but enough space for your dog to move around between ferry rides and exploration.

The ferry runs regularly throughout the day, and the whole experience feels less touristy than you’d expect for something this close to Newport Beach‘s fancier areas. You’ll see locals using it as actual transportation, not just visitors treating it like an attraction. If you’re heading to the island anyway, the ferry is the more interesting route than sitting in traffic on the bridge. The schedule’s posted on their website, and it’s worth checking before you go since it changes seasonally.