Memorial Day weekend is the moment Newport Beach truly wakes up for summer. The weather is warm, the harbor is buzzing, and the Balboa Peninsula is one of the best places in Southern California to spend a long holiday weekend outdoors. At Balboa Fun Tours and Rentals, we have everything you need to make the most of it, whether you want to cruise the coastline on an electric bike, paddle through the harbor on a kayak, glide along the peninsula on a Segway, or get out on the water in a private electric boat.
We are located right in the heart of the action on the Balboa Peninsula, just a two-minute walk from the 20th Street waterfront. There is no better starting point for a Memorial Day adventure on the water or along the shore.
Explore Balboa Peninsula Your Way This Memorial Day
Memorial Day weekend is three days of freedom, sunshine, and some of the best coastal weather of the year. Here is everything you can do from our door.
Electric Bike Rentals
There is no better way to see Balboa Peninsula and the Newport Back Bay than from the saddle of an electric bike on a sunny May morning. Our Fuji Sanibel and E-Crosstown electric bikes have a 250-watt motor and give you the perfect combination of ease and range to cover the peninsula, roll past the beach, and explore at your own pace without breaking a sweat.
Memorial Day weekend is one of our busiest times of year for bike rentals. The boardwalk is lively, the beach paths are busy with holiday energy, and the coastal scenery is at its best. Riders of all fitness levels are welcome, and no experience is needed.
Kayak Rentals
Balboa Fun Tours has the largest kayak fleet in Orange County, and Memorial Day weekend is one of the best times to get out on the harbor. We carry single and tandem kayaks, and our team carries them down to the 20th Street waterfront for you so you can be on the water without any hassle.
Paddling through Newport Harbor on a calm Memorial Day morning means calm water, stunning views of waterfront mansions and luxury yachts, and a close-up perspective of the harbor that you simply cannot get any other way. It is peaceful, easy, and genuinely one of the nicest things you can do in Newport Beach on a holiday weekend.
Paddleboard Rentals
If you have never tried stand-up paddleboarding, Memorial Day weekend on Newport Harbor is a great place to start. The harbor is calm and sheltered, the water is clear, and our team will set you up with everything you need and point you toward some of the best SUP routes in the area, past historic landmarks, private yachts, and beautiful waterfront estates.
For those who already paddle regularly, the harbor during Memorial Day weekend is a genuinely beautiful experience. The late afternoon light, the holiday activity on the water, and the backdrop of Newport’s Gold Coast make for an outing that is hard to top.
Segway Tours
Want to see the Balboa Peninsula from a different angle? Our guided Segway tours are led by seasoned local guides who know the peninsula inside and out. You will cover ground you would never reach on foot, get the stories behind the landmarks, and have a genuinely great time doing it. Our guides make it fun for every experience level, from first-timers who have never stepped on a Segway to regulars who know the drill.
Memorial Day weekend tours book up quickly. Reserve your spot early so your group does not miss out.
Electric Boat Rentals
Round out your Memorial Day weekend with time on the water in a private electric boat. Our 8-passenger electric boats are quiet, easy to operate, and come with a stereo for your playlist. No boating license is required, and no prior experience is needed. Our team gives you a quick briefing before you head out, and from there the harbor is yours.
Bring your cooler, pack some food, and spend a few hours exploring Newport Harbor at your own pace. The views of Balboa Island, the luxury waterfront homes, and the wide open bay on a warm Memorial Day afternoon are exactly what a long weekend should look like.
Where to Find Us
We are located between 20th and 21st streets on the Balboa Peninsula, right next to the 7-Eleven. We are a two-minute walk from the 20th Street waterfront, so getting your kayak or paddleboard to the water is quick and simple. Our team handles the logistics so you can focus on having a good time.
Address: Between 20th and 21st Streets, Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach
Phone: 949-484-4600
Hours: Open daily during Memorial Day weekend
A Full Day on the Peninsula: Memorial Day Weekend Itinerary
Not sure how to plan your day? Here is a simple way to use everything we offer and make Memorial Day weekend one to remember.
Morning: Start early with a kayak or paddleboard session on the harbor. The water is at its calmest in the morning, and you will have the best views to yourself before the holiday crowds pick up.
Midday: Grab lunch near the peninsula and pick up drinks and snacks for the afternoon. Many of the waterfront spots on the Balboa Peninsula are a short ride or walk from our location.
Afternoon: Head out on an electric bike and explore the peninsula, the boardwalk, and the Back Bay trail at your own pace. The 250-watt motor means you can cover a lot of ground without feeling like you have run a race.
Late Afternoon: Book an electric boat and get back on the water for the best hours of the day. Late afternoon light over Newport Harbor on a clear May weekend is genuinely beautiful, and there is no better way to close out the day than watching the sun drop toward the water from your own private boat.
Why Book with Balboa Fun Tours
Right on the Peninsula. We are two minutes from the waterfront, so you spend your time on the water, not driving to it.
Everything in One Place. Bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, Segways, and electric boats are all available from one location. You can mix and match activities across the whole weekend without dealing with multiple operators.
Beginner Friendly. Every rental comes with straightforward instructions and a friendly team that will make sure you feel comfortable before you head out. No experience is required for any of our rentals.
Largest Kayak Fleet in Orange County. We can handle groups of any size, from couples to large family gatherings, without anyone being left waiting.
10,000+ Happy Customers. We have been doing this for years on the Balboa Peninsula and our reviews speak for themselves.
Memorial Day Weekend Booking Tips
Memorial Day is one of the busiest weekends of the year in Newport Beach. Kayaks, bikes, and electric boats all fill up well in advance of the holiday. If you have a specific time in mind for your group, booking a few days ahead is strongly recommended. Walk-in availability is limited during the long weekend.
Call us: 949-484-4600
Book online: Book Now
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any experience to rent a kayak or paddleboard? No experience is needed. Our team will carry your equipment to the water and give you a quick orientation before you head out. The harbor is calm and beginner-friendly.
Can I bring food and drinks on the electric boat? Yes. You are welcome to bring a cooler with food and drinks. Whoever is operating the boat should remain sober, as the same rules that apply to driving apply to operating a vessel on Newport Harbor.
How many people can fit on an electric boat? Our electric boats seat up to 8 passengers comfortably.
Are pets welcome? Yes, well-behaved pets are welcome on our rentals for a small additional fee. We just ask that you keep them off the upholstery.
Where do we meet for kayaks and paddleboards? We are located between 20th and 21st streets on the Balboa Peninsula. Our team will carry equipment to the 20th Street waterfront, just a two-minute walk from our shop.
What should we wear? Light, comfortable clothing and sunscreen. Bring a hat and sunglasses, especially for the afternoon hours. Water shoes or sandals are recommended for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Ready to book your Memorial Day weekend adventure? Call us at 949-484-4600 or use the booking link below. Spots are limited and the holiday weekend fills fast.