Locals Picks

At Balboa eBike Rentals, we like supporting the local Newport Beach businesses that support us. If you’ve made it this far, you probably already figured out we’re not some giant corporate rental company. We are local-owned, local-run, by locals that literally ride Newport Beach boardwalk every single day.

These aren’t paid ads or tourist traps, just real local favorites, good food, good people, and the spots the locals actually go to around Newport and Balboa. If you want the real Newport Beach experience, start here…

Island Eyewear & Sole local Newport Beach sunglasses and sandal shop near Balboa Peninsula
15th Street Surf Shop logo local surf shop with 2 locations in Newport Beach on the Balboa Peninsula
Cassidys Bar & Grill top rated local dive bar in Newport Beach on the Balboa Peninsula

Local Favorites

  • 15th Street Surf Shop— One of the oldest and most respected local surf shops in Newport Beach since 1961, ran by a true NB Local family. So if you’re here to surf, bodyboard, Hanging out with family, or just reading a book at the beach, 15th Street Surf Shop has you covered. They are also one of the only places on the planet that carry exclusive Slightly Choppy handmade Newport Beach crew neck sweaters. Which are absolutely the coolest local sweaters sold on this Peninsula. And don’t forget to tell Cheryl and Dave we said hi.

  • Island Eyewear & Sole‍ ‍- Jojo at Island Eyewear in Balboa has all the top brand sunglasses. Her selection is unreal. She even curates latest and coolest styles for you to try on and pick from. Costa, Ray Ban, Oakley, Maui Jim, Gucci, Prada, Tom Ford, and thats just a few. So if you need a pair of good sunglasses while you’re here, trust me on this one. Go see Jojo! She doesn’t have 200 Five Star reviews on Google for nothing.

  • Cassidys Bar & Grill- Rated the #1 Dive Bar in all of Newport Beach. There isn’t much to say, The World Famous Cassidys Burger speaks for itself. The Locals add Bacon and Avocado bacon, that’s the move. This place is perfect for day drinking or closing it down at 2am. Usually the latter. Just come with respect and don’t piss off the bouncers or you’ll be out on your butt faster than you can say “who hit me?”

  • Where the Locals Eat

  • Bear Flag Fish Co. — Great fish tacos, poke bowls, the perfect stop for lunch on your ride around the Lido Village.

  • Great Mex — Super chill and casual AUTHENTIC Mexican food that has been a local favorite for years. The locals love Taco Tuesdays at Great Mex, right in the heart of the Balboa Village.

  • El Ranchito — Solid sit-down Mexican spot if you want to slow down and grab lunch during your ride.

  • Mint Leaf Thai Cuisine — Slow it down and have a seat at Mint Leaf. Trust me, your tastebuds will thank you. The Jungle curry is insane! Local Fav!