Summer traffic and beach parking are part of the essential SoCal holiday experience, especially at its most popular coastal destinations. As visitor numbers climb during the warmer months, this O.C. city is finding ways to ease congestion and make getting around a little less stressful for both residents and tourists.
Newport Beach’s Balboa Peninsula Trolley has just made a long-awaited return, offering a free service operating weekends through September 7, along with special service on Independence Day and Labor Day.
Balboa Peninsula free trolley service
The Balboa Peninsula Trolley will once again provide complimentary rides, connecting visitors to beaches, shops, restaurants, and main attractions located along its popular waterfront.
The route begins near the intersection of Tustin Avenue and Avon Street in Mariners’ Mile, where riders can also take advantage of free parking at the Avon Street lot by using the promo code “TROLLEY26” through the ParkMobile app. From there, the service follows a loop across the peninsula, stopping at 22 designated locations.
A total of four trolleys will operate during regular weekends, while a fifth vehicle will be added during holiday periods. Arrivals are expected approximately every 15 minutes, although travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions.
The service is designed to accommodate more than just passengers. Riders can bring bicycles using onboard racks, surfboards measuring up to six feet long, beach equipment, and even luggage for connections to Catalina Island ferry services.
The return of the service marks a major upgrade for riders, as the city has officially replaced its older van-style shuttles with a brand-new fleet of retro-styled, open-air trolleys designed to resemble Orange County’s historic Pacific Electric “Red Cars.”
