Embers on Balboa

A five-minute walk from the sand on a quieter stretch of Balboa Peninsula, this house earns its place as a beach base without the peak-season circus. Two separate living areas give groups room to breathe, and a balcony catches a steady ocean breeze with glimpses of the water beyond. The garage holds everything you need for a day on the beach – chairs, umbrella, boogie boards – so you can be in and out with minimal fuss. Newport Pier is a twenty-four-minute stroll, and Balboa Island's waterfront is twenty-eight minutes on foot.

Home truths:
* There is ongoing construction directly across the street, scheduled Monday to Friday between 7am and 5pm. If you're sensitive to daytime noise, factor this in when planning your stay.
* You'll have a private garage on-site, which fits a large SUV – a real plus given how busy street parking on the peninsula can get in summer.
* At full occupancy, two guests will sleep on the sofa bed in the living area.
* While there's no air conditioning here, your host can provide fans for the warmer months.
* The lead guest must be at least 26 years old.
* Depending on the time of your visit, your host may be able to offer a variety of complimentary experiences to enhance your stay, such as kayak and paddleboard rentals, harbour cruises, electric boat rentals, e-bike rentals and whale watching excursions. Speak with your host to find out more and confirm availability.