NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA – Balboa Island in Newport Beach is known for many things–its century-old ferry, its extremely desirable homes, and its New England-esque nautical feel.
But it’s also known for something else–candy!
When I visited Balboa Island with my family, I discovered that the island has what I’ve decided to call a “candy district”–a cluster of stores on Marine Ave around Balboa Ave selling delicious, sweet treats, from the classic (and a bit campy) to the upscale and fancy.
Bananas Everywhere
Of course, Balboa Island has long been known for its frozen bananas. The island’s Banana Stands reportedly inspired the hit TV show Arrested Development.
And for decades, they’ve been serving up frozen bananas skewered on a stick, dipped in chocolate, and covered in all manner of toppings and dips.
Two banana stands especially stand out (sorry). Sugar N Spice and Dad’s are essentially next door, and they’re friendly competitors in the banana business.
Visitors usually pick a side and stick with one stand year after year–it reminds me of the rivalry between Pat’s and Geno’s cheesesteaks in Philly where I grew up.
Personally, I love Sugar N Spice. When we visited, I stopped by and started my candy tour with a frozen banana dipped in Premium Chocolate, and then slathered with “Everything” topping–a mix of Oreos, M&Ms, nuts and much else.
It was amazing. I always come back to Sugar N Spice when I visit, and it’s always worth the visit (and calories.)
Old-School Candy
My kids like frozen bananas, too. But really, they’re in it for the candy.
Balboa Candy is across the street from Sugar N Spice and Dad’s. It’s a classic candy store, complete with giant barrels filled with every type of candy you can imagine.
The entrance has saltwater taffy (a Balboa Island specialty) in ever conceivable flavor and color, and you can grab little bags to take home as souvenirs or gifts.
Here’s a video I made:
The middle of the store has premium chocolates, as well as a big blackboard filled with messages written by celebrities who have visited over the years (Newport Beach is quite close to LA, after all).
In the back, you’ll find barrels filled with classic candies. There’s Jelly Bellies, old-school options like Chuckles, and lots more kid friendly selections.
My kids filled several bags with candies from the back area, and took at least 30 minutes to browse around.
Fancy Chocolate at Too Sweet
Rounding out the “Candy District” is Too Sweet, which is directly across the street from Balboa Candy. This is the most upscale option.
Here’s a video from my visit:
Too Sweet makes all kinds of chocolates in-house. A staff member told the Bay Area Telegraph that they use Guittard Chocolate, an extremely high quality chocolate from right in our home turf of San Francisco!
Too Sweet uses this premium chocolate to make everything from the island’s iconic frozen bananas (albeit a more upscale and refined version) to “barks” studded with marshmallows, tasty peanut butter cups, truffles, and much else.
They’re known for their candy apples, so of course we had to try one. I got an apple covered in caramel and dipped into M&Ms, which was fresh and delicious.
We also got plenty of candy to take back, and sampled Too Sweet’s frozen bananas, which a staff member dipped fresh as we waited.
If you’re visiting with kids and the chocolate it too premium for their tastes, there’s also a Tutti Frutti frozen yogurt place attached to Too Sweet.
A Day of Candy
With this delightful candy cluster, you can easily visit Balboa Island and make a day (or at least a morning) of noshing on sweets. (Visit Newport Beach hosted us for our visit to the island–thanks!)
If you’d like something other than candy, there’s Huskins Coffee across the street. There’s also Toastique, which I’ve reviewed back in the Bay Area.
Down the block, Ciao Balboa serves Italian food and the Village Inn has casual American eats. I’ve heard good things about Wilma’s Patio, too.
Of course, you can just eat candy. Perhaps for both breakfast and lunch.
The Bay Area Telegraph won’t judge. Mainly because on our visit, that’s exactly what we did!
