Autumn is in full swing down on Balboa Island, with warm, summery days and crisp, chilly nights. It’s the perfect setting for your Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends. Whether you live on Balboa Island or are staying in one of the charming vacation rentals, consider yourself lucky to be spending Thanksgiving Day in paradise!

If you don’t plan to cook at home, many wonderful dining options are available:

Bayside Restaurant, just across the bridge, is a Newport Beach favorite. Bayside’s Thanksgiving menu offers Diestel Farm’s organic oven roasted turkey and delectable side dishes and desserts at $44.75 for adults and $19.00 for children.

Five Crowns in nearby Corona del Mar is a replica of one of England’s oldest inns and is a warm, cozy and traditional restaurant. Prime rib, Yorkshire Pudding and wonderful Thanksgiving sides are available for dine-in or pickup.

The Ritz Restaurant and Garden, a Newport tradition, is offering its last Thanksgiving menu at its longtime Fashion Island location. The prix fixe menu includes Diestel Farm’s turkey, filet mignon and salmon, and is priced at $55.00 per person.

Or, you can also order your dinner from nearby Whole Foods Market or Bristol Farms and enjoy the convenience of eating at home without the pressure of cooking and cleaning up a large meal.

At the end of the day, walk off your feast by heading down Marine Avenue toward the water. Turn right at the boardwalk and enjoy the 2 mile loop of beautiful homes and water views. The area is stroller friendly and has public restrooms available at the fire station and the ferry crossing.

Typical weather on Balboa Island at this time of year is sunny and beautiful, with temperatures in the mid-60s during the day, 50’s at night. Just look around, and you’ll feel blessed. Happy Thanksgiving!