Going to Newport Beach and Balboa Island in a couple of weeks for a day trip from Palm Springs. It will be a weekday. Ideas on what to see and a fun place for lunch (wife and I).

Sorry no suggestions here. Just wanted to say that Balboa is GREAT! Ok, just one suggestion, you have to go over the little bridge into Balboa Island and if you do not eat at one of their quaint little restaurants (some only have 2-4 tables in them ,they are great) you should get an ice-cream cone and walk up the main street and window shop and end at the beach area. It is beautiful!

Lunch restaurant recommendation: The Crab Cooker <http://www.crabcooker.com/>.

I would describe it as very casual, fun and moderately priced. It is an institution in Newport Beach. Reservations are not accepted!

By the way, the food is very good.

If you want to eat on Balboa Island, there is Amelia's:

http://www.ameliasbalboaisland.com/

Hi Golfer,

You will be dealing with the worst traffic! Start from Palm Springs around 7:30 am or later, so you will reach the westbound 91 and southbound 55 by the time the majority of rush hour traffic is over. Plan on staying in NB for an earlyish dinner - then drive back after 7pm.

Believe me, you don't want to be anywhere near the 91 westbound morning traffic or the 91 eastbound evening traffic!

Balboa Island is a very quaint little place. Have fun!

Thanks for the tip, Dayle. That's about the time I thought I would leave, around 8am, with a Starbuck's hot chocolate (don't like coffee) in hand (actually in the cup holder). I had figured we could miss some of the morning traffic that way.