The BEST thing about this property is the location! It was on the boardwalk and across from a sports green and the beach. We had little kids with us and had direct access to multiple outside places to play (including play structures on the beach). It was also within short walking distance (even for a young toddler without a stroller) to the Balboa Fun Zone which meant we were able to park the car at the property and walk everywhere we needed to go the entire time we stayed at the property. This is exactly what we wanted!
The property itself was clean and had a nice view of the water from the front deck. They had MANY helpful items available including beach chairs, towels, standing fans, iron and ironing board, and several baby items--a portable crib, chair with tray for dinner time, and a walker). The kitchen items were very sparse but we were not cooking so it did not matter to us.
Two important things to REALLY "see" when you read the property description: 1) There is no A/C and the unit is on the second floor. We were fine, but it was warm during the day even with all of the windows open and the ceiling fans on; 2) Keeping the windows open meant we were listening to traffic, kids and families playing and arguing outside, and drunk people late at night in the ally. 3) If you bring more than one car, you will have to pay to park it in a city lot. The parking lot at the Balboa Beach Pier (not to be confused with the beach parking lot right in front of the property) has 24-hour parking for $31/day. The other lots have anywhere between a 2 hr and 6 hr limit. You kind of have to pay attention.
Anyway, even with the little inconveniences (which I expected because of how the property was described on the VRBO) we had a great time in Balboa Village and would visit again!