Balboa Candy

If any of you know me, you know that I’m the proverbial kid in any candy store I happen to walk past. I love exploring new and exciting candies that I might not normally have experienced without visiting a candy store rather than the usual convenience/​grocery stores I tend to stop at. On a recent trip to Palm Springs, I parked along a street and walked past this place.
Then I got caught in the sugar vacuum that pulls me into such places. I can’t avoid it, I need to go in and explore the candies. Taffies, candy bars, assorted old-​timey hard candies and souvenirs surrounded me as I walked in. Instinctively I picked up a basket and began to pick and choose a few of the more interesting flavors.
After I had a few, I asked the girls behind the counter about how many taffies were in a quarter pound. (Bulk Candies were about 6 per quarter pound) With some giggles, they informed me, and then also pointed to a big sign that read «about 16» So I searched around the buckets, and lost count eventually. I returned to the counter with my basket, laden with candy. I also picked up a package of candy cigarettes for my smoker friend. I figure that sugar cigarettes are better for you than actual cigarettes.
With a cheery Hello and a friendly smile, one of the girls rang me up, and I handed her my card. I spent about eleven and change on my treats. She then handed me a flavor menu to help identify the candies I had chosen. I suppose that was a better plan than my original plan, which involved guessing, hoping and probably a bit of surprise when I hit the chicken & waffles flavored taffy.
I left the place with a hearty «Thank you!», and continued onto my further adventures in Palm Springs.

Smaller candy chain that has a few locations (Balboa Island, Newport Beach, San Diego, etc.), as well as this one located in downtown Palm Springs. Candy that normally comes in packages is instead bagged here. For example, you can buy a bag of Sour Patch Cherries, or a bag of licorice wheels, etc. Some things are in their original packaging, but it’s a bit of a mixed bag.
This packaging model means higher pricing for what you would normally pay for the candy elsewhere.
It’s a cute store, clean, and whatnot but not the place if you’re planning to stock up a lot. Nevertheless, it’s convenient for when you’re strolling on Palm Canyon Drive.

Fun candy store with choices from my childhood! Prices were better than some candy store. The cashier could have shown some friendliness though.

If it’s salt water taffy you’re looking for, Balboa Candy is definitely the spot to hit up. They have a massive variety of taffy here. Whatever flavor you’re looking for, you’re likely to find it here.
They also have a decent-​sized variety of «vintage» (not vintage in the sense that it’s old, but old-​style, if that makes sense) as well as all the usual supermarket variety candy as well. Vintage-​styled candy is definitely their forte, as evidence by all the vintage candy packaging adorning their walls.
It can get crowded in there for sure, particularly if it’s a busy tourist day. It’s worth the visit though, if your sweet tooth is hounding you and Rocket Fizz down the street doesn’t quite have what you’re looking for.

Horrible customer service. I was inquiring an employee where the candy originated and he told me to leave that I was making him «uncomfortable»??? Very disrespectful people I would never go there again.

I am planning a 1920s candy buffet for an event. I had been looking online, but I am a little old school and like shopping brick and mortars. Balboa Candy had all of the old time items on my list, plus we were able to sample some. They were GREAT — helpful, extremely patient and pleasant. They offered to store the candy until our order was complete. I am very happy that I brought my business here. I am a firm believer of supporting the local economy.

Friendly worker store was filled with candy so many that my girlfriend had to drag me out the store I was getting one of everything even candies I never heard of

I came across this place one evening as my family and I were walking the strip. Through the window i could see the baskets of diff. kinds of salt water taffy. As I walked in, I was pleasantly surprised at all the other kinds of candies they had. I picked up the basket and put a variety of salt water taffy in it. I could have kept adding to it since the flavors are vast. but i didnt since I know that the more i add. the more I would eat … As i write this im having me a another piece of candy. I will most def. be coming back to this establishment.