Balboa Fun Zone
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The Balboa Fun Zone (1936 to present) is located on the Balboa Peninsula in the city of Newport Beach, Orange County, California.
[edit] History
In 1936, The Balboa Fun Zone was built on Abbott's Landing. Mr. Abbott brought soil from the mainland and planted the Balboa Peninsula's first trees.
[edit] Presently
Presently, the Fun Zone consists of an arcade and amusement park with shops, restaurants and rides.
The Ferris wheel and the merry-go-round remain today as nostalgic memories from an era which provided pleasure to generations of visitors to Balboa. The ferris wheel is a frequently photographed night landmark on the Balboa Peninsula.
The Balboa Fun Zone -- one of Southern California's oldest as well as last great coastal amusement areas -- remains a favorite family attraction for locals and visitors alike.
The Balboa Fun Zone was purchased, in January, 2006, by the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum. At end-day, September 30th, 2006, most of the rides - the Drummer Boy, Bumper Cars, and Scary Dark Ride and the Carousel - were closed. They are all in the process of being demolished to make room for the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum. The web site for the Balboa Fun Zone [1] reports the Ferris Wheel has a thirty year lease.
[edit] Other Nearby Historic Sights
- Balboa Island Ferry (Est. 1919). Transports vehicles and people from Balboa Island to the Balboa Peninsula.
- Balboa Pavilion (Est. 1906). Newport Beach's most famous landmark.
- Balboa Pier (Est. 1906). Built as a sister project to the Balboa Pavilion to attract landbuyers to Newport Beach.
