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 the end of September, 2006, most of the rides - the Drummer Boy, Bumper Cars, and Dark Scary Ride - will be removed. The web site for the Balboa Fun Zone [1] reports the Ferris Wheel has a thirty year lease, and the Carousel has an annual lease, renewable each September.
[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.
