Balboa Fun Zone Newport Beach
One of California’s oldest and greatest coastalamusement parks, the Balboa Fun Zone is a great
place for your entire family. With plenty for the
entire family to do, the Fun Zone can make the
time just fly by.
Perfectly situated on the Balboa Peninsula along
Newport Beach, the Balboa Fun Zone has always
managed to rival with top amusement park giants such
as Sea World, Disneyworld, and even Belmont Park.
For more than 50 years, the Fun Zone in Newport
Beach has provided people with something to do either
day or night. Residents of the area and those who
have visited in the past can recall the big name
bands and loud music that streamed from the infamous
Rendezvous Ballroom.
From basking on the sandy yet pristine beaches to
exploring the Fun Zone areas, you’ll quickly find that
there’s always something to do here. You can go out
on the Balboa Pier as well, which was built in 1912 as
a way to go from Balboa to Catalina Island. The pier is
also one of the few to survive the well known yet
destructive coastal storms California endured during
the 1980′s.
Those of you looking for adventure and travel would
enjoy the Catalina Flyer, which is actually one hour
to Catalina Island. The island ferry at Balboa Island
only costs a buck or so, yet it takes you to the well
known Catalina Island.
One of the biggest attractions here is the well known
Fun Zone ferris wheel. Since 1936, this wheel has proved
to be a night and day landmark at the Fun Zone, calling
out to all to enjoy the fun. If you’ve ever been on
a ferris wheel, you know just how much fun they can
actually be.
In 1986, the Fun Zone was rebuilt completely from the
ground up, adding to the already fun and exciting
environment here. The ferris wheel, bumper cars, arcades,
and everything else here make the Fun Zone so much
fun for everyone who decides to pay it a visit.
After you’ve had experienced a few of the rides and
attractions, you can get some food at one of the many
vendors or restaurants, then enjoy a cruise on the
harbor. Young or old, the Balboa Fun Zone in Newport
Beach can help you relieve those precious memories
from when you were a child.
If you plan to visit California and you want something
fun to do, make sure you visit the Fun Zone. There are
plenty of things to see in the area as well, making the
Fun Zone an absolute treasure. With no cost for
admission, the Fun Zone is one area of Newport Beach
that you don’t want to pass by.
Chimayo Grill In Newport Beach
If you happen to miss the big Wine Festival in May,you shouldn’t worry as the area has a lot of fine
restaurants to keep you coming back for more. One
of the local favorites here, and a favorite for many
visitors is the Chimayo Grill.
The Chimayo Grill is located on Fashion Island, in
the chic shopping oasis. After a long day of
shopping, nothing beats going to the grill for lunch
or dinner. Starting with the legendary tequila
infusion is great, as it consists of fresh fruit
marinated in tequila. Although they taste light
and fruity, they are full of tequila and pack quite
a punch!
The grill is decorated in a Sante Fe style, being
casual, but yet unique. You simply can’t go wrong
here, as all of the food they serve is great. With
so much to choose from here, you may find that it
takes quite a few trips to sample everything they
have to offer.
Being on Fashion Island in Newport Beach, the
Chimayo Grill is in a perfect setting. You can
take the kids here as well, as the grill has a nice
setting. For a night out as a family or a night out
to have fun – the Chimayo Grill adds a bit of spice
to Fashion Island – as well as Newport Beach.
The Wedge
If you like to surf or hit the waves, the infamous“Wedge” in Newport Beach is something you have to
experience at least once in your lifetime. Although
The Wedge isn’t classified as a wave, it’s actually
a 20 foot plus battering ram that was created by
sheer intelligence.
The way it heaves, throws, and bends behaves in ways
other waves can’t begin to comprehend. If you look
at it up close, you’ll notice that The Wedge is a
combination of two waves that join together, resulting
in a massive slingshot that is capable of sending
anyone flying.
The Wedge takes a swell, but only for a few moments,
retracting the swell energy from the jetty then
smashing on the beach. Though it may look like a
“humping effect”, as the locals call it, the feel
and look of it must be seen to be believed.
For many years, The Wedge in Newport Beach has proven
to be the best place in the world for surfing. Over
the years, professional body boarders have headed
here as well, to test their skill and experience
with the one thing that’s very hard to top.
Deadly at all tides, the best time to show up at
The Wedge is in the morning or late afternoon, as
this is when the tide is at it’s best. With sizes
reaching between 6 and 20+ feet, you have to be on
your toes before you even attempt to tame it.
If you plan to go surfing or body boarding here, you
should also bring your camera, beach chair, swim fins,
goggles, and insurance card! It’s always best to be
prepared, which makes the insurance card great to
have – especially when you consider just how powerful
The Wedge truly is.
The best time to visit The Wedge is the summer, as
winter may be a bit cold. As a beginner, The Wedge
may be a bit too difficult. If you have experience,
you may even find it to be a bit psychotic. At any
rate, it’s a challenge you won’t soon forget.
Nearby, you have many places to eat, such as the
Quick Fix and Worth The Wait. There are also several
places to stay as well, along with places to shop and
enjoy yourself.
From surfing to sheer fun watching The Wedge pummel
surfers, Newport Beach offers you everything you need
to have an excellent stay. If you enjoy surfing, you
simply must visit The Wedge at least once and see
if you have what it takes.
Historical Sites Of Newport Beach
All along Newport Beach there are several historicsites that are worth checking out. Many of them
were around back in the early 1900′s, which is
great to see for anyone who wants to see what the
past was like or to learn more about the history
behind Newport Beach.
Balboa Pavilion
Located at 400 Main Street, the Balboa Pavilion
is the first landmark for Newport Beach. Built in
1905, the pavilion was the end of the line for the
Red Car of the Pacific Electric. Now days, the
Balboa Pavilion hosts a variety of shops, a
chartering company, and even a restaurant.
McFadden’s Wharf
Completed in 1889, the wharf began the decade for
Newport as a shipping port. Built by James and
Robert McFadden, the wharf was a great way to ship
lumber from Northern California to those who
settled here.
Old Landing
The Old Landing is located at Highway 101 & Dover
Drive. Established in 1870, the Old Landing was
designated to be a new port by the McFaddens, who
went on to establish a shipping service in the area
of Newort. Now, there’s a bridge and highway on
an area of teh site. The remaining area of the
Old Landing is vacant.