Photo: Lisa Moore, co-owner of the Ferris Wheel attraction at Balboa Fun Zone, dresses up at Halloween, often treating visitors to discount deals on rides.

Balboa Fun Zone Ferris Wheel, 75 Years of Fun

Balboa Fun Zone
600 East Bay Ave.
Balboa, CA 
thebalboafunzone.com

Newport / Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach, California, has been recognized as the epicenter and Orange County fun for well over 75 years. However, the fun continues on today with Balboa Fun Zone, featuring a Ferris Wheel ride,  and  old-fashioned ferry boat that taxis kids, adults, dogs, bicycles and cars across the bay between the peninsula and Balboa Island. 

In 2011 the Carousel ride lost its lease to make way for an Harbor Nautical Museum expansion, and is recognized by families with children as one more loss for those remembering the bumper cars that also used to reside in the museum's space. 

For Balboa Fun Zone specials and information, see thebalboafunzone.com!

Attractions in the Fun Zone have included an ever changing list: the Rockin Bounce Bunjee Jump, Harbor Cruises, Wave Runners - Sea Doos, Duffy and boat rentals, paddle boards, and more!

The Christmas Boat Parade that launches from the Fun Zone docks is  celebrated each year in December, and began in 1908 over 100 years ago. Ceremoniously sailing around the bay, a gondolier named John Scarpa organized eight canoes and his own gondola, all lighted with Japanese lanterns. Nearly 100 years later, the tradition continues with residents lighting their sailboats and yachts and parading them up and down the waterways. Errol Flynn, Humphrey Bogart, Dick Powell, Shirley Temple, James Cagney, Mae West and John Wayne are few of the famous celebrities who once owned yachts in the Newport Harbor.