Balboa Fun Zone
Without exception, the Fun Zone area has always been fun. In 1892, just thirty years after the spit was completely formed by the Santa Ana River, Edward Abbott purchased the area (from today’s 9th Street to just beyond Main St.). Under the California Tidelands Act, he purchased the land for $1 an acre. Along with his wife, sister, and brother-in-law, he built a shack and the first pleasure dock in the bay. Known as Abbott’s Landing, he ran pleasure rides on his paddlewheel steamer, “The Last Chance,” built cottages for overnight stays, and polished shells to sell inland. Abbott brought mainland soil over to plant the first trees on the spit. Well water was prevalent at the time and the trees flourished when he began “planting” a shark in each tree well. Later, Abbott’s Landing was the site of the first pleasure sailboats in the bay. The tourist trade gradually grew and then exploded when the Red Car tracks reached “East Newport” in 1906. The Pavilion, Balboa Pier, and Balboa Hotel were all constructed at that time to meet the tourists’ needs and help local promoters sell available lots. In 1906, “East Newport” was renamed “Balboa” when it incorporated with the Newport Beach Township (at McFadden’s Wharf) to become the City of Newport Beach.
Education/Family Friendly Business Type
- Adventure Education
- Outdoor Fun
For Ages
- All Ages
- For Adults
For Grades
- All Grades
- For Adults
Direct Business Website Link
Open Days/Hours
Monday - 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Thursday - 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Friday - 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Saturday - 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Sunday - 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Business Phone #
(949) 662-0193
Business Address
600 E Bay Ave Ste R, Newport Beach, CA 92661