What’s so Fun About the Fun Zone?

At the very end of the Newport Beach peninsula you’ll find a little place with a whole lot of fun, aptly named The Fun Zone. First built in the 1930’s, the Fun Zone has been owned and operated by local families for decades and has been a favorite beach destination for just as long. Today, you can still find activities here to dazzle any age. Here are some of our favorite places to play, eat, and shop at the Balboa Fun Zone. 

Balboa Ferris Wheel photo by @jforihuela

This Way to Ferris Wheels and Nostalgic Thrills

The brightly colored ferris wheel is the centerpiece to the Fun Zone and is a mandatory activity when visiting. For $5 bucks, you’ll get the best view in town as you revolve over the harbor water and get a bird’s eye view of Newport. Back on solid ground, challenge your family and friends to old-time arcade favorites or immersive video games at the Balboa Arcade. And don’t forget to redeem your fistfull of tickets for an array of prizes to claim as proof of your gaming skills!

Newport Coastal Adventure – Photo by @ace_visuals

The Horizon is Just a Boat Ride Away!

The Fun Zone, which sits right along the Newport Harbor, is the gateway to the open ocean and all its adventures. We’re not kidding! Whale watching, parasailing, and deep sea fishing excursions all take off from the Fun Zone. And with year round perfect weather, an afternoon exploring the Pacific is always the beginning of an unforgettable adventure. Or, hop aboard the Catalina Flyer and explore the beauties of Catalina Island for the day or long weekend. Here are our favorite companies to go exploring with:

Whale watch w/ Newport Coastal Adventure: 309 Palm St, Newport Beach, CA 92661

https://newportcoastaladventure.com

Parasailing w/ California Parasailing: 600 E Bay Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92661

https://californiaparasail.com

Deep Sea Fishing w/ Davey’s Locker: 400 Main St, Newport Beach, CA 92661

https://daveyslocker.com/deep-sea-fishing/newport-beach/

Catalina Flyer: 400 Main St, Newport Beach, CA 92661

https://catalinainfo.com

The Balboa Ferry – Photo by @eric_m_cwiertny

Take your Fun A’float

If you want to keep things more mellow, the Fun Zone offers a fleet of electric boats, kayaks, and paddleboards for your cruising pleasure. Captain your own boat and drift past the opulent Newport Beach homes that line the water. You’ll more than likely spot the sunbathing sea lions that stretch out on whatever decks and docks they can find. Or sit back and relax as you take one of the chartered harbor tours and learn about the star-studded history of this seaside town. Don’t forget to take the ferry from the Fun Zone to Balboa Island (only a 5 minute ride!) and enjoy an afternoon on this charming island of homes and small shops.

No Greasy Carnival Food Here 

In many ways, the Fun Zone is a year round waterside carnival, but you won’t find a churro or popcorn stand anywhere near it. This is because the restaurants that surround the Fun Zone are much more interested in serving unforgettable top notch cuisine. Although, you can still get your hands on a fried thing or two (and an incredible ocean view!) at Ruby’s Diner at the end of the Balboa Pier. Arguably the best Mexican food in Orange County is at the Fun Zone’s Great MEX; melt-in-your-mouth breakfast is happening at Vicci Bakery Cafe; and fantastic ice cream is scooped at Cowafornia. The list is long, so get busy yelping for the spot that’ll make your whole family happy and full. 

Ruby’s Diner:1 Balboa Pier, #1 #1, Balboa Peninsula, CA 92661
https://www.rubys.com/locations/balboa-pier/

Great MEX Grill: 703 E Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92661
https://www.greatmexgrill.com

Vicci Bakery Cafe: 301 Main St, Newport Beach, CA 92661
https://www.viccibakerycafe.com

Cowafornia Ice Cream: 600 E Bay Ave b1, Newport Beach, CA 92661
https://www.cowafornia.com

@mainstreetsurfshop

Take the Beach Scene Home

The Fun Zone is the epicenter to all your shopping hopes and dreams. Souvenirs, wardrobe upgrades, and essential beach gear are all found in this part of town. Grab your shopping crew and explore the absolute magic of the Mermaid Shop. One-of-a-kind outfits and accessories line the walls, including wearable mermaid tails and mermen tshirts that display sassy messages like “Real Mermen Smoke Seaweed.”

Or for more classic beach attire, head over to Bohemia Boutique, a curated shop that features chic coastal cover-ups, beach bags, and beach-proof jewelry and accessories.

Our go-to for casual beach uniforms are at Main Street Surf Shop. Here you’ll find quintessential beach bum trucker hats, tshirts, and bathing suits that’ll make you look like a true local. They also carry any and all boards for your beach day adventures, from skimboards to boogie boards to surf boards. And the best part of all? These shops are all found in one central location, so you can snag something special from all of them in a single afternoon. 

The Mermaid Store: 309 Palm St #101, Newport Beach, CA 92661
https://the-mermaid-store.com

Bohemia Boutique:  613 E Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92661
https://bohemianewportbeach.com

Main Street Surf Shop: 105 Main St, Newport Beach, CA 92661
http://www.mainstreetsurfshop.com

An Important Final Note

Make sure to give Griffin the Ferris Wheel Dog a pat on the head. He’s the mascot of the Fun Zone, after all, and doesn’t discriminate against any dog treats you may want to offer him. 

So Much Fun, You’ll Want to Stay, Play & Explore…

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