Newport Beach -- Balboa Fun
Zone at 600 Edgewater Place, offers a ferris wheel
ride, the Balboa Island Ferry,
a carousel, and an indoor
fun zone with games.
Added to the fun
zone is a Harbor Nautical Museum,
and there are kiosks that rent row boats, kayaks, duffy
boats, and sell tickets to boat tours.
Hornblower Cruise Holiday
is but one opportunity to enjoy a boat ride in the bay.
Newport Beach's annual Christmas Boat Parade is a
favorite. You can actually buy a ticket and ride on a
boat in the parade in a commercial yacht decorated to
the theme. (see
video)
Restaurants
include dine-in (nice), or pizza, cotton candy, ice
cream balboa bars, and hot dogs.
Pavilion Paddy is one of several
sightseeing cruises departing the historic Balboa
Pavilion for 45 minute and 90 minute cruises. Newport
Beach is one of the largest, small boat harbors in the
world. Lined with beautiful homes and exotic yachts,
this paradise was once the playground for the stars.
John Wayne and Shirley Temple lived here and this
remains a favored spot for filming of movies and
commercials.
Catalina Flyer leaves Newport at 9 AM
daily for a 75 minute ride to Catalina Island, returning
at 4:30 PM. Cost: $38 roundtrip, reservations required
(800) 830-7744 Available now on the Paddy is
the night time holiday cruise which travels the harbor
for prime views of the lighted boat parade. For current
schedule, (800) 830-7744. (see right column to book
a ride on the Catalina Flyer.)
