A $115 million facelift is coming to the waterfront icon, promising fresh restaurants, boutique shops, and new public spaces while keeping its vintage soul intact.

Think polished promenades, more places to sit and relax with a Balboa Bar, and reimagined gathering spots that blend nostalgia with modern energy.

@thesceneoc

The Balboa fun zone is getting a $115 million makeover. So if you want to see the fun zone of your childhood come now! The new owners prom... See more

The project, backed by Newport Beach’s Pyle family, is designed to benefit both locals who grew up on the Ferris wheel and visitors discovering the boardwalk for the first time.

How it all began
Long before the arcades and cotton candy, this stretch was Abbott’s Landing. In the 1890s, Edward Abbott ran harbor cruises on his paddle-wheeler The Last Chance and planted the first trees on the spit.

By 1906, the Red Car railway connected L.A. to “East Newport,” sparking a tourism boom and renaming the area Balboa.

The Fun Zone arrives

In 1936, Al Anderson turned an old boatyard into the original Fun Zone, complete with a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and arcade, an affordable escape during the Depression.

The wheel became its neon-lit signature, and the boardwalk grew into one of Southern California’s last great coastal amusement strips.

Cruising through time

One thing that hasn’t changed? The Fun Zone Boat Company. They’ve been running tours from the exact same dock since the 1940s, and every time we have friends come to town, this is where we take them.

It’s honestly the best deal in Newport—you can even bring your own food and drinks. The cruise winds past sea lions and yachts, and right by John Wayne’s old waterfront estate.

Ups, downs, and do-overs
The Fun Zone has been bulldozed, rebuilt, and reinvented more than once—from the 1980s redo to a stint as a nautical museum but it never lost its scrappy charm. My mom went to the fun zone in the 50s, I went as a teenager in the 80s. It is a very nostalgic place for many!

What’s next
With construction expected to begin soon, the promise is simple: keep the magic, add the modern. So if you haven’t ridden the wheel in years, now’s the time—before the next chapter of Balboa’s history spins into view.

If you have thoughts on this project you’d like the developer to know, they are welcoming feedback here.

Balboa Fun Zone: FAQs

What is the Balboa Fun Zone and where is it?
The Balboa Fun Zone is a historic bayside amusement area on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California. It features a boardwalk vibe, harbor views, rides, an arcade, boat tours, and eateries.

What attractions are there at the Balboa Fun Zone?
Here's what’s on offer right now:

• Ferris Wheel – iconic ride offering harbor views, ~$6 per rider

• Coconut Climb – race up the faux coconut palm (around $6)

• Happy Swing – a classic swing ride, about $6

• Ocean Motion – an 18-foot bungee-trampoline ride, around $12

• Balboa Fun Zone Arcade – both timeless and new arcade games

• Sea-Doo (Jet Ski) Rentals – fast thrills on the water via Balboa Water Sports

• Electric Boat Rentals (Duffy-style) – self-drive boats available

• Narrated Harbor Cruises – guided tours by Fun Zone Boat Company

• Catalina Flyer Ferry – fast ferry to Catalina Island (operates from the Pavilion)

Is there an admission fee?
No admission fee—walking the boardwalk is free, and you simply pay for rides and attractions individually.

What rides or attractions are there (beyond the Ferris wheel)?
The Fun Zone’s signature ride is the Ferris wheel, but you’ll also find the Balboa Fun Zone Arcade with classic and modern games, narrated harbor cruises from the Fun Zone Boat Company, and nearby Duffy electric boat rentals if you want to captain your own boat.

How much is the Ferris wheel and when is it open?
The Ferris wheel costs about $6 per rider. Hours generally run from late morning into the evening, but vary by day and season.

Where can I play games?
The Balboa Fun Zone Arcade, located at 600 E Bay Ave, offers a mix of vintage and modern arcade games. Typical hours are Sunday–Thursday 11 am–9 pm and Friday–Saturday 11 am–10 pm.

Can I take a harbor tour from the Fun Zone?
Yes. The Fun Zone Boat Company has been running narrated harbor cruises since the 1940s. Tours highlight sea lions, yachts, and celebrity homes, including John Wayne’s former estate.

Can I rent a Duffy boat at the Fun Zone?
Yes. Duffy Electric Boat Rentals are right at the Fun Zone. Boats typically seat up to 12, and you’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks on board.

Where should I eat near the Fun Zone?
Popular options include Harborside Restaurant inside the historic Balboa Pavilion, known for seafood and harbor views, and Newport Landing Restaurant & Oyster Bar, located across from the ferry with an upstairs oyster bar and patio. You’ll also find snack stands for frozen bananas and Balboa Bars.

Best photo spots at the Balboa Fun Zone?
Top photo locations include under the Ferris wheel, along East Bay Avenue facing the harbor at sunset, the Balboa Pavilion façade, and the ferry landing with the harbor in the background.

Where do I park and how much is it?
Parking is available at public lots near the Balboa Pier, such as the East Ocean Front, A Street, and B Street lots. Rates vary by season, with higher rates in summer. Street meters are also available nearby.

Is the Fun Zone on Balboa Island or the Peninsula?
The Fun Zone is located on the Balboa Peninsula. You can reach Balboa Island in minutes on the Balboa Island Ferry, which departs right next to the Fun Zone.

What do recent reviews say about the Balboa Fun Zone?
Reviews often highlight the vintage vibe, affordable Ferris wheel ride, family-friendly arcade, easy access to harbor tours and Duffy rentals, and the convenience of nearby restaurants.

How do you get to Balboa Island from the Fun Zone?
You can hop on the Balboa Island Ferry, which has been operating since 1919. It carries passengers, bikes, and even cars across the harbor in just a few minutes, dropping you at Marine Avenue on Balboa Island.

Any big changes coming to the Balboa Fun Zone?
Yes. A $115 million revitalization project is planned to refresh public spaces, restaurants, and retail while preserving the Fun Zone’s vintage character.