Balboa Inn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Balboa Inn
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| Location | 105 Main St. Newport Beach, California |
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| Architect | Walter Roland Hagedohm |
| NRHP reference No. | 86000730 |
| Added to NRHP | April 11, 1986 |
The Balboa Inn is a famous hotel located on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California. It first opened its doors in 1929. This historic inn was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
History of the Balboa Inn
The Balboa Inn got its name from the beautiful Balboa Peninsula where it stands. Many people from the Los Angeles area started calling it 'The Balboa'. It quickly became known as a top place to stay along the Orange County Coast.
The Inn has been updated many times over the years. However, it still keeps its elegant Spanish Colonial Revival architecture style. This design gives it a classic and charming look.
The Balboa Inn has always been a favorite getaway for Hollywood stars. For example, Olympic swimmer and Tarzan movie star Johnny Weissmuller stayed there often. People say that Weissmuller used to swim regularly between the Balboa Pier and Newport Pier. Another famous guest was basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His suite at the Inn even has special nine-foot-high doors!
What is the Balboa Dance?
The 'Balboa' is a type of dance that became popular around the same time the Inn opened. Dance experts have different ideas about where it came from. Some think it developed from the Foxtrot. Others believe it grew out of dances like the Charleston or Collegiate Shag. One original Balboa dancer, Willie Desatof, thought it came from the Rhumba.
Many different dances were popular when the Balboa dance first appeared. It is an 8-count dance, meaning it follows an 8-beat rhythm. It is likely that early Balboa dancers were influenced by other dances they knew.
Fun Things to Do Nearby
There are many interesting places and activities close to the Balboa Inn. You can visit several historic spots. These include the Balboa Pavilion, which was built in 1906. The Balboa Pier also dates back to 1906. The Balboa Fun Zone, an amusement area, opened in 1936. You can also take a ride on the Balboa Island Ferry, which started in 1919.
Other fun activities include spending time at the beach. You can also enjoy boat tours of the harbor or go sport fishing. The ferry dock to Catalina Island is also nearby. There are many restaurants and shops to explore. If you visit when the ocean swells are big, you can watch exciting surfing at the world-famous Wedge.
