Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach facts for kids
The Balboa Peninsula is a cool neighborhood in Newport Beach, California. It's part of Orange County, California. This area is named after Vasco Núñez de Balboa, a Spanish explorer. He was the first European to see the Pacific Ocean from the Americas! The Balboa Peninsula is mostly homes, but it also has some fun shops and businesses.
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History of Balboa Peninsula
How Balboa Began
In 1888, the McFadden family ran a shipping business. They decided to move their business. They chose a spot on the oceanfront. This new location was connected to Santa Ana by train. They built a large pier called McFadden Wharf. Today, the Newport Pier stands in that same spot.
Changes to the Harbor
By 1899, the U.S. government planned big improvements. They wanted to create a new harbor in San Pedro. This new harbor would become Southern California's main port. Because of this, the McFadden Wharf and its railroad were sold. They were bought by the Southern Pacific Railroad. This marked the end of Newport Bay as a major shipping center.
From Shipping to Fun
In 1902, James McFadden sold his land in Newport. He also sold about half of the peninsula. The buyer was William Collins. Collins saw that Newport Bay could be a great place for vacations and fun. He teamed up with Henry E. Huntington. Huntington owned the Pacific Electric railway system. He used his railway to help new communities grow outside Los Angeles.
Building Balboa Island
In 1905, the Pacific Electric railway line reached Newport. Collins then started digging a channel. This was on the north side of the bay. He used the sand and dirt from digging. He piled it up on the wet lands. This created what we know today as Balboa Island. At this time, Newport Harbor was still mostly shallow.
Where is the Balboa Peninsula?
The peninsula is like a long arm of land. It wraps around and protects Newport Harbor. Inside the harbor are eight islands belonging to Newport Beach. You can reach the peninsula from land. One way is by Pacific Coast Highway (SR 1). This road connects at Balboa Boulevard. There are also bridges connecting it to other islands. The Balboa Island Ferry also links the peninsula to Balboa Island.
The middle of the peninsula is called Balboa Village. The very end is known as Balboa Peninsula Point. The Balboa Pier is near the ferry in Balboa Village. About two miles away, closer to SR 1, is the Newport Pier.
Famous Spots on Balboa Peninsula
The Balboa Peninsula has many cool places to visit:
- Balboa Pavilion (built in 1906)
- Balboa Theater (opened in 1928)
- Balboa Inn (opened in 1929)
- Balboa Fun Zone
- Balboa Island Ferry
- Balboa Pier
- The Crab Cooker
- Dory Fishing Fleet
- Lovell Beach House
- Newport Elementary School
- The Wedge
Images for kids
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Balboa Peninsula
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Balboa Peninsula
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Balboa Island Ferry Terminal on Balboa Peninsula
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Balboa Island Ferry Terminal on Balboa Peninsula
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The Wedge: a popular spot for skimboarding, surfing, bodyboarding and bodysurfing is at the end of the Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach.
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Newport Harbor Sunset
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Balboa Pier
See also
In Spanish: Península de Balboa para niños
