Balboa Pier facts for kids
The Balboa Pier is a famous landmark in Newport Beach, Orange County, California. It's one of two piers in the city. You can find it on the Balboa Peninsula, a sandy strip of land that stretches into the ocean.
Contents
Discover the Balboa Pier's History
How the Pier Began
The Balboa Pier was built a long time ago, in 1906. It was part of a bigger plan to make the area popular. The Newport Bay Investment Company wanted people to buy land on the undeveloped Balboa Peninsula. To do this, they decided to build both the Balboa Pier and the Balboa Pavilion.
These two structures were built just as the Pacific Electric Railway's "Red Car" train line opened. This train connected Long Beach all the way to the Balboa Peninsula. The plan worked perfectly! Many people came to Balboa to enjoy the beach, and lots of them ended up buying property there.
Surviving the Storms
The pier has faced some tough times. In 1998, strong storms caused by a weather event called El Niño hit the coast. These storms badly damaged the Balboa Pier. One of its main support pillars was hurt, causing a part of the pier to collapse.
Since then, the pier has been made stronger. Its wooden posts now have steel covers and braces. This helps protect it from future storm damage.
Fun Things to Do at the Pier
Fishing Fun
The Balboa Pier is a very popular spot for fishing. People often catch fish like mackerel and flounder here. If you look closely, especially at low tide, you might see many starfish living on the pier's pilings. They like to eat the large groups of mussels that grow there. Sometimes, fishermen even catch starfish by accident!
A Famous Restaurant
In the 1980s, a special restaurant opened on the pier. It was the first Ruby's Diner in Orange County. Ruby's Diner is known for its fun 1940s style, making you feel like you've stepped back in time. It has become a very famous place in Orange County.
