Balboa Island is an area of
Newport Beach, California, actually comprising three modified or
artificial islands in Newport Harbor: Balboa Island (
33°36′23″N 117°53′40″W), the largest; the smaller Little Balboa Island (
33°36′23″N 117°53′16″W) to the east of Balboa Island, joined by a two-lane bridge; and the smallest
Collins Isle (
33°36′31″N 117°54′1″W)
to the northwest of Balboa Island, joined by a one-lane bridge. The
Balboa Island community is joined to the mainland by a short two-lane
bridge on the northeast of Balboa Island, and a privately operated fleet
of three, three-car
ferryboats (
Balboa Island Ferry) which provide access across the harbor to the
Balboa Peninsula which lies to the south.
Relaxed and charming, Balboa Island in Orange County, California has a
history rooted in land speculation, transportation and dance halls. In
1899, W.S. Collins, who had made his fortune in Southern California land
speculation and transportation, was convinced to purchase 1000 acres of
the land around the Newport Bay for development. At that time, Orange
County was mostly orange groves and there were no rail lines leading
into the area and H.E. Huntington wasn’t interested in building any.
Collins bought that land for $50,000, dredged the harbor to create the
man-made Balboa Island, connected it to Los Angeles via the Pacific
Electric Railroad and within 15 years, property on Balboa Island was
worth $5,000,000.
In 1905, the Balboa Pavilion was built and became the focal point of
the Balboa Peninsula. It was originally built as a Victorian bath house
and terminal for the Pacific Electric Red Car line, but soon was
converted into a dance hall and became a destination throughout the
southland for dancing and revelry. It was joined in the 20’s by the
Rendezvous Ballroom, Southern California’s premier dance hall. All the
“big bands” – Stan Kenton, Benny Goodman, Nat King Cole, Dorsey
Brothers, Harry James, Glenn Miller – played at the Rendezvous
throughout the 30’s and 40’s.
The Balboa Pier was built in 1906 as a companion to the Balboa
Pavilion. Land speculators wanted to attract lot buyers to undeveloped
land on Balboa Island and the Balboa Peninsula, and when the Pacific
Electric Railway opened up service to the Island, the pier and Pavilion
were built as destinations for visitors. The plan worked and people came
from all around Southern California to enjoy the beaches and many
purchased lots and built vacation homes.
The pier has become a popular place to fish, and the Harbor is known
to be a good spot to catch flounder and mackerel. Also, starfish grow on
the pier, feeding on mussels attached to the pilings and can often been
seen when the tide is out.
In 1913, the “Illuminated Boat Parade” was started and eventually
morphed into the “Christmas Boat Parade”, which continues to this day.
Hundreds of crafts bedecked with lights and ornaments participate in the
annual Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade through the Harbor to the
delight of thousands of viewers, culminating in a fireworks display over
the Balboa Pavilion.
In 1916, Balboa Island was incorporated into the City of Newport Beach, giving the island access to city services.
In 1919, Joe Beek, still a college student at the time, saw the
possibilities for Balboa Island. He was granted permission to begin a
ferry service between the Balboa Peninsula and the Island. Starting with
one ferry – basically a large rowboat with a small motor – Joe began
offering crossings for a nickel per person. He didn’t have a regular
ferry schedule; instead folks who needed to cross the harbor made an
appointment over the telephone. Today, the Beeks family still runs the
Balboa Island Ferry. They now have multiple ferries, in continuous
service, that carry up to 3 cars, as well as passengers.
In 1936, the Balboa Fun Zone was created on the boardwalk and the
ferris wheel, with its views of the Newport Harbor, has become one of
the premier landmarks of Balboa Island. In 1986, the Fun Zone was
completely re-vamped and today, the carousel, bumper cars, delicious
food and great shopping make it a favored destination.
In the 1950s, as local legend has it, the famous Balboa Bar was first
created and served on Balboa Island. The Balboa Bar, a delicious
vanilla ice cream square covered in chocolate, and sometimes nuts or
sprinkles, is enjoyed by thousands of locals and tourists to this day.
These days, Balboa Island is known as a charming destination for
locals and visitors alike. Strolling the waterfront boardwalk, enjoying
the games and rides at the Balboa Pavilion, relaxing on sun-filled
beaches or fishing from the Balboa Pier, there is plenty to do and enjoy
on Balboa Island.
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