Balboa Pavilion
add photos6 Reviews for Balboa Pavilion
25
131 family found this helpful
"Laid-back alternative to the crazy pier scene"
It's no Santa Monica Pier, but the ferris wheel, carousel, and arcades made it the perfect destination for a low-key outing with the family.
Check out the pizza parlor, which offers yummy, affordable slices and salad. And, don't overlook the candy shop! When you're done wandering the "fun zone," catch a ride on the ferry for inexpensive amusement for your kiddos. My son was 4 1/2 at the time and thought it was a coolest thing! If you're lucky, you can get the front spot and it looks like you're driving on the water!
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We went there to meet up with friends for breakfast. When we got there parking was awful. We had to drive around for about 15 minutes and finally parked about 4 blocks away from the main street with a 2yr old and infant. I didnt see any places to eat breakfast so we just ate at a bagel and had pastries.
'11, '12
0 families found this helpful
"Fun for a day outing"
This is a typical beach boardwalk area with shops, restaurants and ice cream shops, an arcade, merry-go-round and ferris wheel. I was expecting the ferris wheel to be bigger though. The fun of it was getting to ride the ferry across to Balboa Island. We've ridden on ferries before but not with cars out in the open and on the same level as the pedestrians and bike riders. The ferries depart every few minutes and only three cars can go on at a time. The ferry ride lasts about 5 minutes and costs $1 per adult. Kids 5 and under are free. Inexpensive fun!
We parked in the pier parking as opposed to the metered parking available closer to the Pavilion. Although we had to walk a little way to get to the Pavilion, we didn't have to worry about feeding the meter every so often since we were planning to take the ferry across to Balboa Island.
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"Balboa at Christmas"
We went to Balboa last year a few days before Christmas. They had a BEAUTIFUL boat parade and most of the houses on the water front were elaborately decorated. They have a holiday decoration contest. There are even trios/quartets of brass instruments playing on the sidewalks. It makes it really feel like Christmas. It was crowded but worth the trip. Our 2 year old son was delighted watching all the boats go by with their Christmas lights illuminated.
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"Fun with the Family"
Begin your exploration of the waterfront action at this classic building constructed in 1905 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here you will discover a marine recreation center offering ferries to quaint Balboa Island and Catalina Island and charter boats for sailing, whale-watching, sightseeing, and sportfishing. The Fun Zone (www.balboafunzone.com) has a carousel, Ferris wheel, and arcade.
1 family found this helpful
"Car on a ferry? Most exciting thing ever!"
At least that is what my kiddos think! What could be more fun that riding in your car across the water? Parking can be a bit difficult, but it is worth it. We like to drive through the neighborhoods and imagine what it must be like to live in the unique homes on the island. We usually eat hot dogs at the funzone and get some ice cream for dessert. Gorgeous all lit up at Christmas, and a pretty place to watch the fireworks at the Fourth of July. Balboa Island is a lovely place for an afternoon adventure :)
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