Balboa Fun Zone, Newport Beach

This place recalls the days of old when a Saturday night date meant a trip to the local amusement park, complete with a ride on the ferris wheel and a few games of skill where a boy could win a teddy bear for his sweetheart. It opened in 1936 and has remained a Newport Beach institution to this day. It is not that big, so don't count on a full day of activity, but it is a nice place to spend a couple of hours. Nights are especially festive here, so bring the family, a group of friends or a special someone. There is no entrance fee, but each ride requires tickets, with individual prices ranging from $1.25-2.50.