Newport Beach Ferris Wheel at the beach fun zone makes a great activity for kids on vacation.

There aren't many beaches in California with Ferris wheels right at the beach.  Newport Beach's Ferris Wheel overlooks the bay, making it quite special and fun. It is one bay  version of several Ferris Wheel options at beaches. Those include Santa Monica Ferris Wheel, Santa Cruz Board Walk, San Diego's Belmont Park, Long Beach Ferris Wheel at the Pike and a Ferris Wheel at Pier 39 in San Francisco.

Since we've been discussing the virtues of a Newport Beach family / kids vacation, we should mention that the city offers not one, but two Ferris Wheel rides. The second option is not far from Newport Bay at Fashion Island. An outdoor Ferris Wheel in the courtyard between shops is part of the merriment in a shopping center that has more and more become geared toward families.

Ferris wheels were invented by a man whose last name was Ferris.  His contribution to society was the creation of something simple, yet fun. On the Newport Beach Ferris wheel riders can gaze out to the end of the bay near the jetty, see the high-rise buildings of Fashion Island, look down on their friends below, the riders on the Ferry boat and even watch surfers at the nearby Pacific Ocean. What a perfect way to spend an afternoon!

Newport Beach hotels are somewhat affordable...ranging to luxury and the greatest deal is that Disneyland is so close, you can hear the fireworks at night from most Newport Beach hotels.  So live it up on your next vacation and take the kids to a place they deserve...Newport Beach --The OC.