Balboa Island, Hollywood Sign Competing to be the 8th Wonder of the World

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Image: Balboa Island

Balboa Island, an island known for it’s nautical Americana charm, boutique shops and coastal cuisine, has been nominated by Visit Newport Beach for VirtualTourists’ Eighth Wonder of the World contest.

As The Los Angeles Times reports, Balboa Island has been submitted for the contest that “allows travelers to vote on more than 200 submissions to determine which global destination should land the title” of Eighth Wonder of the World. Voting for the online contest is open through September 30.

Located in Orange County, Balboa Island includes the well-known Balboa Pier, which was built in 1906 and has become a popular place to fish. Balboa Island was incorporated into the City of Newport Beach in 1916, giving the island access to city services, according to the island’s website. Today, Balboa Island is known as “a charming destination for locals and visitors alike.” Visitors can enjoy walking along the waterfront boardwalk, playing games or riding the rides at the Balboa Pavilion, or relaxing on the beaches.

The winner of the contest will be featured in a national TV segment and will “receive a massive media relations campaign push through VirtualTourist,” according to the LA Times.

Other nominees include the Hollywood Sign, 1982 Bishop’s Palace, Armand Bayou Nature Center in Houston, Badlands National Park, Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina, Brussels’ Grand Place, Canyon Road in Santa Fe, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, the Golden Gate Bridge, Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Wisconsin, Lake Malawi, among others.

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