I’ve Lived in SoCal My Whole Life and Never Seen This!

[@Ahibasabala]

Sometimes even if i'm busy doing something and can't watch, i just listen to your videos, the passion and good cheer in them really lifts my spirits.

[@paulineamakres7286]

Me too! "Sometimes... sometimes that happens" lol

[@paulineamakres7286]

Mee tooooo... "sometimes.... sometimes that happens!" Lol

[@toxicrealitymedia]

Mee too too! 😆

[@cindyknows9220]

Where i work i can wear headphones so i just listen to a lot of youtube videos. Its awesome

[@maryk77]

The Fun Zone was the happening place in the 70’s. You need to get a Balboa bar on Balboa island.

[@OrlandoStreets]

and a frozen banana!

[@maryk77]

@ even better!!

[@gkellogg]

I’m originally from Newport Beach (Corona Del Mar). It’s a rich person’s playground now, but it wasn’t always that way. Never “working class” but solidly middle class place. It was a great place to grow up. (And, there’s the old Magnolia Park Bandstand that is now at Roger’s Gardens). The Christmas lights on Balboa Island and the Christmas boat parade are worth checking out.

[@nancybarta8167]

Lived on a boat in Newport Dunes while my husband was in Vietnam. It made everything bearable.John Wayne owned The Wild Goose. I had brunch on there once.

[@mikenelson1387]

Thanks Justin, I happen to have a small boat about 100 yards south of the Wild Goose. If you ever want a ride on the bay just let me know. You can even bring along Ali and Spike. Have a nice a holiday.

[@reaganw]

Yay! Bought a “Santa On A Panda” book from your space in downtown Orange. Also bought a “RLand” sticker and a cool huge photo of DLand monorail. -Random (haha) fan from TN

[@imthewalrus2379]

I just saw "Santa On a Panda" the other day. I had to order two of them, one for me because I think it's cute and kind of reminded me of old-school Christmas specials, and one for my youngest niece who loves pandas! The next time I take a trip to California, I definitely need to make a day to shop and check out the Antique Station. That looks like a place I could spend a few hours in checking everything out.

[@davevan8864]

Always a good watch. I Pray that whatever you and yours are going through comes to a positive end. Take care! thx

[@hawkeye40778183]

That was cool to see John Wayne's yacht. When it was with the U.S. Navy it was called YMS-328. I've been to Balboa and Newport before. I enjoyed going down there when I lived in SoCal.

[@elsongs]

The Pacific Ocean off of California is cold year-round because of its depth and the effects of colder water currents from Alaska. By comparison, the Gulf Coast is much shallower and has a warmer temperature overall (which fuels hurricanes - this is the reason why we don't have any real hurricanes here).

[@zadokthecat]

Take a boat to the Channel Islands, near the part of CA I grew up at.

[@NadaSurferTube]

Balboa is also where the famous Bluth Banana Stand from Arrested Development was located. :)

[@BrandonH619]

There's always money in the banana stand

[@NadaSurferTube]

@BrandonH619 🤣

[@edwardmccue9160]

I appreciate your videos. They allow me to stay in touch with my old stomping grounds. Bits of trivia: Stan Kenton and his orchestra used to play at a ballroom on Balboa Island. There were carnival like places up and down the area. There was one at that large shopping center on the southwest corner of Brookhurst and Garden Grove Blvd. Compton had Tiny Town on Alondra near Olive. It is long gone. Long Beach had NuPike. It had the Cyclone Racer. That coaster died after Labor Day 1968. There was a kiddie area near Fairfax in Hollywood. This was the area for Griffith Stadium, Griffith Field, and Griffith Raceway. Pacific Ocean Park was in Venice. Of course we still have Santa Monica Pier. There used to be a large, I believe it had two masts, anchored in Newport Harbor at the intersection of the PCH and the bridge I always thought was Harbor Blvd.

[@riparianlife97701]

Used to love going to Balboa Island on the ferry as a child. There was a Jolly Roger restaurant that specialized in sea turtle soup. They had big turtle shells up on the walls. There are still 2 frozen banana shops, each claiming to be the original.

[@2neverlandboy]

I’m loving these new adventures. Grew up in southern California, but moved away. I’m in Cincinnati now. This right here gave me all the feels it was like you made it for a porpoise🐬

[@cvan6579]

What a fun day! And now I'm never getting that catchy Santa on a Panda tune out of my head!

[@longrider42]

When I saw your where in Newport. I knew exactly what this video was going to be about. I spent 10 months up the street in Costa Mesa, back in 1984. Spent a lot of time in Newport. And yes I know of what is in Balboa. Pretty cool, if its all still there. Be safe.

[@marciasmith4]

When I was young, we went to the Alligator Farm that you showed the ad for at the antique shop spot you and your mom run. We have pictures, and it felt like a fever dream that it was even there by Knotts. We also went to the Wax Musueum that was right near there, too.

[@steampossum7905]

On one hand it's really cool to see my old stomping grounds and see you checking out some of the places and things I loved as a kid - Used to live on 22nd street by the Newport Pier and would walk down to the Fun Zone during the summer so this whole video was a trip. On the other hand it's really sad to see how bougie the place has become in the last 15 years or so. I can't believe they even managed to gentrify my old laundromat, but I guess I'm glad to see it's at least still standing (2:04). I don't reckon Newport was really a "poor" town even in the 90s but it had a really quaint vibe and tons of character and felt way more cozy. Very "seaside village" feel where everyone knew everyone else, the donut shop across from 21 Oceanfront was where all the old dudes would congregate at like 6 in the morning for the daily grumble. Lot of mom & pop places that hadn't changed so much as their interior decorating since the 70s. I think you would've dug it.

[@13_13k]

I've been on the Wild Goose for a party many years ago. It is a beautiful ship and used to be a WWII mine sweepr. The interior is spectacular.

[@jaystruthers4036]

The distressed rusty Cybertruck made me laugh!

[@dalemorison7918]

That Fun Zone place actually reminds me a little bit of a combination of most of the New Jersey Shore Points, like Seaside Heights, The Wildwoods, Keansburg, Asbury Park, Belmar, and also a little bit of the Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs, Florida.

[@lowkeylunatic]

Since you have never been and thinking about taking in suggestions. You need to visit Catalina Island at least once. I used to sail there while working for Carnival Cruise Lines on the Carnival Paradise from 2010 to 2011 (ported out of Long Beach next to the Queen Mary). That place is gorgeous stuck in the 1920s, and the Casino ( a place for entertainment not gambling) would be right up your alley. Plus Ally would love it. The Wriggly's built the Casino in the 20's and it houses a gorgeous movie theater on the main floor (they do black and white film festivals there), the mezzanine floor used to house a large soda fountain and broadcast radio shows of the big bands that played in the enormous ballroom upstairs. Everything is virtually original. My wife (who I met while working on the ship) was enamored by the place and took us on our first date there on the backstage tour. It's amazing, something to see and hear for yourself since the acoustics are phenomenal, as a musician myself I started to tear up from the sheer pureness of the acoustics in the theatre. The Island can be a day trip. It's small, but enriched in scenic views and history. The whole thing can be traversed in a golf cart in an hour. There are bison there that were left from the filming of the 1920's film The Vanishing American. Ritchie Blackmore from Deep Purple had a cottage there too. His family doesn't own it anymore but the family sign is still there and it's by the mini putt. It's definitely an experience, and you need to see it for yourself.

[@andrewhickinbottom1051]

From the BONE ZONE to the FUN ZONE! I love how you present your trips! Always enthusiastic, lively and funny! Looks like a beautiful place! Some friends of mine moved to Irvine a few years ago - gotta get em to check this place out, or maybe go myself next time i'm flying over there to pay em a visit!

[@thetravelingrapper]

I love Newport Beach!! glad to see you cover it

[@genshenhaiku404]

"Its like they started jumping on PORPOISE!" 😂😂

[@garciarobert8526]

Justin Justin Justin. I can't believe you never went to the fun zone in Balboa. I'm from San Bernardino I used to go there back in the 80s when I was a teenager .

[@Kevinardo]

Justin, you'll never let us down. The Quest For Positivity is real...and it works.

“From the dome of St. Peter’s one can see every notable object in Rome… He can see a panorama that is varied, extensive, beautiful to the eye, and more illustrious in history than any other in Europe.” - Mark Twain

[@kanders7391]

Catalina has a boat tour where you get to see flying fish. And there are bison on the island, you could bike all around the island. There is a casino but it may be a museum now, I think it was a movie theater for a while. There is probably more now, I went there in the 1980s.

[@Corgis175]

Great vlog.

[@karenleemallonee684]

I made a comment down below, after watching the Orange Circle part, at the ending, I understand now. Looking forward to seeing whatever adventures you want to share with us, ALWAYS!! As Charlotte says, "CHIN UP!" 🕸️🕷️ We are with ya, Jusin!! 😁

[@rikhalsteen8341]

We moved from Tujunga to Boise back in 1994 still make it back to So Cal every couple of years to miss the “ice and snow”

[@dudeatmars]

Love the booth!

[@lizlocher3612]

I'm not a beach bum I 'm just a regular bum!!! Good one Justin Scarred!!

[@NC-tg5ml]

You need to see the Christmas lights boat parade at Balboa Beach! Then take the boat ferry over to Balboa Island to look at the rich houses Christmas lights it’s so beautiful ..

[@dozer11]

I’ve been surfing most of my life so I can answer why California’s ocean water is so cold. It’s a combination of cold deep waters being pulled up to the surface as well as currents coming down from Alaska and Canada’s coasts bringing the cold water down here. I know it’s not really your brand for this channel, but in Newport Beach there is a place called “The Wedge” which is a jetty when there is big surf conditions, that bounces giant waves back into large waves causing mayhem. And people do surf it if they’re crazy enough to do so. Next time you’re in the area and you notice the waves are huge, check it out but stay safe and keep away from the water. The waves actually break extremely close to shore in only a few feet of water, and can pull people out quickly. Also, one of my favorite boat names can be found in San Diego in the neighborhood of Point Loma. It’s called Gutsy Lady, and just reminds me of 80’s action movie names.

[@funkehouse]

water in the summer is most definitely NOT always cold , I went multiple times this year where the water literally felt perfect.

[@jessicagallardo6468]

There was an old 90s Disney channel movie that they filmed at the fun zone and the peninsula there. Called the 13th year 😂 I always think about that cheesy movie when I’m there!

[@TheWorldAccordingtoJim]

Newport Beach California for years and the Bay Area. We call home Oregon and Nevada now.

[@therealjohnsquad]

Checkout the oldest cemetery in Yorba Linda some time. Also you should head over to he stockyards in Fort Wort, TX and check out the John Wayne museum.

[@keithwitts2177]

Jordon Wank ,now that’s funny 😂 All the best Justin and happy holidays to you. Regards Keith (UK)

[@tomsimpson5317]

Cant wait to get out of here

[@BlackCat-aka-Jewels]

Lol " not a beach bum ,but a bum" I t so hilarious kiddo lol We did have gun at Universal when we were there in October. As a kid we lived anywhere from southern California to Weed California. ( lived on train cars..dad worked for the Railroad back in the 60s) I loved the pirate house lol. Very cool. So much fun❤

[@Chrisb8s]

one year for work, my work team got some tickets to ride around on a boat during the Christmas boat light parade, it was kinda fun

[@camanay77]

@ 30:25 I like the Aquabats! Their shows are entertaining.

[@Ryno_1]

If you take The Original Harbor Cruise next time they take you to John Waynes yacht and other celebrities that live and have lived around Balboa and tell stories. I remember Nicholas Cage house and the story of him fighting off a burglar. Great video by the way!

[@DALEf4u]

Justin, the Wild Goose is owned by a dinner cruise line City Experiences. You can go for a brunch or dinner cruise. John Wayne used to go dancing at the Balboa Pavilion when he was in high school.

[@DALEf4u]

I like going for walks in Newport Beach. I park at the Balboa pier and walk to The Wedge. Justin, you and Ally should go there between Dec 18th-22nd for the Boat Parade and walk around Balboa Island. It’s always a fun time!

[@paulagratefulnoend9683]

Hello from Huntington beach! I need to go find that pirate house❤

[@Rob8729]

An ex took me here in the mid 1990's for our first date and I instantly fell in love with the place, still go there today.

[@Freddles279]

OK... Let me preface this by saying I am a HUGE Star Trek fan. So much so that I named my daughter after a character in one of the Trek novels. When I bought my house, it just so happened that the guy who called the streets in our neighborhood was also a huge Trek fan. He called the streets Ryker Court, (Spelled wrong), Picard Drive and Picard Court, Federation Court, Crusher Avenue, Alexander Court, (Worf's son), and the street I wished I lived on, Warp Drive.

[@brucethebassbrand4564]

How cool.... I took my girlfriend to the fun zone in 1976, and we also cruised around the neighborhoods looking at the neat houses. We decided to stop and park so we could walk and look closer at them. I had a tricked out California style 66' Karmann Ghia at the time. As I was getting out of the car, I heard a deep voice behind me.... "That's a pretty snazzy looking piece of German engineering, pardner". I turned around to thank the man, and found myself looking over a short fence and staring face-to-face with John Wayne. It was hilarious, seeing him standing there wearing shorts, a Hawaiian shirt, a straw planters hat, and cowboy boots. 😱🤣🫡😎

[@RandysFiftySevenChevy]

The bumper cars were the best

[@jayp1509]

Nice! I lived there and went to Newport Harbor High in the 80's . INXS's video for Devil Inside was filmed were you were walking..... Fun Zone. Newport high school building is beautiful!

[@Del-Lebo]

So fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@travissapp4961]

Newport landing is a great restaurant justin Im down there every Thursday hope will meet justin Yeap I lived in socal all my life too

[@richardweaver9682]

The dory's go out fishing and bring the catch in to sell directly. BTW: That is McFadden Pier not Newport.The pirate house is pretty neat.. Check out the Balboa Fun Zone accross the street from the pier and next to the Balboa Pavillian. My aunt used to have a place on Balboa peninsula and we would check out the Wild Goose all the time as well as the boats at The Cannery when it wa still a actual cannery and not a resturant.

[@westcoastronnieOC714]

They bring in fish early in the morning and it's for sale. I spent most of my teenage years down there in mini truck seen.

[@rickmiller8614]

I lived at Park Newport Apartments where I met my wife. She was living near Dover and PCH while attending UCI. We’re now in Vegas. Wished we were back home.

[@davidgekler]

John Wayne actually lived on the Tip of Balboa Island. And back in the 70's he would wave to any boat sliding by. He actually invited my family to dock and served iced tea to all of us. Sadly he smoked like a house on fire and that's how he got the lung cancer that killed him. But he was a really nice guy!

[@gkellogg]

As I recall, John Wayne lived in Bay Shores, just up the bay from Balboa Island. He would wave at people, though. I used to see him driving around in his Station Wagon with a dome added to accommodate he larger stature.

[@andygate7877]

There used to be an inside dark ride (like Pinocchio, Snow White at Disneyland, but hokier) called "The Scary Dark Ride " up until @ the late 80's or early 90's in the building that now houses the Historic Society.

[@catherinetozzi8056]

JUSTIN……MAN OF MANY VOICES!

[@JoeHix-d6p]

I wonder if the homeowner got the pirates and stuff from Furniture Warehouse in Buena Park. That place is fun!

[@cosmicmooncat7087]

You and Ally need to come out to Morro Bay and watch the Sea Otters♡

[@dalemorison7918]

HEY!! Be Nice About Boise, Idaho!! I Currently Live There, Since December Of 2019!! Even though I was actually born on Staten Island, NY till roughly age 3-1/2, then up to Morris County & Sussex Counties in New Jersey for a little more than 25 years till age 29, then out to various parts of Florida, mostly Tampa, and parts of Pasco County just north of Tampa, and the Orlando area to work in the theme parks, for about 25 years from 1994 till I moved to Boise at tge end of 2019.

[@cherilynn8852]

I can't believe you've never been to Balboa! You guys have to take the ferry over to Balboa Island, but I wouldn't take your car over there because, if it's still like it was in the 70s (I've since moved to Oregon), there is very little parking. ❤

[@stevemellin5806]

Lived in Newport Beach in my 20s . Still a fun place to go.came back to Temple City...a little cheaper.ha ha

[@eth39232]

I'd enjoy seeing more videos from Orange County, as that is one of the great suburban areas in the U.S.

[@lmcclellanrn]

I was just in so cal and there were soooooo many dolphins next to the Santa Monica pier

[@stevebrown3958]

Major props for the Swampfest call out 👏👍🤙👊✌️🤘

[@MrMakeDo]

Your John Wayne impression sounds a lot like Alan Rickman. 😂

[@ryantheidiot982]

FOR GODS SAKE JUSTIN, COME TO BIG BEAR LAKE CALIFORNIA

[@rufus_the_cat]

I think he has a video of the alpine slide but I might be confusing with Adam the woo

[@BiggFigg86]

Enter sandman got me lol 😂

[@docgiggles130]

Not far from me is Wayne's World Drive. An entire neighborhood of movie named streets would be fun.

[@DCintheOC]

Van the owner is a great guy. Believe he worked for Disney.

[@stasiasfamilyadventures6318]

My kids love Santa on a Panda it’s on my Alexa non stop ❤❤❤ I wish I was closer to the orange circle! Now let’s talk about how fabulous these adventures are ! Newport for you is like the Vegas strip for me ! We drop my husband off at davey jones locker to go fishing every Disneyland trip we get donuts and go back to Disneyland for a girls only day ! Yes no pirate flags on Lake Mead one idiot ruined for every one !

[@BarbHowe-tm8vi]

Definitely a fun one. Really loving all the new content. I can imagine one of those roads around those seafood restaurants should be named rotting fish head alley. 🤢 Always love seeing your booth at the Antique Station. Sending all the positive vibes in the universe your way. The future looks bright if we can all hang in there ❤️

[@jf27437]

Do a video on Catalina Island!

[@retrogamerfan123]

My family has friends that have a home in Newport occasionally when it’s not in use we go up for the weekend but ya it’s a richmans world

[@susanhelms107]

Hey bro I love all your videos so very much when you and Allie or just you I love all the things that you show and Orange County looks beautiful by the way love it think positive and have a great night be safe❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@spectralhelix9220]

SLEEP WELL BLVD

[@RayBosan62]

Just a fun musical note (ha! a pun!), part of the "Devil Inside" music video by INXS was filmed at the Fun Zone back in the '80's. 📽🎞🎼🎵🎶

[@maryk77]

John Wayne lived in Bayshores which is a neighborhood in Newport!

[@TheMister-sg3hx]

Love the Intro

[@markwelker95]

i grew up in costa mesa....and zooport was my hangout....you showed the tiki boat...had my senior prom on that boat. the worst part about zooport,is theres no parking down there....the only real way to get around,is by bicycle. when you bring allie,bring bikes.

[@DaMightyTNT_Gerg_de_2nd]

If you like checking out good food places, i recommend original pizza. Its at the newport golf course. Not sure if they have any gluten free options, but its super good stuff.

[@ChikistheToyChihuahua]

Sooo cool! I want my pet parents to take me there!…im a chihuahua btw🐕

[@westcoastronnieOC714]

It looks like something you would see at Disneyland. 🤣🤣

[@TheSassy777]

GO JUSTIN😆

[@airtiki2374]

Come on Justin You live in SOCal Where Life's A BEACH enjoy it ! The name of the wild Goose during Navy times was maybe the Lame Duck? LOL

[@ukulelebrowne5351]

The water is cold due to the longshore current or “California Current” that brings cold water down from Alaska as well as upwelling in which the wind pulls up cold water from the deep.

[@gridley]

That colder water helps discourage hurricanes from traveling northward, as they're known to do on the East Coast. During the summer, the water is also sort of a natural AC for areas a few miles eastward. Although it does get quite hot beyond coastal hills, such as the Santa Monica Mts near Malibu, etc.

[@funkehouse]

if you haven't seen dolphins in SoCal you have not spent much time in the ocean , they are as common as sea shells . it's a more common to see them than NOT see them if you spend a few hours at the beach . I cant remember the last time I was on a boat and didn't see dolphins while at sea , we got to get this guy into the ocean more , he is missing out

[@BryanProper]

Ey new follow here! Are the 'Panda on a Santa' items only available at the vintage shop?

[@flaminggmonkeyss]

do you have copies of your book in your booth as well?

[@ogbenchmarks7127]

John Wayne impressions were on point.

[@rayharris9160]

Hi Justin I'm a tiki Carver just like yourself I was taught by a former Disney Carver. I carved Tiki statues using assorted grinders and wooden chisels, I only use a chainsaw electric to level out the log on the top and bottom they don't make a lot of noise like the gas powered ones . I can teach you how to make full-blown full-size Tiki statues that are 7 ft tall without using a chainsaw that will blow your mind. I was talking to Martin Kate's the owner of smuggler's cove at the anniversary of the mai tai at Trader Vic's and showed him a picture of my tiki statue that is 6 ft 7 and he said it's a sleestak Tiki, like from The Land of the Lost. I sold my fire Tiki for $500 at the parking lot sale at forbidden Island Tiki bar in Alameda California. I'm good friends with Roy the bartender at Trader Sam's, I made him a tiki for his home Tiki bar and Kelly Merrill knows me as the pirate, I'm known as Tiki Rey El Rey the tiki Carver in Northern California, I live in Modesto George Lucas's hometown. As KZbinrs go I like you and offhand Disney because you guys are not cupcakes like some other KZbinrs which I won't mention. Everybody in town knows me because I worked 21 years at roller King skating rink as a DJ entertainer and now I'm my 30th year working at crocodiles nightclub as a DJ let's get together sometime when you have time and I have time and I can show you to be a better Carver and just like you said you would make free signs for Knott's Berry farm I will teach you how to be the best tiki Carver you can be for free and I have been in the tiki seen since I was a kid we used to go to the hookahs the original one in the 60s and my three favorite Tiki bars Trader Vic's Emeryville California, Trader Sam's enchanted Tiki bar in Anaheim California and latitude 29 in New Orleans French quarter. If you want to get ahold of me leave a message on the answering machine add crocodile's nightclub and my friends call me DJ Ray😊

[@3939michele]

It's certainly something you don't see evrry day! Unless you lived in Venice. In Venice we have the 3 story tall Dancing Clown Ballerina Doll (with a 5 o' clock shadow) on Rose Ave and Main St.

[@bucklecheminant788]

seaside doughnuts best place in New Port Beach

[@1luvNE13]

We had the best food there last November. We may hit it up on Friday on our way in. I'm no longer posting on luv adventures and art. Too much of a break 😢. I remember when my Auntie kay passed away. We stayed at Harborside on the ocean and watched the dolphins. I was sick AF but...