Upper Newport Bay--OPEN DAILY--
Upper Newport Bay in Newport Beach is an estuary - a place where fresh and salt water meet and mix. It is one of only a few remaining coastal estuaries in Southern California and is home to nearly 200 species of birds, including several endangered species, as well as numerous mammals, fish, and native plants. The bay is an important stopover for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds on the Pacific Flyway - up to 30,000 birds can be seen daily during the winter months. The bay is renowned for both its beauty and outstanding outdoor activities that include bird-watching, jogging, bicycling, hiking, kayaking and horseback riding. The hub of activity in the bay is the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, owned by OC Parks and staffed by volunteers from Upper Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends. The nature center features exhibits and interactive displays illustrating the special features of Upper Newport Bay. On the south shore, the new Back Bay Science Center houses a water quality lab, educational exhibits, and is also the end point and lower staging area for the Mountains to Sea Trail. Visitors can also ride or hike the Bay Bay Loop Trail, a well-signed 10.5 mile circular trail around the entire upper bay.
2301 University Dr.
Newport Beach, CA 92660-3310
Operated by OC Parks in partnership with Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends. For more information, call 949. 923.2290 or visit.