Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Newport Beach, CA
Free; kayak rentals extra
By Simir Shah
★★★★★4.8(2,283 Google reviews)
What parents say
AI summary of 5 Google reviews — not a first-hand visit. How we write these
Free parking and easy walking trails with wide views over the water. The nature centre has exhibits, an activity room and toilets, but it is closed one day a week and only open limited hours, so check first. Little shade, so carry water. One reviewer mentions a smell when the tide turns.
A 1,000-acre back-bay estuary — the largest remaining natural estuary in Southern California — with flat trails along the 10.5-mile Back Bay Loop and kayak launches at Northstar Beach. Paddle past egrets and pelicans, then stop at the 10,000-square-foot Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center for hands-on exhibits on the wetland ecosystem.
Good for
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 10+
Happening near here
- Movies on the Beach at Newport DunesNewport Beach · 2 mi · Fridays & Saturdays at duskFree
- OC Japan Fair (19th Annual)Costa Mesa · 2 mi
- Free Public Train Rides at Goathill JunctionCosta Mesa · 3 mi · 3rd full weekend of the month, 10am–3:30pmFree
- Bowers Museum — Free Sundays (Santa Ana residents)Santa Ana · 9 mi · 10am–4pmFree
2301 University Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660, USA
Map
What visitors say
- Jonathan Reed★★★★★
What great free outdoor trails during lovely weather and some blooming flowers 🌼. There was an event earlier in the day so many spots were filled but opened up by afternoon. Trails were great and the views of the water below with the flowers was incredible. Could even make a full loop if intended with the shared bike path, but we decided only to do the west bluffs and the interactive museum. Plus you can get some nice photos of the overhead planes leaving John Wayne ✈️
7 months ago
- Joe Revette★★★★★
This is an absolutely amazing place to enjoy! Its got everything to see! The wildlife, the water, the planes flying over head, and trails that go all over. You will def enjoy! Bring plenty of water on a hot day so u stay hydrated as there isnt much shade. But overall an excellent place to go and enjoy!
6 months ago
Showing 2 of 5 Google reviews · Read them all on Google Maps
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