Your Guide
UPPER NEWPORT BAY
Upper Newport Bay
The Upper Newport Bay is a remarkable natural landscape within Irvine Company’s 57,500 acres of protected open space. A tranquil setting with bluffs surrounding the water, Upper Newport Bay is one of the most pristine (and one of only a few remaining) estuaries in Southern California. This coastal wetland is renowned as one of the finest bird-watching sites in North America and is an important stopover for migrating birds on the Pacific Flyway. It’s even home to six rare or endangered species. Come explore this rare habitat and revel in the natural beauty of Southern California.
Start Exploring
Whether via land or water, there are many ways to experience the Upper Newport Bay. Meander trails on your own, book a guided kayaking tour or seek out educational opportunities for adults and children alike.
Kayaking & Stand-up Paddleboarding
What better way to see one of California’s largest estuaries than from a kayak or paddleboard? Glide by 15-million-year-old bluffs and observe a variety of mammals, sealife and native plants. Sign up for a guided kayak tour with the Newport Bay Conservancy or visit the Newport Aquatic Center for rentals.
Walking, Biking & Horseback Riding
Upper Newport Bay is a mecca for joggers, bicyclists, horseback riders, hikers and more. Wander this fascinating terrain to observe abundant wildlife and sprawling views of water and bluffs. In October and November, you can see up to 30,000 migratory birds that stop here on their way south from their Arctic breeding grounds. View trail map.
The Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center
The center provides a focal point for the public’s enjoyment of the Upper Newport Bay, where young and old alike can take a journey through a series of exhibits and interactive displays that make the bay come alive. Learn about life in and around an estuary and gain an even greater appreciation of this important natural habitat. Plan your visit.