Back Bay
One of the largest coastal wetlands in Southern California and a little known gem in Newport Beach
is the Upper Newport Back Bay. This is the place where fresh and salt water meet and mix and one
of the few remaining estuaries in southern California. The Back Bay sees up to 35,000 birds at once
during winter's migration season and over 200 different species of them, in addition to numerous
species of mammals, fish, other critters and native plants. Birders who visit Newport Beach
immediately wing their way to the nearly 1,000 acres of open space that are Upper Newport Bay
Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve.
Free guided walks, birding, visits to the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center and kayak
excursions are just a few of the ways visitors can enjoy this natural habitat. Runners and cyclists can
often be seen on the path that loops around the Back Bay on mornings and weekends.
The Back Bay was recently featured on Huell Howser’s hit show, "California's Gold" in February
2008.
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