Upper Newport Bay

The Upper Newport Bay is a part of a 1000-acre natural and ecological reserve, and is one of the largest estuaries in Southern California. In 1975, this land was purchased by the state of California and eventually became an Orange County regional park. This bay’s highlight is the San Diego Creek, which flows through the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary and connects to the Pacific Ocean. The park also features the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, an educational facility with historical exhibits and interactive displays. Although this bay is different from your typical beach scene, it is a great destination for those who want a more intimate encounter with nature.

This spot is renowned as one of the best places to birdwatch in North America. During the winter, up to 35,00 birds migrate and reside in the bay and visitors can find endangered species such as the light footed clapper rail, Belding’s savannah sparrow, and the Peregrine falcon. Other popular activities at this site include biking, hiking, and horseback riding. If you want to experience the wildlife during the night, there are also camping sites nearby at the Newport Dunes resort. Don’t worry if you’re not a nature expert, as there are plenty of guides and volunteers within the park that will help you identify all the different plant and animal species you will find at this spot.

This spot is renowned as one of the best places to birdwatch in North America. During the winter, up to 35,00 birds migrate and reside in the bay and visitors can find endangered species such as the light footed clapper rail, Belding’s savannah sparrow, and the Peregrine falcon. Other popular activities at this site include biking, hiking, and horseback riding. If you want to experience the wildlife during the night, there are also camping sites nearby at the Newport Dunes resort. Don’t worry if you’re not a nature expert, as there are plenty of guides and volunteers within the park that will help you identify all the different plant and animal species you will find at this spot.

If you get hungry, take a seven-minute drive to Provenance, a modern Italian restaurant that uses ingredients from their organic gardens and boasts an extensive menu of handcrafted cocktails. We also like Oak Grill, a white-tablecloth eatery located 11-minutes away from Upper Newport Bay that serves Californian seafood dishes such as the Walnut Crusted Salmon and the Wild Mexican Prawns. You can also take a seven-minute drive to Bello, where you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine from renowned chef Sandro Nardone.

If you need a place to stay, check out the Newport Beach Marriott Bayview, a 4-Star all-suite hotel that overlooks the bay and natural reserve and is located minutes away from Fashion Island and the John Wayne Airport. You can also take an 11-minute drive to the Hyatt Regency, a 26-acre resort that features three outdoor pools, a golf course, and a seafood grill restaurant. If you are looking for a more casual option, the Travelodge by Wyndham is a 13-minute drive away and offers simple rooms with free WiFi and a complimentary breakfast.