Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve
Newport Beach, CA
Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve protects a wide stretch of coastal wetlands, a genuine birding destination with a visitor center and roadside parking along Backbay Drive. It's a different kind of coastal stop than the open beaches nearby, built around the reserve's trails and the bay itself rather than a stretch of sand.
A genuinely different kind of stop than a beach day, real value for birders and anyone wanting a quieter, wilder side of Newport.
How we score beachesBackbay Drive is the way to see it by car or bike, with pullouts along the way for birding stops.
Roadside parking along Backbay Dr.; a visitor center sits at 2301 University Dr.
Leashed dogs are welcome on most trails in the reserve, though they must stay on leash at all times and are restricted from some trail segments.
Migratory birds pass through in the largest numbers during fall and spring, the best windows for serious birding.
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