Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve

At 752 acres, the serene coastal wetland of the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve is one of the largest and most pristine estuaries left in Southern California. No wonder it’s a bird-watching wonderland!

Park Information

600 Shellmaker Rd., Newport Beach, CA

This park is open daily between sunrise and sunset.

Newport Bay Conservancy and other organizations host interpretive programs year-round, including kayak tours and naturalist nights.

Visit Website
949-640-9959

752

acres of the Reserve's protected land

35k

birds come to winter in the bay

rare endangered bird species live here

More about Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve

The tranquil waters of this critical marshland are surrounded by bluffs offering sweeping views of Newport Beach’s Back Bay. Nearly 200 species of birds have been seen here at the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, including six rare or endangered ones: the brown pelican, peregrine falcon, black rail, light-footed clapper rail, Belding’s Savannah sparrow, and California least tern. During winter migration, the bay is a temporary home to up to 35,000 birds, making this site a renowned oasis for novice and experienced birders alike.

This park isn’t just a beautiful setting; it’s an immersive environment that offers all kinds of activities. Try the easy three-mile loop that winds down by the bay’s edge and up to the surrounding bluffs, for up-close-and-personal interactions with the bay’s wildlife and panoramic views of this completely picturesque place. The Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve is also the only place in the NROC where you can fish and kayak, in addition to all the usual activities, like biking, hiking, horse riding, and more.

The Ecological Reserve’s Back Bay Science Center doesn’t hold daily hours, but it does welcome visitors for scheduled activities and events, like regular community days and open houses. Its tanks are home to some of the species you’ll find in the bay, and there are outdoor touch tanks for the especially curious. Other exhibits dive into the history of the area and the science of the conservation happening here. Wind your way through the paths in the surrounding salt marsh vegetation or visit the floating dock that will bring you right up to the water of this incredibly special place.

Choose your own adventure: Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve's got the nature. How do you want to enjoy it?

Get wild! But do it respectfully.

: Expect the unexpected on your adventure. Tell a friend or family member where you are going and what time you plan to return, keep an eye on local weather reports, bring plenty of water, and carry emergency essentials with you. Some areas of the NROC do not have cell service, so you may not be able to rely on your smartphone for routing or communication. It’s smart to have a warm layer, rain jacket, and headlamp in your pack, along with means to stay hydrated and fueled beyond what you expect you’ll need, especially in the more remote areas of the Reserve.
: Each park within the NROC has its own activities, hours, and guidelines, all rooted in respect for the land. Before you visit, check out their site so there are no surprises.
: Nurturing the beauty of this nature is a communal effort—love your wild by taking nothing from the Reserve and leave no trace behind.
: You are bound to see some exciting wildlife on the Reserve, and we do mean wild. Respecting the animals’ space will ensure your safety and theirs.
: Though encountering them is rare, some larger or venomous animals could be threatening—the best thing to do is stay calm and be prepared. If you encounter a mountain lion, maintain eye contact, speak firmly, make yourself look larger, and slowly back away—do not crouch or run. If you see a snake on the trail, stop and give it space—most bites happen when people try to move or handle snakes. Walk around from a safe distance.

Ticks are also a natural part of Orange County’s wildlands, especially in grassy or brushy areas. Stay on designated trails, wear long sleeves and pants, and do a tick check after your hike. A little awareness goes a long way!
: We’ve got hundreds of miles of established trails—staying on them ensures your safety and minimizes disruption of the incredible habitats you’re exploring.
: E-bikes are great for urban settings. And hugely destructive for natural spaces. To ensure our habitats’ survival, e-bikes are not permitted on the Reserve.
: We love dogs, but even leashed pets disrupt natural habitats. Help us keep the Reserve’s ecosystems in balance by either leaving your dog(s) at home or making sure you bring them to a dog-friendly area of the Reserve. Find out more about the parks that welcome pets here.
: Take a few deep breaths instead! This safeguards the health of other visitors, prevents waste and wildfires, and protects our plant and animal life from pollution.