Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

The beautiful bluffs of the 135-acre Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve offer panoramic views overlooking the serene bay, which is part of the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve. Together, this land is a bird-watching oasis.

Park Information

2301 University Dr., Newport Beach, CA

This park is open daily between 7:00 a.m. and sunset.

Visit Website
Park Map
Email
949-923-2290

135

acres of the Reserve's protected land

1,000

volunteers remove trash on the annual Coastal Cleanup Day

sensitive bird species call the bluffs home

More about Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

The breathtaking bluffs of this inland Newport Beach area that locals call the Back Bay, make up the acreage of the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. They surround the coastal wetlands of the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, and offer panoramic views of the tranquil bay and the city beyond.

Orange County ornithophiles flock to the area, which is one of the best bird-watching sites in the region. Keep an eye out for the California gnatcatcher, San Diego cactus wren, and burrowing owl—all three of these sensitive species make their home in the bluffs. The Preserve is a popular place for all kinds of activities, with joggers, walkers, bikers, equestrians, and families making use of this easy-to-access park for its stunning views, gentle trail slopes, and dynamic interpretive center.

The Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center is quite the feather in this park’s cap—visitors of all ages will have fun exploring the 10,000 square-foot space, which is beautifully built right into the bluff on the north side of the bay. See the round rays swimming in the aquarium exhibit, enjoy short documentaries about the area in the theater, and learn all about the bay and its inhabitants through the many interactive exhibits. Look for the cliff swallows who make their nests along the building’s outside overhang, then make your way to the rooftop garden and use of the tower viewers to see which of the area’s hundreds of wildlife species you can spot.

Choose your own adventure: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve'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.