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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Upper
Newport Beach Back Bay
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The
Back Bay area of Newport Beach describes the inland area,
which connects the Upper Newport Bay with Newport Harbor.
If you seek a peaceful retreat with a chance to observe
nature without straying too far from the city, then this
is the place for you.
The Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve
spans a thousand acres of marshlands and immense bluffs,
and is one the few estuaries left in Southern California.
It’s the place where fresh and saltwater meets.
The
Back Bay is the home of nearly
200 species of birds and serves as a sanctuary for migrating
flocks. The back bay is also an important fishery habitat.
Newport Back Bay is a quiet place most
of the time however during certain times of the day the
quiet is interrupted by the sound of planes taking off
from nearby John Wayne Airport.
Newport Beach and the surrounding areas are affluent;
so expect the demeanor to match. If
water is your passion, the Newport Beach Kayaking Company
provides an interesting way to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Further up Back Bay Drive you can enjoy the Upper Bay
Ecological Preserve on foot.
Newport Dunes resort also offers kayaking tours with a
guide, Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Newport
Aquatic Center at One White Cliffs Drive offers hourly
one and two person kayak rentals. If
you are a land lover, hiking and biking trails abound.
A paved road runs along the west side of the bay and provides
ample opportunity for outdoor experience.
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There are
several parking areas for cars. The Back Bay Loop Trail
is a 10.5-mile route winding around Upper Newport Bay. It
is well signed so don’t worry about getting lost.
Scenic stops include places like Upper Castaways Park. Newport
Back Bay is enjoyed by hikers, runners, cyclists and nature
lovers.
If your
adventurous, the trail links with the 22-mile Mountains
to Sea Trail, a national recreational trail running from
Upper Newport Bay, through Irvine past Peters Canyon Reservoir
and into the rugged mountains of Weir Canyon north of Irvine
Regional Park.
The new 13,000 square foot Back Bay Science Center at Shell
maker Island provides a hands-on facility where students
and the public can study and enjoy the ecology. It’s
only open to registered participants, so plan ahead.
Muth Interpretive Center at 2301 University Drive, features
interactive exhibits for all nature lovers. The 10,000 square
foot educational facility is built into the side of a bluff,
which affords full views of Newport Bay. The center is open
from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission
and parking are free.
In the lower part of the Back Bay is Newport Dunes, with
a campground and boat launch. Always offering some event,
the current list includes rice crispy decorating, BBQ cook-off,
board game extravaganza, and a basketball tournament, among
a host of others. This is the place to go with the family.
Cottages are available for a romantic getaway, and the boat
launch is suitable for all size watercraft with a seven-lane
ramp with coin operated washes for RV and boat cleaning,
but bring your own hose. A boat launch service is also available.
If fresh fish is going to be on your dinner menu check out
Pearson's
Port a floating shack that sells fresh fish, live crab
and lobster at the entrance to the Newport Beach Back Bay.
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So if you’ve worked
up quite an appetite with all of this fun in the sun then
the back bay has several options.
The Back Bay Bistro at the Newport Dunes Resort offers elegant
dining for all ages with a waterfront view. They do accept
reservations, and some day’s feature live entertainment.
Try the award-winning seafood chowder. Parking is free,
and they offer guest slips for boaters.
Nearby Bluewater Grill at 630 Lido Park Drive serves fresh
mesquite-char broiled seafood, pastas and oyster bar items
as well as a friendly kids menu.While parking is plentiful,
its best to leave the car behind and really enjoy the Newport
Back Bay by foot, bike or boat.
Newport Back Bay is located about an hour and a half from
the San Fernando Valley. Los Angeles is a hours drive, San
Diego one and a half hours.
Back Bay drive is one way and starts near the intersection
of Pacific Coast Highway and Jamboree Road. There are several
places you can pull over to enjoy the view plus there is
a paved parking area about midway along the route. |
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Newport
Dunes year-round aquatic playground
at the entrance to the Newport Back Bay. |
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Newport
Beach a great
place to spend a day or summer vacation. Six
miles of sandy beach. |
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