Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

C and Java fans take note!
C and Java fans take note!
Gorgeous paddle session surrounded by nature with our NIXY Inflatable SUPs
This is an exquisite plant whose name I was able to find on Google this morning, but promptly lost the link. Those in the know (@throwingsofas) might nudge me in the right direction. The blossoms are silvery-white, with very thin petals, as you can see from an example in the upper left. The rest of the plant is literally covered in little iridescent beads [Google iridescent bead flowers and prepare yourself for the biggest crafts' fair on the internet]. There are pods which contain both ruby beads and colorless beads, But the rest of the plant is encrusted with the colorless variety. I have to believe this is some form of water collection system for the plant, though I can only guess at this point. They are unimaginably beautiful to see strewn along the path like a trail of polished gems. As we are likely to say anytime we take a picture -- the photo doesn't do them justice.
Leave it to the OC to build a combination automobile/bicycle/pedestrian path, each with its own lane, along a three mile stretch of the upper portion of the Newport Bay. But that is exactly what they did. The trail is all asphalt, with a few very small offshoots into dirt "nature" trails. The place is beautiful, really, but I have to put a fly in the ointment here and divulge one of the OC's dirty little secrets. Somehow or another, a heavy portion of refuse has washed back into the bay and now litters various spots along the trail. It does not overwhelm the area (as you see here), but it definitely gives one pause to reflect. That aside, the refuge is home to all manner of wildlife -- Ospreys, Snowy Egrets, Herons, Terns, Seagulls, Ravens, crabs, lizards, frogs, wildflowers of an incredible variety, and all the insects they attract. There really is no elevation gain to speak of, nothing but the 6-mile round trip to give it even a hint of hiking bona fides. But it is a very pleasant way to drop down from a 16-mile noggin' poacher like the long route at Crystal Cove. We added a second "hike" at another relatively flat nature preserve to round out the day. But more on that later.

Tours & day trips

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Relaxing Sunset/Evening Cruise in Newport Beach

Relaxing Sunset/Evening Cruise in Newport Beach

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
2.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿793 per adult
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Water activities

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Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿2,277 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Temecula Wine Tour from Orange County

Temecula Wine Tour from Orange County

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿5,235 per adult
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Spa & wellness

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Spa-Quality On Demand Massage - Orange County

Spa-Quality On Demand Massage - Orange County

Activity duration is 1 hour
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿4,410 per adult
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Wildlife & nature

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Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

Activity duration is 2 hours and 15 minutes
8.6 out of 10 with 29 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿984 per adult
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Popular places to visit

Colorful Giant Slide Ride

Orange County Fairgrounds

Enjoy a stop at Orange County Fairgrounds, an entertaining place to visit in Costa Mesa. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Orange County Fairgrounds
Lyon Air Museum featuring aircraft and interior views

Lyon Air Museum

See some of the rarest flying machinery left over from World War II and learn about the United States’ role in aviation history.

Lyon Air Museum
Great dining choices and shops.

The LAB Antimall

During your trip to Costa Mesa, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at The LAB Antimall. Discover the entertainment choices in this walkable area or seek out the local tours.

The LAB Antimall

Muth Interpretive Center

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Muth Interpretive Center during your trip to Newport Beach. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its cosy cafes.

Muth Interpretive Center

Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery during your travels to Newport Beach. Stroll along the area's seaside or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery

Sunbrite Pools

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Sunbrite Pools during your travels in Newport Beach. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Sunbrite Pools

Top Hotel Deals

OC Hotel Costa Mesa

OC Hotel Costa Mesa

2.5 out of 5
Costa Mesa CA
OC Hotel Costa Mesa
Pendry Newport Beach

Pendry Newport Beach

4.5 out of 5
690 Newport Center Dr Newport Beach CA
Pendry Newport Beach
See all 4,411 properties in Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.