One of the largest coastal wetlands in Southern California and a little known gem in Newport Beach is the Upper Newport Back Bay. This is the place where fresh and salt water meet and mix and one of the few remaining estuaries in southern California. The Back Bay sees up to 35,000 birds at once during winter's migration season and over 200 different species of them, in addition to numerous species of mammals, fish, other critters and native plants. Birders who visit Newport Beach immediately wing their way to the nearly 1,000 acres of open space that are Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve.

Free guided walks, birding, visits to the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center and kayak excursions are just a few of the ways visitors can enjoy this natural habitat. Runners and cyclists can often be seen on the path that loops around the Back Bay on mornings and weekends.

The Back Bay was recently featured on Huell Howser’s hit show, "California's Gold" in February 2008.

• Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
• Newport Beach Marriott Bayview
• Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina

Other Neighborhoods:

• Fashion Island
• Balboa and surrounding seven islands
• Balboa Peninsula
• Cannery Village
• Mariner's Mile
• Corona Del Mar
• Airport District
• Newport Coast/Crystal Cove

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