Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

Gorgeous paddle session surrounded by nature with our NIXY Inflatable SUPs

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.

The Preserve was established back in 1975 after a fairly ferocious battle between environmentalists and, well, everybody else. I doubt there is anyone alive today who regrets the turn of events.

For one thing, huge swaths of land have been preserved [and protected] in pristine form, for another, public access through the place makes it a popular destination for runners, hikers and slow-driving tourists.

Finally, the surrounding area is almost completely developed for business, high-end residential, and hotel property.

Everybody wins...well, as long as you're willing to keep your head pointed in the direction most suited to your tastes.

It's probably a workable model only where almost everyone is working with a set of unlimited resources and is willing to put them on the line in pursuit of their interests.

A Walden for billionaires, if you wish. But I gotta admit, it seems to work.

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Activities

Newport Beach Travel Guide

Tours & day trips

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Relaxing Sunset/Evening Cruise in Newport Beach

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Private & custom tours

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The Boat People Cruise Private Harbor Cruises

Food, drink & nightlife

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Temecula Wine Tour from Orange County

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Classes & workshops

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Mosaic Art Classes Orange County: Turkish Lamp Workshop

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Water activities

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Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

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Popular places to visit

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 check out its charming coffeehouses.

Lyon Air Museum

Explore America's fascinating aviation history and take a close look at some of the rarest flying machines from around the world.

Muth Interpretive Center

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Muth Interpretive Center during your trip to Newport Beach. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

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 savor its top-notch restaurants.

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.

America's Family Pet Expo

Take the family on an outing to America's Family Pet Expo during your trip to Costa Mesa. Experience the lively festivals and entertainment choices in this walkable area.

Top Hotel Deals

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Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach

325 Bristol Street Costa Mesa CA

Newport Beach Marriott Bayview

500 Bayview Cir Newport Beach CA

OC Hotel Costa Mesa

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Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel

4500 Macarthur Blvd Newport Beach CA

Best Western Plus Newport Mesa Inn

2642 Newport Blvd Costa Mesa CA

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach West

4545 Macarthur Blvd Newport Beach CA

Sunset Inn

2100 Newport Blvd Costa Mesa CA

Hampton Inn by Hilton Costa Mesa Newport Beach

2070 Newport Blvd Costa Mesa CA

Pendry Newport Beach

690 Newport Center Dr Newport Beach CA

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