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.

Visite Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

Activities

Guia de viagem de Newport Beach

Atrações populares

Orange County Fairgrounds

Conheça Orange County Fairgrounds, uma ótima opção de entretenimento em Costa Mesa. Percorra as maravilhosas praias nesta área ideal para famílias ou confira os agradáveis cafés na região.

Lyon Air Museum

Veja algumas das máquinas voadoras mais raras da II Guerra Mundial e aprenda sobre o papel dos Estados Unidos na história da aviação.

Muth Interpretive Center

Passe o dia observando as exibições em Muth Interpretive Center, durante a sua viagem a Newport Beach. Explore as praias nesta área ideal para famílias e aproveite os seus ótimos restaurantes.

Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery

Durante a sua viagem a Newport Beach, participe de uma sessão de degustação ou excursão em Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery. Percorra o litoral na área ou experimente os seus ótimos restaurantes.

Sunbrite Pools

Entre em contato com a natureza e explore exuberantes paisagens em Sunbrite Pools, durante a sua viagem para Newport Beach. Explore as praias nesta área ideal para famílias e aproveite os seus ótimos restaurantes.

America's Family Pet Expo

Durante a sua viagem para Costa Mesa, leve toda a família para America's Family Pet Expo. Conheça os animados festivais e as opções de entretenimento nesta área perfeita para caminhadas.

As melhores ofertas de hotéis

Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach

325 Bristol Street Costa Mesa CA

Newport Beach Marriott Bayview

500 Bayview Cir Newport Beach CA

Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel

4500 Macarthur Blvd Newport Beach CA

Star Inn Motel

2656 Newport Blvd Costa Mesa CA

OC Hotel Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa 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

Newport Bay Inn

2154 Newport Blvd Costa Mesa CA

Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve: ver as 4.408 propriedades

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