Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve




![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.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/8111/a9927f6b-26ca-47f0-a91c-1dca3ce9e1c3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Visit Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Tours & day trips
See all 48 activities
Relaxing Sunset/Evening Cruise in Newport Beach
1h 30m
9.6 out of 10 with 5 reviews
9.6/10
5 GetYourGuide reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise
2h 30m
7.8 out of 10 with 10 reviews
7.8/10
10 GetYourGuide reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult

Luxury Whale Watching: Fewer People, Extra Speed, Expert Staff
3h
9.2 out of 10 with 42 reviews
9.2/10
42 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult

Mosaic Art Classes Orange County: Turkish Lamp Workshop
2h 30m
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult

Tustin: Mosaic Lamp Making Workshop
2h 30m
9.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
9/10
4 GetYourGuide reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult

The Boat People Cruise Private Harbour Cruises
1h 30m
10.0 out of 10 with 21 reviews
10/10
21 Viator reviews
includes taxes & fees
per adult

Private Coastal Air Tour from Orange County
50m
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
10/10
4 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult*
*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults

Full-Day Private Orange County Coastal Tour from Anaheim
7h 30m
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
10/10
1 Viator review
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult*
*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults

Private California Birding Photography Full DayTour
8h
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per traveller*
*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults

Relaxing Sunset Cruise in Newport Beach
1h 30m
8.4 out of 10 with 6 reviews
8.4/10
6 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Classes & workshops
See all 6 activities
Mosaic Art Classes Orange County: Turkish Lamp Workshop
2h 30m
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult

Tustin: Mosaic Lamp Making Workshop
2h 30m
9.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
9/10
4 GetYourGuide reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult

Premier Paint Wine Experience in Costa Mesa
2h 30m
includes taxes & fees
per adult

Painting Classes Orange County: Ceramic Plates & Bowls
2h 30m
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
10/10
1 verified review
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult

Flower Decorating Classes in Orange County
2h 30m
Free cancellation available