Kayak or SUP in the Newport Upper Back Bay

We'll kayak or SUP in the beautiful Upper Back Bay from North Star Beach. This coastal wetland, one of the largest in Southern California, is renowned as one of the finest bird watching sites in North America. It is home to six rare or endangered species: Light Footed Clapper Rail, Brown Pelican, Belding's Savannah Sparrow, Black Rail, Peregrine Falcon and California Least Tern. Considered a "critical estuary" habitat - Upper Newport Bay is one of the most pristine remaining estuaries in Southern California.

Kayaks and paddleboards can be rented at the Newport Aquatic Center:

Single kayak: $20/hour
Double kayak: $30/hour
Stand Up Paddle Board: $25/hour

There is easy and ample free parking and a restroom.

We go about 1.5 miles north to the boundary of the restricted area, and then back to the Newport Aquatic Center. This area can only be accessed by non-motorized boats -- so NO WAKE!

Lunch afterwards at Pitfire Artisan Pizza in Costa Mesa, 353 EAST 17TH STREET, COSTA MESA CA 92627