SPOTLIGHT: NEWPORT BAY

Location: Within the city of Newport Beach.

Description: Lower Newport Harbor is considered by some to be one of the finest small boat harbors in the world, with more than 6,000 boats at anchor. Two main channels encircle the harbor’s numerous islands and converge at the harbor entrance, formed by two long jetties. The harbor is lined by bluffs, sandy beaches and rocky coves, with private homes and docks fronting much of the shoreline.

Upper Newport Bay is a state ecological reserve that has been left largely in its natural state. The wetlands habitat is vital to many animal and plant species, including migrating birds that use the salt marsh in spring and fall as a place to rest and feed on their long journeys.

Recreation: Boating is the major activity within the lower harbor. In addition to the small sail and power boats that ply the waters, the harbor serves as a port for cruise boats that travel to Catalina Island and other points. Commercial offerings include boatyards, dry docks and full-day fishing trips and whale-watching excursions. Small fishing dories, motor boats, sailboats and paddle boards can be rented from private concessionaires. Specialty shops and restaurants are located on and near the harbor.

In the upper bay, Newport Dunes offers a launch ramp, a calm water swimming beach and an RV campground. A bicycle trail circles the ecological reserve, and Back Bay Drive offers numerous vantage points for bird-watching and photography. Kayaks are fairly common in the reserve’s quiet waters.

History: Newport Harbor was created naturally, beginning in 1825 when heavy flooding changed the course of the Santa Ana River. The river began emptying into the sea in the area now known as West Newport. Sand, carried down the coast by prevailing currents and downriver during the rainy season, began to build the peninsula that now forms the outer perimeter of Newport Harbor. By 1857, the peninsula had spread to half its present length. The lower harbor was altered by numerous improvements, beginning in the ‘20s and ‘30s with construction of the east and west jetties at the harbor entrance.

Programs: For information on boating-safety talks and exhibits, and tours of Harbor Patrol Headquarters for school groups (third grade and above), call (714) 834-3803.

Hours: There are no specific operating hours for the harbor itself, but a 10 p.m. curfew is enforced at all beaches. The county provides Harbor Patrol and firefighting services in Newport Harbor.

Fees: No fees are charged for use of the harbor. However, private leaseholders charge for services and rentals.

Mass transit: Numerous OCTD bus routes serve the area surrounding the harbor. For information, call (714) 636-7433.

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