The Newport Beach Back Bay Trail features beautiful wildflowers and is open for use year round. Very minimal elevation gain makes this hike food for all skill levels, but be mindful of the distance. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on leash. 

Cooling sea breezes make this one of the few treeless trails that is hike-able in the summer months in SoCal. Keep your eyes peeled for birds, strange vegetation (cattails, bay laurel, and papyrus) and fossils. Great Blue Herons, American Egrets, and Snowy Egrets stalk the horizon. 

Street parking near the trailhead is free.

Photos: Ken Lund and Sergei Gussev