5 Back Bay Gems
There are hidden treasures among the many parks and preserves in the city of Newport Beach. The beaches and bluffs of Back Bay are home to green and natural spaces with world-class views and tranquil settings. Let’s celebrate them.
This small, charming park offers unobstructed views of Back Bay, Newport Center and Saddleback. Located in the quiet Dover Shores neighborhood, its meticulously maintained trees, turf and flowers elevate the park beyond a typical neighborhood green space. It appeals as a unique spot for quiet reflection or to simply enjoy a visually stunning environment.
The public beach by Newport Aquatic Center is the perfect place to launch paddleboards and kayaks. Bring your own or rent them from NAC, which is also headquarters of summer camps, paddling and rowing lessons, teams and other on-the-water activities. The tranquil water is a good place to let younger kids splash around.
Easily overlooked by those heading toward the Newport Aquatic Center, this pocket park serves as a greenbelt within the Dover Shores neighborhood while offering public access to those who appreciate the ocean and harbor views. There is parking on Polaris Drive, in the park’s dedicated lot and at the end of the Westwind Way cul de sac. Across the street is an entrance to Upper Newport Bay, with seating on the bluff and a narrow trail down to the bayside beach.
Perched above Newport Harbor, Castaways Park offers stunning panoramic views from its 1.3-mile loop path. This scenic spot overlooks the site of the “new port” where the city was born in 1870. An informative plaque outlines the history, noting the area was also the site of the original Orange County Country Club, the clubhouse of which later became restaurant and lounge Castaways Club. Today, the park is home to beautiful native wildflowers, plants and large trees, many marked with memorial plaques celebrating the lives of locals. Also honored: the 1st Battalion/1st Marines with a larger-than-life-size memorial statue by artist Benjamin Victor depicting a young Marine walking forward to serve while looking back.
A favorite meeting spot for hikers, bikers, bird-watchers and others embarking on a Back Bay adventure, the small park on East Bluff Drive near Jamboree includes seating, informational signage and gorgeous views. Tours by Newport Bay Conservancy docents embark from here, and it’s a key stop on both the 10-mile Back Bay Loop Trail and the 22-mile Mountains to Sea Trail.