Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve

This area is also known as Newport Back Bay. Starting at the parking lot on University Dr., head east on the dirt trail to visit the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. There are butterfly gardens surrounding the Center, and inside there are interactive exhibits and aquatic life (sharks, stingrays, fish). Center hours are 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday. They also offer nature programs and events.  http://newportbay.org/facilities/muth-interpretive-center/the-ic/ The trail allows you to go to a viewpoint on top of the building. After visiting, take the stairs down towards the water and follow the paths closest to the water. This will give you the best vantage to see the different birds enjoying the environs of the wetlands. There are a few paths with stairs, but these are easily navigated around if you have a stroller. You can stay on the dirt path as long as you wish, with multiple opportunities to loop back around.