This 892 acre preserve of wetlands are the largest in coastal Southern California, and have survived despite their proximity to some of the highest prices real estate in Orange County. Hear you can enjoy outdoor sports like kayaking, canoeing, hiking and cycling. The bay is open to water craft as long as they travel five miles per hour or less. This estuary is home to cormorants, grebes, ducks, and herons – nearly 200 species of water birds.
From: http://www.onlineguide.com/entertainment/Your_Town/newportbeach.html

See also: Mountains to Sea Trail

Some great pcitures here