Natural Resources

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Enjoy the picturesque beaches and scenic nature parks of Newport Beach while also protecting and valuing the plant and animal life, water, airspace, and soil of these natural spaces. Natural resources are used not only by us humans, but in balance with the wildlife around us. Newport Beach is part of a unique coastal environment comprised of many smaller habitats where organisms of all shapes and sizes have adapted to survive. Explore, learn, play, and become one with NB Nature.

When visiting our beaches, tidepools, and trails please follow agency health safety while also adhering to guidelines normally required by the City and State.

Important guidelines to know include:

Stay on trails. Cutting your own path can disrupt wildlife patterns and sensitive plant life. Disregard for trails may also result in personal distress or injury. Always watch for snakes, ticks, poison oak, and other hazards while exploring local terrain. Share the trail with other users:
- Bikes are only permitted in single direction on trails in Buck Gully (uphill only)
  - Newport Beach Bike Map
- Electric bicycles are not permitted on trails.
Be a mindful pet owner. Keep your pet on a leash to avoid negative interactions with wildlife, other dogs, or humans. Clean up any outdoor pet waste (even in local neighborhoods) to limit the transfer of bacteria to wildlife, swimmers, or other users.
- Dogs are NOT allowed on any city beaches between 10am-4:30pm.
Take only memories. No removing or collecting (even temporarily) from any tidepools within Marine Protected Areas (beaches south of and including Corona Del Mar State Beach, as well as the Upper Newport Bay). Shells may appear empty but are important free real estate for many other critters. Picking flowers may seem harmless while on trail, but many pollinators need flowers to feed on and wildlife may use specific flowers or plants for nesting or food.
Fishing licenses are required by the State of California to fish in most locations (please see official State regulations for specific rules). Fishing is allowed only from designated areas on shore along the Newport Back Bay - no fishing off vessels (north of PCH).