Newport Bay, also known as Upper Newport Bay or Newport Back Bay, is a large salt marsh estuary and the largest remaining estuary in Southern California, located in Orange County. The bay is divided into the Upper Bay, an ecological reserve, and the Lower Bay, which is Newport Harbor. For paddlers, the primary area of interest is the Upper Bay, a protected wetland where no powered watercraft are permitted without a special permit, creating a calm environment ideal for kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. The best and most recommended launch point is North Star Beach, adjacent to the Newport Aquatic Center. This site offers free parking, free beach launching, and on-site rentals. Other launch options include Newport Dunes, which charges a parking fee and also offers rentals, and spots along Back Bay Drive, though these are only viable at a fairly high tide. Launching from the Lower Bay or Newport Harbor is possible from locations like Lido Isle, where public walkways provide beach access.

The paddling experience is heavily influenced by wind, more so than tidal currents. A consistent afternoon onshore sea breeze blows up the bay, typically calming by evening. A common strategy is to begin a trip in the late afternoon, paddling northeast up the bay with the wind at your back, and returning around sunset when the wind dies down and the water becomes calm. Paddling southwest towards Newport Harbor is another option, best done in the mid-morning or early afternoon to have the wind at your back for the return trip. While tidal currents are present, they are generally a secondary factor; timing an incoming tide for a trip up the bay and an outgoing tide for the return can make paddling easier. The area is a premier location for birdwatching, with wildlife sightings varying significantly by season and tide. In summer, skimmers and terns are common, while winter brings a huge abundance and diversity of migratory shorebirds, ducks, and grebes. Other wildlife includes pelicans, egrets, mullet, and stingrays. Facilities are centered at the main launches, with the Newport Aquatic Center offering rentals and public restrooms, though locker rooms and showers are for members only. The bay's aesthetic is characterized by extensive wetlands, scenic cliffs along some sections, and views of the surrounding hills.