The Environmental Nature Center is a 3.5-acre learning center in Newport Beach, CA that includes walking trails, California native plant communities, and a variety of educational programs. The Environmental Nature Center offers after school adventures, summer camps, community programs & events as well as special nature walks. With so many different activities, the Environmental Nature Center is perfect for visitors of all ages.
How to Get to the Environmental Nature Center
The Environmental Nature Center is located off E. 16th Street in Newport Beach. The easiest way to access the center is to take Dover Blvd. to 16th Street and make a left. The best way to get to the center is by car, as there are not many public transit routes that run nearby. There are many sidewalks and paths for those who live within walking distance.
Best and Worst Times to go to the Environmental Nature Center
The ideal time to visit when weather is temperate, which is most days in Southern California. Since a big feature of the Environmental Nature Center is the outdoor walking trails and plant communities, it is advised that you avoid visiting during rainy or inclement weather. The center is quite crowded in the late afternoons 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. as well as weekdays during the summer due to kids activities and summer camps. A great time to visit the center is on the weekends between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Admission to the Environmental Nature Center
Admission to the Environmental Nature Center is free for all ages, however it is recommended that you provide a small donation to help keep the center running. All programs and kids camps do have a small cost, which can be found on the center's website.
Parking and Public Transportation at the Environmental Nature Center
There is no direct public transportation to the Environmental Nature Center, however there is a large parking lot out front that is perfect for cars, school buses and other tour buses.
Must See and Do at the Environmental Nature Center
Make sure you go on one of the nature walks behind the center which consists of gentle trails, native California plants, waterfalls and benches should you want to stop and enjoy a picnic. Every Saturday morning the Environmental Nature Center holds a morning meditation and the Butterfly house in the spring is a must visit.
Other Places to Visit Near the Environmental Nature Center
The Environmental Nature Center is located approximately a couple miles away from the Newport Dunes, a popular spot for kayaking, boating, and stand up paddleboarding. 17th Street in Costa Mesa is a few blocks away and includes lots restaurants and shops. Stop into Haute Cakes Caffe for breakfast or brunch, and enjoy a pizza with the family at the Pizza Bakery.
Insider tips for visitors to the Environmental Nature Center
The Environmental Nature Center has two faires each year – a spring faire and fall faire that features local food from neighboring restaurants, native plant sale and a children's art show. If you can plan your visit around one of the faires, it is a definite must.
Author's bio: Allie Fisher is an Orange County native who loves writing about food and travel. Follow her on instagram and twitter @socaliallie and catch all her adventures on her blog, www.sweetpotatobites.com.