Back Bay: Muth Interpretive Center

Muth Interpretive Center is an indoor facility named after the Muth’s, a local business family that has donated substantially to save Back Bay from development. The parking lot is a few hundred feet away off University Drive prior to reaching the center. A short trail must be taken to get to the center. A side trail to a separate viewing area of the bay can also be taken on the way there (see photo). It’s jointly operated by OC Parks and the Newport Bay Conservancy. Visitors can check out their marine exhibits while there, which includes bat rays, small sharks, fish, and various informative displays. There is also an area to view bird sightings through a window with binoculars. Short documentaries about local wildlife are played on a continuous loop in the screening room. To the right of the main entrance, at the end of the hallway, is a play room. This has books, board games, puzzles, coloring supplies, reading areas, etc. It is well designed and decorated. Every Friday morning, there is story time for the public there.