Newport OregonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Newport, Oregon.
1. Oregon Coast Aquarium
INTERACTIVE MARINE DISCOVERY
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a world-class interactive aquarium featuring touch pools and underwater tunnels that showcase local marine life. Visitors can observe playful sea otters and colorful fish while learning about coastal ecosystems. The aquarium offers engaging exhibits that make it a must-visit destination for families and marine enthusiasts alike.
2. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
LIGHTHOUSE AND MARINE WILDLIFE
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area features the tallest lighthouse in Oregon standing at 93 feet tall against a backdrop of rugged coastline. The area offers panoramic ocean views, tide pools rich in marine life, and opportunities for whale and seal watching. Visitors can explore nature trails and learn about the coastal ecosystem while enjoying this scenic natural preserve.
3. Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area
DRAMATIC COASTAL FORMATION
Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area showcases a unique bowl-shaped rock formation carved by the relentless power of the ocean. During high tide, waves crash into the punchbowl creating a dramatic churning effect that resembles a witch's cauldron. The surrounding area features beautiful blooming flowers and rolling waves, making it a perfect spot for photography and nature appreciation.
4. Nye Beach
HISTORIC ARTS DISTRICT
Nye Beach is a charming historic district that was once the number one attraction on the Oregon Coast during the early 1900s. Today, it remains a popular haven for the arts with galleries, unique shops, and cozy cafes lining its streets. The district offers easy beach access combined with a distinct cultural atmosphere that makes it a must-visit destination in Newport.
5. Yaquina Head Lighthouse
TALLEST OREGON LIGHTHOUSE
Yaquina Head Lighthouse stands as the tallest active lighthouse in Oregon, offering guided tours and spectacular coastal views. The historic lighthouse features living quarters exhibits and a heritage area that provides insight into the life of lighthouse keepers. Surrounding nature trails and tide pools enhance the experience, making it a comprehensive coastal destination.
6. Newport's Historic Bayfront
WORKING PORT AND CULTURE
Newport's Historic Bayfront is a vibrant district blending a working commercial fishing port with shopping and dining establishments. Visitors can watch sea lions lounging on the docks, observe fishing boats bringing in their catch, and explore maritime culture firsthand. The area features fish processing plants alongside art galleries, chowder houses, and souvenir shops, creating a uniquely authentic coastal experience.
7. South Beach State Park
BEACHES AND RECREATION
South Beach State Park offers miles of sandy beaches perfect for beachcombing and enjoying ocean views. The park features numerous recreational facilities including a paved walking and biking trail, a playground, horseshoe pits, and a disc golf course. Visitors can camp overnight at the park's campground, making it an ideal base for exploring the Newport area.
8. Hatfield Marine Science Center
OCEAN RESEARCH HUB
Hatfield Marine Science Center serves as a leading research and education facility focused on marine science and coastal ecosystems. The center offers interactive exhibits that make complex scientific concepts accessible to visitors of all ages. Through hands-on displays and informative presentations, guests can learn about oceanography, marine biology, and ongoing scientific research.
9. Yaquina Bay Lighthouse
HISTORIC WOODEN LIGHTHOUSE
Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is the second oldest lighthouse in Oregon and the only remaining wooden lighthouse in the state. Completed in 1871, this historic structure offers free self-guided tours during most of the year, allowing visitors to step back in time. Pretty wooded trails in the surrounding Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site lead from the lighthouse down to the beach and the north side of Newport's jetty.
10. Yaquina Bay Bridge
ICONIC ART-DECO SPAN
Yaquina Bay Bridge is an iconic art-deco arch bridge on Highway 101 that spans Yaquina Bay. The distinctive structure, built in the 1930s, has become a symbol of Newport and offers spectacular views of the bay, ocean, and surrounding landscapes. Photographers appreciate various vantage points for capturing the bridge's elegant design against coastal backdrops.
11. Rogue Nation Brewery & Spirits
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Rogue Nation Brewery & Spirits offers brewery tours and pub dining under the picturesque Yaquina Bay Bridge. Visitors can sample a range of craft beers through tasting flights while enjoying hearty meals in a unique waterfront setting. The establishment includes a distinctive store with brewery merchandise and provides scenic marina views that enhance the dining experience.
12. Sea Lion Docks
WILDLIFE VIEWING SPOT
Sea Lion Docks provides visitors with an up-close view of these charismatic marine mammals in their natural habitat. Located along Newport's Historic Bayfront, the viewing platform allows guests to observe sea lions lounging, barking, and interacting with one another. The free attraction offers excellent photo opportunities and a chance to learn about these fascinating creatures through informational displays.
13. Yaquina Bay and Jetty
NATURAL HARBOR VIEWS
Yaquina Bay and Jetty is where the Yaquina River meets the Pacific Ocean, creating a natural harbor flanked by long jetties extending into the sea. The area is ideal for wildlife spotting with seals, sea lions, and seabirds frequently hunting for fish in these waters. Visitors can admire the Yaquina Bay Bridge from various angles and explore parks on both the north and south sides of the bay.
14. Ripley's Believe It or Not
ODDITIES AND CURIOSITIES
Ripley's Believe It or Not in Newport houses an eclectic collection of strange artifacts, unusual exhibits, and bizarre oddities from around the world. Visitors can explore rooms filled with extraordinary items that challenge perception and showcase the stranger side of reality. The family-friendly attraction offers an entertaining alternative to outdoor activities during inclement weather days on the coast.
15. Otter Crest Loop Drive
SCENIC COASTAL ROUTE
Otter Crest Loop Drive offers a picturesque alternative to Highway 101 with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal formations. The narrow, winding road passes through dense forests before revealing panoramic vistas of the rugged coastline. Travelers can stop at several viewpoints along the way, including Cape Foulweather which provides exceptional whale watching opportunities during migration seasons.