The 10 Best Attractions to See in Newport, Oregon

Newport is from the central coast of Oregon, a small town with a ton to offer to both locals and tourists. Here, you can find a ton of magnificent beaches and a lot of delicious restaurants to feast in. For such a small town, you’ll be surprised with how much you can do there!

Read on as I show you the 10 best attractions to see in Newport, Oregon!

 

Best Attractions to See in Newport, Oregon

Newport has a unique character, which is why it’s a must-visit. If you happen to head to Newport, Oregon, then make sure to head to these areas:

 

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

This is most likely the most popular attraction in Newport, Oregon, home to the area’s tallest lighthouse. The lighthouse is 93 feet tall and situated on top of a basalt headland, which used to be lava. It has been around since 1873 and you can take guided tours.

Besides the lighthouse, you can go wildlife viewing. You can find a lot of migrating whales and harbor seals in the Yaquina Head.

There are also tide pools in the area. which are a personal favorite for families who want to look for sea stars and sea anemones. Visit the Interpretative Center as well, to learn more about the lighthouse and landscape with its exhibits.

Oregon Coast Aquarium

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is an introduction to underwater life. There are glass walkways here that allow you to look up at all the rays and sharks that swim overhead. Plus, there are seals, Pacific octopuses, sea otters, and more underwater wildlife living in the aquarium tanks.

When visiting, catch the daily feeding times for a better experience! Even if you don’t catch the “prime time”, there are other interactive experiences, such as animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours.

There are other awesome attractions, such as the Secret of Shipwrecks, Sea Lion Kiss Encounters, even the Sleep in the Deep! These are just some of the many programs and areas to visit in the aquarium to enjoy your day.

If you want a more immersive experience, you can even dive into the tanks and see the underwater life up close. Of course, this is with a professional guide!

 

Newport’s Historic Bayfront

The Newport Bayfront is located in Yaquina Bay. Here, you can find the largest landmark, the Yaquina Bay Bridge. This is a very important landmark and link to Oregon’s Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.

The area is where commercial fishing fleets find shelter just by the waterfront, while visitors can find a ton of art galleries, shops, and seafood restaurants. Head to the Marine Discovery Tours and take the cruise, spotting different wildlife such as seals, gray whales, and sea lions.

 

Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site

The Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site is on the north side of the bay. It is a 32-acre park that houses the 1871 Yaquina Bay Lighthouse. This is one of the first navigational aids and then used for the Coast Guard Lifeboat Station

Inside this wooden building are period furnishings, along with free and self-guided tours that can be taken daily. Take note that they are not open during the major holidays and have limited hours come the winter season.

Other than the self-guided tours, the area is popular to go whale watching in. It’s best to head on to the area during December, January, and the spring, where you can find migrating gray whales. Not to worry, as binoculars and telephoto lenses are available so you can see these massive animals from the bay.

Siuslaw National Forest

The Siuslaw National Forest is amazingly diverse, having 630,000 acres of coast, mountains, and rivers. Usually, you don’t find national forests extending until the coast!

But here, you can find the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, a popular area for whale-watching. You can also find the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, where you get a rare landscape of forest and land. Head to the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway as well, where there are valley roads that provide access to hiking trails and campgrounds.

This is an ideal area for families who want to experience the great outdoors, from forests to waters. You can camp here with the entire family and make new memories surrounded by Mother Nature.

Go Fishing in Yaquina Bay

One of the most popular things to do in Newport, Oregon, is to go fishing! There are a lot of boat charters that permit you to catch a ton of fish, such as salmon, crabs, clams, and a lot more.

Besides that, boat charters and fishing will have you experience nature at its finest. You are surrounded by the waters, wind blowing, lots of fish to see, and lots to learn. After you catch some fish or crabs, there are nearby areas where you can find free crab cookers and BBQs!

In fact, Newport’s origins began as fishing, originating from the mid-1800s. Oyster beds were discovered in Yaquina Bay, with settlers discovering great profit in these oysters throughout the West coast.

By the late 1800s, the bayfront has become more established, where more Europeans were fishing and living by the shore. In the early 1900s, fishing became the top industry in Newport, and tourism took over.

This is why until now, Yaquina Bay is a very popular destination for crabbing and fishing. More so, there are various activities and events to attend for fun with friends and family.

 

Wrapping It Up

Newport isn’t only home to good food and fishing activities, it’s also home to lots of amazing attractions to visit. That’s why when you visit Newport, you must explore and experience its fun and beauty.

 

With this guide, you can begin preparing your trip to Newport, Oregon and make sure you have an amazing vacation. Keep these attractions in mind as you begin readying your itinerary for your next trip. Don’t forget to throw in a fishing activity or two there!