Best Tourist Attractions in Newport

Newport started off as a fishing village and is now an attractive beach resort filled with history, sights to see, and things to do. With so many activities to do, you might be overwhelmed and not know where to go first!

Besides fishing charters and going out to the waters to catch the big one, there are other places to visit. Read on as I show you the top 10 tourist attractions in Newport you need to head to, whether you’re with family, friends, with your partner, or when going solo!

 

Best Tourist Attractions in Newport

Whether you’re out there to mainly go fishing or want to spend the entire vacation with family, check out these places for an even more memorable trip in Newport:

 

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

This is one of the most popular attractions in Newport and the Yaquina Head Lighthouse is its focal point. This is Oregon’s tallest lighthouse, which is 93 feet tall and situated on a basalt headland that used to be lava.

 

While it doesn’t operate as a lighthouse anymore, you can head on here to learn more about Newport’s history, go wildlife viewing, and head out to the tide pools to find sea stars and sea anemones. You’ll also find an Interpretive Center that shows more of the landscape and history with exhibits.

 

Oregon Coast Aquarium

The Oregon Coast Aquarium will show you what it’s like underwater. One of the best highlights of the Aquarium is glass walkway, where you can look up and find sharks, rays, and other sea creatures that swim overhead.

You can even see seals, sea otters, as well as Pacific octopus, making their homes in these aquarium tanks. It’s perfect for the whole family and to introduce your children to the amazing life underwater.

For the more adventurous souls, you can dive into the aquarium tanks with professional guides to get up close and personal with the marine life!

Newport’s Historic Bayfront

Newport Bayfront is protected from Pacific rollers thanks to the narrow harbor mouth. From here, you’ll see the Yaquina Bay Bridge, the largest area landmark and crucial connection to Oregon’s Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.

You can find commercial fishing fleets by the waterfront and a lot of seafood restaurants, art galleries, and fun shops. There may also be fishing charters around, as well as Marine Discovery Tours where you can go on a boat trip to see a ton of water wildlife.

 

Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site

The Yaquina Bay State recreation Site is found on the north side of Yaquina Bay. It is also home to the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse. When you head inside the wooden building, you’ll find period furniture and get a view suitable for whale watching. You’ll want to head over here during the winter and spring to spot the migrating grey whales.

 

Nye Beach

Nye Beach faces the pacific Ocean and has always been the most popular destination when visiting Newport. This is also the beach with the best sunset views and where you can find cultural hubs.

Get to visit the local shops, delicious restaurants, and the arts centers near Nye Beach.

Historic Burrows House

This is owned and operated by the Lincoln County Historical Society, alongside the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center.

The Historic Burrows House is a Victorian mansion that features period furniture and clothing. Nest to the house is the Log Cabin Research Facility, where you can find a ton of newspapers, photos, maps, and more information about the region’s history.

You can even head to the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center afterward, which will show you exhibits about the maritime life. From here, you can also admire the amazing view of Newport’s historic Bayfront. Learn all about the unique maritime history of Newport here!

 

Beverly Beach State Park

The Beverly Beach State Park is a popular beach on the Oregon Coast. With 5 miles of beach, you can spread out and find awesome waves for surfing.

From here, you can see the Yaquina Bay lighthouse and migrating whales when in season. There is even a large campground with over 200 campsites and 21 yurts.

Siuslaw National Forest

The Siuslaw National Forest is 630,000 acres worth of coast, rivers, and mountains. This is one of the only national forests extending to the coast, with the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area perfect for whale-watching and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area for viewing the forest and sand.

You can also head to the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway where you can head to the hiking trails and campgrounds of this humongous forest!

 

Undersea Gardens

Under Yaquina Bay is Undersea Gardens, where you can find a ton of sea creatures such as eel, anemone, octopus, and other fish. This is one of the main attractions in the Historic Bayfront’s Mariner Square, and one that all divers and water enthusiasts must try!

Tour guides and scuba divers will lead the way, and it will feel like such an adventure.

 

Head to Delicious Restaurants!

You can’t travel to a whole new destination without trying the delicious food and local cuisine!  Newport is known for their seafood, so you have to head on over to Local Ocean Seafoods. All of their seafood dishes are divine, and you can expect you and the family to go back the next day for more.

You can also go to Café Mundo, the most popular café in Nye Beach filled with arts and colorful décor. They offer healthier dishes, which is great if you want a break from all the greasy fish and rich meats!

 

Wrapping It Up

Whenever you head to Newport, don’t forget to visit any of these tourist attractions! Delight yourself and your loved ones with a vacation of a lifetime, and don’t forget to try your hand at fishing as well!

For those who want to go fishing, contact us here at Newport Oregon Fishing Charters to book a fun trip out to the waters with your loved ones now.