Top 10 Sites to See in Newport Oregon

Newport is located in the middle of Oregon’s Pacific Coast, with a ton of sightseeing attractions in the Victorian town and surrounding areas. Not only are there so many sites to see in Newport Oregon, but things to do. You can head to the waters and join a fishing charter to catch your target species, have a food trip in the city’s many restaurants, or attend the fun events lined up yearly.

 

With so many things to do and see, it may leave you wondering about where to go first. You’ve come to the right place because we’ll be listing down the top sites to see in Newport Oregon, so read on!

 

Top 10 Sites to See in Newport Oregon

With a ton of different attractions, activities, restaurants, and luxury hotels, Newport makes for an amazing vacation. Check out these sites to see in Newport. Oregon to add to your itinerary:

 

Beverly Beach State Park

When in Newport, you must head to the beach! One of the first to visit is Beverly Beach State Park, located around 10 minutes away from the coast of Newport. There are a ton of outdoor activities you can do in the park, along with whale watching opportunities.

Not only can you enjoy the beach, but the verdant forests, creeks, and coves. It’s a great place for adventure seekers where they can hike, bike, swim, surf, and sunbathe as they view the diving scenery.

 

Seal Rock State Park

The Seal Rock State Park is a picturesque attraction located about 15 minutes from the city center. Besides the attraction’s rock formations, it’s known for the wildlife all around the area, from seals, and seabirds, to sea lions.

The park has been protected since 1929 and is named after the rock formations offshore. You can even check out the tidal pools or walk by the beach, spying on sea lions, seals, or other marine life.

 

Nye Beach

Nye Beach is one of the places you must head to, having a historic neighborhood with a thriving art scene and beautiful golden sands. In fact, some consider it the cultural center of Newport!

Have fun on the beach as you sunbathe, swim, surf, or even beachcombing and tide pool. You can even find a lot of shops and restaurants around the area.

 

Sea Lion Docks

This is one of the most popular attractions in the city, which lies along the historic bayfront. For most of the year, sea lions would head to the docks to sunbathe and use it as a base to swim in Yaquina Bay. See the sea lions up close, where they’re resting, playing in the water, and enjoying their natural habitat.

 

Yaquina Bay Bridge

This isn’t far from the Sea Lion Docks, so you can make a day out of it by heading to the Yaquina Bay Bridge, too. It is a National Historic Landmark that spans across the bay, connecting Newport to South Beach.

It was built in 1936 and designed by Conde McCullough. You can walk over the bridge to take a ton of amazing photos!

Hatfield Marine Science Center

Hatfield Marine Science Center is home to so many different animals, ecosystems, and exhibits, making it worth checking out with the kids. It’s right across the bridge from Newport’s center, lying in South Beach and near the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

The center is operated by the Oregon State University, where you can take tours and check the visitors center housing animals and environments from the Pacific.

 

Devil’s Punchbowl

This is about a 15-minute drive up the coast from Newport, and it’s worth the effort heading up there. This is a protected natural site featuring a remarkable rock formation, making it a stunning sight you must take photos of. Look down and you’ll be able to see the waters violently foam, swirl, and even roar!

From here, you can even sometimes spot migrating whales, or head to the park to go surfing and picnicking. Just don’t try to jump into the waters, as it’s called Devil’s Punchbowl for a reason!

 

Oregon Coast Aquarium

The Oregon Coast Aquarium continues to rank as one of the best aquariums in North America, making it a must-see when in Newport. It’s located across the bridge in South Beach, boasting numerous exhibits about almost everything related to Newport’s marine life, from seals, sea lions, and sea otters, to seals.

 

Newport Historic Bayfront

The Newport History Bayfront gently curves its way along the shores of Yaquina Bay. It is one of the popular areas to visit in town with even more attractions within as it has various shops and restaurants to check out. From souvenir shops, seafood restaurants, and even the Wax Works and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, you can spend the entire day enjoying.

 

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

About over half a mile out from the Pacific Ocean is this amazing attraction. Because of the Yaquina Head’s dramatic coastal scenery and a smorgasbord of outdoor activities, this park has stayed popular with tourists and locals alike.

It’s about a 10-minute drive to the north of Newport, and you can’t miss it because the basalt headland has the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, which is Oregon’s tallest lighthouse measuring almost 100 feet tall.

Besides marveling at the scenery and lighthouse, hike the park trails and learn about the area’s history and nature! You can even go harbor seal and whale watching at certain seasons.

 

Wrapping It Up

Learned a lot about the sites to see in Newport Oregon? Now you’re prepared to make your itinerary and schedule that trip! But wait, before you head on to the city, make sure you also book a fishing charter to complete your getaway, whether you’re with family or friends!

Contact us now to learn all about the services we offer and avail a fishing guide or charter for a fun day out in the waters.