Top 10 Things to do in Newport, Oregon

May 14, 2020

Categories: Newport | Central Oregon Coast

Local Attractions:

One of the most picturesque places north of Newport, the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is a must-see for lighthouse lovers. Boasting the tallest lighthouse in Oregon, this beautiful headland was established in 1873. Its interpretive center is open to the public daily, and a ranger-led tour to the top of the tower can be reserved on a first-come first-served basis.

A family favorite, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon learning about the inhabitants of our coastal waters. Enjoy exhibits featuring the sea lions and sea otters, bright and beautiful sea life, a sea bird aviary, and even peek at the famous Giant Pacific Octopus! Visiting the Oregon Coast Aquarium is a great indoor activity for people of all ages and abilities.

Looking for a nice place to stop on your way south of Newport? Look no further than the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse! Take a tour of the historic lighthouse’s attached living quarters, open daily in the summer, Weds-Sun in the winter, and closed for most major holidays.

Have you always wondered about trying to make beautiful hand-blown glass artwork? Oregon Coast Glassworks has you covered with lessons for the whole family, offered in either private or group sessions where you can create your own unique piece. If you prefer a less hands-on experience, they also have a beautiful gallery available for you to enjoy shopping for local artwork.

Shopping and Dining:

Nye Beach is known for its wonderful eclectic shops, featuring local artwork, boutique home goods, the perfect gifts, and even an independent bookstore. Stop in for a piping hot cup of clam chowder at the Chowder Bowl and browse the Nye Beach Wine Cellar for the perfect accompaniment to a sunset on the beach. You can have it all in this oceanfront, compact, historic district – don’t forget to bring your walking shoes to take advantage of the incredible shoreline before heading back to your vacation rental!

A trip to Newport’s Historic Bayfront is vital to enjoying the culture of this sea-side town, where tourists and locals alike can enjoy the little shops and restaurants along the bay. Make sure to try some of the saltwater taffy from the Newport Candy Shoppe, a great treat to enjoy while checking out the stores in this district. If you’d like to eat with a view of the bay, or take-home fresh seafood, Local Ocean Dockside Grill & Fish Market is a must! A beautiful array of boats can be seen in the marina, it’s a great place to relax and watch the sea lions with friends and family.

For groups 21+, enjoying Newport wouldn’t be the same without checking out the Rogue Nation Brewery & Spirit Headquarters! Grab some food and drink from the brewpub, sign up for a tour of their facilities, or stop into the gift shop to find the perfect souvenir. Located right on the bay of Newport!

The Newport Farmers Market is a local 60+ vendor market that is outdoors May-October, and indoors November-April. Boasting seasonal and local foods, handcrafted items, one-of-a-kind art, and live music. Stop by and purchase a cup of lemonade to enjoy while supporting the coastal community!

Support the Newport Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation by volunteering in a beach cleanup event! Check out their website calendar for more information on upcoming meetups. This is a great opportunity to give back to the Oregon Coast, keeping the beach free of litter for the enjoyment of the public and the health of the environment!

Go for a walk on the beach, peer into tidepools, or hunt rocks at one of these beautiful natural areas:

Yaquina Bay State Recreation Area
South Beach State Park
Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area
Agate Beach State Park
Lost Creek State Park
Cobble Beach

Stay and play!

Choose from any of these beautiful Newport Oregon beach rentals, featuring oceanfront, ocean view and pet friendly homes and condos. Stay in the popular Nye Beach, South Beach or Yaquina Bay areas which surround Newport.