Located on the Oregon coast, Newport is the seat of Lincoln County and home to around 10,000 residents. The well-developed tourist infrastructure and the area’s recreational opportunities make it a popular destination for both local and regional visitors. The biggest draw is the beach, but the resort type atmosphere, seafood diners and kitsch souvenir outlets add to its appeals.
Newport’s Bay boulevard boasts most of the town’s attractions, as well as a large number of restaurants and shops. You’ll find the Waxworks Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not and the Undersea Gardens next door to canneries and fish-packing plants. Recreational opportunities abound in the immediate area, including beachcombing, fishing, surfing and whale watching.
The Hatfield Marine Science Center is an integral part of Oregon State University’s marine biology research efforts and welcomes visitors. Nearby is the equally-interesting Oregon Coast Aquarium. Also along the coast are two lighthouses that you can visit and a five mile stretch of sandy beach where you can spot grey whales.
Highlights
The Oregon Coast Aquarium: is a 29-acre facility featuring more than 190 species. Animals range from otters, seals, sea lions, and puffins to a giant octopus. There are six acres of cliffs, caves, tide pools, and nature trails along with the largest seabird aviary to be found in North America.
Beaches: three of the main area beaches are: South Beach State Park, a wide sandy beach around two miles south of Newport; Cobble Beach, part of the Yaquina Head nature area, boasting an abundance of marine life in the tidal areas; and the expansive and sandy Nye Beach, one of Oregon’s oldest and most popular beaches.
Yaquina Bay State Park: is located at the north end of Yaquina Bay, close to its outlet to the Pacific. The park’s setting is on a bluff that’s forested with pine and spruce.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse: if you climb to the top of this restored 93ft lighthouse, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views. This is Oregon’s tallest lighthouse and it is surrounded by a nature area where you’ll see plenty of coastal sea birds as well as grey whales, harbor seals and sea lions.