Things to Do in Newport

Things to Do in Newport, OR - Newport Attractions

Things to Do in Newport


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Top Attractions in Newport

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Nature & Wildlife Areas
From exploring tide pools teeming with life to witnessing Oregon's tallest lighthouse, there is something for every visitor at Yaquina Head. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area extends out from the Oregon coast, one mile into the Pacific Ocean. Standing 93 feet tall at the westernmost point of the basalt headland, the lighthouse has been a bright beacon of the night, guiding ships and their supplies along the west coast since the light was first lit on August 20, 1873. The offshore islands are a year-round refuge for harbor seals and a spring-summer home for thousands of nesting seabirds. Gray whales can be spotted during their annual migrations to Mexico (late fall-early winter) and Alaska (late winter-early spring). During the summer months some gray whales take the opportunity to feed in the shallow waters around the headland. Cobble Beach is compiled of millions of round basalt rocks that produce an applause-like sound as the waves roll in. When the tide is low a vibrant ocean floor is revealed—pools of colorful animals including orange sea stars, purple sea urchins, and giant green anemones. Rangers are at hand to answer questions and point out all of the amazing plants and animals that call the tide pools home. Visit the Interpretive Center and discover 140 years of lighthouse history and thousands of years of natural and cultural history. Friends of Yaquina Lighthouses, a non-profit organization, offers site-related books, maps, and postcards in their interpretive store. Whether you want to see raging winter storms batter the Oregon coast, learn about the role lighthouses played in the westward expansion of the United States, or watch peregrine falcons at play, visit Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and experience something wild.
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What travelers are saying

  • Mel L
    Portland, OR260 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Be sure to visit the surrounding areas and trails! From tide pools to trails. There is more to see than just the lighthouse. Interpretive center is well done and very informative. Great volunteer staff!
    Written February 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • robynhackoregon
    Wilsonville, OR1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved the new playground which had fun activities for all children. Much of the aquarium had outside exhibits, so it felt very spacious. We caught part of the bird lecture and the feeding of the seals. Loved that there was underwater viewing for the seals and otters too. Inside the 3 fish tunnels, it felt like walking through parts of the ocean. Schools of fish, sharks, halibut and more. Well worth the drive.
    Written March 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mel L
    Portland, OR260 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The views were amazing, we lucked out with a gorgeous rainbow. The walking trail nearby was an added bonus. We missed the "tour" of the lighthouse and went back the next day but sadly there was no tour that day. The surrounding "Heritage" area offers a lot and worth the visit as well.
    Written February 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • James c
    Oklahoma City, OK186 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of my many stops on oregon coast drive. The formation is alot bigger than the photos displayed. Its about 40 ft across and you cannot keep looking down at the hole...mesmerizing
    Written September 30, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Fred S
    Kent, Washington, Usa82 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We loved visiting the Hatfield Visitor Center! They have so many wonderful exhibits, for both adults and children. They have great touch pools. Octopus feedings, many hands on exhibits, again for for children and adults. We all (two adults and a 9 & 10 year old) enjoyed it a lot.
    Written September 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Expedition55265
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nye Beach is a small neighborhood of Newport and the most charming part of town. By itself - it almost feels like it’s own small beach town. The beach is awesome for walking and the area has lots of great eats. Highly recommend Stefanies Cafe for breakfast and Nanas or Sorrellas for dinner.
    Written November 12, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Elephant Love
    Lincoln City, OR15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Love that sea lions are allowed to congregate and socialize one with another on the rocks in the bay! Love all the seabirds too. Just love walking around there, have for 20 years and it's always wonderful ~
    Written November 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 2rollon
    California522 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This bridge is as very nice to see we drove in the the park and got a good side view of bridge. 3 days later we drove across it to head home.
    Written June 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LaurieB980
    Portland, OR656 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We took Otter Crest Loop which is a smaller ocean side road off 101 which in itself is an adventure with some pretty great views, and stopped off at Cape Foulweather and found the little building that is a lookout which we'd never been to before. The National Park woman who works there did a great job telling us about the whales that come by this area from the cold waters of Alaska to have their babies down south in warmer waters before swimming back again. It was rather amazing, she said, that on both the these journeys both down and back, the whales have eaten enough that they don't eat at all on the trips! She also told us about some younger whales who stay in the area around the Lookout until they are large enough to make those trips, and they are often spotted eating small sea life from the kelp that floats around in the water right there. We would have loved to see some whales, but it's a little past the time. She told us that April/May will be a good time to return.
    Written December 6, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • KhmerloveTravels
    Siem Reap, Cambodia24 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Chose this place for our first yurt experience. It did not disappoint! It is the way to go when you have young kids. The yurt was exactly like the pictures I saw online. It even had electricity which was great because I could charge my phone.

    The location is perfect. Not too far from Portland, and a short walk to the beach. We did bring our stroller on the walk and while it was good for a while, it got too sandy and we had to ditch the stroller.

    The beach was quiet. We had it pretty much to ourselves! Our dog loved it too!

    We were able to buy a lighter and firewood when we got there.
    Written August 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jamescaje
    Centennial, CO247 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We stopped here for lunch and had a small wait. This is odd to mention but whatever that smell is outside of the brewery is punch in the gut sewer garbage smell. But don't worry, you can't smell that inside. There is a nice waiting area and gift shop. We were told there were tasters in there but no one was there to serve them until we were called for our table. My family shared a beer flight and enjoyed their drinks (try the chocolate stout and dead guy brew!). I had a drink with their homemade gin, cucumber and lime (it was sooooo good). Our server seemed to be having a hard time and left in the middle of our meal. After he left, someone did come over and take over our table giving us a better experience. I had a salmon sandwich on a gluten free bun (I mention this because this is one of the best gf buns I have ever had - get it toasted) and the large piece of salmon and homemade sauce was amazing. Other people at the table had fish and chips and they all enjoyed them. Nice view of the water. Some areas of the restaurant do need to be cleaned (the windows by our table looked like small children had been rubbing hands on them for years, foggy to look out into the view). But overall, good food and drinks.
    Written August 25, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • pnwthomas
    169 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of my favorite areas for beachcombing for agates, fishing, clamming and watching a beautiful sunset. If you go to the Wayside, you can park a RV and walk under the tunnel to the beach. Some of the other areas are not easy to get your rigs in and out. The one off Ocean View is smaller and I don't recommend trying. If you can drive down, it's worth it to watch the most beautiful sunset on a cloudyless or semi cloudy day.
    Written June 15, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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