Welcome to Newport Oregon, an exciting town on the beautiful Oregon coastline that is definitely worth a visit!
There is no shortage of fun Newport Oregon activities to enjoy, including exploring stunning beaches near Newport Oregon, memorable viewpoints, and unique natural areas. Spoiler alert: there is even an awesome lighthouse that you tour (more on that later).
In addition, don’t forget to explore the fun Newport Oregon things to do in town, including visiting the Oregon Coast Aquarium, strolling the historic bayfront, and indulging in the local bakeries and restaurants Newport has to offer.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about planning your visit, including what to see, where to eat, and the best places to stay in Newport Oregon!
We love Newport (also called Newport City Oregon, though infrequently) and have been here many times to surf, hang out on the beach, and explore the fun Newport Oregon things to do!
We are excited to share our knowledge of Newport Oregon activities with you. In this article, we have packed it full of all the great stuff to do in Newport Oregon. So pack your sense of adventure and let’s plan your visit to Newport!
Newport Oregon Overview
The city of Newport Oregon is a relatively large Oregon beach town with a resident population of over 10,000. Each summer, however, lots of people enjoy visiting Newport Oregon.
Newport Oregon is about 2.5 hours from Portland, 45 minutes from Corvallis, and 1.5 hours from Salem. As a result, Newport Oregon makes for a great day trip from many places in the Willamette Valley. At the same time, an overnight stay makes for a more immersive experience!
If you choose to spend the night (or two), continue reading to see the best places to stay in Newport Oregon below. There are excellent options for Newport Oregon hotels and other lodging Newport Oregon has to offer.
However, before that, let’s cover the best Newport Oregon activities! Outside of the Newport Oregon town, it is just a short drive to beautiful natural areas, state parks, and beaches Newport Oregon has to offer.
Within town, enjoy exploring the Oregon Coast Aquarium, historic bayfront, Nye Beach Newport Oregon, and the amazing options for dining in Newport Oregon.
There are so many fun things to see in Newport Oregon. Let’s get into it!
Newport Oregon Map
Use the interactive map below to get your bearings. You will see the locations mentioned in this article. You can also expand the map to view it in a new window.
Things to do Newport Oregon
There is no shortage of fun things to do in Newport Oregon. Check out these Newport Oregon activities.
Explore the Lovely Nye Beach Newport
Nye Beach is a fun and walkable part of Newport that has tasty restaurants and cafes, as well as cute shops and easy beach access.coffee
As a result, Nye Beach is a great place to spend a few hours walking around and taking in the vibe, especially if you are hungry, or in need of a coffee or local beer.
We usually go to Nye Beach when we visit Newport. In fact, we highly recommend the Panini Bakery and the Taphouse at Nye Creek (we think this is one of the best Nye Beach restaurants Newport Oregon has to offer).
In addition, there is a parking lot right next to the beach, which is great for those who can’t walk too far or if you have a wagon, cooler, or other gear. From what we have seen, this is one of the more accessible beaches Newport Oregon has to offer.
Nye Beach is one of two places (the other is the historic bayfront mentioned below) that are particularly pleasant to walk around and explore shops and eateries.
Local Tip: Parking at Nye Beach can be tough. Don’t be surprised if you have to search a bit for a parking spot. You can also park just up the street at the Newport Performing Arts Center.
Walk the Charming Newport Historic Bayfront
Explore the heart of Newport alongside the beautiful Yaquina Bay. In the Newport Historic Bayfront, you can stroll this dynamic waterfront area, taking in the sites, sounds, smells, and tastes!
With a variety of cute shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, and plenty of impressive murals, there is no shortage of things to do here. Furthermore, there are; usually resident sea lions that spend their days lounging on the docks and generally making a racket.
You could easily spend 2 hours or longer wandering around this unique area. It’s also a good idea to come hungry and find a bite to eat.
Local Tip: You might pop into the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center for a glimpse into how the ocean has shaped Newport as it stands today (more on that below).
Discover Local Marine Life at the Oregon Coast Aquarium Newport
The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport Oregon will capture the interests of the entire family. With multiple engaging indoor and outdoor exhibits and helpful staff, you are sure to have an educational and memorable experience learning about the animals that all the coast home.
The Oregon Aquarium Newport Oregon is a large facility that showcases live animal exhibits. From touch and feel tanks, to walk through tunnel aquariums, to sea otters and an aviary, there is so much to explore!
The whole family can spend a few hours here. In addition, there is also an outdoor playground area, a cafe, and a gift shop. Overall, we highly recommend a visit here.
Local Tip: If you’re into bird watching, or just appreciate a good quality estuary, check out the Yaquina Bay Estuary Trail right next to the aquarium.
Learn Local History at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center
Looking to learn about the maritime history of Newport and the Oregon Coast? Add the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center to your Newport itinerary.
This insightful and thought-provoking educational center will teach you about the history of the local fishing industry through film, art, and other engaging exhibits.
In addition, there are great views of Yaquina Bay and the historic bayfront. Overall, this is a great stop to learn how the ocean has supported industry and shaped Newport into what it is today.
Check out Agate Beach
Newport Oregon Agate Beach is a welcoming beach just a few minutes north of Newport. This is a great beach for a long walk, setting up a blanket, or even surfing!
The parking lot is large, free, and rarely fills up. There is a bit of a hill and some stairs to access the beach, which will get your heart rate up. Overall, it’s not the best for hauling a lot of stuff down to the beach.
We love to surf at Agate Beach, and if the conditions are good, you’ll likely see people surfing which can be fun to watch. Also, Yaquina Head to the north makes for a nice view but also protects the beach from north winds.
Local Tip: There is a surf shop called Ozzies right across the street from the parking lot. This is a great place to rent surf gear or take a lesson!
Explore Yaquina Head
Yaquina Head is just north of Agate Beach, only a few minutes from Newport. In fact, the full name of this chunk of rock is Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area.
It lives up to the lofty name by offering excellent hiking, unique viewpoints, a lighthouse, and an excellent visitor center. We think Yaquina Head is super cool and definitely worth a stop.
You can spend anywhere from 1 hour to a full day here taking in the views and learning about the history of this area in the visitor center. Don’t miss the one and only Yaquina Head Lighthouse Newport Oregon has to offer.
We also recommend taking a look at Quarry Cove, which is an old quarry that is now a playground for the waves, birds, and seals.
Local Tip: A fee is required to enter but it is worth it. Learn more about eligible passes. You can also enjoy a ranger-led tour of the Yaquina Head lighthouse.
Explore South Beach State Park
Located just south of Newport, South Beach State Park offers an excellent campground and day use area.
There are several places to access the beach, and lots of fun hiking and biking trails to explore, with both paved and unpaved options.
This is our favorite campground to stay near Newport because of the great trails, pleasant campsites, and proximity to town.
South Beach State Park is especially great to enjoy by camping, but it is still a nice beach to visit as a day trip.
Otter Rock Scenic Viewpoint (aka Devil’s Punchbowl)
Located 10 minutes north of Newport, Otter Rock (also called Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area) is an impressive feature of the Oregon coastline just off of Highway 101.
There is a unique sandstone cliff that provides a great vantage point over the beach below and the beautiful coastline. Also, Devil’s Punchbowl is the name for a huge hole and arch in the sandstone, which is quite interesting to witness.
In addition, you can walk down a long set of stairs to access Otter Rock Beach (on the south side of Otter Rock) which is pretty and a nice place to explore.
Overall, you could spend anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours exploring Otter Rock, and longer if you want to hang out on the beach.
Local Tip: If you walk north on C Ave you will see an access point to Otter Crest Beach, which can provide super cool views of Devil’s Punchbowl from the north. Also, there is very limited parking, which fills up quickly on summer weekends.
Drive South to the Rugged Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
If you are interested in exploring a unique part of the Oregon Coast near Newport, drive south on Highway 101 for 30 minutes until you reach Cape Perpetua Scenic Area.
This rugged and rocky part of the coastline is a spectacle to behold, offering incredible hiking trails, amazing views, and an excellent visitor center.
In fact, the Cape Perpetua headland is the highest viewpoint accessible by car on the Oregon Coast!
These old growth rainforests, expansive vistas, and unique rocky cliffs will take your breath away. In fact, we think just driving through this area is worth the visit.
Local Tip: Stop for a bit to explore the town of Yachats and enjoy other roadside viewpoints along the way.
Explore Beverly Beach Newport Oregon
Beverly Beach State Park, nestled between Otter Rock and Yaquina Head, offers an excellent day use area and campground near miles of sandy beach.
It’s a hub for whale watching, tidepool exploration, and is close to Newport’s attractions. In fact, Beverly Beach is just a short drive from town.
The state park features campsites, yurts, and a group meeting yurt, with amenities like a playground and picnic area.
Enjoy Great Food and Drink: Newport Oregon Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars
There are a variety of great flavors to explore at the best Newport Oregon restaurants. In fact, we have found the food in Newport Oregon to be exceeding our expectations overall.
Coffee, Cafes, Bakeries in Newport Oregon
For your morning coffee, breakfast, and pastries, check out these options:
| Location | Description |
| Panini Bakery | An excellent bakery in Nye Beach with pastries, coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, bread, and pizza for an affordable price. |
| Coasties Roasties | A coffee shop with tasty brews and lovely baked goods. |
| Blue Pig Bakery | A highly rated bakery in Nye Beach with amazing baked goods, soups, and sandwiches. Their cinnamon rolls and truffles are popular. |
| Camp One Coffee and Donuts | A small shop serving donuts, coffee, and breakfast burritos. There is a drive through but no indoor seating. |
| Nye Beach Cafe | A cozy restaurant and cafe in Nye Beach offering a variety of tasty food including breakfast burritos, biscuits and gravy, omelets, and sandwiches. |
| Cafe Stephanie | A solid breakfast joint in Nye Beach offering french toast, quiche, omelets, crepes, hashes, and more! This is one of the top breakfast restaurants in Newport Oregon. |
Restaurants Newport Oregon
When it comes time to fill up the tank for lunch and dinner, check out some of the best Newport Oregon restaurants. These places to eat in Newport Oregon will tingle your taste buds!
| Location | Description |
| Georgie’s Beachside Grill | A beachside American restaurant with seafood focused menu and views of the ocean. Perfect for enjoying a sunset with dinner. |
| Clearwater Restaurant | A restaurant serving fairly fancy fare including seafood, pasta, sandwiches and cocktails in the historic bayfront. |
| Chowder Bowl | Fish and chips and bread bowls whipped up in the upbeat Nye Beach area. |
| Pacific Kitchen at Nye Beach | Seafood, burgers, beers on tap, and cocktails. What more can you ask for? |
| Local Ocean Seafoods | Salads, sandwiches, and seafood served at an inviting location in the historic bayfront. |
| Zurita in Nye Beach | An incredible and authentic Spanish tapas restaurant with excellent food and decor to match. |
Breweries, Taphouses, Pubs, and Wineries
If you want to sample the local beer and wine, check out the following options.
| Location | Description |
| Newport Brewing Company | Newport Brewing Company is a brewery and restaurant in Newport, Oregon, offering a variety of craft beers including their flagship Dungeness IPA, vegan options, and a dog-friendly outdoor patio. |
| Rogue Bayfront Public House | Rogue Bayfront Public House is Rogue’s oldest pub in Newport, Oregon, offering 35 taps of Rogue brews, a full menu, and a dog-friendly patio with a view of the historic bayfront. |
| Bier One Brewing | Bier One Brewing is a popular brewpub in Newport’s Deco District, known for its rotating selection of craft beers and ciders, casual atmosphere, food, and entertainment options like pool and darts. |
| The Taphouse at Nye Creek | The Taphouse at Nye Creek is a welcoming bar and eatery in Newport, Oregon, known for its cozy covered patio, diverse beer selection with over 30 taps, and a menu featuring wood-fired pizzas and pub classics, catering to various dietary preferences including vegan and gluten-free options. |
| Myril Eatery & Wine Bar | A newer wine bar and restaurant in the historic bayfront that is up and coming! They serve great food and drinks with a nice view of the harbor. |
Shopping in Newport Oregon
Although Newport is a small town, there are still some great options for Newport Oregon shopping. Check out the following options for shopping in Newport Oregon.
The Nye Beach Area offers a variety of shopping experiences, including boutique stores like Mind Body Soul Journey for spiritual readings and energy work, Archway Market for PNW souvenirs and treats, and Nye Beach Book House for a diverse selection of books.
Additionally, the Historic Bayfront area features unique shops such as Made In Oregon for local artisan foods and souvenirs, Specifically Pacific for clothing, The Galley Kitchen Shop for kitchen supplies, and Newport Candy Shoppe for a wide selection of sweets.
Both areas provide a rich assortment of items ranging from handcrafted art and jewelry to gourmet foods and wines, ensuring a memorable shopping experience for visitors.
Places to Stay in Newport Oregon
In between all those fun activities, you’ll need a place to rest your head. There are a variety of lodging Newport Oregon options, including some excellent Newport Oregon hotels on the beach.
You can choose between Newport Oregon hotels, resorts, RV parks, and home rentals when choosing from Newport Oregon places to stay. These are some of the best hotels in Newport Oregon.
Sylvia Beach Hotel Newport Oregon
If you are looking for a unique and cozy place to stay in Newport Oregon, you might want to check out the Sylvia Beach Hotel. This historic hotel was built in 1912 and is not your typical seaside resort, but a literary-themed haven for book lovers and writers.
Needless to say, this is one of the more unique places to stay in Newport Oregon. In fact, each of the 21 rooms in the Newport Sylvia Beach Hotel is decorated and named after a famous author, such as J.R.R. Tolkien, Mark Twain, and Alice Walker.
You can immerse yourself in the world of your favorite writer, enjoy the ocean view from the windows, or curl up with a book in the library or on the deck.
The hotel also offers a quality breakfast included in the cost of the room. Delicious dinners are also served every night for a great price.
Overall, Sylvia Hotel Newport Oregon is a charming and relaxing place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, especially for bookworms.
Best Western Newport Oregon
The Best Western Plus Agate Beach Inn in Newport, Oregon, also called the Agate Beach Best Western, is a full-service hotel that provides a comfortable stay with amenities like air conditioning, hot tub, in-room refrigerators and microwaves, and cable satellite TV.
Guests can enjoy the Sea Glass Bistro & Lounge for dining, and the hotel’s location offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Agate Beach, and the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.
The Best Western Agate Beach Oregon is also pet-friendly, ensuring that your furry friends can join in on the coastal getaway. Overall, this is an excellent option among Newport Oregon accommodations.
Comfort Inn Newport Oregon
The Comfort Inn in Newport Oregon offers a convenient and comfortable stay just a short walk from the scenic Nye Beach.
Guests can enjoy a range of amenities including free high-speed internet, a daily hot breakfast, and a fitness center.
The hotel’s location also provides easy access to local attractions such as the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking to explore the area.
La Quinta Inn Newport Oregon
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Newport, often shortened to La Quinta Newport Oregon, offers a relaxing stay with amenities like free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen cable TV, and an indoor pool and hot tub.
Located near the Oregon Coast Aquarium and Nye Beach, it’s an ideal spot for accessing fun things to do in Newport Oregon.
The hotel also features a fitness center, business center, and pet-friendly rooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
Embarcadero Hotel Newport Oregon
The Embarcadero Resort in Newport, Oregon, offers guests a serene bayfront experience with rooms that boast views of Yaquina Bay.
The Embarcadero Newport Oregon features an indoor heated pool, hot tub, and sauna. You can also rent a crabbing boat and pots, then cook up your haul using boiling pots or a BBQ.
Accommodations range from spacious studios to suites, all equipped with modern conveniences like microwaves, refrigerators, and flat-screen TVs.
The resort’s location is ideal for exploring local attractions, including Rogue Ales Public House and the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
Little Creek Cove Newport Oregon
Little Creek Cove in Newport, Oregon, is a beachfront hotel offering a unique stay with each unit featuring a fully equipped kitchen, ocean views, and private beach access to Agate Beach.
The accommodations range from cozy studios to spacious suites, all with fireplaces, full kitchens, and private terraces facing the ocean.
Guests can enjoy the tranquility of the property’s wildlife pond and the convenience of free Wi-Fi and EV charging, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty of the coast.
Hallmark Resort Newport Oregon
The Hallmark Resort in Newport, Oregon, is a beachfront property offering stunning ocean views from every room, some with balconies or patios.
Guests can enjoy amenities such as an indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, and fitness center. Dining options include the on-site Georgie’s Beachside Grill, serving northwest coast cuisine.
The resort is conveniently located near attractions like Yaquina Bay Lighthouse and the Historic Bayfront. Not to mention the beach is just steps from your door at Hallmark Newport Oregon!
Other Places to Stay in Newport Oregon
You can also find a number of excellent Newport Oregon vacation rentals, including Airbnb Newport Oregon. These Newport Oregon beach rentals offer a different (potentially better) way to stay in Newport, depending on your requirements.
You can also check out what options Vacasa Newport Oregon and VRBO Newport Oregon has to offer.
Newport Oregon FAQ
Why is Newport Oregon famous?
Newport is known for its beautiful beaches and nearby natural areas. In addition, the numerous restaurants and Newport Oregon hotels are a draw for many people. Furthermore, other attractions like the Aquarium and
Is Newport Oregon worth visiting?
Yes! Newport is most definitely worth visiting. There are lots of fun things to do in Newport Oregon including visiting nearby natural areas, exploring fun Newport activities in town, and enjoying excellent restaurant and accommodation options.
How to spend a day in Newport Oregon?
A day in Newport can be spent exploring the Historic Bayfront, visiting the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and enjoying the scenic beaches like Nye Beach.
What does Newport Oregon have to offer?
Newport offers a rich maritime history, stunning natural landscapes, and attractions such as the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Oregon Coast Aquarium, and a variety of shops and restaurants.
What is the main industry in Newport Oregon?
The main industries in Newport include commercial and sport fishing, fish processing, shipping, tourism, and lumber and wood processing.
What to wear in Newport Oregon?
Due to the variable coastal weather, it’s recommended to wear layers, including a waterproof jacket, and to bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the beaches and town.
Can you swim in the ocean in Newport Oregon?
Swimming in the ocean is possible but not recommended due to the cold water temperatures, strong currents, and occasional rough conditions.
Does Newport Oregon have a beach?
Yes, Newport has several beautiful beaches, including Nye Beach and Agate Beach, which are popular for their expansive sandy shores and recreational activities.
Does Newport Oregon have an old town?
Newport’s Historic Bayfront serves as the heart of the Old Town district, offering a glimpse into the town’s past with its array of shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Is Newport Oregon a nice place to live?
It depends on who you ask! As with the entire Oregon Coast, the weather can be rainy and windy, especially in the winter months. That said, it rarely snows, so that is a plus for many folks. In addition, the weather is mild during the summer, rarely exceeding 75 degrees. As you can see in this article, Newport has lots to offer both residents and visitors.
Conclusion
Hopefully you found this article helpful when planning a visit to Newport Oregon. We love visiting Newport and always have so much fun when we are there. If you haven’t visited already, plan a trip to Newport!
If you’re interested, check out our other articles about the Oregon Coast. We love the Oregon Coast and are excited to share our knowledge with others!
