Newport showcases coastal history and nature experiences in several distinct ways: the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is defined by two special architectural features; other highlights range from views of the bay and bridge to the beach, art, marine research and harbor life. If you are considering Newport as a destination, you can choose experiences based on the interests you want to shape your stay.

Lighthouse and Bay Views

The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is Oregon’s only surviving lighthouse with attached living quarters, and also the state’s only standing historic wooden lighthouse. These two features offer different points of interest: the living quarters are part of its design, while its historic timber construction identifies it as a wooden lighthouse. Those interested in architecture and coastal history can thus find two distinct features in one building.

Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site is in Newport, at the northern end of Yaquina Bay, near where it flows into the Pacific Ocean. A large viewing platform offers views of Yaquina Bay and the Yaquina Bay Bridge. The bay and bridge are the specific sights named here.

Beaches and Trails in South Newport

South Beach State Park starts in southern Newport and offers access to a wide, several-mile-long sandy ocean beach, as well as hiking and biking trails. This offers a different coastal focus from the views at Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site: here, the emphasis is on the beach and trails, while there it is on the bay and bridge.

Art, Marine Research and Aquarium

The Newport Visual Arts Center is located at the historic Nye Beach Turnaround. It offers art exhibitions and arts education in three galleries and two classrooms with ocean views. Together, these features give a visit a clear focus on art.

The Visitor Center at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport is its public education area. There, you can explore exhibits about marine animals, current research and issues affecting the coast. Art and science-focused coastal topics thus offer different starting points for planning what to see.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium offers the Octopus Encounter and Sea Jelly Touch Encounter experiences. Admission and advance registration are required for both. If you plan to take part in either experience, registration and admission are specific requirements for your visit.

Harbor Life and a February Festival

Newport’s Historical Bayfront is an active harbor area with one of Oregon’s largest commercial fishing fleets. The Newport Seafood & Wine Festival is held annually in February. If the festival is a reason for your trip, it is worth checking the specific event dates before booking.

Once Newport is set as your destination, you can look for hotels for your stay and first decide which of the topics described will shape your trip.

Discover more destinations: Seal Rock, Yachats, Lincoln City, Forfar, Neotsu, Otter Rock, Waldport, Depoe Bay.

Return to the broader travel overview: Lincoln.