Overlooking the tranquil waters of Yaquina Bay, Newport is a picturesque city renowned for its Gothic-inspired bridge. It’s home to a historic lighthouse, state-of-the-art aquarium and waterfront restaurants serving locally-sourced seafood.
Things to do in Newport
Don’t miss the impressive Oregon Coast Aquarium, where you can get up close to local marine species and rare deep-sea creatures. Witness marine mammals native to the Oregon Coast, such as sea otters and California sea lions, and see the largest outdoor seabird aviary in North America where horned puffins, black oystercatchers and pigeon guillemots reside.
Soak up the 360-degree views from the late-19th-century Yaquina Head Lighthouse, located within the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Follow the short but invigorating hike that leads to Salal Hill and offers panoramas of the lighthouse and rugged surrounding coastline.
Stroll along the Yaquina Bay Bridge, one of the most famous structures designed by American engineer Conde McCullough. There are sidewalks on both sides, as well as pedestrian plazas at each end where you can take in the bridge views and access its waterfront parks.
Newport is clustered with seafood restaurants where you can feast on locally-sourced oysters, crabs and tuna while taking in the waterfront views. If you’re a fan of beer, stop in at the Rogue Brewery to sample their creative brews, including a Shakespeare stout and Hazelnut brown nectar.
Getting around Newport
Newport is around 2.5 hours’ drive from Portland International Airport and just over one hour from the closest railway station in Albany. Newport is a picturesque destination to explore by bike and many of its sights are within walking distance of one another.