Spending a day, a week, or longer in Newport Oregon is pure bliss! It's my favorite location on the entire Oregon coast. There is so much to do and see. The first ten places of the twenty listed are required stops every time I'm in Newport, without exception!
Beverly Beach
Unusual Rock Formation uncovered on Beverly Beach
Fungi along Beverly Beach campground trail
2. Yaquina Head Lighthouse:
and
3. Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site (Yaquina Bay Lighthouse):
Both lighthouses are in a beautiful setting. They have hiking trails and activities to keep you busy for hours. See my blog Lighthouses Along the Oregon Coast if you want more information on each one of these historic treasures. Lighthouses Along the Oregon Coast
Cute Harbor Seal at Yaquina Head Lighthouse
Brown Pelicans on Cobble Beach at Yaquina Head Lighthouse
Black-bellied Plover at Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site
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4. Devils Punch Bowl Natural Area: Low tide is when I most enjoy going to Devils Punch Bowl. Every season will bring a different beach, from scoured and rocky to sandy. It is a wonderful place to go tide pooling, birdwatching, and beach combing. This small beach,(which is part of Beverly Beach) has so much variety it is guaranteed to keep you entertained. If you are careful, at low tide you can even go inside the punchbowl, although not recommended! You can also drive to the top and look down into the punchbowl.
Beach at Devils Punch Bowl Natural Area
Low tide on the beach at Devils Punch Bowl Natural Area
Devils Punch Bowl
Greater Yellowlegs on the beach at Devils Punch Bowl Natural Area
5. Hatfield Marine Science Center & Estuary Trail: Before going inside the Science Center, I always take the 1.1-mile out and back hike along the bay at Hatfield Marine Science Center Estuary Trail. It's excellent for birdwatching, and an enjoyable stroll along the bay.
Simulator at Hatfield Marine Science Center
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A group of fellow birder's were on the trail one day searching for this rare Dusty Flycatcher along the Marine Hatfield Science Center Estuary Trail.
A pair of Western Meadowlarks along the Marine Hatfield Science Center Estuary Trail (Oregon State bird).
Marine Hatfield Science Center Estuary Trail
6. Old Town: Strolling through Old Town and the Port of Newport is a journey into the past. It is little changed from my first visit when I was a small child. There are restaurants, shops, murals, California Sea Lions barking on the docks, as well as lovely views of Yaquina Bay. At the harbor you can walk along the docks to get a close-up look at the various fishing boats.
Port of Newport
Jellyfish - Port of Newport
Jellyfish - Port of Newport
Old Town: California Sea Lion
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7. Depoe Bay: A scenic 13-mile drive to the tiny town of Depoe Bay is a pleasant way to spend the day. It has a large seawall that runs the length of town. On stormy days it is fascinating to watch the waves blast over the top of the sea wall and into the street. Across Hwy 101 are quaint shops and tasty restaurants. A very small harbor at the south end of town, with a very narrow entrance, provides exciting views of fishing boats crossing over the bar. It is known as the World's smallest navigational harbor (although I'm not sure if that's really true!) as the channel is 50-feet wide and 100-feet long. There are two freshwater creeks that flow into the harbor too.
Depoe Bay Harbor
8. Boiler Bay: If you are looking for beautiful views, a great place for whale watching, or to watch big storms brewing in the wintertime, Boiler Bay is the place to be.
Boiler Bay, with plenty of room for everyone
9. Cape Fowl Weather: This historic building and overlook sits on a basalt cliff five hundred feet above the Pacific Ocean. This is another place to go for whale watching. On stormy days the gift shop provides a comfortable area from which to enjoy stunning views.
Cape Fowl Weather
Pacific Gray Whale from the Overlook at Cape Fowl Weather
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10. Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint: This Overlook has more amazing views, and is also good for whale watching. There is also a short trail in the park that takes you to Whale Cove Viewing Deck.
Whale Cove Viewing Deck
11. The Oregon Coast Aquarium: If you haven't been this is a must see on your list! The Aquarium is one of the top attractions in Oregon, and when you go, you'll see why.
12. Mike Miller Educational Park: This lush trail is a .9-mile loop through Douglas Fir, Sitka Spruce, and Western Hemlock, along with other native foliage.
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Mushrooms along the Mike Miller Trail
13. Salishan Spit Trail: Near Gleneden Beach (18.7 miles north of Newport), this trail is a 5.8-mile out and back trek. It is a nice trail for birdwatching as the Siletz National Wildlife refuge is just inside the spit. It ends at the north end of the Salishan spit. Fishing Rock is a rock island out in the ocean which is part of the Fishing Rock State Recreation Site and can be reached by walking south once you hit the beach.
Salishan Spit Trail
14. Day Trip to Lincoln City: Traveling 23.6 miles north from Newport brings you to Lincoln City. In addition to its' beaches and restaurants, an outlet mall and casino are offered there.
15. Day Trip to Toledo: Toledo is a cute little town and an interesting place for a stroll. There is an amazing railroad museum that's worth a stop too.
Toledo
16. Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area: This lush green park (3 miles north of Depoe Bay) has several wooden bridges, an old growth forest, creek, picnic tables, and a short path that takes you to a small beach.
Fogarty State Park
Fogarty State Park
17. South Depoe Bay Creek Nature Trail: Spring is the best time for this easy 1.8-mile loop trail. You'll pass by native plants, along with Alder and Sitka Spruce trees.
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18. Sally Bend LNG Facility: This is a popular stop for birdwatchers. It's also a good place to take your dog for a walk. A trail leads around the Liquid Natural Gas facility along the bay. Throughout the year you can find many species of birds in the water.
View from Sally Bend
19. Depoe Bay Scenic Area: This hidden gem is located across Depoe Bay and can be accessed through a residential neighborhood in the northern part of the city. There are views of the blow hole, the backside of the wall, as well as places for a picnic and rocks to climb on.
Depoe Bay Scenic Area
Depoe Bay Scenic Area
20. Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge: The Alder Island Nature trail is an easy .5-mile loop trail that runs along Siletz Bay and the Siletz River. There is also a 3-mile non-motorized paddle trail for kayaks and canoes, which takes you along the Millport Slough and Siletz Bay. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Cedar Waxwing at Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Restaurant Recommendations: There are so many wonderful restaurants in the Newport area, but these five are our favorites!
Gracie's Sea Hag (Depoe Bay): Gracie's has been open since 1963 and serves fresh delicious seafood. It never disappoints! I prefer sitting in the bar area for the quaint atmosphere.
Rogue Brewery: There are two locations in Newport. Rogue Bayfront Public House in Old Town, and my favorite, Rogue Nation Brewery & Spirits on the Bay, which is near the Aquarium. We love their Halibut Fish n' Chips. You can expect excellent food at both locations, and we are sure to go here whenever we are in Newport.
Tidal Raves Seafood Restaurant (Depoe Bay): One of the best views. Ask for the window!
Pelican Brewery (Lincoln City) The setting is beautiful as the restaurant overlooks the bay. There are comfy wooden rockers on the patio area that are available while you wait. The food is always good.
Clearwater Restaurant (Old Town Newport) The food is excellent and so are the views. You can watch the California Seals on the dock and view Yaquina Bay from the big windows while you dine.
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View out the window at Clearwater Restaurant
Happy Exploring!
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