32 Best Things to do in Newport Oregon in 2024

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LOOKING FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN NEWPORT, OREGON?

You’ve landed on the right page! We’ve been traveling together since 2010 and have spent months road-tripping the Oregon Coast. We’ve found that one of the best cities to visit if you’re looking for a good mix of family-friendly activities along with great beaches, lighthouses, and outdoor adventures is Newport, Oregon. There are so many fun things to do in Newport, Oregon.

Best Things to Do in Newport, Oregon

1. Kayaking in Yaquina Bay

Kayaking in Yaquina Bay is one of the fun things to do in Newport, Oregon

BOOK Kayaking in Yaquina Bay

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

Why choose this tour? It is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful coastline in Newport. This kayak tour is suitable for all levels and is the best way to enjoy the Pacific Ocean. There are lots of opportunities to see wildlife, including sea lions, harbor seals, and bald eagles.

The Kayaking in Yaquina Bay Tour includes:

✅ A small tour group of less than 12 people
✅ Use of kayak, paddle, and life jacket
✅ Use of waterproof jacket and pants

Along with touring the bay, you will get great views of the Yaquina Bay Bridge. Your tour guide will have great stories and insights to share about the area as well as information about the wildlife in the area.

BOOK Kayak Tours in Yaquina Bay

2. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is one of our family’s favorite things to do in Newport, Oregon. This small area on the coast is perfect for wildlife watching, tide pooling, and hiking. It is also home to the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.

We saw all sorts of wildlife when we were here. There was a whale just off the shore, which we had a ton of fun watching. There are resident gray whales you can see year-round, and you can see the migratory whales here in December, January, March, and April.

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

It is also a great place to see seabirds and harbor seals. We saw many great harbor seals, one of my kids’ favorite animals. We saw a couple of bald eagles while we were there, and you may find peregrine falcons.

If your kids participate in the Junior Ranger program, this is offered at this location. Inside the Interpretive Center, you can pick up your booklet and walk through the displays. There is also small gift shops inside.

Spending time at the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is one of our favorite things to do in Newport, Oregon

If you have some flexibility in your schedule, try to visit Yaquina Head at low tide. There are really fun tide pools down at the beach. We saw sea urchins, starfish, crabs, sea anemones, and other marine life. We had a ton of fun exploring the tide pools with the lighthouse in the background. It is such a pretty area.

Yaquina Head is open year-round, but the time of day it is open depends on the time of year. There is a $7 entrance fee, or you can get in for free if you have the America the Beautiful Pass. We love having this pass and can’t recommend it enough.

America the Beautiful

3. Yaquina Head Lighthouse

The Yaquina Head Lighthouse is the main focal point of the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. We love visiting the lighthouses when we travel because they usually come with beautiful views, and I love learning about the history of operating a lighthouse.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse in Newport, Oregon

There are lighthouse tours here led by park rangers. You can make your reservation ahead of time online at recreation.gov, or you can make your reservation onsite at the Interpretive Center. 

The tours are first-come, first-serve, and if you are making your reservation on-site, you need to make your reservation by 10 am. The tour lasts about 45 minutes. The tour is free, but if you make your reservation online, there is a small booking fee.

Make sure you bring some binoculars to this area because there are great opportunities for wildlife viewing, including whales and sea birds.

SHOP Binoculars Here!

4. Cobble Beach

Cobble Beach is the beach inside Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. It is unique because instead of sand, the beach is made up of basalt cobblestones. The beach area is covered in smooth stones.

Cobble Beach on the Oregon Coast

This is the best place to go tide pooling at Yaquina Head and where we went during our last trip. We saw the whale just off the shore here.

5. Crabbing in Waldport

We rented a boat in Waldport from Dock of the Bay and had a great time. They have everything you need right there in the shop, including a boat, traps, bait, licenses, and life jackets. We rented a boat for three hours and went crabbing in the river.

Crabbing

We’d recommend having at least two adults per boat – one will drive the boat, and the other will pull up the traps. My kids had fun helping to pull the traps up but wouldn’t have been able to do this by themselves.

When you are checking in, be sure to ask the employees for crabbing tips and the best places to go in the river. They are the experts and can share valuable information, increasing the odds of catching crab.

Also, there is a sand bar by the bridge where you can frequently find harbor seals. There were about 50 seals on the beach when we were crabbing. Watching them play on the beach and swim around while we were crabbing was fun.

Family enjoying crabbing in Waldport, Oregon

If you don’t want to go out in a boat, you can also rent just a trap from Dock of the Bay. There is a nice dock you can crab from, but you will most likely catch more crabs if you go out in the boat.

6. Camping

There are so many great places to go camping in this part of the Oregon Coast. Many of them are right on the coast with beach access and great ocean views. If you have camping gear or an RV, consider bringing it with you.

We always have such a great time camping, and it helps decrease the cost of your nightly accommodations. We love camping on the coast because it doesn’t get too hot.

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Oregon Coast Camping Guide

We have put together a great guide about the best campgrounds on the Oregon Coast, many of which are in the Newport area. The guide has great pictures and information about camping there. You can read the guide here.

7. Oregon Coast Aquarium

exhibit at the Oregon Coast Aquarium

One of the best attractions in Newport, Oregon is the Oregon Coast Aquarium. It is one of the best things to do with kids and one of the few paid things to do in the town. It is fun to spend an afternoon there if you’re looking for a break from the beach.

There are lots of really great exhibits in the aquarium ranging from large outdoor exhibits for sea otters, sea lions, and seals to interactive exhibits where you can touch sea life in a tide pool. We had a lot of fun going through the aquarium’s different areas; my kids also loved the outdoor play equipment.

Visiting the Oregon Coast Aquarium is one of the fun things to do in Newport, Oregon

I did think the aquarium was a bit expensive, however, this was one of the few paid activities we did in the area, so I found the cost to be worth it. We recommend planning for about two hours at the aquarium.

Part of the aquarium is outside, so bringing sweatshirts or a light jacket is a good idea.

8. Hatfield Marine Science Center

Octopus at the Hatfield Marine Science Center

If you’re looking for things to do in Newport, Oregon with kids or looking for something to do on a rainy day, we can’t recommend the Hatfield Marine Science Center enough. It is also a great alternative to the Oregon Coast Aquarium if you’re on a tighter budget.

There are not any large exhibits like at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, but there are plenty of smaller exhibits, touch tide pools, as well as a ton of hands-on experiments and learning opportunities. We learned about tsunamis and made our own in the exibit, listened to underwater animal sounds, and much much more.

Hatfield Marine Science Center

They also have an exhibit right in the front with an octopus in it. It was neat to see the Giant Pacific octopus moving around its habitat and learn more about these amazing animals.

The admission cost is $3 per person, and you do need to make an online reservation before you visit. We didn’t know this and made the reservation online at the entrance and didn’t have any problems with it.

9. Historic Burrows House

Historic Burrows House in Newport, Oregon

If you’re looking for ideas about what to do in Newport, Oregon, and you’re interested in history, the Burrows House is a fun stop. This Queen-Anne Victorian house built in 1895 is a museum today telling the story of Newport on the Oregon Coast.

The Strange, Unfamiliar, and Seldom Seen exhibit is a lot of fun to walk through. There are rare objects found that everyone will find very interesting. There is also an interesting exhibit about the Yaquina Bay Bridge.

10. Newport Discovery Zoo

Macaw in the Newport Discovery Zoo

The Newport Discovery Zoo is a small zoo and home to smaller reptiles and birds. There is also a great petting area with kangaroos, emus, goats, chickens, pigs, and other animals. This is a great stop for animal lovers and those wanting to have some hands-on learning opportunities.

11. Whale Watching

Whale watching on the coast is one of the best things to do in Newport, OR. However, there are times when you are more likely to see whales. December to January and the end of March to June is the best time to see the grey whales migrating to Alaska.

However, if you are visiting outside of those months, don’t let that stop you from whale watching. We visited in mid-July and saw a whale right off the coast near Yaquina Head.

Grey whale off the coast near Newport, Oregon

If you want to whale watch from the shore, Cape Perpetua State Scenic Area, Depot Bay, and Yaquina Head are the best places to go. Don’t forget a good pair of binoculars. If you are whale watching from the shore, the most common sightings will be of the spouts.

If you want to go out on a charter, you will have a much higher chance of getting an up-close look at the whales. Marine Discover Tours and Yaquina Bay Charters are two great companies offering tours in the area.

12. Ripley’s Believe It or Not

Ripley's Believe It or Not is one of the fun things to do in Newport, Oregon

We visited Ripley’s Believe It or Not in Orlando, so we were excited about the chance to see some other unbelievable exhibits at Ripley’s. Depending on how thoroughly you go through the museum, you can easily spend half a day here.

There are lots of interesting exhibits and facts you just won’t believe! There are also lots of interactive exhibits that are great. Ripley’s Believe It or Not has some really fun exhibits looking at the galaxy and look at reflections, illusions, and lights in space.

Be sure to walk around the outside of the museum to see the art garden. There are large statues made from recycled tires as well as an octopus bench carved from a Redwood tree.

Free Things to do in Newport, Oregon

13. Newport Farmers Market

Newport, Oregon farmers market

If you’re in Newport on a Saturday morning, be sure to stop by the Newport Farmers Market. It is such a cute local market with great vendors.

There are lots of fruits, vegetables, and baked goods for sale. There are a few craft and product vendors as well. We grabbed some cherries and blueberries to snack on as we walked through the market, and they were delicious.

Make sure to bring some cash with you because some of the vendors are cash-only.

14. Ocean to Bay Trail

Ocean to Bay Trail in Newport, Oregon

Contrary to the name, this trail will not take you down to the ocean, but it is still a nice walk. It will take you through some of the lush vegetation that is commonly found on the Oregon Coast. This is a great option if you are looking for a quick hike nearby.

You can start the Ocean to Bay Trail at Big Creek Park. This park has some fun play equipment that my kids enjoyed playing on before our hike.

If you’re looking for other hiking options nearby, we recommend checking out God’s Thumb in Lincoln City, too!

15. Nye Beach

Playing at Nye Beach is one of our favorite things to do in Newport, Oregon

Nye Beach is a fun neighborhood in Newport with a walkable business area and a beautiful beach. There are about 40 businesses in the area, along with beach access.

We had a lot of fun playing at this beach. It’s a great spot to try flying some beach kites. There is a small stream going down into the ocean that my kids loved playing in. There are also some small rocks on the beach where you can see ocean life in the tide pools.

16. Beverly Beach State Park

Enjoying the things to do in Newport, Oregon at Beverly Beach

One of our favorite Newport beaches in Oregon is Beverly Beach State Park. There is a campground here as well as a day-use area. It is located between Cape Foulweather and Yaquina Head.

This is a great beach for playing in the sand, tide pooling, whale-watching, and walking on the beach.

17. Cape Foulweather

View from Cape Foulweather

Cape Foulweather is one of the best views in Oregon. The lookout point is about 500 feet above sea level, giving you amazing views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. Unfortunately, the day we visited, it was super foggy, so I didn’t get a great picture, but some pictures showed how beautiful it is during clear weather.

This is a great place to look for grey whales and bald eagles.

18. Ona Beach

Playing on the rocks at Ona Beach in Newport, Oregon

Ona Beach is one of two areas in Brian Booth State Park. This was one of our favorite beaches in Newport on the Oregon Coast. There is a short walk from the parking area out to the beach. There are some nice sandy areas as you come onto the beach that provide some shelter on a windy day.

You can also walk out past this inlet to walk along the Pacific Ocean, which is really nice. My kids had a lot of fun jumping on the rocks that are in the sand.

19. South Beach State Park

South Beach State Park is one of the fun things to do in Newport, Oregon

Another great park in the Newport area is South Beach State Park. This area starts south of the South Jetty and continues for miles. It is a great place for playing at the beach as well as walking and riding bicycles on the South Jetty trail.

There is also an equestrian parking area for those who want to ride horses on the beach. Other amenities at this state park are a playground, horseshoe pits, and a disc golf course.

20. Seal Rock State Recreation Area

Seal Rock State Recreation Area

One of our favorite free things to do in Newport, Oregon is visiting the tide pools. Seal Rock State Recreation Area is a great place to see the tide pools at low tide and explore the beach. The iconic beach is known for its large basalt rock formations located just off the shore.

This is a common place to see seals, sea lions, and sea birds. The large rock formations provide protection and shelter for the wildlife.

We had a lot of fun on this beach. We explored the tide pools and had fun running and playing on the beach. The large rock on the edge of the beach also blocked some of the ocean winds, so this beach wasn’t as windy as some of the other sandy beaches in Newport, Oregon we visited.

21. Sea Lion Docks

Visiting the Sea Lion Docks is one of the fun things to do in Newport, Oregon

One of the fun things to do in Newport Oregon in the Historic Bayfront is seeing the sea lions at the Sea Lion Docks. This is a small dock just off the main street where you can frequently see sea lions. This is a quick and easy stop in the downtown area that is a lot of fun.

22. Historic Bayfront

Historic Bayfront in Newport, Oregon

The Newport historic bayfront is a fun part of Newport that has lots of fun shops and restaurants. It is also an industrial area that processes fish coming in from the ocean. It is home to Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Mo’s Chowder, the Sea Lion Docks, and many other fun stops.

There are also some spots where you can buy fish or crab as it is coming off the fishing boats here. It is a fun environment and a great place to explore.

23. Crabbing Pier 

Bay Street Pier

At the end of the Historic Bayfront, you will find the crabbing pier. If you want to crab yourself, you will need to get a license, bait, and a crab pot. There are lots of places to rent the equipment in the area.

If you don’t want to crab, it is still worth walking the dock to enjoy the views, and you may just spot some other crabbers pulling in the crabs.

24. Cape Perpetua

Cape Perpetua is a beautiful part of the Oregon Coast filled with tide pools, fun water sites, and dramatic coastlines filled with rainforest-like trees. This area is about 35 minutes south of Newport in the Siuslaw National Forest.

There is a visitor center there if you aren’t sure what you want to do when you visit Cape Perpetua. From this area, you can purchase the day parking pass and explore some of the nearby trails.

View from the Cape Perpetua Lookout

The best viewpoint in Cape Perpetua is the Cape Perpetua Lookout. The views of the forest and ocean are amazing. Plus, you can see the road hugging the side of the mountain next to the ocean. This is a really pretty drive to enjoy.

Along with Thor’s Well, some other highlights of Cape Perpetua are the Spouting Horn at Cook’s Chasm, Captain Cook Point, Devil’s Churn, and the Big Spruce Trail.

25. Thor’s Well

Our favorite stop at Cape Perpetua is at Thor’s Well. It is a large sea cave that has collapsed. As a result of the collapse, you can see water shooting out the top of a hole at high tide. Thor’s Well is a short walk from the parking lot.

Keep in mind that there aren’t any guardrails surrounding Thor’s Well, so you should exercise caution. Never go in between Thor’s Well and the ocean and remain in a position where you feel comfortable.

Thor's Well is a popular stop for photographers on the Oregon Coast in Cape Perpetua

Thor’s Well Guide

We have put together a great guide outlining everything you need to know about visiting Thor’s Well. It is a great resource to look through before visiting Thor’s Well. You can read the guide here.

26. Devils Punchbowl

Devils Punchbowl near Newport, Oregon

Another really fun water feature to visit about 15 minutes north of Newport is Devils Punchbowl. This large cave was created when the roof of two sea caves collapsed, creating a large bowl-like structure you can see down into.

The most popular place to see the Devils Punchbowl is from a viewpoint up above. You can see down inside the punchbowl, which is spectacular at high tide or after a winter storm.

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the Devils Punchbowl, visit at low tide so you can explore down inside the cave. This can be dangerous if you are not visiting at low tide or if there was a large winter storm. The tide chart should have a negative number before going inside.

Read More: A Complete Guide to Visiting the Devils Punchbowl in Oregon

27. Agate Beach

Kids enjoying Agate Beach

Agate Beach is another great option if you’re looking for more beaches to explore. This is a great place to go if you want to try your hand at razor clamming. It is also great for surfing, picnicking and walking the beach.

28. Yaquina Bay Lighthouse

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is quite a bit smaller than the neighboring Yaquina Head, but if you’ve got a thing for lighthouses, it is still worth a quick visit. It is just minutes from the Historic Bayfront.

There is not a visitor center there, but if you visit during normal business hours, there are volunteers on hand to tell you more about the historic lighthouse and the area. This lighthouse is not open for public tours.

29. Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site

Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site

While you are visiting the lighthouse, take some time to walk down to the beach. It is a short walk but will have some grade coming back up. The Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site has beautiful views of the Yaquina Bay Bridge and the surrounding area.

Best Restaurants in Newport, Oregon

30. Mo’s Chowder

Food from Mo's Chowder in Newport Oregon

When we visit the coast, we eat as much seafood as we can. My daughter eats fish and chips or clam chowder every chance she gets, so we were in heaven at Mo’s Chowder. The clam chowder is creamy with yummy bits of clams and potatoes. We also really enjoyed the seafood alfredo.

On the menu, they have a large variety of options, including tacos, pasta, seafood entrees, and sandwiches. I ordered the blackened salmon sandwich and would highly recommend it.

There are two Mo’s Chowders in the Historic Bayfront area. The restaurant on the bay side does not have a fryer, so if you are wanting French fries or fish and chips with your meal, you will want to visit the location across the street. However, the view from the bayside restaurant is amazing.

31. Chowder Bowl

Food from Chowder Bowl in Newport, Oregon

When you are out and about in Nye Beach, be sure to stop by Chowder Bowl. It is a small and charming restaurant just a block or two from the beach. Along with their delicious clam chowder, they serve a wide variety of seafood entrees, Angus burgers, salads, and yummy desserts.

If you’re ordering the chowder, we recommend ordering the Chowder Cannonball. It is a large bread bowl filled with chowder. We ordered the Manilla steamer clams as well as the fish tacos and thought they were also delicious.

32. South Beach Fish Market

Eating at South Beach Fish market is one of the fun things to do in Newport, Oregon

The South Beach Fish Market is a roadside restaurant serving everything seafood. They have live and steamed crabs if you want to eat crab but don’t go crabbing. They also have fish and chips, salmon burgers, and razor clams.

There are picnic areas outside to eat on with a few tables inside.

Map of Things to Do in Newport, Oregon

Where to Stay in Newport

There are lots of great places to stay in Newport. Whether you’re looking for a budget hotel because you’ll spend most of your time at the beach, or something to fit multiple families, you’ve come to the right place.

Inn at Nye Beach (Luxury)

The Inn at Nye Beach is a great place to stay to enjoy the fun things to do in Newport, Oregon

The Inn at Nye Beach is located in the walkable and charming Nye Beach district and sits right on the beach. It is within walking distance of great shopping areas and restaurants. You can enjoy beautiful ocean views out your window. It is a great place to walk out your door to the beautiful Oregon Coast.

The hotel has free parking, a hot tub, free breakfast, and a library. There is also an outdoor entertainment area that has an outdoor firepit. Each room is large and spacious and a great place to relax after a day in the sun.

Check Rates & Book: Inn at Nye Beach

⭐️ Inn at Nye Beach Reviews (4.7/5 Stars)

This hotel is charming, right on the beach. The front desk personnel were so helpful and friendly. The Infiniti hot tub facing the ocean was superb. This was a memorable stay. 5/5! – Deanna (Booking review)

First trip to Oregon coast for our wedding anniversary. Will return to this hotel because we were very pleased with our stay and the location is convenient to central coast activities. Room had balcony facing the ocean and fireplace. Breakfast arrived on time every morning. Infinity pool is great. – Kristin (Booking review)

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How to Get to Inn at Nye Beach

📍 Inn at Nye Beach Address: 729 NW Coast St, Newport, OR 97365 | Google Maps | Book Inn at Nye Beach Now

Starfish Point Condos (Luxury)

Starfish Point Condos in Newport, Oregon

Starfish Point Condos is located in Agate Beach, just minutes away from Yaquina Head. Also, in the area, you will find beautiful beaches and a golf course on the beach. Szabos Steakhouse and Seafood is a short four-minute walk from the condos.

There are lots of great amenities on-site, such as play equipment and barbecue grills. Each condo has two rooms, perfect for couples looking to split accommodation costs or families. Each condo comes with a refrigerator and oven, making it easy to cook your own meals. It also has a jetted tub and fireplace.

There are lots of family-friendly amenities, including cribs, high chairs, games, books, and a playground.

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Starfish Point Condos
Starfish Point Condos

⭐️ Starfish Point Condos Reviews (4.9/5 Stars)

Delightful place to stay! Lovely units, fantastic view and all these wonderful little touches that make it A ‘Twas a very stormy weekend, but the unit is so cozy that we didn’t mind staying in most of the time. Friendly staff, exceptional service, and the Jacuzzi tub is amazing! – Julie (Booking review)

I loved the location, the view, the wonderful managers and the area that was reserved for the dogwalk. It couldn’t have been improved upon. – Brenda (Booking review)

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How to Get to Starfish Point Condos

📍 Starfish Point Condos Address: 140 NW 48th St, Newport, OR 97365 | Google Maps | Book Starfish Point Condos Now

Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites (Mid-Range)

Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites

Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites is a beautiful hotel right on the beach. It is a one-minute walk to the charming Nye Beach neighborhood. Here you will find great shopping and restaurants. Yaquina Bay State Park and Lighthouse are a 15-minute walk.

There are lots of great amenities at Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites, including an indoor pool, a fire pit, and an outdoor entertainment area. This hotel is dog-friendly but does have an extra daily charge for pets.

Check Rates & Book: Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites

Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites
Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites

⭐️ Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites Reviews (4.3/5 Stars)

Comfortable spacious…balcony with ocean view. Yummy chowder in lobby. Pool hot tub. Close to everything. Newport is fantastic. Sunsets from the balcony ❤️❤️❤️ – Ramona (Booking review)

Great view of the ocean. Very clean. – Isaiah (Booking review)

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How to Get to Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites

📍 Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites Address: 232 SW Elizabeth St, Newport, OR 97365 | Google Maps | Book Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites Now

Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites (Budget)

Holiday Inn Express Hotel and and Suites swimming pool

The Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites is located in the heart of Newport near Yaquina Bay, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse. It is a seven-minute walk from South Beach State Park. The Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites has a great central location, making it easy to enjoy all of the fun things to do in Newport, Oregon.

Amenities onsite include free breakfast, a hot tub, an indoor swimming pool, and a gym. Luggage storage and free newspapers are also available. If you are looking to save some money on accommodations and still have a great place to stay, this is a wonderful option.

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Holiday Inn Express Hotel and and Suites breakfast
Holiday Inn Express Hotel and and Suites room

⭐️ Holiday Inn Express Hotel Reviews Reviews (4.4/5 Stars)

Breakfast was delicious and clean area. The whole place was clean. – Bernadette (Booking review)

Very clean and reasonable price – Cary (Booking review)

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How to Get to Holiday Inn Express Hotel

📍 Holiday Inn Express Hotel Address: 135 SE 32nd St, Newport, OR 97365 | Google Maps | Book Holiday Inn Express Hotel

Things to do in Newport, Oregon: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth visiting Newport, Oregon?

If you want to spend some time at the beach but also have some fun activities to do, Newport is a great place to visit. There are lots of fun, family-friendly activities like the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. The beaches are beautiful and have really fun tide pools to explore. 

Tide pools in Newport, OR

What is Newport, Oregon known for?

Newport is an awesome coastal town for a family vacation. It has two lighthouses, the Oregon Coast aquarium, as well as great beaches and lots of opportunities to see wildlife like whales, tidepools, bald eagles, seals, and sea lions. There is also a historic downtown area with fun activities for families.

Is Newport or Cannon Beach better?

We have been to both of these areas multiple times and have had a great time at each place. Cannon Beach is quite a bit smaller than Newport and is more of a boutique city. It is a quaint and quiet town. There are some art galleries and restaurants around town but not very many activities besides spending time at the beach and hiking. It can be more popular, can get crowded and is a little more of a luxury stop.

However, Seaside is about 20 minutes north of Cannon Beach and has a lot more amenities and family activities.

Kids enjoying Seal Rock in Newport, Oregon

Newport has a lot of family-friendly activities and more restaurants to choose from, but it isn’t a charming coastal town like Cannon Beach. I wouldn’t really consider it to have a big town feel, but it is one of the largest cities on the Oregon Coast.

Read More: Best Things to Do in Cannon Beach, Oregon

Is Newport pet friendly?

Newport, Oregon is very pet-friendly. Dogs can be on the beach as long as they are on a leash. Our dog loves going on the beach, and this is a great place to visit if you are wanting to spend time at the beach with your pet.

There are lots of pet-friendly hotels in the area as well. If you are looking for accommodations, check out La Quinta Inn & Suites Newport.

Some fun places to visit around town with your dog are the Wilder Dog Park, Agate Beach State Recreation Site, and Northwest EcoExcursions. Bowwow Meow is a fun local store with treats, leashes, and more. 

Playing at the beach in Newport, Oregon

When is the best time to visit Newport?

Summer is the best time to visit Newport, Oregon. This is when the warm weather makes it easy to enjoy all of the fun outdoor activities in the area. July and August will have the best weather, but June and September are still great times to visit.

July is the windiest month in Newport, so keep that in mind if you plan a summer visit. August and June are the second and third windiest months.

Conclusion: Things to Do in Newport, Oregon

We hope you have found this guide helpful in planning your trip to Newport. Less than 2 and a half hours away, you could even make this a day trip from Portland. It is such a fun town on the Oregon Coast. We loved doing all the fun things in Newport, Oregon. There are really fun beaches and great family-friendly activities around town.

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