Updated: April 2, 2024
Known as the “Dungeness Crab Capital of the World,” Newport, Oregon, is a picture-postcard port town with beautiful Yaquina Bay on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other.
There so many fun things to do in Newport, from the historic bayfront and old lighthouses to the renowned Oregon Coast Aquarium and excellent local seafood.
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Contents
- Where is Newport, Oregon?
- Transportation to Newport
- About Newport
- Top Sights and Things to Do in Newport, Oregon
- Places to Stay in Newport
Hotels
Vacation Rentals
Campgrounds - Where to Eat in Newport – Best Restaurants and Dining
- Weather in Newport, Oregon
- Tide Charts for Newport, Oregon
- Annual Events and Festivals in Newport
Where is Newport, Oregon?
Newport is located on the central Oregon Coast in Lincoln County, about a 2.5-hour drive from Portland. The most common route is via I-5 South to Hwy 20 West, but traffic on I-5 can be unpredictable. An alternate, slightly more scenic route is to take Hwy 18 West and come down from Lincoln City on Hwy 101.
It’s a bit of a drive, but it could work out as a day trip from Portland or an ideal weekend getaway.
Transportation to Newport
Driving is the easiest and fastest way to get to Newport but there are some car-free options available. For air, bus, train, car and camper rental information, see Transportation to the Oregon Coast.
🚗 Save up to 70% on your next car rental through DiscoverCars.
About Newport, Oregon
Situated on a picturesque spot where the Pacific Ocean meets Yaquina Bay, Newport was once home to the Yacona tribe, whose history can be documented at least 3,000 years back.
Today, Newport has a population of 10,500 people living and working in a bustling marine community centered around a busy working port. It is also home to the largest commercial fishing fleet in the state, a renowned aquarium and marine science research facilities and a vibrant arts and food scene.
Top Sights and Things to Do in Newport, Oregon
1. Visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium and Marine Science Center
The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport is famous for being the former home of Keiko, the orca who starred in the movie Free Willy. Here, you can walk through a clear, underwater tunnel for an up-close experience with sharks, rays and other sea life.
There is also an aviary for sea birds, a touch pool, moon jelly tank and you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive giant Pacific octopus if you’re lucky.
Next door, the Hatfield Marine Science Center is a research and education center operated by Oregon State University. Discover interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and educational displays about Oregon’s coastal ecosystem.
If you’re looking for things to do on a rainy day in Newport with kids, the aquarium and marine science center are great options (Ripley’s Believe it Or Not is also a favorite Newport attraction for kids).
2. See an Oregon Coast Lighthouse (or Two)
Interested in lighthouses on the Oregon Coast? Newport has two! A must-visit scenic spot, the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is a one-mile stretch of land that extends into the Pacific Ocean where the Yaquina Head Lighthouse has been guiding ships with its bright beacon since 1873. Be sure to visit beautiful Agate Beach and Cobble Beach and explore the tide pools at low tide.
👉 More of the best beaches on the central Oregon Coast
The second lighthouse with a very similar title, Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is Oregon’s oldest, built in 1871. A paved walkway leads to the top of the hill in Yaquina Bay State Park, at the north end of the bay. Inside, two flights of stairs lead to the watch room, but the lantern room is closed to the public.
👉 See more of the best lighthouses on the Oregon Coast.
3. Stroll and Shop in Newport's Nye Beach
Take a stroll through Newport’s Nye Beach district, a happening little spot for summer vacationers dating back to the 1890s. We had the best cinnamon roll of our lives from Blue Pig Bakery but according to recent reviews, it has been sold to new owners (the reviews are still good!). There are several top-rated restaurants and small shops in this district as well as access to a beautiful beach.
4. Visit Newport's Bayfront and Resident Sea Lions
Another must-visit spot, don’t miss the Newport Bayfront, a busy dockside tourist area and one of the most popular things to do in Newport. You’ll find souvenir shops, galleries, candy stores and restaurants, not to mention the resident sea lions. The sea lion docks were previously destroyed in a winter storm but we are so happy to report they have been restored! Visit Port Dock One to say hi to the sea lions (you’ll hear them barking).
5. Shop at the Newport Farmer's Market
🥕 The Newport Farmers Market operates outside from March to December at the corner of Angle and Highway 101. Local Oregon farmers offer fresh seasonal produce, coastal artisans sell their crafts plus there’s live music and a food court.
👉 Find more activities and attractions at the Oregon Coast.
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Places to Stay in Newport, Oregon
Reserve your dates in advance for the best selection. Hotels do tend to fill up on weekends in Newport and other popular towns on the Oregon Coast. See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates.
Campgrounds Near Newport, Oregon
For camping in Newport, you can’t get much closer than South Beach State Park, near the South Jetty. This large park is only about 5 minutes from downtown Newport and offers access to the beach and miles of flat, paved trails for walking, jogging and bicycling.
There’s also an equestrian trail to the beach for horseback riding. We enjoyed staying here and riding our bikes on the trail to Rogue Ales at sunset.
Most Oregon State Parks have RV campsites with hookups, tent campsites, and even yurts and cabins available for rent.
🌲 See our full camping guide to the best State Park campgrounds on the Oregon Coast for more details on each park and how to reserve a campsite.
Best Restaurants and Dining in Newport, Oregon
There’s no shortage of fresh seafood restaurants in Newport as it is home to the largest fishing fleet on the Oregon Coast. Local Ocean Seafoods is highly acclaimed for sourcing its catch directly from the local Newport docks. They also have a fish market across the street, selling the freshest catch of the day from local fishermen.
Georgie’s Beachside Grill is on the beachfront at the Hallmark Resort in Newport and offers some of the best dining on the Oregon Coast. They recently earned a Tripadvisor 2023 Traveler’s Choice Award as one of the best casual dining spots in the entire United States. Enjoy ocean views and expertly prepared seafood entrees including fresh halibut, salmon, Yaquina Bay oysters, Dungeness crab and more.
Clearwater Restaurant on Yaquina Bay in Newport features an upscale menu with an unbeatable view of the bay and sea lion docks.
Visit craft beer giants Rogue Ales & Spirits, headquartered in Newport in a two-story brewpub overlooking Yaquina Bay. You can also visit Rogue Bayfront Public House across the bay where the original brewery used to be.
Newport Brewing Company also offers local beer and burgers.
🍺 Interested in more Oregon craft beers? See our full guide to Oregon Coast breweries.
For breakfast, La Maison is a small restaurant in Newport and a beloved spot amongst locals offering pastries, omelets, crepes and a variety of other house specialties like smoked salmon benedict on homemade English muffins.
The Central Coast Food Trail connects visitors to the local cuisine of the Central Oregon Coast, including Newport. There are 35 stops to explore at your own pace, including bakeries, restaurants, farms, markets, breweries, distilleries and seafood stands.
🍴 Browse our complete guide to the best restaurants on the Oregon Coast by city or region from north to south.
Weather in Newport, Oregon
The weather in Newport is generally cool (50s-60s F) and damp with frequent rain throughout the year, with the exception of July and August. Temperatures rarely get too hot in summer with highs in the 60s-70s. Lows dip down into the 30s in winter but snow is rare. Spring and Autumn are a mix of sunny and rainy days.
When is the best time to visit the Oregon Coast? Learn more about Oregon Coast weather and decide what season works best for you.
Like most of the coast, the beaches and bayfront can be breezy and cool in Newport. It’s a good idea to wear layers and bring rain gear. See What to Wear to the Oregon Coast by Season for a packing list and more details.
Tide Charts for Newport and the Oregon Coast
Exploring tide pools is one of the best free things to do in Newport, especially with kids.
There are two low tides and two high tides every day on Oregon’s coast. Low tide is the time for beachcombing, clamming, tide pools and cave exploration.
For your safety, be aware of the tide schedule before boating or heading out to beaches and always keep an eye on the water level. Use extreme caution in rocky areas near the water, where sneaker waves can (and do) strike.
🌊 Check tide tables for Newport or ask at State Park offices, local visitor information centers and many stores and hotels for a free tide table booklet.
🦀 Find the best tide pools on the Oregon Coast near Newport.
Annual Events and Festivals in Newport, Oregon
Looking for more fun things to do in Newport? Here’s a list of major events to help you plan your trip.
January – Newport Resolution Run & Polar Bear Plunge
February – Newport Seafood & Wine Festival
March – Oregon Coast Whale Watch Spring Migration in Newport
April – Newport Paper & Book Arts Festival
June – Newport Marathon
July – Newport Yaquina Bay 4th of July Celebration, Lincoln County Fair, Toledo Summer Festival & Logging Show
August – Toledo Wooden Boat Show, Oregon
September – Agate Beach Surf Classic Newport, OR
October – Oregon Coast Jazz Party, Newport
December – Newport Yaquina Bay Lighted Boat Parade, Oregon Coast Whale Watch winter migration
For more details, visit Newport, Oregon Chamber of Commerce.
👉 See our calendar for more annual events and festivals on the Oregon Coast.
Taking a road trip? From Newport, drive 20 minutes north to Depoe Bay, or 25 minutes south to Waldport to continue exploring Oregon Coast towns.
