The seaside town of Newport, Oregon, offers a complete vacation experience for everyone. From sport fishing and sea life watching to beachcombing and surfing, Newport has it all. Many restaurants and accommodations are available to suit every budget.
Getting to Newport, Oregon
Located on the central coast of Oregon, Newport’s window to the sea is Yaquina Bay. Newport is 114 miles from Portland, Oregon, with its international airport serving national and foreign airline carriers. Rent a car at the Portland airport and take a leisurely drive to the Oregon coast and along Highway 101.
Or take the Amtrak train from Portland to Eugene. Eugene also has a commercial airport. It’s an easy 92 miles by car or bus from Eugene to Newport at the junction of Highway 20 and Highway 101. Once in Newport, the Newport City Shuttle Loop Service offers free shuttle rides to those staying in Newport lodging. The shuttle goes from South Beach and the Oregon Coast Aquarium north towards the Yaquina Lighthouse and 73rd Street.
Newport, Oregon, Attractions
Many of Newport’s attractions are centered around the ocean. Sport fishing is quite popular in Newport, with fishing guides to help catch salmon, halibut and crab. Tours of Yaquina Bay allow visitors to see harbor porpoises, whales, seals and other marine life in their natural habitat. The Oregon Coast Aquarium boasts 39 waterfront acres of exhibits with sea animals – from sharks and octopus to sea anemones and jellyfish. The nearby Hatfield Marine Science Visitors Center houses more marine exhibits.
In the western half of Newport, tranquil Nye Beach features shops, art galleries and beachcombing. The Yaquina Art Association’s CNC Gallery is a converted 1913 bathhouse displaying a variety of art works – from watercolors and photography to jewelry and fabric art. Farther north, the historic Yaquina Head Lighthouse is one of the tallest lighthouses in Oregon. The natural area around the lighthouse has trails leading to tide pools below as well as an interpretive center.
Hotels and Dining in Newport, Oregon
Lodging in Newport ranges from hotels, motels and bed and breakfast inns to vacation rentals. The oceanfront Elizabeth Street Inn boasts private balconies for each room with panoramic views. The La Quinta Inn is at the south end of Newport’s Yaquina Bay Arch Bridge and is pet friendly. The Tyee Lodge Bed and Breakfast offers oceanfront, romantic rooms near Nye Beach. Vacation rentals in Newport include cottages, large homes and condos.
Restaurants in Newport offer the bounty of the sea. Local Ocean is an open-air restaurant and market featuring oysters, Dungeness crab soup and fresh-catch fish tacos. Saffron Salmon offers local Northwest seafood and wines. Georgie’s Beachside Grill features fine dining and is also kid-friendly. Nana’s Irish Pub’s menu ranges from fish and chips to Reuben sandwiches. Noodle Café features delicious Vietnamese pho soup.
Travel to Newport, Oregon, for a vacation by the sea. Whether it’s sport fishing, beachcombing or shopping, Newport offers something for everyone. Stay in a vacation rental, hotel or bed and breakfast establishment for a relaxing holiday. Many Newport restaurants – from fancy to casual – feature fresh seafood. And Newport is easy to get to. Take a plane to Portland and the train and bus or drive to Newport, just off Highway 101.
Susan Lynne Hamilton - Award-winning writer Susan Lynne Hamilton is the Topic Editor of Suite 101's Northwest U.S. travel section, showcasing its rich ...
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