Newport is one of the funkiest and most intriguing towns in Oregon! It is known for its outstanding hiking adventures, incredible surfing experiences, and the delightful marine life it offers. It surely is one of the most authentic places in the state, so it is not surprising that tourists love it! However, when it comes to picking things to do in Newport, Oregon, travel planning can get tricky.
The town’s versatility has allowed tourists and locals to enjoy numerous diverse activities. This vast number of choices makes it impossible to create an itinerary easily. That is why we have come up with a list of the best things to do in Newport to make the most out of your trip. We have included something for every taste, so you will surely find the ones that suit you.
1. Yaquina Head Lighthouse
Yaquina Head Lighthouse is one of the most popular sights in Newport. It is the tallest building in the entire town, so just imagine the views from the top. Moreover, it is surrounded by impressive landscapes, making it a true paradise for nature lovers. Yaquina Head Lighthouse is a place you visit when you want to become one with nature and feel its energy.
However, admiring the lighthouse is not the only thing you can do here. Once you are done exploring it, you can head for the hiking trails and the beach’s tide pools. Also, you can engage in bird watching because rare species often fly over, and if you are lucky, you may get to see some unique birds.
Exploring Yaquina Head Lighthouse is one of the best activities in Newport, Oregon, so it is not to be missed. Make sure you schedule a short trip to it even if you do not intend to spend a lot of time. You will not regret it!
2. Newport’s Historic Bayfront
Marine life plays a crucial role in the town’s culture. When you are looking for things to do in Newport, Oregon, that will allow you to feel the town’s spirit, the bayfront is the place to be. In this historic spot, you can find shops, museums, and an abundance of restaurants.
But the best thing of all is the opportunity to see sea lions! They are often seen in the harbor, so people tend to hang out by the port and witness this once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. While waiting for the sea lions to appear, you can enjoy the great views of Yaquina Bay Bridge. It is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Newport!
3. South Beach State Park
South Beach State Park is one of the most spectacular recreational places in Newport, and it offers plenty of opportunities for diverse activities. The park is located between Yaquina Bay and the Pacific Ocean, so the views are tremendously beautiful. You can either spend a day soaking in the sun and enjoying the scenery, or you can engage in some fun ventures and use the time to make some remarkable memories of your visit.
One of the most popular and fun things to do in Newport is whale watching, and South Beach is a perfect place for that. However, this is usually possible during the off-season, so if this is your priority, you should mind the dates of your trip. On the other hand, if you want something more dynamic, you can try surfing. The southern part of the beach offers heavenly waves for the surfers, but the constant wind allows windsurfers to enjoy the sea as well.
4. Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint
When you decide to visit Newport, one of the things on your itinerary should include a visit to the astonishing viewpoints the town offers. Even though Newport is full of marvelous views and landscapes, the best ones are always from above.
Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint offers striking sights of the town. It is only 15 minutes outside the center and comes with the most fascinating ocean panoramas. You might even spot a whale during your visit. If you want to make the most of your time at the viewpoint, plan a picnic. Since there are picnic tables, you can enjoy a few hours of the scenery with some delicious food!
5. Fat Tire Biking
There is no better way to explore Newport’s coast than by bike. However, we are not talking about regular bikes; we are talking about the ones with fat tires that allow you to ride on the sand as well. This is not only one of the most fun things to do in Newport but also an activity that will allow you to see a lot of the town.
If you do not have your own fat tire bike, you can always rent one in the city. For the best experience, you should explore the coast during low tide since that is the best period to see Newport in its true light.
6. Seal Rock State Recreation Area Trail
When looking for authentic things to do in Newport, Oregon, consider exploring the Seal Rock State Recreation Area Trail. This hiking path leads you to seals and different wildlife that will make your trip iconic. Moreover, it is quite an easy and short one, so even if you are not a hiking fan, you will enjoy this path.
Admire the rock formations around you and look for seals. These rocks are their hiding places, so if you look carefully, you will surely spot many of these cute creatures. Additionally, there are other marine animals, such as sea lions and sea birds. To look at the marine life on the beach more precisely, you may want to take your binoculars with you.
7. Brian Booth State Park
Many activities in Newport, Oregon, include the town’s natural surroundings. This is not surprising considering the city is home to many parks and recreational sites ideal for outdoorsy people. Brian Booth State Park is one of the most fascinating places in the town, and it allows you to become one with nature.
The park includes two areas – Beaver Creek State Natural Area and Ona Beach. The former is great for hiking in green surroundings. This part of the park is covered in trees, bushes, and marshes and is home to many animals, such as beavers and otters. On the other hand, Ona Beach is amazing for those who enjoy beach landscapes since the hiking trail is on the coast of Newport.
8. Newport’s Crabbing Pier
Crabbing is probably one of the weird things to do in Newport, considering that catching crabs is not a regular traveling activity. Well, when you come to this town, expect to have this kind of opportunity because Newport is not called The Dungeness Crab Capital of the World for nothing.
The good news is that if you include crabbing in your things to do in Newport, Oregon, you can do it any time of the year. Red rock crabs are present year-round, meaning you can go crabbing any time you want. Just be sure to read the rules and the regulations first!
As you can imagine, crabs are a delicacy here, so stop by at a seafood restaurant around the pier. The Newport Lobster Shack is the perfect place where you can try them, and you can even stop by a market to get one for yourself to cook at home. Obviously, this should only be handled by those who know their way around the kitchen.
9. Thor’s Well
If you are up to some unique activities in Newport, Oregon, you need to see Thor’s Well. It is one of the most impressive natural sights in town and certainly something you cannot see elsewhere. We are talking about a large hole in the rocks of the Pacific Ocean that swallows and spouts the waves on the shore.
It is a fascinating sight and a great place to get some peace. It is quite a picturesque area, so do not forget to take some photos! However, check the weather and the tides before visiting the place because sometimes this activity can be dangerous. Also, do not get too close to the hole because you want to do this activity as safely as possible!
10. Cape Perpetua State Park
When looking for more hiking opportunities in Newport, do not miss out on the Cape Perpetua State Park. It is another gorgeous area abundant with miraculous views and landscapes. There are several hiking trails, but the most famous is the Big Spruce Trail.
Whichever trail you take, you will not be disappointed. Most of them lead to the beach, meaning after some walking, you will be rewarded with an amazing sight of the ocean.
Visiting Newport can be a tremendous experience. The town is one of the most fascinating places around the Pacific Ocean and it comes with numerous natural treasures that you cannot see in other parts of the world. We have listed some of the most unique things to do in Newport, Oregon, so now it is up to you to create your own unforgettable trip!
If you are ready to start planning your itinerary, download the Oregon Travel Guide.
