Stop to check out the aquarium and lighthouses at this Seaside city.
One of the larger cities on the Oregon Coast, Newport has long been popular with vacationers, owing to its ample selection of dining and lodging options and its multitude of things to do. Popular attractions include the nonprofit Oregon Coast Aquarium, Nye Beach, and two lighthouses: Yaquina Bay and Yaquina Head. Newport also has a good selection of supermarkets and shops, making it an excellent spot for picking up groceries and supplies, and there are plenty of inland and coastal spots to camp within just a few miles of the city center.
Along the Yaquina River
Just inland from Newport, the Yaquina River attracts boaters, swimmers, and anglers alike. Nearby riverside hotspots include the 22-acre Cannon Quarry Park in Toledo and Elk City County Park a bit further east in Toledo. Both have boat launches.
Oregon’s Central Coast
Newport’s location in the middle of the Central Coast makes it an ideal base for visiting the region. Popular beach towns include Waldport and Yachats to the South and Depoe Bay and Lincoln City to the north.
The Siuslaw National Forest
Spread out over 630,000 acres, this old-growth forest offers a mix of mountains, beaches, and rivers, with plenty of options for camping and hiking. Don't miss the chance to visit Mary's Peak, the highest point in the Oregon Coastal Range.
Newport can easily be visited year-round, and many area campgrounds are open in winter. However, the weather in this coastal community is at its best during the months of July and August, and heavy rainfall is the norm for much of the rest of the year. If you’re interested in whale-watching, come during the two annual migration periods: from mid-December through mid-January or from late March through May.