If you’re planning an Oregon coast vacation, make sure to check out all the fun things to do in Newport. This quaint coastal town is famous for its marine life, coastlines, and family-friendly activities. My parents just celebrated one year of living in Newport, so it’s the perfect time for me to share a local’s guide to the best Newport things to do.

Top 15 Things to Do in Newport, Oregon

1. Shop on the Bayfront

Newport’s historic bayfront has fun souvenir shops, candy stores, art galleries, and clothing boutiques. Spend an afternoon strolling the area and browsing the local stores.

2. Grab a Drink at a Brewery

Oregon is an excellent vacation spot for fans of beer and cider, and Newport has several top-notch craft breweries:

• Rogue Brewer’s on the Bay – this spot is located inside Rogue’s headquarters. Enjoy tasty bites, specialty brews, and stunning waterfront views.
• Pelican Brewing Company – technically, this spot is in Lincoln City, but it’s only 30 minutes north of Newport. The Siletz Bay location has gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows and a sleek, modern design. There’s tons of seating, so it’s the perfect place to grab a drink with friends or family.
• Beachcrest Brewing Company – another place a bit north of Newport but worth the drive. Beachcrest is across the street from the Salishan Coastal Lodge, a beautiful resort with classic PNW vibes.

3. Hunt for Agates

The beaches in and around Newport are fantastic for agate-hunting. This area of the Oregon coast is famous for its rocky shorelines, which often have tons of these fascinating rocks. Unsurprisingly, Agate Beach is a popular spot to find agates.

4. Tour a Lighthouse

Visit Yaquina Bay or Yaquina Head Lighthouse to learn more about the local history. Both are still in operation but open to visitors. Admire their viewpoints of the rugged coastline while diving into their storied pasts, stretching back over 100 years.

5. Watch Sea Lions on the Dock

If you hear a strange barking noise or catch a whiff of something fishy in Newport, it’s probably the resident sea lions. They’ve been spotted on Newport’s public docks for almost two decades. The sea lions usually stay in Newport 11 months out of the year, migrating to California the other month.

See Newport’s iconic sea lions at Port Dock One. You can usually find them by following their noise, which can be heard throughout town.

6. See Tide Pools

In Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area lies Cobble Beach. This is one of Newport’s best tide pool spots. At low tide, Cobble Beach reveals pools of various sizes teeming with starfish, chitons, crabs, anemones, urchins, and so much more. If you’re lucky, you might also spot some adorable harbor seals.

7. Go Whale-Watching

Newport is a wonderful place to see gray whales and orcas. There are many tours that will take you on the water to get up close and personal with the whales. If you’d prefer to stay on land, you can often spot the whales spouting and breaching around kelp beds.

8. Head to Devil’s Punchbowl and/or Thor’s Well

There are some unforgettable rock formations near Newport. Devil’s Punchbowl is a distinctive sea arch you can hike into at low tide. It’s also interesting to view from above at high tide as the waves crash and swirl.

Another cool spot is Thor’s Well, which appears to be a sinkhole on the ocean’s edge. It’s only around 20 feet deep but looks wonderfully dramatic, with waves pouring over at high tide.

9. Visit the Hatfield Marine Science Center

I’ve heard great things about the Oregon Coast Aquarium but haven’t visited yet. However, I can recommend the Hatfield Marine Science Center. It’s a laboratory owned by Oregon State University with some entertaining, interactive exhibits.

The touch tank teaches you about sea urchins, anemones, and sea cucumbers. Other display areas feature fascinating fossils and skeletons of marine animals like sea lions and whales. Admission is only $5, so it’s also a cheaper afternoon activity than the aquarium.

10. Take a Trip to Pacific Sourdough

Set an alarm to drive to Waldport first thing in the morning and line up for Pacific Sourdough. This beloved bakery almost always has a line out the door and down the street. I completely understand after sampling the treats myself! Everything here is tasty, but you must try the chocolate chunk cookies, marionberry muffins, and lemon bars.

11. Eat Local Seafood

Seafood lovers will be in heaven with all the mouthwatering restaurants. Whether you’re craving sushi, oysters, fish ‘n chips, or smoked salmon, Newport has it all. Here are some of my favorite seafood spots:

• South Beach Fish Market – some of the best fish ‘n chips I’ve ever had! Almost always busy, so visit during an off-time.
• Rogue Bayfront Public House – this is the sister restaurant to Brewer’s on the Bay—visit for delicious clam chowder and salmon, plus there are pool tables in the back.
• The Taphouse at Nye Creek – laid-back atmosphere, tasty cocktails, yummy fish ‘n chips, hearty oyster shooters, and vegetarian/vegan-friendly options. What else could you need?
• Asiatico Waterfront Fusion Sushi – super tasty and fresh sushi—I love the spicy salmon and tuna rolls.

12. Explore Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site

Get your daily dose of outdoor adventure at the Yaquina Bay Recreation Site. It has a lighthouse, bluff overlooks, forests, and rolling dunes. Bring the entire family, including furry friends, to check out what Yaquina Bay offers.

13. Get Coffee at a Stand

Coffee stands are one of my favorite aspects of the PNW, and Newport has several worth visiting. I recommend The Surfing Bean Coffee Company or Camp One Coffee.

14. Watch Otters from the Public Fishing Pier

You’ll likely see at least one otter from the public fishing pier. Crabbing is popular at the dock, but it’s also a great spot to watch for otters and see the boats. Otters are very playful and social, so where there’s one, there’s usually more!

15. Walk Across the Bridge

You can’t go to Newport without crossing the Yaquina Bay Bridge. It’s a good place for a morning walk and provides views of Newport from above. Bring a pair of binoculars to spot animals in the water below.

BONUS: Admire Art at the Visual Arts Center

Many fantastic artists call Newport home, and the Visual Arts Center showcases everything from photographs to paintings and sculptures. I’m biased, but my dad’s astrophotography exhibition, The Dynamic Poetry of Nature, is out of this world and runs until October 6, 2024!

I hope you’re inspired to visit the charming town of Newport next time you’re on the Oregon coast. Let me know if I missed any of your favorite Newport spots!