Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Newport

"The region's top attraction, this cutting-edge aquarium is especially fun if you have kids along. Marine celebrities include seals, sea otters and a giant octopus (or two), and there's an impressive deep-sea exhibit where you walk under Plexiglas tunnels and get an eyeful of sharks and rays swimming by. The jellyfish exhibit is a surreal experience, while the touch tank appeals to everyone. There's also a good cafe."

"Oregon Coast Aquarium has gorgeous collections of flora and fauna native to Oregon. The aquarium has four main areas where you and your date can peruse and enjoy the sights. Their main building houses Sandy Shores, Coastal Waters, and Rocky Shores exhibits, which are the aquarium’s continuing displays."

"Protruding over a half a mile out into the Pacific is the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Due to its dramatic coastal scenery and wealth of outdoor activities, the windswept park has long been popular with locals and tourists alike. Located just ten minutes drive to the north of Newport, the huge basalt headland is topped by the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, the state’s tallest lighthouse at almost 100 feet in height."

"The Yaquina Head Lighthouse, located at Yaquina Head, is another lighthouse you’ll want to check out while you’re in Newport. This 93-foot lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Oregon and is one of the oldest structures in the city. The lighthouse began being built just a year after the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse and has been helping travelers navigate the Pacific Coast for well over a century."

"The historic Bayfront District is the most popular area in town and is a must-visit for anyone staying in Newport or the surrounding areas. The Bayfront District is home to some of the best restaurants and things to do in Newport. This is where you’ll find the Ripley’s Museum as well as the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, The Undersea Gardens, the sea lion docks, and a large variety of shops and restaurants."

"One of the best date ideas in Newport, OR is perhaps the simplest: taking a quiet stroll along the bay. From friendly shopkeepers to delicious seafood fresh off the boat, there’s more to Newport’s Historic Bayfront than just its history. The Bayfront’s diverse shops have various potential gifts you can give to your partner, and enjoy a soundtrack of barking sea lions while you shop."

"Piers & BoardwalksSW Bay Boulevard, Newport, OR MoreLess Info. In 1866, Sam Case built the first hotel in this area and named the town Newport. Today, visitors can see Oregon's largest commercial fishing fleet, as well as stay in hotels, eat at restaurants, and shop at galleries and shops."

"Clean bathrooms, spacious campgrounds and friendly park hosts, South Beach State Park may be the ideal place for a date with their paved jetty trail perfect for jogging or cycling, a playground area, a golf course near the campground area, guided hikes and horseback riding. If you would need the rent out bicycles or look for directions, the park’s Hospitality Center allows you to rent bikes and helmets for a fee and lets you trace your way through the park with their maps. This is also the place to acquire some other rental items and shop for souvenirs to take home."

"Even closer to town is South Beach State Park, which is located just across Yaquina Bay from Newport. Due to its proximity to the center, and excellent amenities and outdoor activities, the park has long been a popular place to visit or vacation. Stretching several miles along the Oregon Coast, the park has breathtaking beaches and incredible coastal scenery."

"South Beach State Park is a historical location that offers an array of recreational opportunities. The park features an equestrian trail, biking and walking trail, bike rentals, playground and campground."

"The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, located at Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site, is the oldest standing structure in Newport. The lighthouse was built to guide travelers on the Yaquina River in 1871. The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is different from most other lighthouses in the sense that it has living quarters attached to it."

"One of the best Newport, OR romantic activities is sightseeing. Go on an exploratory date to Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, see its tide pools and adore Oregon’s tallest lighthouse. The lighthouse stands at 93 feet (28.34 meters) and serves as Yaquina’s watchtower for their ships and supplies."

"The oldest structure in Newport is the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse. Originally constructed in 1871, the lighthouse only was lit for three years, until December 1996, when the light was turned on again under private ownership."

"An inconspicuous 40-acre park on the south side of Newport features beautiful old-growth forest and multiple cool wooden bridges. The hike is 1.2 miles total — with possibilities for a longer outing. It has some steep sections that will challenge younger kids, but in general it’s a great open-to-everyone hiking experience."

"Located 7 mi (11.3 km) south of Newport, Oregon, Lost Creek State Recreation Site is a state park developed for picnicking and easy beach access. This place is fit for those looking to go whale watching or cuddle while watching some incredible sunsets. There are five picnic tables along the path of the beach, which you can use without paying any fees."

"Lost Creek State Park is one of the most popular, and picturesque locations, for viewing a Newport sunset. The park offers beach access and is popular for whale watching, beachcombing and picnics."

"Scenic Walks840 W Olive Street, Newport, OR 97365MoreLess Info. Donald A Davis Park sits by the ocean and features a cobblestone pathway and beach where whales can be seen, along with a gazebo and sitting area. They also feature a Vietnam Veterans Memorial and some artwork."

"Homemade bread sandwich With bacon avocado and tomato I would give this 5 stArs for the homemade bread and fresh avo."

"Homemade bread sandwich With bacon avocado and tomato I would give this 5 stArs for the homemade bread and fresh avo."

"They were pretty busy but got us seated in just a few minutes. Food took a while but understandable. The soda was a bit flat, burger was not the most amazing..."

"A super cute, tiny chowder house with delicious and very affordable fare. The staff were amazing and our chowder came out hot and delish our!. We decided to get…”more"

"There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, with Local Ocean Seafoods and Georgie's Beachside Grill both coming highly recommended. Day 10: Oregon Coast"

"I love Calamari and have NEVER had such a flavorful delight as the grilled calamari with fennel and feta that I was treated to on my last visit."

"In the eclectic old-fashioned bar Bay Heaven Inn you can find live music during Saturday Jam sessions, great people and a relaxed atmosphere. As one of the most important sanctuary for local fishermen and loggers of the town, that´s the right venue to meet native-ground customers and enjoy the welcoming spirit of true Newport people!"

"Uptown Pub is a small local pub with a broad selection of beers on tap and a couple of video lottery machines and pool table. Don't miss Taco Tuesday."