Exploring Newport, Oregon: A Coastal Getaway
| West Coast Explorations |
This summer we made a road trip to Newport, Oregon. It had been about 10 years since we had been there last. I’m excited to share my experience with you and hopefully inspire you to take a trip to this beautiful coastal town.
Newport is known for its stunning beaches and an abundance of outdoor activities. During my trip, we explored Nye Beach area, saw some whales, walked along the beaches, took a day trip to Lincoln City, explored some public art, and indulged in some fantastic seafood and Mexican food. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. So sit back, relax, and let me take you on a virtual journey to this hidden gem on the Oregon coast.
Oregon Coast
First, let’s talk about the Oregon Coast. It is dramatic, rugged beauty, and stunning. The coastline’s rugged cliffs, pristine sandy beaches, and crashing waves provided the perfect backdrop for a coastal escape. The sandy beaches offer miles of space to walk and take in the views. The beach scene is different from that of the Okanagan, where the beaches are lined up with towels, umbrellas and people tanning. We saw more people walking along the beaches as the weather, even during the summer is quite cool. Too cold for this Canadian girl to not wear long sleeves!
Some areas along the coast are also rocky which makes for some fun exploration! The tide pools can be full of marine life and exploring them added a touch of wonder to our visit.
Whale Watching Tours
We were really looking forward to embarking on a whale watching tour, but there was a high wind warning when we were there, and no tour boats were going out to see the whales. But we still got lucky and saw a whale! We had lunch at a fabulous Mexican restaurant in Depoe Bay and a whale in the bay put on a show for us! If you aren’t able to go out on a whale tour, there is a rich marine ecosystem in the area where one can spot playful seals and a variety of seabirds from the shore.
Newport | Historic Nye Beach
We spend a few hours in the historic Nye Beach area, a charming neighborhood brimming with seaside character. It’s known for its quaint streets, colorful cottages, and a delightful array of boutique shops and eateries. There is easy access to the beach to go for walks or beachcombing. We stopped for some lunch and wandered in the shops.
Newport | Yaquina Head Lighthouse
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. We didn’t visit it this trip but a trip to Newport wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the iconic Yaquina Head Lighthouse. Perched on a rugged headland, this historic lighthouse offers panoramic coastline views.
Newport | Seafood Paradise
Visitors to Newport’s Bayfront can expect to see fishing boats unloading their catches, and you may even have the opportunity to purchase fresh seafood directly from the docks or from local seafood markets. The presence of these processing plants and businesses adds to the town’s maritime and seafood culture, making it a unique and vibrant destination for seafood enthusiasts and tourists interested in the local fishing industry. A bit of a warning, the smell is very fishy down there. If you don’t like the smell of fish, don’t go!
There are several restaurants offering seafood and one of our favourites is Mo’s Seafood and Chowder. They have serval locations up and down the Oregon Coast and are best known for their clam chowder.
Vibrant Arts Scene
Newport and Lincoln City aren’t just about nature; both places also boast a vibrant arts scene. We downloaded Lincoln’s Art Trail Explorer pass and it was a great way to connect with the town’s artistic spirit. The Art Trail listed each sculpture and mural with a location and description. It was a great way to understand the culture of the town.
Where to Stay
During our June getaway to Newport, we opted for a nature-immersed experience by staying at the South Beach State Park Campground. Nestled amidst the coastal forest, this campground provided a serene and picturesque setting for our stay. Surrounded by towering trees, the campsite had a sense of tranquillity that was incredibly rejuvenating. One of the highlights of camping at South Beach was the proximity to the beach. A short walk from our campsite brought us to a long and wide stretch of sandy shoreline. The sound of crashing waves at night put us to sleep each night!
If you’re looking for an authentic coastal camping experience, I highly recommend considering this campground. We camped in a small trailer and the campground offers electrical and water, but not sewer.
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Our trip to Newport, Oregon, in June was a delightful blend of coastal beauty, marine adventures, culinary pleasures, and cultural experiences. It was a lot cooler in June than we expected it to be, so be sure to bring pants, jackets and long-sleeved tops.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a foodie, an art lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape by the sea, Newport and the Oregon Coast have something special to offer. We hope our journey has inspired you to consider Newport as your next getaway destination.
