Don’t you just love it when you visit someplace wonderful and it feels like it’s your little secret? Writer Victoria Sanderson let’s us in on the secret of the many charms of Newport, Oregon. Filled with great places to eat, Oregon beaches and relaxing escapes you’ll want to book your next getaway today.
Doesn’t get fresher than this–Crabs delivered from the boat deck to your table at Gino’s. Photo credit Ocean Bleu Seafood at Gino’s-facebook..jpg
Surrounded by stiff competition up and down Historic Highway 101, Newport, Oregon doesn’t always make the usual internet lists of the North West’s best coastal communities. But Oregonians have long known of its charm. Newport offers visitors everything the northern Pacific coast is known for – jagged coastline, sustainably-caught seafood, unique lodging options, coffee, crabs, and of course, craft beer. The little town of ten thousand also boasts a surprising amount of sunshine in the winter months, making it a year-round destination and a possible respite from Portland’s soggier days. Whether day-tripping from the city or exploring the PNW (aka the Pacific Northwest), Newport is not to be missed. Oh, and the town is also surrounded by big, barking sea lions.
Oregon Beaches in Newport
If Oregon is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground, Newport is the sandbox. Your biggest struggle might be deciding how many Oregon beaches you have time for.
Our favorite Oregon Beaches
A particularly good beach to hit first if you’ve just arrived and the kiddos or the dogs are looking to run out some of that pent-up car energy (off-leash dogs are welcome as long as they are under voice control). Of the three entrances to the beach, the trail behind the Lighthouse Diner on Oceanview Drive is the most scenic, although you might have to hop over a temporary creek if it’s been raining.
Wandering up and down the waves is the most popular way to explore, but Agate is also known for its surfing and is a fantastic photo spot. From most views, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse can be seen looming in the background.
Dogs romping around Agate Beach on a bright winter day.
Our favorite Oregon Beaches – Cobble Beach:
Accessible only by a steep flight of stairs, Cobble Beach looks like it shouldn’t be in the same state as Agate, but it’s just a short drive away. The beach looks nothing like the swaths of sand found off Oceanview Drive. Instead, the narrow coastline is made up of black, baseball size volcanic stones. Walking across the stones as they shift and scratch underfoot requires some balance and will likely involve at least a misstep but it’s worth it. Along the water’s edge lay an incredible collection of tide pools filled with sea stars, urchins, mussels, and a whole world of inter-tidal creatures. If you’re a nature nerd, you need to check out Cobble Beach.
Cobble Beach and Yaquina Lighthouse in the distance.
Yaquina Lighthouse:
Ranger-led tours given daily. Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance but be ready to climb; Yaquina is the tallest lighthouse in Oregon!
In Town in Newport, Oregon:
Downtown Newport is just plain cute. Situated opposite the Yaquina Bay Bridge and next to the working docks, the Historic Bayfront could occupy half your day. The well-preserved antique buildings host a mishmash of kitschy souvenir stores, art galleries, and specialty shops.
Fishing boats docked in the harbor.
A boutique offering gourmet dog treats and all kinds of dog accessories for pet lovers. Well-mannered pups are welcome inside to shop.
Showcases art in many mediums from local artists. A great place to buy a Newport souvenir.
Begun as a kitchen counter operation , the business now produces dozens of scented gel candles. You can even watch the candles being made at the Factory Store in commercial Newport.
The Sea Lions of Newport, Oregon:
You won’t need much help finding Newport’s herd of California Sea Lions – just follow your ears. The herd spends most of the year barking and grunting on an old boat dock in the harbor. With the males weighing in at more than seven hundred pounds, watching them maneuver for the dock’s sunny spots is a spectacle, if an ungraceful one.
*Fun Fact: On land, a group of Sea Lions is called a “herd,” but in the water, they’re known as a “raft.” Are Newport’s Sea Lions more “raft” or “herd” laying about the dock? Up for friendly debate.
The herd? The raft? Sealions enjoying the sun.
Eat & Drink in Newport, Oregon:
For a small town, Newport’s food scene is disproportionately good. The quality is due in part to the fresh fish but also to the town’s dedication to eating and drinking well. But rather than being a flashy “foodie” destination, eating in Newport is as laid back as it is tasty.
This unassuming cottage holds one of the best breakfasts in the state and serves it all day. For something a little different from the tried and true scrambled eggs (although the eggs are made to heavenly cloud perfection) ask for one of their authentic Cornish Pasties. The savory pie-like dish is made with parsnip, turnip, carrot, onion, potato, and herbs and somehow seems like the right meal any time of day. The coffee is as good as you probably imagine coffee to be if it’s hand-poured in an antique cottage on the Oregon coast.
Newport boasts that it is the “Dungeness Capital of the World,” so you can’t leave without sampling the crab. Ocean Bleu Seafood @ Gino’s is a great place to start. Try their catch of the day fish tacos or pick out one of the Dungeness crabs in their saltwater tank. All the seafood at Ocean Bleu is sustainably caught by local fishermen and processed on sight to guarantee quality. Stop by after the boats have been unloaded and there’s a good chance you’ll spot a few of the fishermen sitting next to you.
Fresh Seafood Cioppino at Ocean Bleu Seafood at Ginos. Photo courtesy Ocean Bleu Seafood at Gino’s.
Sleep in Newport, Oregon:
Rogue Ales Bed ‘n Beer:
After a long day of beach exploration, shopping, and eating you’ll probably want a beer and then a nap, luckily Newport has the perfect place for both. Located above the Rogue Ales Public House is Rogue’s Bed ‘n Beers. This unique twist on the traditional B&B is found in the heart of Newport’s historic waterfront. Upstairs: two apartment style rooms. Downstairs: a pub with 35 beers on tap, like their classic American Amber, or the comically Oregon Voodoo Doughnut Lemon Chiffon Ale. The Bed ‘n Beer also hosts a full dinner and cocktail menu, so you can fill up, sit back, and watch the sun disappear.
Literary nerds unite! This renovated turn of the century hotel is one of a kind. Each of the twenty-one rooms is named and decorated for a different author including J.K. Rowling (a stuffed owl and Gryffindor colors decorate the room), John Steinbeck (between the single beds is a Grapes of Wrath inspired mural), and Agatha Christie (hidden inside the room is a clue from each of Christie’s mysteries). In every room is a writing desk and collection of the author’s work.
The seasonal menu changes daily at the hotel restaurant, The Table of Contents.
The Silvia Beach Hotel. It’s hard to believe but the inside is even prettier. Photo credit Sylvia Beach Hotel.
For more info and ideas of how to spend your time in Newport click, here. — Story and photos, except where noted, by Victoria Sanderson.
Hungry for more? Enjoy these other beach-centric articles including this one about Cannon Beach, and this one about Carmel-by-the-Sea. Get to know Portland, Oregon too, with the help of this travel book.
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