21 Adventurous Things to Do in Newport, Oregon
Newport is a special place to hang out during your jaunt along the famous rugged Oregon coastline. After about a two-hour drive from Portland or a three-hour drive from Astoria, you’ll find yourself in the naturally beautiful and funky town of Newport.
Known for its incredible marine life, hiking adventures, epic surf, and even its beer, there are plenty of awesome and adventurous things to do in Newport, Oregon!
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Table of Contents
- 21 Things to Do in Newport, Oregon
- 1. Enjoy Impressive Views at Devil’s Punch Bowl
- 2. Discover Yaquina Head Lighthouse and the Beach Below
- 3. Wander the Trails Around Yaquina Head Lighthouse
- 4. Explore Newport’s Historic Bayfront
- 5. Spend the Day Outside at South Beach State Park
- 6. Seek Out the Most Scenic Viewpoints in Newport and Beyond
- 7. Shred Some Waves at Agate Beach, Oregon
- 8. Go Fat Tire Biking at Otter Rock Beach
- 9. Go For an Easy Hike on the Yaquina Bay Estuary Trail
- 10. Bask on the Shores of Beverly Beach State Park
- 11. Search for Seals and Other Wildlife at Seal Rock
- 12. Chill Out at the Don & Ann Davis Park and Historic Nye Beach
- 13. Surround Yourself with Nature at Brian Booth State Park
- 14. Paddle Around Newport
- 15. Get Your Claws on Some Dungeness Crab at Newport’s Crabbing Pier
- 16. Sample Craft Beer at Newport’s Breweries
- Other Things to Do Near Newport
- Camping & Lodging Options Near Newport
- 👉 More Accommodation in Newport, Oregon
- More Oregon Coast Towns
21 Things to Do in Newport, Oregon
✋ HOLD UP! Don’t Forget…
You need some wheels! It’s nearly impossible to get around the USA and check out the best adventures without a car! Here are our top recommendations…
🚗 Rent a car
If you don’t have your own, renting a car is your best bet!
🚐 Rent a home on wheels
For the more adventurous, rent a van or RV and ditch the hotel.
1. Enjoy Impressive Views at Devil’s Punch Bowl
Devil’s Punchbowl is a beautiful, natural area on the Oregon Coast, with a particular natural attraction that draws in visitors from all around.
The Devil’s Punchbowl itself is a natural sandstone cauldron that has been sculpted by the power of the Pacific Ocean over the years, and seeing it is one of the best things to do in Newport.
Once a sea cave, the undercurrents caused the roof of the cave to collapse, forming the crashing, foaming pit that can be seen today.
Just coming to view this natural wonder is an adventure in itself, but while in the area, you may be able to get a glimpse of the seals or sea lions that call this part of the coast their home. It is also a great spot for gray whale viewing.
READ MORE: Devil’s Punch Bowl Oregon
2. Discover Yaquina Head Lighthouse and the Beach Below
The Yaquina Head Lighthouse is one of the most popular attractions on the Oregon Coast, and it’s a must-see while you’re in Newport. This historic lighthouse is the tallest in the state, and the area surrounding it is just as impressive as the lighthouse itself.
The headland itself is just as much of a draw as the lighthouse, jutting out into the ocean with the Yaquina Head Lighthouse perched on its tip, and this area is a year-round nature lovers paradise.
After you check out the lighthouse, spend some time birdwatching, exploring the vibrant tide pools on the beach, and hiking the many trails (more on that below). Keep your eyes peeled for sea lions, harbor seals, and even gray whales as you wander!
RELATED: 11 Oregon Lighthouses & The Adventures Nearby
3. Wander the Trails Around Yaquina Head Lighthouse
The hikes in Yaquina Head will reward you with views that will take your breath away. It really is a jewel on the Oregon coastline, offering many trails of varying lengths that can easily be combined.
From the parking area, one of the shortest hikes is the trail to the lighthouse. Simply take the wide, paved path towards the lighthouse! There is a viewpoint along the trail that offers a glimpse of the impressive sea stacks to the south, and then there is another viewpoint around the side of the lighthouse.
If you’re up for something a little more strenuous, take the hike up to the top of Communications Hill or Salal Hill for some even more incredible views of the coast, beaches, and lighthouse.
4. Explore Newport’s Historic Bayfront
To get a real feel for the city, head to the Newport Historic Bayfront. This is THE place to be in Newport, thanks to the great views of the harbor and bridge (sea lions included!), museums, gift shops, and plenty of restaurants slinging fresh seafood.
There’s a ton to do in this area, and the best part is you won’t need a car – just a good pair of walking shoes. Here are a few of the best things to do in Newport’s Historic Bayfront area:
- Visit the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center
- Wander along the bayfront
- Have some fun at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! World of Adventure
- Check out the sea lion docks, complete with great views of the Yaquina Bay Bridge
5. Spend the Day Outside at South Beach State Park
This stunning 498-acre park is tucked between the Pacific Ocean and Yaquina Bay and has plenty of opportunities for recreational activities to keep all sorts of adventurers entertained, making it one of the best things to do in Newport.
Whale watching is a popular activity in the park during the off-season, and you can often view them from the mile-long stretch of the beach. Surfing is perfect on the southern portion of the beach, offering ideal breaker waves, while windsurfers have easy access to the coastline with pretty consistent winds.
Hiking is also plentiful in this part of the state, with three great trails within the park itself. South Jetty Trail is a mile long, Cooper Ridge Nature Loop Trail circles the campground, and Old Jetty Trail follows the coastline with stunning views of the ocean.
There is also a mixed trail system for bikers, a disc golf course, and a nice day-use area with picnic tables located just before the beach access.
RELATED: 19 Must-Visit Oregon Coast State Parks
6. Seek Out the Most Scenic Viewpoints in Newport and Beyond
You’ll be spoiled for scenery no matter where you wander in Newport, but for the most epic views, make your way to one of the official viewpoints in town.
The Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint sits about 15 minutes north of Newport and offers great panoramas across the ocean. We even saw a whale when we were here! There are some benches and picnic tables here if you’d like to soak in the view for a bit.
The Otter Creek State Scenic Viewpoint is a pretty straightforward viewpoint with some great views of the coast all the way to Devil’s Punchbowl. There are a few informational placards, a visitor center, and a gift shop here.
TIP: You can combine these two scenic viewpoints along a scenic drive called the Otter Crest Loop Road, which goes from the Rocky Creek Viewpoint to the Otter Crest Viewpoint and then down to Devil’s Punchbowl before spitting you back out onto Highway 101.
7. Shred Some Waves at Agate Beach, Oregon
Nestled between Newport and Yaquina Head, Agate is the beach to head to if you are up for a bit of surfing.
The beach has fairly consistent surf, meaning it is good for any time of the year, with winds blowing in mostly from the east, and waves breaking on the beach both to the left and the right.
This vast stretch of sand stretches for 4 miles, so just a long walk along this rugged coast is a great way to pass the time. Razor clamming is another favorite activity here.
9 Epic Beaches for Surfing in Oregon—Beginner To Experienced!
8. Go Fat Tire Biking at Otter Rock Beach
For a unique way to explore the coast, why not try biking across Otter Rock Beach? Riding across the sand is made possible thanks to fat tire bikes—giant tire two-wheelers that can tackle even the toughest terrain, giving you a totally new perspective of the waves and cliffs.
You’ll be able to check out the lighthouse and possibly even spot some gray whales as you ride.
If you don’t have your own fat bike, rentals are available from Bike Newport, where the staff will also be able to point you in the right direction and show you some of the best spots.
Chances are, you will have much of the beach to yourself, as many people will not walk as far as you can ride.
TIP: The best time to ride is during the low tide, as you’ll be able to get up close to the incredible rock outcroppings that line the beach.
9. Go For an Easy Hike on the Yaquina Bay Estuary Trail
Distance: .9 miles
Type of Trail: Out & back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 10 feet
Hiking is one of the best things to do in Newport, but if you’re not up for a long trek, no worries. The Yaquina Bay Estuary Trail is a short and easy trail with a great return on your investment.
You can park at the Marine Science Center and pick up the trail at the rock jetty at the far end of the parking lot. The path is a combo of paved, boardwalk, and dirt trail, with informational boards scattered along the way.
As you “hike,” you’ll get some great views of the Yaquina Estuary system, the ocean, and likely tons of shore birds.
10. Bask on the Shores of Beverly Beach State Park
If you want to see some of Oregon’s iconic, rugged coastline, look no further than Beverly Beach State Park, offering miles of sandy beach, wind-sculpted trees, and dramatic rocks.
There is a huge range of activities to enjoy here, ranging from a lazy day on the beach flying kites to biking, hiking, and surfing.
If you fancy getting your hike on, the moderate 10.3-mile hike (round trip) from Devil’s Punchbowl down Beverly Beach to Molak Beach offers some stunning views of the waves and the lighthouse in the distance.
Personally, we love camping here, and it’s our base when we hang out in Newport.
READ MORE: Beverly Beach State Park – Camp, Surf, Hike!
11. Search for Seals and Other Wildlife at Seal Rock
Distance: .4 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 52 feet
One of the best hikes in the area is the Seal Rock State Recreation Area Trail, a 0.4-mile moderately trafficked loop trail. Although it is a short walk, there are some awesome views. Watch out for the pod of seals that are often bobbing around the rocks.
The area around Seal Rock is home to some large offshore rock formations, and it is these formations that provide a habitat for seals, sea lions, sea birds, and a range of other marine life, so be sure to bring your binoculars for a better view.
The seals are very easy to spot from the beach, so chances are you shouldn’t have to look too hard. There is also plenty of beach to enjoy a relaxing stroll.
12. Chill Out at the Don & Ann Davis Park and Historic Nye Beach
One of the lesser-known things to do in Newport is to visit Don & Ann Davis Park. This beautiful park features a veteran’s memorial, an indoor shelter with great views out to the ocean, and a nice cobblestone path lined with benches.
There’s also access all the way down to the historic Nye Beach, a long sandy stretch for beachcombing, kite flying, and other classic beach day activities. The beach opens up to a historic neighborhood with shopping, dining, and art galleries.
13. Surround Yourself with Nature at Brian Booth State Park
Brian Booth State Park is made up of two distinct areas, Ona Beach and Beaver Creek State Natural Area, both offering plenty of things to do in Newport.
Beaver Creek is the place to go if you have a passion for nature. You could take a hike through the upland forest or paddle through the marsh, which supports river otters, beavers, and many species of birds.
In addition to kayaking, Beaver Creek offers 5-miles of easy to moderate loop trails through the forests and meadows, some of which boast ocean views. Beaver Creek then opens to the Pacific Ocean at Ona Beach.
Ona Beach to Sea Head is a good hike in the area. It is a 5.5-mile hike that takes in some of the most scenic marvels of the central Oregon Coast. It will take you from the mouth of Beaver Creek, across fossil-rich, wave-cut platforms and sandy beaches.
Ona Beach itself was designed with picnicking in mind, as well as being an access point to the beach. Beachcombing is a popular activity year-round, as is flying a kite if you take advantage of the coastal breezes.
RELATED: 19 Must-Visit Oregon Coast State Parks
14. Paddle Around Newport
Yaquina Bay – Yaquina Bay is a great spot for kayaking, offering a very different perspective of the bay area. The wildlife and scenery make for a great adventure, so keep your eyes peeled for a range of sea birds and even sea lions.
If you don’t fancy heading out onto the water by yourself, there are many companies that offer guided tours of the bay.
The knowledgeable guides will also be able to tell you a little bit more about the area. There are plenty of places that offer kayak rentals if you don’t have your own.
Once you have explored the bay area, you could even continue onto the Yaquina River, which offers miles and miles of water to explore.
Beaver Creek – Guided kayak tours are available on Beaver Creek, offering a great alternative place to paddle.
You can launch at Ona Beach State Park, which is 5 miles south of South Beach, before winding through coastal wetland and keeping an eye out for some of the local wildlife.
15. Get Your Claws on Some Dungeness Crab at Newport’s Crabbing Pier
Newport isn’t called the “The Dungeness Crab Capital of the World” for nothing! The best months to get your claws on them are from summer to fall, but red rock crabs are available year-round here.
You can have a read on the rules and regulations on crabbing in the area. It’s a fun and relatively easy activity for the day for anyone wanting to catch their own juicy and meaty crabs.
16. Sample Craft Beer at Newport’s Breweries
After a hard afternoon of crabbing, or if you’ve been adventuring at some of the other things to do in Newport, grab a pint of beer at one of the craft breweries in town.
One of the best spots to have a breather and brew is Rogue Brewery. It’s set just along Yaquina Bay and in front of the crabbing pier. It’s a great spot to wander, too as you can literally watch beer being made while enjoying a pint and some food! We stop here on every trip along the coast.
Bier One Brewing is another great place to eat and drink in Newport. This laid-back brewpub sits in the center of Newport, just off Highway 101, and features a long bar with tons of unique decorations and a wide selection of locally brewed beer.
Note that they aren’t currently brewing their own beer but will do so again in the near future!
Other Things to Do Near Newport
Here are more things to do in Newport that are close by and worth the short detour!
17. Feel the Seas Spray at Thor’s Well
Thor’s Well is just one of the incredible natural features along the Oregon Coast and is certainly worth seeing if you’re in the area.
It is a large, gaping hole sitting on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, spouting and swallowing the waves that constantly buffer the shores.
It is a particularly impressive sight when the tide is high or the weather is stormy, but you have to be very careful. Be sure to check the tide times before you visit as it can be pretty dangerous.
If you don’t fancy getting too close to the crashing waves, seeing most of the action from the viewing area at the bottom of the path is also possible.
READ MORE: Visiting Thor’s Well in Cape Perpetua, Oregon
18. Go Whale Watching at Depoe Bay
Depoe Bay is one of the most scenic Oregon coast towns, and it’s also a hot spot for whale watching between March and December.
There’s also a beach, some scenic trails, and a local winery. This town may be small, but it packs a big punch and makes for a great day trip if you’re looking for more things to do in Newport.
19. Tackle the Trails at Cape Perpetua State Park
There are some incredible hiking opportunities at Cape Perpetua State Park.
The scenic area boasts an impressive 26 miles of trails, one of the most popular being the Big Spruce Trail. It is a 2-mile round trip that will take you through giant Sitka spruce trees and lush old-growth forests.
If it is just a short stroll you are looking for, the Cape Cove Trail is 0.3 miles long and will take you on a paved trail down to the water for easy beach access.
The Trail of the Restless Waters is just slightly longer at 0.4 miles and will bring you to Devil’s Churn, an amazing natural landmark that features dramatic waves during the high tide.
RELATED: 9 Things to Do in Cape Perpetua, Oregon
20. Take a Scenic Road Trip to Lincoln City
Take a scenic drive up the coast and visit the town of Lincoln City. The drive is about an hour and a half from Newport, with plenty of cool places to stop along the way.
Once you reach Lincoln City, you can spend the day exploring the city center and eating your heart out, or stick around for a few days to tackle all the hiking trails or explore the many beaches.
If you have the time while you’re in Lincoln City, make sure you check out the God’s Thumb hike. This is one of our fav hikes on the coast!
READ MORE: 15 Adventurous Things To Do in Lincoln City
21. Embrace the Small Town Charm of Yachats
Small but spectacular, Yachats is one of Oregon’s best-kept secrets. This sleepy seaside town sits right off of Highway 101 and serves up small-town charm (and tons of fresh seafood) in spades.
This special spot may not fly under the radar for long, so be sure to visit while you’re in the Newport area!
Camping & Lodging Options Near Newport
Beverly Beach State Park – There is plenty of camping at Beverly Beach, with more than 250 campsites available, including 53 full hookup sites. 128 of these sites are dedicated to tents, and then there are 21 yurts.
South Beach State Park – South Beach State Park has a large campground, offering 227 campsites, with all of the RV-friendly sites equipped with both electricity and water hookups, with also a few full hookup sites. All the sites come with a picnic table and fire ring, with paved parking pads.
There are also 27 yurts available for a different type of camping experience, 14 of which are pet friendly. There are also some sites that are made specifically for tents.
RELATED: 21 Amazing Yurts on the Oregon Coast
Bayfront View Condo – Wake up to bay views every day from this modern one-bedroom condo. You’ll have a private balcony that looks out over the bridge and marina, a fully equipped kitchen, and a fireplace for the colder months. In the common areas, you can also enjoy fitness equipment and barbecues.
South Beach Home – This comfortable three-bedroom home is in a small community on the south side of Newport. You can enjoy the quiet surroundings while still being close to all that Newport has to offer, including the aquarium, state park, and hiking trails.
Cozy Beach Cottage – This three-bedroom cottage is just north of Newport near Yaquina Head. Here you can enjoy the garden from the private deck, get cozy around the wood fire, or take an easy stroll down to nearby Agate Beach.
👉 More Accommodation in Newport, Oregon
We hope this post helped you better explore Newport! Check out more posts on the Oregon Coast.
