Location: On Highway 101, 26 miles to Lincoln City. Population: 10,000. Visitor Information: Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, 555 S.W. Coast Highway, Newport, OR; Phone: (800) 262-7844.
When Newport was incorporated in 1882 with approximately 250 residents, the town was heralded as the "San Francisco of the North". Newport is famous for commercial shrimp and oyster harvesting, fabulous sport fishing and crabbing. Beach enthusiasts will enjoy the variety of beaches in Newport, including South Beach State Park located two miles south of Newport and Cobble Beach, which is part of the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Nye Beach is one of Oregon’s oldest beach destinations, with an expansive sandy beach complimented by shops, restaurants and lodging.
Numerous fishing charters are available for salmon and bottom fishing. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is one of the top visitor attractions on the coast. Bay Boulevard is a popular tourist area, where restaurants, galleries, shops, and attractions such as Ripley’s Believe it or Not, the Waxworks Museum and the Undersea Gardens are situated next to working canneries and fish-packing plants. Visitors can also enjoy bay and whale watching tours on the bay front.
The Newport Seafood and Wine Festival features the best of Oregon’s seafood and Northwest wines. It is held the last full weekend in February and there’s lots of great food and drinks to enjoy.
