Best Tourist Sites to Visit While Fishing in Newport, Oregon

Newport, Oregon has continued to attract visitors all around the world thanks to its fishing action, unique sights, and stunning coastal sceneries. Of course, you can expect a lot of lovely attractions and things to do to make your vacation in the area more worthwhile.

So, if you’re heading to Newport for the ultimate fishing trip, it’s also essential to take advantage of your vacation with a tour around the area’s many tourist attractions. Read on to know the best tourist sites to visit while fishing in Newport!

Best Tourist Sites to Visit While Fishing in Newport

Even after you’re done with your fishing trip, you won’t run out of things to do and places to visit in Newport. Make sure you and your family explore the area to learn about the exciting history and appreciate the sights Newport, Oregon offers.

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

Yaquina Head is the state’s tallest lighthouse, which towers about 93 feet above a basalt headland that used to be lava. The lighthouse has been around since 1873, where you can take guided tours to learn about the area and make your way up.

Besides learning about the lighthouse’s history, you can also go wildlife viewing at the top, where you can find migrating harbor seals and whales. You can even view tide pools and find sea stars and sea anemones!

After visiting the lighthouse, you can check the Interpretative Center, where you and the family can learn more about the landscape and lighthouse history from the exhibits.

Besides the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, you can also explore the Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site, a 32-acre park where you can find the restored Yaquina Bay Lighthouse from 1871! From here, you can go whale watching and experience free, self-guided tours.

Oregon Coast Aquarium

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is perfect for families, where everyone can learn more about marine life! We love the glass walkways as you explore the aquarium, which allows you to look up at the stingrays and sharks swimming overhead. You can also find sea otters, seals, and Pacific octopuses!

We recommend visiting during the daily feeding times and availing of the fun interactive experiences, like animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours.

You can find other fun attractions in the Oregon Coast Aquarium, such as the Sea Lion Kiss Encounters, Secret of Shipwrecks, or the Sleep in the Deep program, where you can spend a night in underwater tunnels. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can dive in the tanks with a professional guide to meet the underwater animals up close.

If you want to explore more, the Hatfield Marine Science Center is near the aquarium, boasting numerous tide pools and aquariums filled with marine creatures. Families can watch the octopus feedings, view aquatic research exhibits, and join different educational programs.

Newport Historic Bayfront

Newport Bayfront is located around Yaquina Bay and is protected from the Pacific rollers by its narrow harbor mouth. It’s the largest area landmark in Newport and a crucial connection to Oregon’s Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.

You can find commercial fishing fleets taking shelter on the waterfront. Visitors can also go here to explore the art galleries, shops, and seafood restaurants on Newport Bay Boulevard. You can also avail tours from the Marine Discovery Tours to enjoy the waters and spot wildlife like seals, gray whales, or sea lions.

Nye Beach

If you’re more of a beach person, Newport is also home to fantastic breaches like Nye Beach, which faces the Pacific Ocean. This historic area has been a popular vacation destination for years now. Catch the stunning sunset here and visit the cultural hubs, where you can feast in their famous restaurants, buy from local shops, and have fun under the sun!

You’ll also find the Newport Visual Arts Center and Newport Performing Arts Center nearby for creativity and entertainment. View the regional artworks and enjoy the community, music, and theater performances!

Victorian Burrows House Museum

The Victorian Burrows House Museum is one of the historic buildings owned and operated by the Lincoln County Historical Society. The other historic building is the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center near the museum. From the Burrows House, you can visit the Log Cabin Research Facility, where you can learn more about the region’s history through newspapers, maps, and pictures.

In the Burrows House, you get to visit the Victorian Mansion that dons period furniture and clothing. In the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, you can learn so much about marine life and enjoy the views of the Bayfront.

Devil’s Punch Bowl State Natural Area

Devil’s Punch Bowl is one of the most popular attractions along Newport’s coast, located a bit past the Beverly Beach State Park. Once the surf starts pounding Oregon Coast, you’ll see the breathtaking rock formation come high tide, making a roaring sound. Look down into the rock’s cut to see the white waters swirling.

We recommend heading over here for a picnic to enjoy the view and to go whale watching. It’s a picturesque spot that you’ll want to post online!

Head over here after the Beverly Beach State Park, one of the more popular beaches in Oregon. With five miles of beach and a large campground, it’s made for families who want to experience outdoor life.

Wrapping It Up

There’s a reason why people flock to Newport, and it isn’t only because of the many fishing opportunities! Hopefully, our list of the best tourist sites to visit while fishing in Newport gave you an idea of where to go after you’ve caught the big one.

If you haven’t finished planning your Newport trip yet, make sure to squeeze in a trip with a fishing charter to complete your vacation. Contact us now to learn about our services and what fish you can catch with us, whether you’re alone or with the entire family!