Newport’s Yaquina Bay, with its soaring historic bridge, forms the heart of this vacation paradise with the authentic soul of a fishing harbor. A whole summer of weekends couldn’t capture all there is to see and do in this coastal city with its wide open sandy beaches, pair of lighthouses, marina of working ships, and bustling Bayfront with restaurants, tourist attractions, shopping, seafood processing and barking sea lions. The home of the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Hatfield Marine Science Center and NOAA, this marine research city also boasts plenty of culture, from its Performing Arts Center, art galleries and glass-blowing studios. Hop on a boat for a whale-watching or eco tour or take the deep-sea fishing trip you’ve always wanted to try. Explore the unique shops on the Bayfront, in Nye Beach or at Aquarium Village. Try your hand at scuba diving, golf at Agate Beach, learn from the History Center and Maritime Museum or taste the fruits of a Newport oyster farm. Buy crab, salmon or tuna right off the boat, or enjoy seafood and other delights at over 80 restaurants, including the Rogue Brewery. The kids will love Newport–take them to the Aquarium, Undersea Gardens, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, the Waxworks or an indoor bouncy house after your time playing in the sand or exploring the rocky cliffs around Yaquina Lighthouse. Hiking, bird-watching and kayaking are readily available; if you prefer to stay indoors, there’s a pool and rec center. Plan your trip around the many wonderful events, including the Newport Wine and Seafood Festival in February, or just come to relax in this classic oceanfront city.

Check out our Newport vacation rentals to start planning your next trip to the Oregon Coast