Click on my link below to take you to a map I’m constructing
Link to my maps for things to do
Get out there!
So this page is a work in progress. My wife and I have lived in Newport since we were 24 we’re 70 now ( you do the math it’s too painful for me) We have been to all these places during the course of our 46 years together with our children, relatives who have visited over the years, our grand children and now our dogs. This place is truly an incredible place of beauty. I know that there are Many! beautiful places in this country . But I have never tired of any drive I have taken in any direction from my home. I used to think that you had to plan special forays out when visitors came. But then I realized that simply going to the North end of Cape Foulweather and or Depoe Bay and working your way south could blow away the traveler with the unbelievable beauty ( and that’s without the diversity of what the changing weather adds). So having said that what I will attempt to do is chronicle these places. It will take a while so bare with me.
Cobble Beach : Or Yaquina Head Lighthouse
I bought an old timer’s pass to this one. They created a tide pool,quite a few years back now. ( first left after entering ) drive down and park. Walk down to watch seals and seal pup. Waves crashing. Last year my pups and I were walking along the rocks and a grey whale came up behind me. I wasn’t 20 feet from it when it blew. It was an experience.
Then get back in your car or you can walk all the way. Down to the visitor center . They have a real nice exhibit here.
Pop back in your car and drive further to the lighthouse. Down the long stairs is Cobble Beach. Rocks that have been worn smooth over the millennium. Walk around the Lighthouse and sign up for the tour. Or go around to the west and there is a bird rookery and whale watching .
Some interesting or not trivia, for decades this was a quarry owned locally. Then Bob sold it to the BLM (for a lot of money ) and they recreated it as a really great National Park. When first opened the tide pools did not exist. They were all created by the powers that be. Under what appears to be sand now is a concrete super structure. The ocean and time has filled it in. Waiting for just the right storm and set of currents to once again scour it out. And I’ve been around here long enough to see it happen.
This Park is directly across from our homes. Look out the upstairs windows toward the ocean , Just to the right ( north ) of the Performing Arts Center. Just one block is a ramp like beach entry. It accesses five miles of beach. Walk south one mile till you hit the North Jetty or four miles north till you come up against Yaquina Head Lighthouse. A perfect place for the family to enjoy the Sunsets ( when we get them) Please be mindful of the tides . And if visiting in the winter don’t turn your back to the ocean. FYI it takes 4 inches of water to float a log. I don’t want to lose you.
Coast street park, as you look south ( to the left as you leave our homes) You will see a park across the street. The City of Newport installed it some 5 or more years ago. It has easily become one of the most popular parks in town. When my grand-daughter’s were younger and it was first built I took them over. I did not understand a single installation that was there. Where were the swings and see saws? It took them seconds to engage and they subsequently spent hours there. Once again pointing out just how old I have become.
FYI. I moved to Newport in 1974 and lived first just to the North of this park. In what was referred to as Walt’s Cottage’s. It was located where the Performing Arts Center Parking lot is now. It consisted of an old motel about 6 studio’s. They went for $45 dollars a month . Utilities included.
To the south of Walt’s were the Blue Bonet’s where the park is located now. All of Nye Beach was a tent or small mom and pop village. My homes once had a 9 unit motel. ( A unit of which still at time of writing still exists). Much to the jagrin of the city.
Newport actually has two aquariums.
They are both located across the bridge in south beach. ( See map link for directions). The Oregon Coast Aquarium is probably the more popular and now famous of the two . (Think Keiko)
The Hatfield Marine Science Center and Aquarium ( it is not described as that) is the one I am more familiar with. It is the one my sons (who are now either approaching forty or are actually older then forty ) went to on a regular basis. The Hatfield Aquarium associated with OSU offered (and still does )a modest aquarium like facility with a voluntary contribution for entry , a lot of hands on displays, an octopus tank and feeding time ( always popular ) and educational displays for both the kids and adults. It was always a good call on rainy days when school was not in session.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium opened in 1992, ( my sons would have been 14 and 11) . When it first opened it could be described as modest. (Aquariums are expensive). Keiko came, ( Keiko Images) in 1996. That for Newport and the Aquarium was a game changer. Think huge crowds both inside the Aquarium and coming to this town. And I have to say having seen Keiko in his huge glass tank was pretty darn impressive. Alas his stay was short he left the safety and comfort of his tank in 1998
The Aquarium has over the years built very impressive and interactive displays. Many suitable for small children. A glass tube you walk through among them is among them.
It is a bit spendy , but certainly worth the price of admission. I have taken my grand daughters there many times. They also offer educational opportunities. So if we’re getting pummeled by the weather ( or not) Consider this as a part of your day planning.
Otter Crest Loop
Map Link Otter Crest Loop
This has to be one of my most favorite day trips out of Newport. Back in the day when highway 101 was little (1926) more than a wagon trail some brave soul built a road along the rocky coast around Cape Foulweather. I have a great link to the Oregon Encyclopedia with some really great pictures in a slide show. Also I have a link to Grant McOmie video that covers this part of the trip into Newport from the North.
I would go North over Foulweather to start my trip. The by pass of old Highway 101 is now a one lane road with walking and bicycle path going North to South. Travel North out of Newport over Cape Foulweather. As you come down the North side just at the base is a left hand turn out. That is the start of the several mile old highway loop. Incredible Vistas , Really Worth it .
I’m just building this page but it has some good content already. I have a list and will be adding to it daily.