Top Things to Do in Newport, Oregon

Learn and Play in Amazing State Parks

There are more than a dozen state parks and state recreations areas in and around Newport. Two of our favorites are Mike Miller State Park and South Beach State Park.

Mike Miller State Park

Mike Miller State Park is a beautiful and educational adventure for visitors of all ages. The Park covers more than 45 acres, most of it forested, and features a one-mile nature trail that is dotted with bridges, observation decks, and benches as well as lots of informational signs encouraging visitors to sit and listen for bird calls, observe the coastal flora and fauna, and watch for small woodland animals, too. An additional highlight of this park is that you can see Sitka Spruce, Western Hemlock, Douglas Fir and Coastal Pine trees all in one place.  

South Beach State Park

South Beach State Park begins in South Newport and stretches along several miles of pristine Oregon Coast land. There are lots of places to walk, bike, and jog especially along the paved Jetty Trail. This area is popular for horseback riding, too, with many people choosing to take a beautiful sunset ride. The Park also offers a 9-hole disc golf course, a playground area, and places to kayak and canoe.  

Discover Beautiful Newport, Oregon Beaches

There are many places to get your toes in the sand around Newport. We love Cobble Beach, Beverly Beach, and Nye Beach!

Cobble Beach

Cobble Beach gets its name from the smooth basalt cobbles that make up its shoreline. This beach is also known for being a wonderful place to explore tidepools and birdwatch – and a beautiful place to take photos, with its backdrop of Yaquina Head always in view.  

Beverly Beach

Beverly Beach is another local favorite. This beach offers lots of room to roam (from Yaquina Head to the headlands of Otter Rock) and scenic coastline vistas everywhere you look. Beverly Beach is also a favorite among those looking to fly a kite.  

Nye Beach

Nye Beach is another local treasure. It is both a neighborhood with more than 40 shops and cafes (many owners live above their establishments), as well as a lovely beach that stretches from Yaquina Bay to Yaquina Head.  

Arts & Entertainment in Newport

Nye Beach is an epicenter of The Arts in Newport, a city that is home to a thriving arts community overall.

The Newport Performing Arts Center (PAC)

The Newport Performing Arts Center (PAC) is the premier venue on the Oregon Coast. Its Silverman Theater seats 400, while its intimate Studio Theater seats 80. The PAC is home to several resident companies who produce music, theater, and dance performances…and is home base for the beloved outdoor symphony performances each summer.  

The Newport Visual Arts Center (VAC)

The Newport Visual Arts Center (VAC) enjoys beautiful ocean views and is the jewel of visual arts in Newport. Divided into three galleries, several mixed-use areas, and a showcase area, the VAC features rotating visual arts displays from local, regional, and national artists and hosts First Fridays to feature new exhibits the first Friday of every month.  

Enjoy Delicious Local Food and Drink

It’s no surprise to hear that Newport has an award-winning food scene as well. Each February, the town hosts the wildly popular Newport Seafood and Wine Festival, and year-round it offers visitors many delicious options for food, from casual cafes and breweries to fine dining. We have listed some of our must-eat locations below:

Local Ocean Seafood

Clearwater Restaurant

Mo’s Clam Chowder

Rogue Ales & Spirits

Bonus: The Oregon Coast Aquarium & Hatfield Marine Science Center

We would be remiss if we did not also mention the two world-class facilities in Newport where you can learn more about life under the sea. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a must-stop for every visitor, as is the nearby Hatfiled Marine Science Center. Both facilities have won multiple awards and make for a memorable excursion for travelers of all ages.  

Ready to book your vacation to a Newport vacation rental? Visit Meredith Lodging to view our Newport, Depoe Bay, and Lincoln City collections. We hope to see you soon!