Known as the Dungeness Crab Capital of The World™ and incorporated in 1882, Newport has been a vacation destination from the very beginning. Tourists fell in love with the town’s unique beachside hotels, hot sea baths, salt water taffy, an array of fresh seafood, as well as some of the best crabbing and crab-eating on the Oregon coast. Over the years, people keep coming back for the same reasons – and more. 

“Newport is dynamic,” shared Lauren Pahl, marketing manager for the Newport Chamber. “Like all coastal towns, we are blessed with amazing views, sandy beaches, crashing waves, spouting whales, and beachfront lodging – but what sets us apart is that there is so much to DO in Newport for all ages. Crab off the docks, kayak the bay, mountain bike our trails, shop our districts, watch sea lions barking off the docks, catch a performance at the Performing Arts Center, and so much more.

We have the largest working bayfront on the coast of Oregon, the inspiring NOAA fleet, a dynamic scientific community at OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center, and one of Oregon’s largest commercial fishing fleets. Newport has also had an active Coast Guard station since 1896.

Relax and Unwind 
Bring your favorite book series, a movie, a puzzle, or a bottle of local Oregon craft beer or wine to relax and kick back in one of Newport’s cozy lodging accommodations. There is a variety to choose from, many with spectacular ocean and bay views. Agate Beach Motel, a remodeled 1940s motor lodge, is a popular destination because of its sweeping views and stair access right to Agate Beach. The Newport Belle is another unique option – a 97-foot paddlewheel riverboat bed and breakfast that’s now permanently docked in the South Beach Marina.  

Outdoor Adventures 
Whale watching is very popular in Newport. They can be seen from various places around town including Yaquina Bay lighthouse, different beachfront lodging properties, and restaurants. Whale-watching boat tours out of Yaquina Bay are also available.   

“Recently there have been sightings of Orcas entering Yaquina Bay as well, a rare but incredible sight,” Pahl said. “Newport is also very central – just 10 miles north you have plenty of places to pull over and whale watch like Rocky Creek State Park on your way to Depoe Bay, where they have a whale watching center as well as whale watching charters.” 

If you love exploring nature through hiking, Newport is a great place to be. For a hike that takes you higher up, follow the trail up Communications Hill located on Yaquina Head. This short hike has stunning views of the coast and is a great spot to enjoy a picnic at the top. If you’re just looking for a casual stroll to get some fresh air, Newport has plenty of paved paths at South Beach State Park or explore the Ocean to Bay Trail located near Big Creek Park. 

Culinary Delights 
Plan your winter vacation for February 22nd to February 25th and experience the 47^th Annual Newport Seafood & Wine Festival, presented by the Chinook Winds Casino. The four-day event is the biggest party on the Oregon Coast with live music and over 150 vendors selling wine, food, and crafts. Wine offerings from at least 50 wineries will be available to enjoy and the amount of local seafood will also be expanded with hearty Dungeness crab cocktails and melts, oyster shooters, grilled shrimp, sushi, chowders and bisques, as well as other delicacies from the Pacific Northwest.

If you can’t make the festival, plan a getaway to Newport for a different time to experience one of the area’s award-winning restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops. Local Ocean Seafood is one of the town’s most renowned restaurants, celebrated for its fresh-caught local seafood right on the bayfront. You can also find a ton of other varieties of cuisine, like Nanas Irish Pub with their twist on Irish food or Sorella’s Italian, both located in the quaint Nye Beach district. Pahl shared, “There is just a vibrant life here with an incredible community.” 

So, whether your winter adventure includes whale watching on a boat, cozying up inside your beachfront hotel to enjoy the stormy day from your window with a book, or venturing out to fill your stomach with Oregon’s one-of-a-kind fresh and local seafood, Newport beckons.