Frolic along the Oregon coast, where Newport offers fun on and off the water.
NEWPORT, OREGON >> You’ll find the inviting town of Newport nestled along Oregon’s beautiful, untamed coast on Yaquina Bay. It’s a working seaport, home to Oregon’s largest fishing fleet. It’s also a great vacation destination with plenty of ways to spend
1 PLAY >> Oregon Coast Aquarium
You might not expect to find one of the nation’s top aquariums in a city of just over 10,000 people, but get ready to be impressed by this gorgeous 23-acre facility on Yaquina Bay. The outdoor exhibits include a sea otter area, with glass cutouts so you can watch the happy underwater frolicking, too.
Inside, you’ll find more intriguing displays and exhibits, including our favorite: “Secrets of Shipwrecks” lets guests be underwater archaeologists, as they explore how the ocean and its creatures transform these sunken vessels into habitats.
2 LEARN >> Marine Discovery Cruise
Board the 65-foot Discovery boat at the Historic Bayfront for a twohour cruise on the calm bay and rougher Pacific waters. The highlight for us was seeing three large gray whales, regular guests around these parts. But we also caught — and later released — dozens of crabs, with an assist from marine educator Delpha Krabbe, who taught us how to hold the crustaceans without getting pinched.
It’s an informative journey, as well as a fun one. My family departed the boat with a better understanding and appreciation of the Oregon coast.
3 EAT » Historic Bayfront
Running along Bay Boulevard, Newport’s popular Historic Bayfront area offers all sorts of shopping, bar-hopping and touristy attractions, including Ripley’s Believe It or Not — and if you enjoyed the Ripley’s in San Francisco or Hollywood, this one’s worth a visit, too.
The biggest appeal, though, is the area’s fresh seafood, much of it caught just hours ago by the fishermen you see walking down Bay Boulevard in their rubber boots. I had a couple of delightful meals on the Bayfront, including a crazy-sounding but delicious grilled rockfish sandwich ($17), given an Italian-style spin with the addition of salami and served on toasted ciabatta at Local Ocean Seafood.
I also enjoyed the complicated but delicious Big Daddy roll ($16), a tempura-style mix of lobster, crab, avocado and cream cheese served with sweet wasabi and a spicy sauce at Asiatico, a fusion restaurant that combines sushi with expansive bay views.
4 PLAY » Nye Beach
Newport boasts miles of good beaches, but the one that draws the most attention is named after 1860s homesteader John Nye. It’s a fine spot for everything from kite-flying to tide-pooling, with nearby shops, bars and eateries, including a great hot dog cart — MoonDoggs — at the entrance to Nye Beach on Coast Street. Pick up hot dogs and Polish sausages ($4-$5) to enjoy on the soft sandy beach, as you lounge and watch the waves.
5 DRINK» Rogue Brewer’s on the Bay
Beer enthusiasts can visit the brewpub and global headquarters of the acclaimed Rogue brewing company. The two-story brewpub has 40 ales and lagers on tap, plus food and, of course, bay views. Want a behind-the-scenes look at the process? Sign up for a brewery tour, which departs at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. daily.