On clear mornings, the sunrise in the little coastal town of Newport is a sight to behold. Individual rays hit the crashing waves and wet sand, brightening the empty beach as the sun creeps toward the town to wake locals and tourists. Shop owners put open signs in their windows while bed and breakfast owners fry eggs and hash browns for their visitors. Tourists along Bayfront Boulevard wander into the local coffee shops to grab a steaming drink and plan their day.
And when visiting Newport, what a day that will be.
Newport, located about two and half hours northwest of Eugene, first gained popularity for its delicious Yaquina Bay oyster and has since been recognized for its outdoor activities, beaches, aquarium, unique lodging and world-class seafood restaurants.
“I love Newport because it’s simple, uncomplicated and easy to get to,” junior Kim Walker said. “There are a lot of different activities to do and it’s a great way to spend a day.”
The activities in Newport are as unique as the shells and driftwood tourists find at its beaches and shops.
Newport’s Oregon Coast Aquarium is a popular stop for visitors to view seals, otters, tufted puffins and a giant octopus. It has six acres of cliffs, rocky caves, tide pools and trails. The aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until Memorial Day weekend, when the hours extend to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the summer.
At Newport’s Historic Bayfront on Bay Boulevard, tourists can amuse themselves for hours with art galleries, gift shops, restaurants and tourist attractions. Ripley’s Believe it or Not and the Undersea Gardens are popular tourist sites, as are the nearby docks that house a small fishing village and a family of noisy sea lions. Shops and galleries sell beach-themed items such as coastal artwork and chewy saltwater taffy.
“It’s very tourist-friendly, which I actually enjoy because then there are places to go and things to do besides just spending time on the beach,” Walker said.
Even with a multitude of activities, Newport’s beaches are the main attraction. Depending on the season, visitors can walk on the beach, sunbathe, storm-watch, fly kites or comb for treasures.
Tourists should also explore the famous Yaquina Bay Lighthouse to get a taste of real coastal town life. Completed in 1871, it is Newport’s oldest building and now operates as a gift shop and historical
museum. It’s open daily from noon to 4 p.m.
For tourists famished from a day of exploring, Newport’s restaurants will provide substantial nourishment. Local favorites exemplify the town’s enthusiasm for seafood. Sada’s Sushi Bar & Japanese Cuisine is superb and challenges Eugene’s Japanese dining in both price and taste. Mo’s Restaurant & Annex is another favorite and is famous for its clam chowder and laid back environment. Both are
located on Bay Boulevard.
For a more upscale dining experience, local bed and breakfast owner Cindy McConnell recommends Sharks Seafood Bar & Steamer Co. on the bayfront for its fresh seafood and unique environment.
For students who want to for stay multiple days, Newport offers plenty of lodging options. Typical chain hotels like a Best Western and a Shilo Inn Hotel are located within walking distance of Agate Beach and plenty of home and cottage rentals are available in town for larger parties.
Newport also has some of the Northwest’s best bed and
breakfasts. While they can be a bit pricier than other lodging, the exceptional service and multi-course breakfasts make them a worthwhile student splurge.
One top-rated bed and breakfast is McConnell’s Tyee Lodge Oceanfront Bed & Breakfast with five rooms running $150-160 a night. Located just north of the historic bay front on Agate Beach, this upscale bed and breakfast has a great garden for reading and studying and trail access to the beach. The rooms are clean and spacious, and all of them have spectacular ocean views. The breakfasts are served family style in the oceanview
dining room and include a fruit
appetizer, fresh bread and an
elaborately prepared entrée.
“We enjoy younger guests that are used to staying in bed and breakfasts and love to chat with people of all ages,” said Mark McConnell, who has run the Tyee Lodge with his wife, Cindy, for the past 10 years.
Locals like the McConnells, who pay attention to detail and have a great appreciation of the coast, make Newport an ideal coastal retreat. Whether students visit Newport for a day or spend an entire weekend exploring, when the sun sets behind the ocean, they will take back memories of a town unlike most they’ve seen.

[email protected]