Newport Bay Bridge, by Don Lashier

Newport is a many-layered town with its two distinctive districts – the Historical Bayfront and Nye Beach – and its scenic location between the coast mountains, Yaquina Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Nye Beach has attracted tourists since the late 1800s. In the early 1900s visitors came here from the Willamette Valley for the hot sea baths, taffy stores, agates, and of course – the ocean. You will not want to miss a walking tour of historic Nye Beach, an area in constant motion. There you can find an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and lodging. The Newport Center for the Performing Arts is perched on the outskirts of Nye Beach.

The Bayfront was the working area with its commercial fishing port and wood product industry. Today the Bayfront still has one of Oregon’s largest commercial fishing fleets, providing a unique and authentic experience for visitors who can browse in shops and restaurants amidst the fishing fleets, seafood processing centers, and the docks on the Bayfront. Wander out onto the docks to watch the fisherman come in with their catch or the resident seals sunning and squabbling on the docks.

A stop at Mo’s Chowder House is on a lot of vacation to-do lists while on the Bayfront. This legendary restaurant was the first Mo’s, established in 1940 by spunky Mo Niemi. Today there are several more chowder houses scattered along the coast.

Newport can rightfully lay claim to its title as the hub of the Central Oregon Coast. Located about midway between Tillamook County and Florence, the town offers a multitude of attractions and serves as a starting point for day trips to other Central Coast destinations.

Head south over the refurbished Yaquina Bay Bridge to the Oregon Coast Aquarium to see “Passages of the Deep” and the other permanent, rotating displays. While you are at it, visit the smaller aquarium at the Hatfield Marine Science Center where you can shake hands with a live octopus.

If you long for adventure on the high seas, local charter boats offer whale-watching cruises, eco-tours and deep-sea fishing expeditions on a year-round basis.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse, by Don Lashier

Newport boasts two spectacular lighthouses. The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is located near the north end of the Yaquina Bay Bridge, at the mouth of the Yaquina River in Yaquina Bay State Park. Built in 1871, the lighthouse was decommissioned three years later in 1874 after the construction of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse just north of Newport. It is believed to be the oldest structure in Newport and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is the only lighthouse with attached living quarters and the last remaining historic wooden lighthouse in Oregon. The Yaquina Head Lighthouse is located just north of Newport in the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Built in 1873, the 93-foot lighthouse tower is the tallest in Oregon. Don’t leave the Natural Area without exploring an interpretive center, the tide pools, harbor seals, nesting seabirds, and hiking trails on the coastal headland. Yaquina Head also has one of the first wheelchair accessible, human-constructed tide pools in the world at Quarry Cove.

Horses on South Beach, by Don Lashier

Newport is a great launch pad for a number of beaches. Cobble Beach is located at the Yaquina Head Natural Outstanding Area. Agate Beach is reached by walking through a tunnel once used by farmers leading cattle to the ocean for a taste of sea salt. Popular with surfers, this beach is located one mile north of Newport. Located two miles south of Newport, South Beach State Park offers long broad stretches of sand that are perfect for kite flying and building sand castles. This park has an interpretive center, gift shop, trails, and is also a full-service campground with electrical hookups and a large selection of yurts. Seven miles north of Newport, Beverly Beach stretches from Yaquina Head to the headlands of Otter Rock. This park also offers camping sites and yurts.

Newport was recently selected to be the new home of the Pacific Marine Operations Center-Pacific of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) beginning in 2011, pending the signing of a 20-year lease. The center will employ up to 100 workers, host four NOAA vessels, have berths for two visiting vessels, and include shoreside labs and offices. NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth’s environment and conserves and manages coastal and marine resources.

Newport’s annual events get underway in February with the Seafood and Wine Festival, where you can enjoy fresh seafood as you sample some of the Northwest’s finest wines.

For more information visit www.newportchamber.org.