What to do and see in Newport, Oregon (OR): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

A series of informative exhibits at the Hatfield Marine Science Center gives visitors a glimpse of hot topics in contemporary marine science research.

Historic beach along the Oregon Coast that has been a favorite recreational area for more than 100 years.

Nineteenth-century lighthouse is one of a few on the Pacific coast that was built with the light-keeper's quarters in the same building.

From exploring tide pools teeming with life to witnessing Oregon's tallest lighthouse, there is something for every visitor at Yaquina Head. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area extends out from the Oregon coast, one mile into the Pacific Ocean. Standing 93 feet tall at the westernmost point of the basalt headland, the lighthouse has been a bright beacon of the night, guiding ships and their supplies along the west coast since the light was first lit on August 20, 1873. The offshore islands are a year-round refuge for harbor seals and a spring-summer home for thousands of nesting seabirds. Gray whales can be spotted during their annual migrations to Mexico (late fall-early winter) and Alaska (late winter-early spring). During the summer months some gray whales take the opportunity to feed in the shallow waters around the headland. Cobble Beach is compiled of millions of round basalt rocks that produce an applause-like sound as the waves roll in. When the tide is low a vibrant ocean floor is revealed—pools of colorful animals including orange sea stars, purple sea urchins, and giant green anemones. Rangers are at hand to answer questions and point out all of the amazing plants and animals that call the tide pools home. Visit the Interpretive Center and discover 140 years of lighthouse history and thousands of years of natural and cultural history. Friends of Yaquina Lighthouses, a non-profit organization, offers site-related books, maps, and postcards in their interpretive store. Whether you want to see raging winter storms batter the Oregon coast, learn about the role lighthouses played in the westward expansion of the United States, or watch peregrine falcons at play, visit Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and experience something wild.

Monument located in Yaquina Bay State Park that memorializes mariners who lost their lives at sea.

Welcome aboard Marine Discovery Tours - Oregon's #1 Whale & Sea Life Cruise! Whether you're traveling solo or with a group, we'd love to share our "Floating Adventure" endorsed by the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Teams of professional and friendly captains and naturalists tell stories that range from gray whales and other coastal sea life to the seasons of Oregon's largest fishing fleet! Fun activities await, as "volunteer deckhands" help with catch and release crabbing, plankton pulls with microscope viewing and navigation lessons. We are local experts who are passionate about delivering a fun, safe activity - you can count on our captain's seasoned knowledge to find the calmest routes on our ocean, bay and river ecosystems. We specialize in marine education field trips for over 7,000 students, annually. Tour groups love our "stretch limo" vessel with a heated cabin for all, seating and complimentary coffee and tea! We're happy to offer exclusive charters for Special Events from reunions to Celebrations of Life/Ashes at Sea - take over the Discovery as your own! Our cruise season is March - October - advance reservations are always a good idea!