Things to do in Newport when you're not dead
May 28, 2010 8:45 AM Subscribe
Things to do in Newport, Oregon (and environs) this weekend?
Mr. Rabbit and I (and our 13-year-old dog) will be spending the long Memorial Day weekend in Newport, OR. We've seen the lighthouses, and will probably check out the aquarium; what other fun things can we do, especially if it rains? We're also OK with driving 30-45 mins north/south of Newport.
Thanks!
Mr. Rabbit and I (and our 13-year-old dog) will be spending the long Memorial Day weekend in Newport, OR. We've seen the lighthouses, and will probably check out the aquarium; what other fun things can we do, especially if it rains? We're also OK with driving 30-45 mins north/south of Newport.
Thanks!
If it doesn't rain, Boiler Bay has fun tidepools.
Frankly, I don't know what you're talking about in the "things to do" category. ;) Sit out by/on the beach and relax!
posted by SpecialK at 8:53 AM on May 28, 2010
Frankly, I don't know what you're talking about in the "things to do" category. ;) Sit out by/on the beach and relax!
posted by SpecialK at 8:53 AM on May 28, 2010
Oh, and Cape Lookout State Park up by Tillamook is my favorite short/easy hike in the area.
posted by SpecialK at 8:54 AM on May 28, 2010
posted by SpecialK at 8:54 AM on May 28, 2010
If it rains, you should go to the Rogue brewery and drink beer!
posted by rtha at 9:00 AM on May 28, 2010
posted by rtha at 9:00 AM on May 28, 2010
Nye Beach is a nice hangout spot nearby with coffeeshops/bakery, restaurants, and some stores.
posted by medeine at 9:07 AM on May 28, 2010
posted by medeine at 9:07 AM on May 28, 2010
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is definitely worth a visit, if you're into aquariums at all. (Don't get it confused with the dank little "Undersea Gardens" aquarium on the bay side of Newport, across from the Ripley's Believe it or Not ... it's okay but doesn't compare.) The bay side has some cheesy attractions, like a wax works museum, but also ice cream and salt-water-taffy stores and neat old buildings. On the ocean side of Newport, near Nye Beach, there are a few galleries and cafes (I liked Cafe Stephanie). And the ocean beach is excellent for kites.
posted by lisa g at 9:10 AM on May 28, 2010
posted by lisa g at 9:10 AM on May 28, 2010
If you're into science/learning stuff, in addition to the Oregon Coast Aquarium (which I love, esp the sea otters and puffins), try the Hatfield Marine Science Center visitor center. It's part of Oregon State University and I loved it as a kid. Hmm...yes, it may be better for the young-folk, now that I looked at their site...
Get out of Newport and go to Yachats. It's a much smaller, more quaint coastal town. Also, it's pretty close to Cape Perpetua, my absolute favorite place on the coast. If you're into hiking, hike to the top for a great view; if you're feeling lazy, you can drive.
Oh! And you must eat at Mo's. Get the clam chowder. No trip to the coast is complete without Mo's clam chowder.
posted by dormouse at 9:40 AM on May 28, 2010
Get out of Newport and go to Yachats. It's a much smaller, more quaint coastal town. Also, it's pretty close to Cape Perpetua, my absolute favorite place on the coast. If you're into hiking, hike to the top for a great view; if you're feeling lazy, you can drive.
Oh! And you must eat at Mo's. Get the clam chowder. No trip to the coast is complete without Mo's clam chowder.
posted by dormouse at 9:40 AM on May 28, 2010
I second Cafe Stephanie and the aquarium; I've visited both in wet and dry weather. There are also a couple used bookstores in Nye Beach, if you are bookstore people.
My favorite place is the South Beach Fish Market & Deli (don't let the website put you off!). They have the BEST smoked salmon candy I've ever had and their fish and chips are fantastic.
posted by thaumatrope at 9:42 AM on May 28, 2010
My favorite place is the South Beach Fish Market & Deli (don't let the website put you off!). They have the BEST smoked salmon candy I've ever had and their fish and chips are fantastic.
posted by thaumatrope at 9:42 AM on May 28, 2010
There's a restaurant called Local Ocean near the harbour. I don't know how it compares to what's available since it's the only place I ate during the one day I spent there, but it had top-restaurant-quality fish at really good prices; highly recommended.
posted by PercussivePaul at 9:53 AM on May 28, 2010
posted by PercussivePaul at 9:53 AM on May 28, 2010
Marine Discovery Tours is neato, IMO. Although most of the grey whales are gone back north now, there are a few "resident" grey whales that they can go out and look at. Plus other ocean life.
Your dog would need to stay ashore, but with a lot of these other suggestions, the dog would need to stay in the car also.
Yachats, about 45 min south, is THE nicest town on the whole coast. Really nice beach walking there.
posted by Danf at 10:27 AM on May 28, 2010
Your dog would need to stay ashore, but with a lot of these other suggestions, the dog would need to stay in the car also.
Yachats, about 45 min south, is THE nicest town on the whole coast. Really nice beach walking there.
posted by Danf at 10:27 AM on May 28, 2010
I was going to tell you about the aquarium, so consider that 3rded.
Also 2nding Yachats. Lovely place (used to go to the Shamrock Lodgettes as a kid; it breaks my heart that they're not there anymore).
Waldport is reasonably charming, too.
Devil's Punch Bowl is cool. Agate beach is nice. There are a million state parks on the Oregon Coast.
posted by willpie at 12:52 PM on May 28, 2010
Also 2nding Yachats. Lovely place (used to go to the Shamrock Lodgettes as a kid; it breaks my heart that they're not there anymore).
Waldport is reasonably charming, too.
Devil's Punch Bowl is cool. Agate beach is nice. There are a million state parks on the Oregon Coast.
posted by willpie at 12:52 PM on May 28, 2010
Nth the aquarium. Went there as a kid and later as an adult. Had fun both times.
posted by hot_monster at 5:02 PM on May 28, 2010
posted by hot_monster at 5:02 PM on May 28, 2010
Nye Beach has fun shops, and is a good beach for walking. Panini Bakery is a half a block south of the Nye Beach turn around - great place for a quick lunch, or take away scones to nibble on later.
The waterfront area of Newport, east of the bridge, is also a good place for shops and gallerys, especially wood work and glass work.
And Nthing the aquarium. When I lived in Newport some years ago, I had a membership there. Well worth a wonder through.
posted by dorey_oh at 5:24 PM on May 28, 2010
The waterfront area of Newport, east of the bridge, is also a good place for shops and gallerys, especially wood work and glass work.
And Nthing the aquarium. When I lived in Newport some years ago, I had a membership there. Well worth a wonder through.
posted by dorey_oh at 5:24 PM on May 28, 2010
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Not sure how far it is, but it is a pleasant touristy thing.
posted by SLC Mom at 8:53 AM on May 28, 2010