Why Newport, the Gateway of Oregon’s South Beach State Park, Is Worth a Visit in Its Own Right

Beautiful, offbeat (downright odd at times), and deeply important to the scientific community, Newport is a gem on Oregon’s coast that many overlook in favor of the numerous neighboring state parks, including South Beach State Park, which lies just on the southern end of the city. Although Oregon’s natural beauty IS famous for a reason, as is the rugged coastline and campsites that South Beach State Park offers, Newport should not be a mere footnote on your travel calendar. The history of the area, as well as the scientific weight it currently carries, should hold it in high esteem. However, the restaurants and lovely warm nature of the community really carries it over the top and cements it as a must-see travel destination.

The town of Newport began as a fishing village in 1855. Then, as the area developed, it turned to shipping, logging, and tourism with a train to San Francisco. Oysters became one of the biggest exports, and the fishing industry grew steadily. Even today, Newport has the largest number of fishing boats in Oregon.

Presently, the town still has a strong connection with the seafood industry. But science has led Newport to have a deeper connection with the ocean beyond food. There is, of course, the Ocean Coast Aquarium, but there’s also the Hatfield Marine Science Center, a research center that collaborates with the government. Additionally, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's research boats that formerly resided in Seattle, now anchor in Newport and join forces with the Marine Science Center. 

Newport is divided in two, separated by Yaquina Bay and two jetties. To the north is the main part of town with the historic bay front, Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, and Nye Beach. To the south, there’s South Beach State Park, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and the airport. Beaches stretch out on both sides, with tide pools and fossils to explore on the sand and whale watching in the spring and winter. Nye Beach, in particular, is popular with tourists with free parking, easy access to the beach, colorful houses, a thriving art scene, and multiple restaurants to choose from (seafood is clearly one of the most popular options). 

All throughout Newport and the surrounding area, you’ll find options for hiking, biking, fishing, crabbing, and surfing. This is especially true in South Beach State Park, which covers seven miles of Oregon coastline as well as forests, dunes, and a freshwater marsh. There are paved trails for jogging and biking, in addition to specific paths for horseback riding, as well as playgrounds, horseshoe pits, and a disc golf course. 

South Beach State Park is for those who wish to visit Oregon’s natural beauty in a relaxed way, with well-maintained campgrounds and multiple activities to casually enjoy nature. It’s no surprise that it so seamlessly fits into Newport, a town known for kind, unpretentious people who hold a deep love for the sea. With two lighthouses (one is the tallest in all of Oregon), Newport will light your way to the coast and give you an experience like no other.