Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Newport
POP 10,000
Home to Oregon's largest commercial fishing fleet, Newport is a lively tourist city with
several fine beaches and a world-class aquarium. In 2011 it became the host of NOAA
(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Good restaurants - along with
some tacky attractions, gift shops and barking sea lions - abound in the historic bayfront
area, while bohemian Nye Beach offers art galleries and a friendly village atmosphere.
The area was first explored in the 1860s by fishing crews who found oyster beds at the
upper end of Yaquina Bay.
CANYON WAY BOOKSTORE
Still hanging on after the internet age, the Canyon Way Bookstore ( 541-265-8319;
www.canyonway.com ; 1216 SW Canyon Way; 10am-5pm Mon-Thu, till 8pm Fri, 11am-4pm Sat) is a
Newport institution offering a fine choice of books, with especially good history,
mystery and children's sections. An on-site restaurant provides good homemade
meals, a peaceful patio and occasional live music.
Sights
Oregon Coast Aquarium AQUARIUM
( 541-867-3474; www.aquarium.org ; 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd; adult/child 3-12yr/child 13-17yr
$18.95/11.95/16.95; 9am-6pm; ) The region's top attraction, this cutting-edge aquari-
um is especially fun if you have kids along. Marine celebrities include seals, sea otters
and a giant octopus (or two), and there's an impressive deep-sea exhibit where you walk
under Plexiglas tunnels and get an eyeful of sharks and rays swimming by. The jellyfish
exhibit is a surreal experience, while the touch tank appeals to everyone. There's also a
good cafe.
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area PARK
( 541-574-3100; 750 NW Lighthouse Dr; admission $7; sunrise-sunset, interpretive center
10am-6pm) Stretching a mile out to sea is the popular Yaquina Head, a grassy headland
just north of Newport. Short trails lead to viewing areas for shorebirds, harbor seals and
whales, and the tide pools are the best-managed on the coast. Visit the excellent inter-
pretive center to explore different marine environments and the history of the coast's
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