Visiting the Central Oregon Coast

Newport is the perfect base for a day, a weekend - or longer - spent exploring the natural beauty and man-made attractions of Oregon's central coast. Within easy driving distance you'll find dramatic sea cliffs, broad beaches, tidepools, historic lighthouses, working waterfronts, and a wide variety of things to do, see - and eat!

Coastal weather is changeable, and can vary in the course of a day from sunshine to mist to blustery storms. Dress in layers, pack a waterproof windbreaker - and an extra pair of socks in case your feet get wet! Also handy: Sun glasses, binoculars, a camera, a kite, and a good field guide to coastal birds, plant life or marine mammals (pick one up at the Visitor Center Bookstore).

(The following links are provided for the convenience of visitors, and are not intended as commercial endorsements.)

General information

• Travel Oregon On-Line: The Coast - Slide show, vacation planning, and more from the Oregon Tourism Commission.
• Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce - includes links to lodging, dining, shopping, and local events
• A Guide to the Central Oregon Coast - from NewportNet
• Weather conditions and forecasts
• Tide predictions for the Newport area

Travel

• Maps and directions to Newport and HMSC
• TripCheck - Road conditions, current weather, and other useful information from the Oregon Department of Transportation

Lodging

• Motels, RV Parks, Bed & Breakfasts - Newport Chamber of Commerce listings
• Lodging listings from StateOfOregon.com
• Search google.com for Newport-area vacation rentals

Exploring the coast

• Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
• Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
• Oregon Coast Aquarium
• Coast Range Geology
• Oregon Coastal Atlas
• State Parks and campgrounds search page
• Beach Fact Sheets: Free downloads from Oregon Sea Grant

d

Sea anemones and a starfish in the Visitor Center touch tank.

Home | About the Center | Current Events | Exhibits | Learning | Marine Research
The Visitor Center Bookstore