Visiting Newport

We are visiting the Newport area (friend has a home there) and were wondering how long to visit that part of the coast? We have two sons (15 and 10)--what sorts of activities might be available for them? Thanks

Visiting Newport

Hi, I would not miss the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, a really fun way to spend the morning or afternoon. Enjoy your trip! :)

Visiting Newport

How Long? Hard to answer, it%26#39;s your trip. :) I%26#39;d say two full days can easily be enjoyed in this area, three is even better. You and your kids will really enjoy this area and the various parks and activities.

Where are you coming from and going next, and how long do you have for this trip?

Plenty of ideas noted below.

Oregon Coast

www.visittheoregoncoast.com

Newport, OR

http://discovernewport.com/

www.aquarium.org

And the spectacular Yachats/Cape Perpetua area:

fs.fed.us/r6/鈥?/a>

We are flying into Portland the middle of August and are then heading for the coast. We were planning on staying a week---but also wondered if we should venture further north or south of Newport so that we don%26#39;t ';wear out our welcome'; visiting our friend.

It%26#39;s an hour plus drive away, but you can%26#39;t take boys that age to the central coast without letting them do a dune buggy ride. More thrills than any theme park anywhere. The dunes are a few miles south of Florence. Along the way there, you%26#39;ll see some of the most photographed scenes on the Oregon coast.

The aquarium might be interesting if you can time it so the boys can see the otter %26amp; seal feeding. Other than that, if you have been to a large aquarium before, you may not want to bother. It%26#39;s a nice aquarium, but small and in my opinion, overpriced.

Definitely go to Yaquina Head lighthouse and climb the stairs to the top. The other lighthouse is Yaquina Bay and will be of moderate interest.

They might like to see an oyster farm? There is one inland a few miles on the bay road. Continue on the bay road to Toledo and look at the mill, if you aren%26#39;t familiar with one. They might think it%26#39;s cool to see the trucks unload.

Be sure to go to the bayfront and see the sea lions. Go out on the dock by Port Dock 1 restaurant and you%26#39;ll be about 15%26#39; above them. (Check the youtube videos.) This is a real working bayfront with fish plants, and it also has art galleries and ';shoppes';. Kind of a uniques blend.

There is a fast zodiac boat ride called the Oregon Rocket that is operated by Marine Discovery tours at the bayfront. If I were a teenager-ish boy I%26#39;d much rather do that than the aquarium, LOL!

Just north of Newport is Otter Rock and there is a sea cave that is accessible at very low tide. Get a tide table and *use caution* if you visit here.

I agree you *must* do the dunes! The biggest ones are in Winchester Bay which is two hours south of Newport. Have lunch at Unger%26#39;s floating restaurant for great fish-n-chips.

Assume you%26#39;re visiting in summer? So of course, there is the beach! In Lincoln City, kite flying is very popular.

Here is something very different - the White Wolf Sanctuary inland from Waldport. Check their website to see about visiting if interested.

I apologize for not including websites here but I%26#39;m on an unstable wi-fi at the moment :-(

I%26#39;d spend at least a very long late afternoon and evening just hanging out at the beach. Bring a kite and a Lot of string, some things to build a fire (can burn beach wood, but you can bring firewood, newspapers, etc), some food to roast on it, a big jar of powdered coffee creamer (throw by handful on fire for a big flare -- try it sometime!), a blanket, a jacket. Bikes if you can borrow them and you are at South Beach, which is where I%26#39;d go.

Tidepools at Yaquina Head during low tide are very good for all ages. I love the aquarium, but I think aquariums are not good for all teens, just the ones who really like that kind of thing. Leave them at home and go as adults, though, I think you%26#39;d like it.

There are no boardwalks, carnies, beach badges, or anything built up. You%26#39;ll need to bring all your supplies with you. There are flush toilets near the park though.