17 Unusual Things to Do in Newport Oregon for Couples

How do you feel about unusual and romantic things to do in Newport Oregon for couples? Absolutely good! Newport, Oregon is famous for its Dungeness crab industry, Yaquina Bay Bridge, and many family-friendly attractions.

Not only Newport attracts couples and families but also a dream destination for solo, adventure and historical enthusiasts. Are you ready to explore Newport Oregon in totally unique and different way? Let’s take a look at 17 unique things to do in Newport Oregon for couples. Keep reading!

17 Best Things to Do in Newport Oregon for Couples

The romantic activities Newport Oregon is unlimited, fun-filled and adventurous for all type of couples. Oregon Coast is a beautiful destination to bring couples and even whole family.

No doubt this is a small town with marine life, state parks and beaches like Nye Beach & Beverly Beach but even more special than you might think.

Let’s dig into the list of 17 fun things to do in Newport Oregon for couples.

Newport’s Rich History & Culture

1. Go to Historic Bayfront

In Oregon Coast, the Historic Bayfront is the heart of the Old Town District. It is located in Yaquina Bay bridge and has multiple of shops, restaurants, galleries and more. Back in 1875, it was first developed and has been an integral part of Newport’s marine animals’ history. Also, this is home to fishing fleet.

If you are looking for fun and romantic couple’s getaway Newport, Bayfront is one of the best options to go for. Apart from romantic fun and playfulness, this area offers great shopping opportunities in the form of clothing, souvenir shops and others. If you visit during summer, do not forget to attend events.

What’s Included?

• Pool
• Valet parking
• EV charging
• Restaurant
• Fitness center
• Meeting rooms
• Gift shop
• Non-smoking rooms

2. Yaquina Bay Lighthouse

Going to Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is one of the unusual things to do in Newport Oregon for adults. The haunted story about this place is that the tale tells of a construction worker helping to build the tower who fell to his unfortune death. One of the famous movies “Ring” was filmed at this haunted place.

This place is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This building’s structure is accessible through paved trails and walkway that leads to the top of the building.

If you are going to go to this site for the first time, it is recommended to book a guided tour where you will know about laid-back history.

How Much Does It Cost to Enter?

• The entrance fee is $7.

How Many Visitors Go Inside?

• A limited number of visitors can tour inside the building.

3. Oregon Coast Aquarium

Oregon Coast Aquarium Hatfield Marine is a large aquarium in Newport Oregon. This aquarium is a public aquatic facility and marine life exhibition, best suitable for couples who are with their kids as they offer educational programs to both mature and kids. There is a narrow ecosystem inside the aquarium.

There are some highlights which includes replicas and interactive programs. Inside the aquarium, the rocky shores feature natural habitats for the fearsome-looking. Coastal waters is home to moon jellies and Pacific area. In short, the best, rewarding and iconic place for adventure seeking couples.

How long does it take to tour?

• Around 2 hours

How much does it cost?

Here is a chart of entrance fees to enter into Aquarium.

Newport’s Rich History

4. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

To explore Newport’s natural beauty. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is one of the best free things to do in Newport Oregon for couples.

Yaquina Head is not only a nature preserve but also more than that. The Yaquina Head lighthouse is located within this natural area so be sure to visit that place too.

Around the Yaquina Head, you can find various campsite areas or sites where you can even do RV camping but permission should be granted beforehand. The interpretive center of this natural preserve shows exhibitions of seabirds and marine life. One of the best experiences that you will ever enjoy in Oregon.

How much does it cost to go?

How tall is Yaquina Head?

• 93 feet tall.

5. Newport’s Beaches

Have you heard about two of the famous beaches of Newport? If no, get ready yourself to explore two of the famous beaches named as Nye Beach and Agate Beach. Both of these beaches are perfect for Weekend trip Newport Oregon, scenic views Newport Oregon and beautiful sunset spots Newport.

If we talk about Nye Beach, Nye beach is one of the famous Newport attractions for couples since 19^th century. This beach is famous for visual and performing arts center with beautiful beach views. On contrary, Agate Beach has waves and semi-precious stones, including agates on agate beach, jade, and jasper.

Other Newport, Oregon Beaches

Some other popular or famous Newport beaches are:

• Cobble Beach
• Cannon Beach
• Quarry Cove
• Ona Beach
• Beverly Beach State Park
• Yaquina Beach
• South Beach State Park
• Moolack Beach

6. Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area

Visiting Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area allows you to enjoy an unforgettable outdoor experience. surfers must visit this area as this is one of the best things to do in Newport, Oregon for adults. This park is a popular area for whale watching including grey whales and exploring geological formations with unique vibes.

The punch bowl was maybe created by the collapse of the roof over 2 sea caves, afterward shaped by cave action. On the north side of the punch bowl, do not forget to explore tidepools. Before visiting this place, make sure that parking is limited and allowed only on parking slots without any other parking area.

What is There to Do Here?

• Wolf experience
• Sunset tree climb
• Audio driving tour (self-guided)
• Willamette Wine Tour
• Old-Growth Tree Climbing

Romantic Dining and Local Cuisine

7. Coastal Dining

For romantic getaway or romantic retreat, we bet you to try coastal dining in Newport, Oregon. There are various coastal towns that come with restaurants where you can enjoy delicious food with your better half with coastal scenery. You can go for local seafood and oceanfront dining options etc.

For coastal dining, there are multiple of options to go for. No matter whether you want to go for delicious seafood options for any other food item of your choice, there’s a lot of restaurants from where you can enjoy coastal dining. Apart form restaurants, there are bars, distilleries and food courts.

Places Where you Can Enjoy Coastal Dining

• Local Ocean Seafoods
• Georgie’s Restaurant
• Clearwater Restaurant
• Sea Glass Bistro & Lounge
• Mo’s Seafood & Chowder

8. Wine Tasting Tour

Nothing best than going on a wine tasting tour with your love one. This is one of the best things to do in Newport Oregon for couples at night.

While enjoy wine tasting tour, do not forget to attend Newport Seafood & Wine Festival, a famous festival that attracts wine lovers from all over the world.

You can go to famous nearby vineyards to book your wine tasting and private couple tours. Imagine romantic ambiance with your partner in the lasting rooms where every act of romance can’t be easily forgotten. Book yourself in advance and do not visit more than 2 or 3 wineries per day to keep balance.

Wine Tour Companies

• Cellar Door Wine Tours
• Oregon Vine2Wine Tours:
• Insiders Wine Tours
• Triangle Wine Country Tours

Famous Wine Regions

• Willamette Valley
• Oregon Wine Trail

9. Cozy Cafés and Bakeries for Morning Dates

Most of the couples prefer late night date ideas but what about morning dates. Morning date will let both of you start your new day with new romantic feelings or vibes. There are multiple of cozy cafes and bakeries in Newport, Oregon that offer couples with romantic brunch treat ideas in refreshing way.

You can start your day visiting any of the bakery, pastry shop, or café. You can book your table in advance to fulfill morning date requirements. Moreover, if you want to enjoy breakfast with panoramic views, ocean views or bayfront views, try to look for breakfast spots nearby bayfront and ocean.

Cafes or Bakeries to Go for

• La Maison
• Siren’s Lure Tea House and Bakery
• Panini Bakery
• Nye Beach Café
• The Coffee House

Local Markets, Shops, and Souvenir Hunting

10. Newport’s Local Markets

Newport has several local markets including shopping streets, farmers markets and malls. In local markets, you can find variety of shops, restaurants and souvenir places from where you can buy various souvenir items. Fruits and vegetables are normally the best-selling items, including fresh seafood items.

Moreover, prices at farmers markets are often competitive with grocery stores but many vendors are willing to negotiate on prices so keep this thing in your mind. Simply, if you don’t want to buy something, you can do window shopping by exploring the local culture and history of Newport, Oregon Coast.

Farmers Markets

• Newport Farmers Market
• Aquidneck Growers Market

Malls

• Long Wharf Mall

Shopping Streets

• Bellevue Avenue
• Thames Street

Other shopping areas

• Bowen’s Wharf

11. Romantic Strolls Through Local Shops

Looking for free things to do in Newport, Oregon? Romantic strolls through local shops are one of the best options to go for.

Around Nye Beach and historic bayfront, you can find multiple of shops and bayfront restaurants to walk through streets and eat comfortably. This is a fun-filled experience for both.

Additionally, you can explore downtown area where you can easily find flower shops with lion docks and dramatic scenery.

For more romantic experience, you can go to beachside areas where romantic activities are at its peak in the form or romantic strolls, candlelight dinner and lovely seaside views.

Shops Where you can Do Romantic Strolls

• Femme Fatale
• Bohemian Candle
• Peerless Puffin
• Charisma Gifts
• Rustic Ridge Antique Mall

Scenic Drives and Ocean Viewpoints

12. The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway

The Oregon Coast Pacific stretches for more than 550 kilometers and this is a world class route where couples can enjoy scenic drives. Whole of the area is open for general public without any restriction. The byway starts in the Oregon’s northwest corner. The driving time is around 10-12 hours but worth it.

This Pacific Coast Scenic Byway follows the Oregon Coast along Highway 101. This highway is reached via several east-west routes linking to Interstate 5 and different other airports in the Willamette Valley.

You do not have to pay single penny for going on scenic drive on this route. Before go, prepare yourself.

Which Part of Pacific Coast Highway is Most Beautiful?

• Big Sur

Best Time to Drive

• Winter through summer is the ideal time.

13. Top Ocean Viewpoints

Ocean viewpoints are normally best for capturing romantic and lovable shots with your partner. Yaquina Bay Bridge and Boiler Bay State Park are two of the famous spots where you can capture scenic phots with beautiful views. Not only this, you can book your photograph shoot at these places to mark memories.

Apart from daily routine couple shoots, wedding ceremonies, engagement parties and for date night ideas, ocean viewpoints are best. It is recommended to gather at these places for beautiful sunrise and sunset views. Not only for couples but also for family and friends, these unusual places are truly a hidden gem.

Other Famous Viewpoints

• Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint
• Devil’s Punchbowl
• NW 55th Street Viewpoint
• Hatfield Marine Science Center Estuary Trail

Romantic Harbor Cruises

14. Harbor and Whale Watching Tours

If you & your partner want to spot whales and marine life, harbor and whale watching tours of Newport, Oregon won’t disappoint you. With Marine Discovery Tours and Dockside Charters, you can explore whale watching experiences. Marine discovery tours offer 2-hour cruises and includes sightings of:

• Gray whales
• Harbor porpoises
• Seals
• Sea lions
• Pelicans
• Bald eagles

On the other hand, dockside charters offer both dolphin and whale watching tours. Based on customer reviews, we notice that their staff is knowledgeable and crew is friendly. Some other whale watching spots in Newport Oregon are:

• Depoe Bay
• Cape Perpetua State Scenic Area:
• Sea Lion Caves
• Yaquina Head
• Beverly Beach State Park

Best Time to See Whales in Oregon

• Early morning & late afternoon, both times are ideal for whale watching tour in Oregon.

15. Private Charters

As a couple, if you are looking for more intimate and private experience, Private Charters is one of the best things to do in Newport, Oregon this weekend. For a truly personal outing, it is recommended to book a small private tour in Oregon and make sure that it’s totally private, quiet and enjoyable.

Before booking private charter tour with any of the tour operator, make sure that you get all essential details regarding booking charges, amenities and other services.

If it’s first time for you to try private charter experience, there’s no need to worry as they will guide you with all essential details of tour.

Where to Book Private Charters?

• Dockside charters
• Whale’s tail charters
• Newport Tradewinds
• Harbor at Depoe Bay

Enjoying the Arts and Culture Scene

16. Art Galleries and Studios

No matter whether you and your partner are not art and cultural lover but still Oregon’s art galleries and studios will surprise both of you. The glassblowing studios, art centers, and other galleries of Newport are must-visit places for couples, families and friends with rich-cultural and historical showings.

The art scene of Newport is in the form of demonstrations, gift shops, hot shops, performing and visual arts. Some other galleries feature antique artwork, old souvenirs, local artist collections, home décor and furniture. Sounds interesting? So, be sure and get ready to explore art scene of this USA’s iconic city.

Glassblowing Studios

• The Edge Art Gallery
• Oregon Coast Glassworks
• The Hot Shop

Art Centers

• Newport Visual Arts Center
• Performing Arts Center

Other Galleries

• Yaquina Art Gallery
• Oceanic Arts
• For ArtSake Gallery
• Out West Photography
• The Roger Yost Gallery

17. Craft and Art Workshops

For history and art lovers, The Yaquina Art Association provide both craft and art workshops for beginners and professionals. All of their classes are offered to both residents and tourists. One interesting thing about this place is that it is totally free to attend and open to anyone.

You can go to Yaquina Art Association anytime as there is no registration required for entry or classes. They offer classes in a wide range of media including pastels, watercolor, oil/acrylic, China painting & clay and photography. Before go here, you can check their schedule of free art classes on different days.

Free Classes

• Monday: 9:30 am to 7 pm
• Tuesday: 12-3 pm
• Wednesday: 9:30 am to 3;30 pm

Winter & Summer Hours

• Winter Hours: 11:00am – 4:00pm
• Summer Hours: 11:00am – 5:00pm

In a Nutshell!

Newport, Oregon Coast is a romantic paradise and wonderland for romantic couples. These 17 things are the best things to do in Newport Oregon for couples. Whether you are romantic couple, art lover or just want to enjoy romantic views of Newport, this place has all for everyone.

There’s nothing more enjoyable, lovable and romantic than refreshing getaway to the Oregon Coast. Be sure to find perfect romantic accommodations for your romantic stay like Sylvia Beach Hotel. Plan your Newport’s stay today and make your tour memorable and unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions