As one of the largest cities on the Oregon Coast, Newport has much to offer visitors, including two lighthouses, a gorgeous bay area bridge, incredible scenery full of natural wildlife refuges, a historic bay front where area sea lions like to bask in the sun, and of course the Oregon Coast Aquarium, made famous by the movie "Free Willy".

Beginning on the north end of Newport, a favorite stop is at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area to view the tallest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast. There is a five dollar entrance fee (per car) that's valid for three days, but most visitors find the fee more than fair for the spectacular sights of the area. The main attraction, towering above the area at 93 feet, Yaquina Head Lighthouse was constructed beginning in 1872, using over 370,000 bricks. The following year, it was lit for the first time on August 20, 1873 by Head Keeper Fayette Crosby and is still in operation today.

For those who wish to tackle the 114 steps to the top of the lighthouse, tours are available often. Be warned! It's quite a climb, but for those that can handle it, it's also an amazing view from the top. Upon their return to the base of the lighthouse, visitors are encouraged to donate a dollar to the upkeep of the natural refuge area and take with them a button with a picture of the lighthouse on it, and the words, "I survived the climb!"

Visitors are also encouraged to tour the area surrounding the lighthouse where many different species of sea life can be observed in the man-made tidepools that fill Quarry Cove. Of course, a visit to the cove must be planned according to the tide schedule as it's not accessible during high tide. However, during low tide, a wide paved path guides visitors down to the beach area where all types of sea life can be observed and enjoyed. This path is completely wheelchair accessible as well, allowing all visitors to fully enjoy the beauty of the area.

Or if visitors are more interested in the many birds of the sea, they can pull out the binoculars or use one of the provided telescopes to gain an up-close view of the many different types and species of birds that make their homes on the sea-shaped rocks that jet out into the sea. From seagulls to pelicans to puffins, bird-watchers are at the height of their glory while visiting Yaquina Head State Park.

Toward the sound end of Newport, resides another historic landmark in the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, which is believed to be the oldest remaining structure in Newport. Replaced by its much larger counterpart just three years after its opening in 1871, the lighthouse was abandoned and mistreated for a number of years until being restored and re-opened to the public through private donations and the help of volunteers. Now frequently open for tours), just two flights of stairs take visitors nearly to the top of this unique lighthouse while offering them a look into the past by surrounding them with furniture and tools of the times. Following its restoration, the U.S. Coast Guard reactivated this lighthouse on December 7, 1996 and today it shines a steady stream of white light at 161 feet above sea level daily from dusk to dawn.

Not too far from the turnoff for Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, visitors can also make a quick stop at Newport's Historic Bay Front. A tourist's delight, the bay front has something for everyone. From fresh seafood in various restaurants to the Wax Museum and Ripley's Believe It or Not; from the Undersea Gardens where visitors can enjoy a multitude of sea creatures under the sea to dozens of shops where just about anything can be found; Newport's Historic Bay Front has it all. Of course, a visit to the bay front is not truly complete without a brief stop at the pier to see the sea lions. Whether basking in the sun, begging for fish, frolicking in the water, or barking at the others to just be quiet, these sea lions entertain with pizazz!

Finally, probably the most popular tourist stop in Newport is the Oregon Coast Aquarium, made famous many years ago by Keiko, the star of "Free Willy". While the now well-known orca has long since moved on to be reunited with his family, the aquarium continues to grow by leaps and bounds. It now features, in the area formerly inhabited by Keiko, Passages of the Deep, where visitors can walk through three underwater tunnels and enjoy being literally surrounded by various types of sea life including several sharks and stingrays.

From the tiny see-through jellyfish to the giant sea lions, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is an enjoyable experience for all ages. Admission prices can be found on their site: http://www.aquarium.org. It's not a cheap place ot visit, but the admission price is more than worth it as visitors enjoy all types of sea life. Whether under the sea or soaring above it, these animals are a spectacular sight to see.

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