Newport’s Historic Bayfront District

The harbor at sunrise on Newport's Historic Bayfront District

  • A restaurant overlooks fishing charter boats on Newport's Historic Bayfront District
  • A seagull oversees activities along Newport's Historic Bayfront District
  • Yaquina Bay Bridge, as seen from Newport's Historic Bayfront District

The Bayfront District has long been the economic center of Newport, and it’s just a quick four-minute drive from The Whaler (you can walk there in about 20 minutes, if you’re feeling athletic!). The harbor is home to Oregon’s largest commercial fishing fleet, which routinely brings in a variety of Pacific Ocean seafood (including salmon, Pacific shrimp, albacore tuna and Dungeness crab – Newport officially refers to itself as “the Dungeness Crab Capital of the World”). Visitors can visit the docks, and even purchase the catch of the day right off the fishing boats. The more adventurous can charter an ocean fishing or whale-watching trip.

The Newport Bayfront has more recently become a hub for shopping, dining and family attractions. Visitors to Newport can browse one of the many shops or galleries for antiques, fine art, gifts, or even saltwater taffy. You can enjoy fresh seafood or other fare at the variety of restaurants, some while watching harbor seals bask in the sun. Families will enjoy exploring one of a few attractions along the Bayfront, such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, The Undersea Gardens or Wax Works.