I recently posted about our spontaneous trip to Newport, Oregon and so I thought it would be nice to have a full Family Travel Guide for you to reference. We have only made one trip to the Newport area so this list is by no means complete but it does reference a lot of great spots for you to fill a weekend away.
Where to Play:
- If you’re heading into Newport this is the most central beach as well as the busiest beach to visit. Pros: It’s walkable from a number of hotels, it’s clean and it has easy access. Cons: Parking during the day can be a struggle.
Beach at South Beach State Park
- Of the two beaches we visited we preferred this one. It was sandier, less crowded and a perfect spot to play in the sand, water and fly kites. Pro: It’s easy to get to from anywhere you stay in Newport, it’s clean, and while popular it doesn’t feel over run. Con: You have to hike up over the sand dunes to get down to the beach which can be a challenge when you have tons of things to tote, small children or need to access the bathrooms.
Hatfield Marine Science Center
- This research and education center is not to be missed on your next trip to Newport. The center is operated by Oregon State University and is donation based. It offers opportunities to learn more about the sea life that can be found along the Oregon Coast, how we can generate power from the waves, the power of a tidal wave and our favorite part – the touch pools where you can get up close to sea stars, anemones, sea urchin and so much more.
- The big seller at this park was the extra long tube slide that came down the hill and started on a pirate ship. I mean basically every kids dream slide. Our kids went up and down the slide at least 10x before the finally took advantage of the other great play structure options.
Where To Stay:
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Newport
- The hotel was your basic hotel but it was clean, easy to get to and met all our needs. We loved that it had a pool and for those who have less dietary restrictions there is a complimentary breakfast. The only downside to this hotel is that it isn’t beach side but if you don’t need a beach side hotel I recommend this spot.
I only have one recommendation so if you have stayed in Newport and have a hotel or Airbnb that you love drop it in the comments.
Where To Eat:
- Finding a restaurant that had both vegan and vegan/gluten free options was as bit of a struggle for us but luckily Cafe Mundo fit the bill. We ended up here for dinner and brunch and it was so good. The vibe is a very seaside hippy and it was super family friendly. We loved that it had games to distract the kids, a great outdoor patio and live music on Saturday night. As for food I highly recommend any of the tempeh dishes, the green salad (that poppy seed dressing is incredible) and the breakfast burrito.
Spots To Stop (traveling from Portland to Newport):
- This coffee shop not only delivers great coffee it has a fantastic patio out front with cornhole which can easily entertain every age. There is also plenty of seating inside and a back patio as well. Tip: If they have the gluten free and vegan chocolate chip cookie get yourself one (or two), they are so good.
- This park is absolutely beautiful. It has a lush green area to picnic, toss a frisbee or simply relax. Little ones can climb dinosaur bones, swing at the playground or visit the old steam engine.
Have you ever visited the Newport area? Where are your favorite spots to play, eat and stay?
Coast Park is so great! That slide is epic. We love it there! There’s also a terrific ice cream place in Nye Beach but I’m forgetting the name of it… You go inside and it just smells like sugar!
Why have I never been to Coast Park?! That looks awesome! We’ve been to Newport a couple times with the kids so I’m not sure why I didn’t know about this. lol.