Newport hold a special place in the hearts of Winter Waters co-founders Rachelle, Alanna, and Kristen. We’ve hosted events in this coastal town since year 1 of Winter Waters, and we’re excited to continue to grow the series here!
What makes it so special? Newport sits at the heart of a marine ecosystem teeming with rockfish, halibut, lingcod, blackcod, salmon, albacore tuna, and especially Dungeness crab.
From the Bayfront district to Nye Beach and beyond, a handful of restaurants bring that oceanic abundance to the plate!
Your Central Coast Adventure Starts Here
Newport’s proximity to a rich coastal ecosystem gives visitors and locals plenty of opportunities to connect directly with sea life. Commercial and recreational fishing anchor the local economy, leveraging the area’s abundance of species like salmon, tuna, rockfish, and crab. Walk down Port Dock 5 on the bayfront to see fishermen in action, or head to the Oregon Coast Aquarium to engage with the marine world in an educational and immersive way. Poke around in tide pools at low tide and see how many creatures you can identify!
In a state where 90% of the seafood consumed on the Oregon coast is imported from another state or country, Newport is trying to do things differently. That’s where organizations like Central Coast Food Web and the Yaquina Lab come into play, creating space for local fishermen to process their own catch to sell directly to the community as well as providing space for aquaculture and sea urchin ranching. Read more about it via the blog post Keeping Oregon Seafood in Oregon.
Ocean & Marine Life are Celebrated Here
Don’t save your Newport trip for the summer, only! Wintertime in this central coast town is magical, with opportunities for storm watching from the comfort of your hotel room or oceanfront restaurant. Visit during this winter’s King Tides for a dramatic surf. Use the Coast Like a Local guide by the Oregon Coast Visitors Association for tips on best practices when visiting.
Our Favorite Indoor Activities
Oregon Coast Aquarium: Perfect for a rainy day, the Passages of the Deep is an exhibit that allows you to stroll above and below lurking sharks and boasts an underwater tunnel snaking through three ocean habitats.
Pacific Maritime Heritage Center: The Pacific Maritime Heritage Center celebrates the history, art, diverse culture, commerce, and scientific research that is of the ocean. Check out the exhibit about Oregon’s fishing heritage curated by Local Ocean Founder Laura Anderson!
Coasties Roasties: Cozy up with a hot cup of coffee and one of the delicious savory pastries form this fishing family-owned cafe.
Local Ocean Seafoods: Request a table upstairs for a gorgeous view of the working bayfront where Local Ocean procures most of the seafood it sells in the restaurant and fish market. Alana’s favorite dishes: Tuna Reuben sandwich and the Curry Mussels. Rachelle’s favorite dishes: local oysters on the 1/2 shell and the Fishwives Stew (LO’s version of a cioppino).
Wintertime in Newport
Where to Stay in Newport
If you’re joining us in Newport for Winter Waters events this February, please take advantage of the following accommodation discounts.
Sweet Homes Vacation Rentals - 15% off the nightly rate discount specifically for bookings Feb. 6-8, 2026 at any Sweet Homes vacation rental in their collection. Use code: WINTERWATERS
The Louie Boutique Motel - 15% off the nightly rate discount specifically for bookings Feb. 6-8, 2026. Use code: WINTERWATERS
Newport Belle - 20% off the nightly rate discount specifically for bookings Feb. 5-9, 2026. Use code: WinterWaters20 (Rachelle & Alanna have both stayed here before and LOVED it)
Plan Your Visit to Newport for Winter Waters Weekend February 7th & 8th, 2026
Whether you’re an aquaculture geek, a fisheries history buff, an art lover, or a foodie, Newport has something for everyone. We invite you to join us for the Winter Waters Newport Takeover in partnership with Discover Newport this upcoming February!
Approximate driving times to Newport under normal traffic and weather conditions are:
Seattle, WA to Newport: about 5.5 to 6 hours (320 miles)
Portland, OR to Newport: about 2.5 to 3 hours (130 miles)
Salem, OR to Newport: about 2 hours (85 miles)
Corvallis, OR to Newport: about 1.5 hours (55 miles)
Eugene, OR to Newport: about 2.5 hours (100 miles)
Routes typically follow Highway 20 from the Willamette Valley to the coast, with Highway 101 connecting coastal destinations north and south of Newport. For the latest road conditions, visit TripCheck.com. Be prepared for occasional road closures or delays, especially during the rainy season. Pack chains in the winter!
