Best 10 Stops on the Oregon Coast from Depoe Bay to Newport

One of the most unique and breathtaking stretches of the Oregon Coast is the 13-mile drive from Depoe Bay to Newport. The unusual geology of this area includes dramatic cliffs of both sandstone and basalt topped with some unforgettable overlooks. Near the water, you can find both sandy beaches perfect for a stroll and rocky beaches rich with tidepool life.

This part of the coast is also jam-packed with wildlife. Look for whales, seals, sea lions, and birds galore. While the Oregon Coast is most popular in the summer, the best whale-watching seasons are winter and spring. No matter when you visit, here is everything you need to know about the things to see and do at the best stops from Depoe Bay to Newport.

1. Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center

Cost: Free, no pass required. Public street parking is available.

Dog friendly: Dogs are allowed in outdoor areas, but not in the building.

Amenities: Interpretive center, restrooms, and picnic tables.

Official Whale Watching Spoken Here site.

Depoe Bay World's smallest harbor — *World’s smallest harbor*

Depoe Bay is perhaps the most memorable town on the Oregon Coast because of the large sea wall that runs along its western edge, protecting the downtown from the crashing waves of the Pacific. The highlight of this sea wall is the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center, an interpretive center with both indoor and outdoor viewing areas perfect for whale watching.

Although you can potentially see whales all year, there are two seasons when over 20,000 gray whales migrate past by Oregon. The central coast, including Depoe Bay, is the best place to spot them. These are the best times for whale watching:

Gray whales migrate south to Mexico and pass by Oregon from mid-December until mid-January.
Gray whales return in spring as they migrate back north toward Alaska from the end of March until June.

The Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center is a must-see on your Depoe Bay to Newport road trip. The center has staff members that can help you spot whales and binoculars to borrow. Exhibits are full of information about whale biology and behavior.

If you visit the coast in late December or late March, look for Whale Watch Weeks, when volunteers at 24 sites along the coast help locate whales for visitors. These places are called Whale Watching Spoken Here sites and there are several of them between Depoe Bay and Newport, including the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center.

While you’re in Depoe Bay, you might also want to check out the town:

Visit the shops across the street from the sea wall.
See the world’s smallest harbor. There is a pedestrian path near the Whale Watching Center that leads under the highway to the harbor.
Have lunch or dinner at Horn Public House and take in the views of the ocean from its second-floor windows.

2. Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint

Cost: Free, no pass required.

Dog friendly: Yes.

Amenities: Restrooms and picnic tables.

Official Whale Watching Spoken Here site.

Just 5 minutes south of Depoe Bay you’ll find Rocky Creek Scenic Viewpoint, an easy roadside pull-off with unbelievable views of the Pacific that is easily one of the best stops from Depoe Bay to Newport. On clear days, you can see a 270-degree panorama from an elevation perfect for whale watching.

The shore around the viewpoint is made of craggy basalt cliffs that are popular with sea birds. At low tide, look for sea palms clinging to the rocks as they are buffeted by waves. If it isn’t too windy, enjoy a picnic with ocean views.

While you’re there, it’s worth it to make the short hike out to the Whale Cove Viewpoint. Look for a paved path from the parking area toward the restrooms. If you continue down the path past the restroom building, it becomes unpaved and leads through a forest of Sitka spruce and salal. There is a bench and picnic table along the way that are more protected from the wind than those near the parking lot. The short trail ends at a viewpoint for Whale Cove, an intriguing inlet ringed with both sandstone and basalt cliffs.

3. Otter Crest Loop

Cost: Free, no pass required.

Dog friendly: Yes.

Amenities: None, stop at Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint to the north or wait until Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint.

*View from pull-off at Otter Crest Loop*

Otter Crest Loop is a 4-mile one-way road that runs parallel to Highway 101. It is closer to the water and has better views than the highway by far. Unless you are in a hurry, I highly recommend taking this scenic route.

There are several incredible vistas along the way that you can see from the car. A couple of the small pull-outs from the road are among the best stops from Depoe Bay to Newport, allowing you to enjoy the grandeur of the Pacific from several hundred feet of elevation. Otter Crest Loop also has a protected bike lane in case you are seeing the coast by bike.

Otter Crest Loop runs from north to south. If you coming from the south, you can still enter at the north end and see the loop. You’ll just have to backtrack a few miles back north through beautiful coastal roads, oh darn.

4. Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint

Cost: Free, no pass required.

Dog friendly: Yes.

Amenities: Vault toilet and gift shop.

Official Whale Watching Spoken Here site.

The finale of Otter Crest Loop, and undeniably one of the best stops from Depoe Bay to Newport, is the Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint, which overlooks the Pacific from an elevation of 500 feet. Look for sandy beaches, basalt and sandstone cliffs, and the Devils Punchbowl to the south. You can see for miles from this viewpoint on a clear day. It’s a great place to watch for pelicans, bald eagles, and whales.

Here you’ll find the Lookout at Cape Foulweather, a gift shop and observatory perched on a cliff with views of the coast to the north. Head towards the back of the shop to take advantage of the huge windows overlooking the shore. There are binoculars you can borrow to get a better look.

Cape Foulweather got its name in 1778 when Captain Cook spotted the land formation during some particularly nasty weather. This area does get big storms, although on most days the weather won’t ruin your enjoyment of this unforgettable place.

5. Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area

Cost: Free, no pass required. Make sure to park in one of the public lots. Other areas nearby are private property.

Dog friendly: Yes.

Amenities: Restrooms and picnic tables. Shops across the street.

Official Whale Watching Spoken Here site.

One of the most awe-inspiring sights anywhere on the Oregon Coast is the Devils Punchbowl, a large hollow cylindrical center carved out of a sandstone cliff. It is thought to have formed when a sea cave collapsed. At high tide, waves churn, foam, and crash within the punchbowl. Low tides reveal the rocky bottom of the punchbowl as well as the vibrant colors of the sandstone interior. On a clear day, look for the striking Gull Rock and Otter Rock formations jutting out of the ocean in the distance.

Low tide is the best time to explore the tidepools on the north end of the punchbowl. During a very low tide (look for negative numbers on a tide table), you can hike down into Devils Punchbowl. Proceed with caution and watch for waves.

There are several parking areas near Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area. The parking lot at the end of 1st Street is next to the viewpoint that looks down into Devils Punchbowl. There is a picnic area nearby with some of the best ocean views from Depoe Bay to Newport. Shops across the street sell a variety of drinks and snacks in case you didn’t happen to bring a picnic.

6. North Beverly Beach

Cost: Free, no pass required.

Dog friendly: Yes.

Amenities: Available up the stairs at Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area.

*Beverly Beach near the Devils Punchbowl*

Beverly Beach is one of the best sandy beaches to visit between Depoe Bay and Newport. It is also one of the longest beaches in the area, extending for miles. The north end of the beach is a favorite among surfers. If you want to surf but don’t have the gear, stop by the Pura Vida Surf Shop near Devils Punchbowl for rentals.

To get to the beach from the parking area at Devils Punchbowl, head down 1st Street a short distance until you reach a steep staircase that leads to the beach. The stairs will be easy to spot. There are cones protecting the walkway from the parking lot.

The waters here are part of the Otter Rock Marine Reserve, an area dedicated to protecting and studying ocean life. Because fishing and development are limited here, there is little human activity to distract from nature. Feel free to walk along the beach or take a surfboard out into the water. It is okay to remove non-living things like shells, but the plant and animal life is protected within the reserve.

7. Beverly Beach State Park

Cost: Free, no pass required for day use.

Dog friendly: Yes.

Amenities: Restrooms and picnic tables.

Beverly Beach is so long that it has multiple access points miles apart. From the parking area at Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area, head a few miles down the highway to reach Beverly Beach State Park. When you reach the park, you can head to the day-use area to park without a fee. There you’ll find a large picnic area surrounded by Sitka spruce. While there isn’t a direct view of the beach, this scenic picnic site is protected from the strong winds off the ocean.

There is a paved path from the day-use area that leads out to the ocean. Unlike the access to the north, this path is ADA accessible. On a clear day, you can see Yaquina Lighthouse to the south and Otter Rock rising dramatically from the ocean.

Hiking at Beverly Beach:

The day-use area at Beverly Beach State Park also serves as the trailhead for a 1.5-mile loop hike along Spencer Creek. Beginning at the parking area, take the footbridge across Spencer Creek and head toward the forest. Look for the 4,000-year-old Sitka spruce stump near the trail. You’ll pass the campgrounds and wind through a coastal forest before heading back along the creek.

Camping at Beverly Beach:

The Beverly Beach State Park has one of the Oregon Coast’s largest campgrounds. There are many campsite options including tent sites, RV sites, and yurts.

See more beaches:

If you’re looking for more time at the beach or a quieter scene, head south on Highway 101 to Wade Creek Beach or Moolack Beach. Both are long sandy beaches similar to Beverly Beach but tend to get less crowded.

8. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

*Lighthouse at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area*

Cost: Day pass is $7/vehicle. You can use the America the Beautiful pass or the Oregon Coast Passport.

Dog friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed in outdoor areas except for tidepools.

Amenities: Interpretive Center, restrooms, and picnic tables. ADA-accessible trails and viewpoints.

Official Whale Watching Spoken Here site.

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is the only stop from Depoe Bay to Newport on this list that has a fee to visit. Is it worth it? Unless the weather is awful, I would say a resounding yes. Extending one mile out into the Pacific Ocean, Yaquina Head is one of the most incredible places anywhere along the Oregon Coast both because of the views and the wildlife.

Here is what to see during your visit:

The Yaquina Head Interpretive Center is a wellspring of information about the local birds, marine life, and human history. You can stop by from 10 AM - 4 PM.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse is Oregon’s tallest lighthouse tower and has been operating since 1873. The views from the trail around the lighthouse are unbelievable, allowing for a nearly 360-degree ocean panorama.
Look for Colony Rock, a favorite of sea birds, from the viewpoint at Yaquina Head Lighthouse. One of the best times to visit is in spring when thousands of birds migrate through Yaquina Head.
Tidepools - If you visit during low tide, you won’t want to miss the excellent intertidal area at Yaquina Head. Take the staircase down to Cobble Beach from the parking area near the lighthouse. You can see a surprising diversity of tidepool dwellers here, including anemones, urchins, sea stars, and barnacles. If you visit during high tide, you’ll miss the tidepool critters, although it is still a good place to spot harbor seals and birds.
Quarry Cove is the first viewpoint you can reach after entering the park. Look for a turn-off to the left. A short, paved trail leads down to Quarry Cove, a good place to look for seals.
Hiking trails - There are several hiking trails at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, none of which are very long. The trails are the most fun, unsurprisingly, when the weather is good. It can get VERY windy here. Add some cold, fog, and rain - you get the idea. On clear days, though, one of the best views anywhere along the Oregon Coast is from the top of the 0.7-mile Salal Hill Trail. The Lighthouse Trail connects the Interpretative Center to Yaquina Head Lighthouse. The trail surface is a sidewalk without steps or steep grades.

9. Agate Beach

Cost: Free, no pass required.

Dog friendly: Yes.

Amenities: Restrooms and picnic tables.

Agate Beach is one of the best stops from Depoe Bay to Newport because it isn’t quite like any other beach I’ve seen on the Oregon Coast. Unlike the long stretches of flat sand or the large rounded dunes you can find on other beaches, the dunes at Agate Beach are short and almost trapezoidal. The beach is flanked by a forested area and a small stream on the way out to the dunes. It is popular among surfers and beachcombers, although be forewarned, you probably won’t find agates here.

The beach has four access points. The second (if you’re driving south), the Ernest Bloch Memorial Wayside, has tons of parking and bathrooms. The southern two access points can occasionally be tricky in the winter because of the stream crossing.

10. Newport

Newport is one of the larger towns on the Oregon Coast and has tons of things to see and do. If you are passing through on a road trip and only have a short time to explore, I'd suggest heading down to my favorite part, the Newport Historic Bayfront. Here you will find California sea lions swimming in the water, lounging on rocky jetties, and most of all, barking on the docks. They are loud. They are large. I could watch them all day.

The bayfront also has other (lesser) attractions beyond sea lions. A boardwalk extends down the marina with views of the Yaquina Bay Bridge. There are many tourist-friendly shops and several restaurants with views of the water. My favorite is the Clearwater Restaurant because it overlooks the sea lion docks and has a nice wine list.

If you have more time in Newport, here are some other fun things to do:

See Oregon’s only remaining wooden lighthouse, the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, at Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site.
Take in the views at Newport’s South Jetty.
See marine life up close and personal at the Newport Aquarium.

*Sunset at Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site*

In summary, the best stops on the Oregon Coast from Depoe Bay to Newport are:

Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center
Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint
Otter Crest Loop
Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint and Cape Foulweather Lookout
Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area
North Beverly Beach
Beverly Beach State Park and campground
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
Agate Beach
Newport Historic Bayfront

Enjoy your road trip from Depoe Bay to Newport!

With love,

Emma

Looking for more to do at the Coast? From north to south, here are trip suggestions and travel tips for:

Also, check out my guides to the wildlife of the Oregon Coast and Oregon geology.

1. Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center

2. Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint

3. Otter Crest Loop

4. Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint

5. Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area

6. North Beverly Beach

7. Beverly Beach State Park

8. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

9. Agate Beach

10. Newport

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