One of the Best Beaches in the Land: Nye Beach at Newport, Oregon

A resort town since the late 1800s, Newport still has the charm it did in its early days. Of course, back then, visitors came by train and then ferry. These days, they drive up Highway 101, or cut across from Interstate 5. Parking right at Nye Beach is limited but convenient. You can drive almost right to the beach itself and park for free. The street leading to the beach is lined with small, older shops and restaurants, like The Chowder Bowl, a favorite local place to eat.

At low tide, some beachgoers get out their land sails and enjoy the combination of firm sand and a healthy breeze. Others take advantage of the often-windy days to fly kites out where the path is relatively clear and the weather is cooperative.

Whether you look north or south from Nye Beach, you can spot a historic lighthouse. To the south of Nye Beach is Yaquina Bay Lighthouse. Built in the late 1800s, the light that guided ships into the bay sat atop a two-story home, occupied by a former Civil War captain and his large family. Before long it was decided that this was not the best site for a lighthouse and another was built four miles north. The light at Yaquina Bay was then extinguished and the home abandoned. When the fog set in, that empty house was called the "loneliest place in the world," and soon became the subject of a well-known ghost story in Newport (see "Did you know?" for more details). You can take a self-guided tour of the house that is still in excellent condition.

To the north, at Agate Beach is the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. The tallest in Oregon, it stands 93 feet high, 162 feet above sea level, and can be seen by ocean vessels 19 miles from shore. If you pay attention to the tides, while you are at the lighthouse you can also visit nearby Cobble Beach and enjoy the tide pools. Local residents say you can sometimes hear the cobblestones clacking together.

If you visit the historic bayfront the whole family is in for a treat. There's a great restaurant called Port Dock One right on the bayfront. Outside, sea lions sunbathe on the docks and "talk" to each other. For those who want a quick but delicious and affordable meal there is the Fish Peddler's Market down the street. There are cafes, taverns, and shops, including a candy shop with fudge that'll put a smile on your face. There's also The Cat Store, dedicated to everything you ever wanted for your cat. You won't find any dog paraphernalia there, it's strictly for cat lovers only.

Farther up the bayfront a short walk you'll find other attractions for the kids and the young at heart. There's a Ripley's Believe it Or Not Museum, a Waxworks Museum, and the Undersea Gardens. Or you can just enjoy walking along the docks and watching the occasional sea lion swim by.

Also in Newport there are cinemas, live theater, and near the south end of town, the Oregon Coast Aquarium. At the Aquarium, you can watch the sea lions and other creatures be fed, and visit the various exhibits of sea life unique to the Oregon coast. Find out what shows are coming up by logging onto http://aquarium.org/

If you're in the mood for pizza, there are several excellent choices in Newport. Or take a scenic drive a few miles up the coast to Depoe Bay, and find the Rip Tides Restaurant on the east side of the highway. They have a southwestern taco pizza that is out of this world. And if you've grown used to paying too much for everything you buy, you'll be pleasantly surprised how much excellent food you get for your money at Rip Tides. While you're in Depoe Bay, check out the several candy stores, and then venture across the highway and you'll find accommodations for whale watching. Whale Watching Spoken Here, is a volunteer program to provide information in spotting whales. Get the details here: http://www.whalespoken.org/

There is no end to the charm you'll find in Newport, Oregon. It's a beach town that serves visitors well, but doesn't have the look or feel of a tourist town. It is home to many wonderful people who love the serenity of a clean, beautiful beach... and that's what it feels like... home, only better.