There’s nothing quite as magical as spotting a whale in the wild. Whether it’s seeing them spout, breach, spy-hop or lob-tail, it’s a pretty awesome sight. Whale watching is a year-round activity in Newport; however, there are specific months in which certain whales are migrating to either Alaska or Mexico that provide a better chance to observe them. In fact, Oregon State Parks host two whale watching weeks each year, so be sure to align your visit to Newport with those dates for ultimate whale viewing.

For a close-up perspective of whale life, charter a whale watching trip and journey to the open ocean. Out there you can take in beautiful views of the coast while scanning the waters around you for whale activity. If staying on dry land is more your style, visit Don & Ann Davis Park. This park has panoramic views of the ocean and provides excellent opportunities for spotting whales near and far from the shore. Another optimal place to catch whales is near Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area; whales are often spotted here swimming close to the rocks. Once you’re done with whale watching for the day, visit one of Newport's many restaurants or brewpubs for some delicious snacks and relive the excitement of your experience.