NEWPORT

Visiting Newport, Oregon, you can expect a relaxing coastal escape. Between the cobble beaches, cliffside views, and sea-sprayed air, we forgot we ever liked being indoors. Newport’s salty charm pulled us in and didn’t let go. We came for the views and stayed for the weird crab facts, the aquarium tunnels, and the feeling that our shoes might never fully dry again.

Oregon Coast Aquarium

This is the place to go if you ever wanted to stare at jellyfish without anyone calling it “weird.” Also, where else can you walk through a tunnel while a shark floats over your head like it’s no big deal? One made mocked some strange looking fish and the other got way too emotionally attached to an octopus. We’re not saying who though.

Visiting info:

Hours: 10 AM–5 PM daily (last entry at 4 PM)
Tickets: Adults $27.95, Kids (3–12) $17.95, Seniors $25.95
Must-sees: Giant Pacific octopus, underwater tunnels, puffins that somehow look both angry and adorable

Devils Punch Bowl

The waves crash through a collapsed sea cave. It’s loud. It’s splashy. It’s amazing. This natural amphitheater is called Devil’s Punch Bowl, and it absolutely lives up to the name. At high tide, waves slam into the bowl and explode in every direction. At low tide—if you get there about 30 minutes early—you can climb down and explore the inside. It’s slippery, it smells like seaweed, and the barnacles are just waiting to test your balance. You’ll see tide pools, rock layers that look like they’ve been stirred with a spoon, and maybe even a sea star or two clinging to the walls. Just wear shoes with grip and try not to become part of the scenery.

If you go:

Parking: Limited, but free
Best time to go: About 30 minutes before low tide—check tide charts!
Bring: Grippy shoes
Tide Chart: Check here!