Plan a Science Adventure in Newport

Newport is well known for its stunning ocean views and working waterfront, and it's also a coastal hub for science, research, and education. It is home to NOAA's Pacific Fleet and a revered marine science program at OSU's Hatfield, which also offers hands-on learning experiences. Newport is where science and community intersect in real, visible ways.

For visitors and residents alike, this presents an opportunity to engage with the ocean not just as scenery but as a living, evolving system we can all learn from. Here, we've put together the academic and educational landmarks that define Newport's science scene and how they contribute to the town's culture and economy.

Oregon Coast Aquarium

One of Oregon's most visited attractions, the Oregon Coast Aquarium plays a key role in marine education and conservation. Its immersive exhibits give visitors a close-up view of coastal species, including sea otters, sharks, tufted puffins, and a resident giant Pacific octopus. The Passages of the Deep walk-through tunnel is a standout feature, as are the touch pools and seasonal events.

At the Aquarium, you will experience:

• Passages of the Deep walk-through tunnel

• Touch tanks with tidepool species

• Sea otters, octopus, and native marine life

• Educational programs and summer camps

• Ongoing marine conservation initiatives

The Aquarium also contributes to scientific literacy and local engagement through educational programs for kids and teens, including summer camps and youth volunteer opportunities.

Hatfield Marine Science Center

Operated by Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center is a public learning space and an active research campus. Visitors can engage with hands-on exhibits that explore everything from tsunamis to wave energy and intertidal ecosystems. The giant Pacific octopus tank and touch pools are longtime favorites, but it's the presence of real scientists and rotating research updates that make the experience unique.

At Hatfield, you will experience:

• Interactive exhibits on wave energy, tsunamis, and marine ecosystems

• Giant Pacific octopus and tidepool touch tanks

• Real-time science updates and rotating displays

• A training ground for OSU marine science students

Beyond its public exhibits, Hatfield is a center for world-class marine research, supporting OSU students and faculty and researchers from federal agencies and NGOs. The center contributes significantly to the local economy by attracting academic talent, research grants, and collaborative projects that keep Newport connected to environmental studies.

NOAA's Marine Operations Center

The NOAA Marine Operations Center in Newport is home port for NOAA's Pacific fleet. While the facility is not open to public tours, its impact on the local community is substantial.

NOAA's Impact:

• Home base for NOAA's Pacific research fleet

• Supports fisheries, climate, and oceanographic research

• Employees contribute to the local economy

• Strengthens ties between science, education, and coastal industries

NOAA’s presence helps anchor Newport as a leading coastal research town. Their work in fisheries science, ocean monitoring, and climate research influences national policy and supports local industries, particularly commercial fishing and marine conservation.

Yaquina Head lighthouse, Outstanding Natural Area and interpretive center

Managed by the US Bureau of Land Management, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area offers a rich setting for natural science education. Tidepooling at low tide reveals vibrant intertidal life, while the Interpretive Center provides context on coastal geology, marine mammals, and the iconic Yaquina Head Lighthouse.

At Yaquina Head, you will experience:

• Accessible tidepools full of marine life

• Interpretive Center focused on geology and marine ecology

• Whale watching during migration season

• The Historic Lighthouse

• Interpretive trails and walks

The Bureau of Land Management and programs like Whale Watching Spoken Here play a key role in turning a visit to Yaquina Head into an educational experience. Visitors gain insight into local geology, intertidal ecosystems, and marine wildlife through interpretive programs, ranger talks, and seasonal volunteer support. These efforts support community education and deepen visitor understanding of the coastal environment while promoting tourism and appreciation for the natural world.

Marine Discovery Tours

Marine Discovery Tours blends sightseeing and marine science aboard guided eco-tours. Trips include hands-on activities like pulling crab pots and identifying seabirds and marine mammals with the help of an onboard naturalist. It's a fun, educational experience and one of the best ways visitors can get a science-infused look at Newport’s working harbor and marine ecosystems.

With Marine Discovery Tours, you will experience:

• Scenic wildlife cruises on the bay and ocean

• Educational narration from on-board naturalists

• Pulling crab pots and learning about local fisheries

• Family-friendly and locally operated

  
  

Additional Educational Enrichment Opportunities in Newport

• Pacific Maritime Heritage Center: Part of the Lincoln County Historical Society, this center features exhibits on maritime history, shipbuilding, and coastal culture. It offers rotating exhibits and educational programs that complement Newport's marine science institutions. Learn more: https://oregoncoasthistory.org

• OSU Extension - Lincoln County: Offers public education in marine resources, forestry, sustainable living, and youth development through 4-H. Their outreach extends science learning into schools and community settings. Details: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/lincoln

• Newport Public Library: Hosts STEM activities and educational events for kids, teens, and adults, often in partnership with local science institutions.

• Lincoln County Historical Society: Through exhibits, archives, and programming, the Lincoln County Historical Society preserves and shares the stories that shape Newport and the surrounding region. Its facilities, including the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center and the Burrows House Museum, offer visitors a chance to explore coastal history, traditional industries, and cultural shifts over time.

Newport’s science scene is not tucked away in labs or hidden behind closed doors; it’s part of the fabric of our community. From world-class research facilities to tidepools and harbor tours, the town invites you to learn by seeing, touching, and engaging. These institutions shape our understanding of the coast and provide jobs, education, and cultural identity to the community. We are very thankful to be host to such wonderful organizations! Where will you visit next?

---

Newport is home to world-class marine research, interactive science attractions, and unique hands-on learning experiences. Whether visiting the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Hatfield Marine Science Center, or exploring the tidepools, there's always something new to discover. For more recommendations on where to learn, explore, and engage, visit https://discovernewport.com