Day 3
Written by Sylvia Longmire, Spin the Globe, January 14, 2024
CLICK HERE for Day 1
CLICK HERE for Day 2
Day 3 – Newport and Nye Beach
Breakfast at Georgie’s. Waves crashing against the shore just outside a wall of windows. Steamer clams steeped in white wine, butter and garlic with freshly baked garlic bread on the table in front of you. Service that is relaxed, upscale, and family-friendly. That’s Georgie’s—with a distinctly modern atmosphere that mirrors the calm of the ocean and an eclectic menu featuring Northwest fare and a variety of favorites for every age and every palate. The breakfast portions we had were generous, and I was a particular fan of their pancakes!
Sea Lion Docks. Hear, see and smell the sea lions! The wooden sea lion docks at Port Dock One on Newport’s Bay Front have provided a haul-out for sea lions for over 18 years. They provide a unique opportunity for the public to observe these amusing and interesting animals close up. For many, this is the quintessential Newport experience. While it’s a completely flat entry to the dock, just be aware that it’s a bit of a bumpy ride. The wooden railing is pretty high, but you can easily see the sea lions through the wooden slats. You may want to bring some earplugs because they are pretty loud!
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area.
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area extends out from the Oregon coast, one mile into the Pacific Ocean. Standing 93 feet tall at the westernmost point of the basalt headland, the lighthouse has been a bright beacon of the night, guiding ships and their supplies along the west coast since the light was first lit on August 20, 1873. The interpretive center features exhibits on seabirds and marine life as well as human history from the headland. You can see the wheelhouse of an historic ship, check out recreated rocky island and its inhabitants, and witness a full scale replica of the lighthouse lantern. All BLM exhibits and interpretive specialists deliver the rich history of Yaquina Head.
Oregon Coast Aquarium. Exhibits at the Oregon Coast Aquarium range from those you can touch and hear to those you can see and explore, and models its habitats to mirror the natural environments found along Oregon’s shores. Indoor galleries allow you to peer into the wonders of the underwater world, complete with sea stars, jellies, and many other fish and invertebrates. It’s so fun to watch the underwater antics of seals, sea lions, and sea otters! Encounter denizens of the deep in Passages of the Deep, which features an underwater tunnel that snakes through three ocean habitats, complete with near 360-degree views of wolf eels, rockfishes, sturgeon, skates, bat rays and a variety of sharks. Find yourself surrounded by seabirds in our outdoor aviary, the largest of its kind in North America, featuring deep pools and rocky cliff sides that mimic Oregon’s coastline. The aquarium is relatively small and you should be able to see the entire thing in an hour or less. Just note that the outdoor areas are all packed gravel, and it’s hilly in some spots.
Nye Beach with David’s Chair. I had a similar experience to Pacific City in Nye Beach, just outside of Newport, with David’s chair, and it was totally amazing! Just like my other experience, I was transferred from my personal chair into the track chair in the parking lot, then rolled down a ramp onto the sand. This chair did not rise up, but I was able to go a few inches into the water along a very wide and flat beach during a stunning sunset.
Dinner at Local Oceans Seafoods. When Local Ocean’s doors first opened in 2005, owners Laura Anderson and fisherman Al Pazar envisioned “a fish market with a little restaurant attached.” People the world-over demand Oregon’s wild seafood for its superior quality and flavor. Every dish they create features sustainably caught seafood, which helps to ensure the long-term health of the oceans and local fishing industry. I absolutely could not get enough of the halibut ceviche! Parking might be a challenge on the street, especially during busy evenings, so plan for that. Space is a little cramped indoors, but the staff will do everything they can to help you out.
Join us tomorrow for the conclusion of Syvia’s wonderful trip