Couple Getaways - Y - Yaquina Bay

Yaquina Bay State Park is located in Newport at the north end of Yaquina Bay near its outlet to the Pacific Ocean. Spruce and pine grow steadily there, but the real star is the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse.

Built in 1871, it was decommissioned in 1874. It was officially restored as a privately maintained aid to navigation on December 7, 1996. It's believed to be the oldest structure in Newport, and is the only existing Oregon lighthouse with the living quarters attached. It is also the only historic wooden Oregon lighthouse still standing.

Yaquina Bay is located off Highway 101, just southeast of the quaint town of Newport, Oregon. It's quite fun to take a couple hours out to go and tour the lighthouse. The tour guides dress in period clothing and are happy to tell you the history of Yaquina, as well as answer any questions that you have.

On the other side there is the famous Yaquina Head Lighthouse. The 93 foot tower, Oregon's tallest, is located on a narrow point of land jutting due west into the Pacific Ocean north of Newport, at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Winds and rain have buffeted this lighthouse since its beginning in 1872. It took approximately one year, and over 370,000 bricks to construct Oregon's tallest lighthouse.

If you have time or plan to stay the weekend, you may want to take time out to drive over the bridge and see the Oregon Coast Aquarium. It used to be where Keiko the whale was placed for rehabilitation. You'll find hours of fun and exploration there both indoors and outdoor.





All throughout April I've been posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you've enjoyed the destinations, and maybe a few have inspired you to put on your travel plans. It's almost at the end, but I do thank everyone who has taken the time to stop by.


~Ann Cory