2025 Guide to Newport Aquarium Oregon: Exhibits, Tips & Nearby Attractions

The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport welcomes visitors with a stunning coastal-themed entrance that immediately sets the tone for an immersive marine adventure. As you approach the main building, cascading water features and vibrant marine murals capture the essence of the Pacific Northwest's rich aquatic ecosystems. This world-class facility spans 23 acres along Yaquina Bay, housing over 15,000 marine animals representing hundreds of species native to the Oregon Coast.

Since opening in 1992, the aquarium has established itself as one of North America's top marine centers, even serving as the former home of Keiko, the orca who starred in “Free Willy.” Today, the Oregon Coast Aquarium continues its mission of education and conservation while providing visitors with unforgettable encounters with sea life. This guide will take you through everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this Newport treasure.

Must-See Exhibits at Newport Aquarium Oregon

The Oregon Coast Aquarium features several immersive zones that showcase the diverse marine ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest. From shallow coastal waters to the mysterious deep sea, each exhibit offers a unique glimpse into underwater worlds. Here are the can't-miss attractions during your visit:

Passages of the Deep

The crown jewel of the aquarium is undoubtedly “Passages of the Deep,” a 1.32-million-gallon exhibit featuring three distinct ocean habitats connected by acrylic tunnels. This immersive experience allows visitors to walk beneath the sea, surrounded by marine life on all sides. The journey begins in Orford Reef, showcasing colorful rockfish and kelp forests typical of Oregon's nearshore waters.

As you continue through the tunnels, you'll enter Halibut Flats, representing the continental shelf with its sandy bottom and fascinating creatures like skates, halibut, and sturgeon swimming around a shipwreck. The final section, Open Sea, plunges you into the deep ocean environment where sharks, bat rays, and schools of anchovies and mackerel create a mesmerizing underwater ballet.

Marine Mammal Exhibits

The outdoor marine mammal exhibits are among the most popular attractions at the aquarium. The sea otter habitat houses three playful male sea otters that delight visitors with their energetic swimming, grooming behaviors, and tool use. Though wild sea otters no longer inhabit the Oregon Coast, these rescued animals serve as ambassadors for their species.

Nearby, harbor seals and sea lions demonstrate their remarkable swimming abilities in a spacious pool. Don't miss the daily feeding presentations at 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM, when knowledgeable staff share fascinating facts about these intelligent marine mammals while demonstrating their natural behaviors.

Seabird Aviary

The Oregon Coast Aquarium boasts North America's largest outdoor seabird aviary, home to tufted puffins, horned puffins, common murres, rhinoceros auklets, pigeon guillemots, and black oystercatchers. The naturalistic habitat features rocky cliffs and pools where these charismatic birds can be observed swimming, diving, and interacting in ways rarely seen in the wild.

The daily seabird feeding presentation at 2:00 PM offers insights into the birds' diets, behaviors, and conservation challenges. Tufted puffins, with their distinctive orange beaks and facial tufts, are particular crowd-pleasers, especially when demonstrating their impressive underwater “flying” abilities.

Rocky Shores and Touch Pools

The recently renovated Rocky Coast Gallery offers an interactive experience with the intertidal zone ecosystems of the Oregon Coast. The centerpiece is a large touch pool where visitors can gently interact with sea stars, anemones, and other tide pool residents under the guidance of knowledgeable staff.

The gallery also features displays of fascinating creatures like the giant Pacific octopus, wolf eels, and a variety of colorful rockfish. Educational panels explain the adaptations these animals have developed to survive in the challenging environment where land meets sea.

Jellyfish Gallery

The mesmerizing Jellyfish Gallery showcases these ancient, otherworldly creatures in dramatically lit cylindrical tanks. Moon jellies and Pacific sea nettles pulse rhythmically through the water, their translucent bodies creating living art installations. The exhibit explains the surprising complexity of these seemingly simple animals and their ecological importance.

Don't miss the Moon Jelly Café, which features a 360-degree jellyfish observation tank as its centerpiece. Here you can enjoy lunch while surrounded by the gentle, hypnotic movements of these fascinating creatures.

Educational Experiences at Newport Aquarium Oregon

The Oregon Coast Aquarium offers numerous opportunities for visitors of all ages to deepen their understanding of marine ecosystems through hands-on learning experiences and guided programs.

Interactive Programs and Animal Encounters

For those seeking a more immersive experience, the aquarium offers several special programs that provide behind-the-scenes access and close encounters with marine life. The Animal Encounter program ($20) allows participants to touch jellyfish under the guidance of aquarium staff, learning about their unique biology and ecological role.

The Behind-the-Scenes Tour ($25) takes visitors into normally restricted areas to learn about animal care, feeding, and the complex life support systems that maintain the aquarium's habitats. These 45-minute guided experiences offer fascinating insights into marine science and conservation efforts.

Daily Presentations and Feedings

Throughout the day, the aquarium offers scheduled presentations that coincide with animal feedings, providing excellent opportunities to see active behaviors and learn from knowledgeable staff. The daily schedule typically includes:

• Sea Otter Feeding: 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM
• Seal and Sea Lion Feeding: 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM
• Seabird Feeding: 2:00 PM
• Octopus Enrichment: 12:30 PM (select days)

These presentations are included with general admission and offer fascinating insights into animal behaviors, diets, and conservation challenges. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, especially during busy summer months.

Educational Resources for School Groups

The Oregon Coast Aquarium offers specialized programs for school groups, including guided tours tailored to different grade levels and curriculum connections. Educational materials, including pre and post-visit activities, are available to help teachers maximize the learning experience.

School groups can request custom worksheets that align with specific learning objectives, from basic marine biology concepts to complex ecological relationships. The aquarium's education team works closely with teachers to ensure that visits support classroom learning goals while providing engaging, memorable experiences.

Visitor Tips for Newport Aquarium Oregon

Planning ahead can significantly enhance your visit to the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Here are essential tips for different types of visitors to make the most of your experience.

Tips for Families with Children

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is exceptionally family-friendly, with numerous features designed with young visitors in mind:

• Stroller rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $5
• The outdoor play area provides a space for children to burn energy between exhibits
• Family restrooms with changing tables are located throughout the facility
• The touch pools in the Rocky Coast Gallery are particularly engaging for children
• Plan your visit around feeding times to keep children engaged
• The gift shop offers many child-friendly souvenirs at various price points

Tips for School Groups

School visits require advance planning to ensure a smooth, educational experience:

• Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance
• One adult chaperone is required for every five students
• Discounted group rates are available for groups of 10 or more students
• Pre-visit materials help prepare students for the experience
• Designated lunch areas can be reserved for school groups
• Custom educational programs can be arranged to match curriculum needs

Teachers should contact the education department directly at 541-867-3474 to discuss specific needs and arrange customized experiences for their students.

Tips for Solo Travelers and Photography Enthusiasts

Individual visitors and photographers can enjoy unique aspects of the aquarium:

• Weekday mornings and late afternoons typically have fewer crowds
• Photography is permitted throughout the aquarium (no flash in some areas)
• The best lighting for underwater photography is in Passages of the Deep
• Tripods are allowed during non-peak hours (check with staff)
• Join the adult-focused behind-the-scenes tours for in-depth information
• Consider visiting during the off-season (September-May) for a more relaxed experience

General Visitor Information

Essential information for planning your visit to the Oregon Coast Aquarium:

• Hours: Open daily 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (September-May), 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Memorial Day-Labor Day)
• Admission: Adults (18-64): $25.95, Seniors (65+) and Young Adults (13-17): $19.95, Children (3-12): $15.95, Under 2: Free
• Location: 2820 SE Ferry Slip Road, Newport, Oregon 97365
• Parking: Free on-site parking
• Accessibility: The aquarium is wheelchair accessible with rentals available
• Food: The Moon Jelly Café offers lunch options, or bring a picnic to enjoy in designated areas

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the entrance. Purchasing online is recommended during peak summer season to avoid lines.

Local Connections: Exploring Beyond Newport Aquarium Oregon

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is just one of many attractions in the Newport area. Extend your visit with these nearby destinations that complement your aquarium experience.

Nearby Marine Science Attractions

Hatfield Marine Science Center – Located just a half-mile from the aquarium, this Oregon State University research facility offers additional marine exhibits, touch pools, and interactive displays. With admission at only $5 for ages five and up, it makes an excellent companion visit to the aquarium. The center focuses on research and features different marine life than the aquarium, creating a complementary experience.

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area – This dramatic basalt peninsula extends one mile into the Pacific Ocean and features Oregon's tallest lighthouse. The area offers excellent tidepooling opportunities where visitors can see many of the same creatures featured in the aquarium's Rocky Shores exhibit in their natural habitat. Harbor seals often lounge on the rocks, and the bird watching is exceptional. The entrance fee is $7 per vehicle.

Newport's Historic Bayfront – After visiting the aquarium, head to Newport's charming bayfront area to see wild California sea lions lounging on the docks. Their barking can be heard throughout the area as they bask in the sun and compete for space. The bayfront also features numerous shops, galleries, and restaurants in a working fishing port setting.

Local Dining with Ocean Views

Complete your Newport experience with a meal at one of these excellent seafood restaurants, all offering spectacular ocean views:

Clearwater Restaurant – Located on the historic bayfront with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbor, Clearwater specializes in fresh, locally-caught seafood. Watch fishing boats come and go while enjoying their signature Dungeness crab cakes or seafood pasta. The restaurant is particularly known for its sustainable seafood practices.

Georgie's Beachside Grill – Perched above Nye Beach with panoramic ocean views, Georgie's offers classic Pacific Northwest cuisine in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Their seafood is sourced locally whenever possible, and the sunset views are spectacular. Try their cedar-planked salmon or seafood chowder for an authentic taste of Oregon.

Remember Your Coastal Adventure

This adorable plush sea otter is the perfect souvenir to remember your visit to the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Soft, huggable, and educational!

Perfect memento for all ages → Check Price

Top Place to Stay After Visiting the Aquarium

Planning a trip to the Oregon Coast isn’t complete without picking the perfect place to rest after exploring the Newport Aquarium and the nearby coastal gems. Whether you’re after cozy vibes, oceanfront views, or family-friendly convenience, Newport offers a wide range of options to suit every traveler.

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of comfort, location, and views, Hallmark Resort Newport is our top pick. Perched right on the edge of the Pacific, this oceanfront hotel delivers sweeping views from nearly every room. Many come with jetted tubs, gas fireplaces, and private balconies—making it easy to unwind to the sound of crashing waves after a full day of adventure.

Located just seven minutes from the Newport Aquarium, it’s not only stunning but incredibly convenient. Guests also enjoy access to an indoor saltwater pool, a relaxing spa, and Georgie’s Beachside Grill—an on-site restaurant known for its fresh seafood and unbeatable sunset views.

• Pet-friendly

• Spa tubs & fireplaces in select rooms

• Indoor saltwater pool and spa

• Oceanfront dining at Georgie’s Beachside Grill

• Direct beach access

Whether you're planning a romantic retreat or a family getaway, Hallmark Resort Newport offers a stay that’s as memorable as the destination itself.

 

Seasonal Events at Newport Aquarium Oregon

The Oregon Coast Aquarium hosts special events throughout the year, adding unique dimensions to the visitor experience. Planning your visit around these events can provide extra value and memorable experiences.

Holiday Celebrations

Sea of Lights (December) – During the holiday season, the aquarium transforms into a winter wonderland with over half a million colorful lights decorating the exhibits and outdoor areas. This “Christmas Underwater” experience includes special evening hours, holiday music, and appearances by Santa. The event typically runs weekends in December and offers a magical perspective on marine life.

Trick or Treat Under the Sea (October) – This family-friendly Halloween event invites children to trick-or-treat throughout the aquarium while learning about the “scary” creatures of the deep. Staff share fascinating facts about misunderstood animals like sharks and octopuses, helping to dispel myths while providing a safe, educational Halloween experience.

Special Exhibits and Conservation Events

World Oceans Day (June) – The aquarium celebrates this international day with special activities focused on ocean conservation. Interactive stations throughout the facility offer hands-on learning about plastic pollution, sustainable seafood, and habitat protection. Conservation partners often participate, providing information about local initiatives and volunteer opportunities.

Rotating Special Exhibits – Throughout the year, the aquarium features temporary exhibits that highlight different aspects of marine life and conservation. Past exhibits have included “Oddwater” (featuring unusual sea creatures), “Swampland” (exploring wetland ecosystems), and “Claws” (showcasing crustaceans). Check the aquarium's website for current special exhibits during your planned visit.

Plan Your Visit to Newport Aquarium Oregon

The Oregon Coast Aquarium offers a perfect blend of entertainment, education, and conservation awareness in a stunning coastal setting. Whether you're fascinated by the graceful movements of jellies, captivated by playful sea otters, or amazed by the underwater world of Passages of the Deep, the aquarium provides unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.

As you plan your visit, consider exploring the surrounding attractions to create a comprehensive Newport experience. From tidepooling at Yaquina Head to watching wild sea lions on the bayfront, the area offers numerous opportunities to connect with marine life and coastal ecosystems.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium's commitment to conservation and education makes it not just an entertaining destination, but an important partner in protecting our oceans for future generations. Your visit supports these efforts while creating lasting memories of the fascinating underwater world that thrives along the Oregon Coast.