The museum is interesting, you get to learn about the history of the lighthouse and the ecosystem with all the wildlife. The view at the lighthouse is spectacular. During the right seasons, you can see tons of gray whales, seals and birds. This visit we saw a mated pair of peregrine falcons just up the cliff side. A walk down the nearby stairs sends you to a beautiful cobblestone beach. The black polished stones are not only unique but they make a mesmerizing sound as the waves roll them. I go here every time I pass through!

This is such a fun stop along the coast highway. Beautiful views of the scenery and wildlife. Chances are high you see some playful sea lions in the surf. Very well maintained pathways & stairs There is an admission fee or use your National Park pass.

These places are always nice to see. It's a bygone era in American History that brings you back to simpler times. When we went the interior of the lighthouse was closed so you couldn't go inside, but the exterior and surrounding area are scenic from foliage to the overlook and tide pools. Worth stopping, but as it is ran by the Department of Interior there is a fee to enter (if your driving).

Beautiful spot! We saw whales, tide-pooled, and spent time at the museum down the road. The workers were all eager to share the lighthouse history and we loved this stop. I will note it was very windy at the head. We also loved the drive to the Yaquina BAY Lighthouse 20 minutes south (which is free). We paid 7 dollars to get into the park. A National Parks Pass can also get you free access!

The Lighthouse was beautiful and so was the view. The tide pools were well worth the climb down and then back up again. The rocks will roll around under your feet, so if you have some sort of walking or hiking stick, I would advice taking it.

The lighthouse and Cobble beach were quite busy when we visited on a Wednesday afternoon. The grounds are pristine considering the amount of visitors. Cobble beach is a fun place to observe tide pools, but the cobble stone rocks are treacherous to walk in.

It's worth every step. I could sit and listen to the black round rocks play in the waves all day. Very unique sound. Breath taking views and some history to.

We had a great time here! Was able to get in for free using my National Parks Access Pass/America the Beautiful pass. The whole area is VERY well taken care of and very unique due to its biodiversity (Starfish and urchins at low tide, seals, birds, even whale watching). The lighthouse was closed which stinks but the welcome center was open and full of things to see and do like a gift shop and a sweet interactive museum. BRING A HOODIE THOUGH! It was 90 the day we went but the strong winds and location make it feel pretty cold

Yaquina Head Lighthouse is a beautifully maintained operational lighthouse on the Central Oregon Coast. The Yaqina Head Lighthouse is 93 feet tall. The lighthouse was first lit on August 20, 1873, and has been guiding ships ever since. The area surrounding the Lighthouse has become a protected nature site where the public can come and see the Pacific Ocean and a wide variety of whales, fish, seaside, and birds. It's not uncommon to see scientists onsite studying the natural occurances surrounding the area. There are hiking trails, tide pools, and many other things to explore. There is a visitors center open daily to educate children and visitors on the lighthouse and natural history of the area. Do yourself a favor and check out the Yakina Head Lighthouse and the surrounding natural area; you will not be disappointed! If you find my review, please click the thumbs-up 👍icon! Thank you! 👍

Stairs to beach. Easy to get to light house. Be prepared closes at 5pm. I saw Puffins, whales and seals. Don’t get too close I zoomed this video clip in. Lots of swimming seals.

This lighthouse is a great place to take pictures and do some ocean gazing. It is open on certain days and at certain times, allowing you to go in and look around, but apparently not at the time I went. That’s ok, it’s still a beautiful sight. You can see seals resting on the rocks below. I’ve been told there are times that pods of killer whales can be seen in this area, but again, not the time when I went. I assume they would be looking for a feast of seals. Beneath the light house, where ocean meets land, there are all sorts of nooks and crannies for tide pools. These are lots of fun to check out. There’s a long set of stairs leading down to the beach area, with numerous standing areas. At one of the stair stops, a Park Ranger (I assume he was a Park Ranger) goes over what kind of things you can expect to see in the pools. We were advised we could touch the creatures, but not to pick them up. Also, try not to walk on the mussels. The pools are clear and colorful. You can see all sorts of different colored starfish, green anemones, purple urchins, and the occasional hairy crab. I recommend touching at least one anemone, but I didn’t touch any urchins, as they gave off a cactus vibe. Warning: Between the bottom of the stairs and the tide pools, the beach is covered in large loose rocks, and inclines down. Some places are more steep than others. If you have weak ankles, or balance issues, tread lightly. Climbing back up the loose rock incline is even worse, much like walking up an escalator going the opposite direction. If, like me, you’re a little older and not in as great as shape as you once were, you might want to set aside time to lay on the rocks to catch your breath, and contemplate letting the tide come in and take you away to the ocean and eventually Japan. Once you’ve tapped into your energy reserves, and make it back up the stairs, you’ll realize it was all worth it. Recommend.

Beautiful lighthouse located so close to the coast of Newport. From the parking lot, there's a paved path to the lighthouse. While walking, you will see hawks hovering. There's a lot of yellow dandelions growing in the fields surrounding the lighthouse. They only allow a certain number of people (12-16 maybe) to tour the inside of the lighthouse per day. Reservations are required for this and can be done online in their website. The breeze and the beautiful coast is good enough for us. Book the lighthouse tour if you are traveling with kids. It would be so interesting!

Lighthouse was closed when we went in evening. Still nice views around outside. Trail to beach is short but all stairs. Good tide pools and seals on the beach. Very busy.

This is a really beautiful lookout point with a great lighthouse, it wasn't open to the public when I was there but I don't know if that's usually the case. There were whales breaching just off the coast while I was there, which was breathtaking. 🐳 There are a lot of beautiful birds such as cormorant and pelicans relaxing on the rocks here and they frequently take off giving ample opportunity to get good pictures of them in flight. This stop is definitely worth the fee to get in, especially with the interpretive center and the hiking trail.

This is an amazing & unique spot on the Oregon coast. The purple/ black rock beach make this place so different than other spots. The sounds of the waves and the rocks is real therapy! Going somewhere like this puts u in a new zone and was an experience in mindfulness for me. The light house is also beautiful & all around great spot for photos.

Stunning views. Only two downsides: 1: Swarms of kelp flies. Did some reading on it, and it sounds like they are only a nuisance for a few weeks out of the year. 2: We weren't told until after we paid the park access fee that that lighthouse was closed for repairs, so we were not able to climb to the top. I imagine climbing to the top of the lighthouse is a key attraction, so I think patrons should be informed of this prior to paying the fee. Otherwise, it was a joy to see this magnificent beacon, and enjoy the wind, sun, and salt spray!

Amazing spot to explore! We really enjoyed the visitor center and displays as well as hiking around the lighthouse and down to Cobblestone beach. There were a lot of pelicans in the water that were fun to watch!

Beautiful area and great views of the coast. We saw whales from the lookout up at the lighthouse. You can't go inside the lighthouse but it's still a nice walk up to it. Paved path so it's wheelchair accessible. No dogs are allowed past a certain point and there are signs posted. The day we went there were so many flies! Really annoying, so take bug spray. Not sure if it will help with the flies, but worth a shot. The tidepools were fun but on a very rocky beach so wear sturdy shoes.

Visited last Sunday right before a storm came and there was 3 surfers that were being rescued right in front of the interpretive center. Fun to watch the waves crashing against the rocks. There is also a beach that you can take stairs down to and hiking trails. It's $7 to visit for 3 day pass.

Beautiful views. Amazing old lighthouse (no you cannot go inside). Beautiful black stone beach.

Scenic Beauty and Fascinating Wildlife at Yaquina Head Lighthouse Review: I had the pleasure of visiting Yaquina Head Lighthouse in Newport, Oregon in early April this year. It proved to be an unforgettable experience, showcasing the natural beauty and wildlife of the area. The lighthouse's location deserves a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 for its accessibility and proximity to nearby attractions. However, during my visit, it was a bit crowded, which may be worth considering when planning your trip. Upon arrival, I was impressed with the overall condition and maintenance of the lighthouse and its facilities. The site was well-maintained, providing a pleasant and inviting atmosphere for visitors. While there were no guided tours available, I appreciated the self-guided tour options provided in the museum and at the tide pools. These informative displays enhanced my visit and allowed me to explore at my own pace. The views and scenery from the lighthouse location were truly breathtaking. Overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean, it offered a prime spot for whale watching during the appropriate season. Additionally, the sight of sea lions sunbathing added to the charm of the experience. During my visit, I did not partake in hiking activities. Instead, I spent time observing the surfers, exploring the museum, descending the ample amount of steps to the tide pools, and visiting the lighthouse. Parking near the lighthouse and tide pools is limited, so be prepared for a walk from the museum area. The sea lions and tide pools were particularly exciting highlights of the visit. Their presence added an extra layer of fascination to the already stunning surroundings. Overall, my experience at Yaquina Head Lighthouse deserves a perfect rating of 5 out of 5. I highly recommend Yaquina Head Lighthouse to others visiting Newport, Oregon. It provides a great outdoor activity for families, offering a relatively inexpensive yet enriching experience. Additionally, the pass is valid for three days, allowing ample time to explore and enjoy the park's offerings. Thank you for considering my review, and I hope it assists you in planning your visit to Yaquina Head Lighthouse in Newport, Oregon. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.

This area has a little bit of everything. We weren't able to go inside the lighthouse but could walk right up to and around it. The walk up to and around the lighthouse is a pretty easy walk. You can also walk down to the cobble beach, which is beautiful but quite a difficult walk. You'll want to make sure to wear good shoes. The visitor center and museum were excellent and had a great little gift shop. There really is something for everyone at this site, and I'm so glad we stopped here to take it all in!

Beautiful area. Nice walk from center to lighthouse even though you could drive. Well worth the stop. Saw some grey whales off the coast by the lighthouse. A trail to the beach below had tide pools to explore.

It's one of my favorite spots in Oregon. Here you can feel the power and beauty of the ocean. The view of the lighthouse is spectacular. The beach with black stones is quite unique. In a foggy day this place is even more atmospheric. If you are lucky you can see whales and seals of the coast. Many birds find their habitat there. Make sure to check out the tide pools below with its numerous creatures.