South Beach State Park – Newport’s Beachlife Backyard

South Beach State Park sits off Highway 101 on the south side of Yaquina Bay in Newport.

With miles of sandy shoreline, scenic trails, and access to some of the best outdoor activities on the Oregon Coast, this park offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Once you arrive, there’s plenty of space to explore. Head north toward the Yaquina Bay South Jetty or south along a seven-mile stretch of uninterrupted sandy shoreline, which includes Lost Creek Beach and Ona Beach.

This is a must-visit destination for beachcombing, rockhounding, hiking, fishing, surfing, camping, and other outdoor adventures.

Beachcombing and Rockhounding

One of my favorite things to do at South Beach is beachcombing. If you love searching for hidden treasures, this beach is full of surprises.

You'll have the best luck after a storm or at low tide. Keep an eye out for agates, jasper, fossils, and sea glass.

Hoping to find blue Newport agates? Head to Ona Beach, just a few miles south—it's one of the best spots for these rare gems!

Fishing and Crabbing

If you enjoy fishing, South Beach offers excellent opportunities. Surf perch fishing is best during low incoming tides in the spring. The south jetty at Yaquina Bay is a great place to catch black rockfish and copper rockfish.

Yaquina Bay and the surrpinding waters are also famous for Dungeness crab and razor clams, making this a prime spot for crabbing and clamming.

Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding

Love to explore on foot or by bike? South Beach State Park has a great trail system:

• Old Jetty Trail – Winds through the upper beach dunes.
• Cooper Ridge Nature Trail – A scenic loop through coastal forests and marshlands.
• Paved Trails – Connect the campground, beach, and nearby attractions.
• Equestrian Trails – Horseback riding is allowed on designated paths.

Wildlife Watching and Birding

South Beach is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. You might see shorebirds including sandpipers, whimbrels, and sanderlings darting along the tide. Seals and sea lions is often spotted near the jetty or lounging on rocky outcrops. Bald eagles and ospreys are soaring above the beach, hunting for fish.

Gray whales are migrating off the coast between December and May.

Open: Year-round
Managed by: Oregon State Parks

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, paved bike trails, nature trails
Activities: Hiking, biking, beachcombing, rockhounding, fishing, picnicking, birdwatching, and camping
Day-use fees: None

South Beach State Park is located:

• 4 miles south of Newport
• 88 miles southwest of Salem
• 96 miles northwest of Eugene.