South Beach State Park stretches several miles along the Oregon Coast immediately south of the iconic Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport, offering one of the central coast's largest and most popular beach destinations with extensive camping facilities and miles of broad sandy beach. This historic park provides 227 campsites with electric and water hookups in loops A through G, 60 tent sites without hookups in H and I loops where generators are prohibited, 27 yurts with decks fire rings lights heating and beds with mattresses, hiker-biker camping, and three group campsites, accommodating diverse camping preferences from RV travelers to tent campers to those seeking comfortable yurt experiences. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com with yurt stays requiring advance booking particularly during summer months. The park features a paved jetty trail popular for bike riding and jogging with bike rentals available, an equestrian trailhead providing horseback riding access to the beach, interpretive programs during summer, games from horseshoes to disc golf, and free showers for campers. Beginning October 1 2025 the park will require parking permits for day-use visitors. The beach extends for miles creating exceptional opportunities for walking, beachcombing, kite flying, and coastal recreation just minutes from Newport's waterfront attractions and restaurants.
Beach walking ranks among South Beach's premier activities with the broad sandy shoreline extending for miles allowing extended strolls with Yaquina Bay Bridge views to the north and open coastline south toward Seal Rock and Waldport. The paved jetty trail provides accessible walking and biking along the south jetty where anglers fish for rockfish, surfperch, and seasonal salmon. Horseback riding from the equestrian trailhead creates unique beach experiences with several local stables offering guided rides along the sand. Kite flying thrives on the wide beach when coastal winds pick up. Beachcombing yields driftwood, agates, shells, and sand dollars particularly after winter storms. Surfing attracts wave riders to breaks near the jetty. Wildlife viewing includes harbor seals, sea lions, gray whales during migration seasons, and abundant seabirds. Disc golf and horseshoes provide campground recreation. The South Beach Marina across Highway 101 offers additional activities including sport fishing charters, whale watching tours, and seafood markets. The Oregon Coast Aquarium sits nearby providing world-class marine exhibits and touch pools. Hatfield Marine Science Center offers free educational exhibits about Oregon's marine environments.
Newport's waterfront dining sits just across the Yaquina Bay Bridge minutes from South Beach. Clearwater Restaurant provides waterfront dining with sea lion entertainment, fresh local seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Newport harbor. Georgie's Newport features Pacific Ocean views with Northwest cuisine including halibut, wild salmon, Yaquina Bay oysters, Dungeness crab, and extensive wine selections. Local Ocean Seafoods offers boat-to-table dining with the freshest local catch, retail market, and ocean views. Ocean Bleu at Gino's serves locally caught sustainable seafood on the historic bayfront with fish and chips, chowder, and daily catches.
South Beach lacks lifeguards and the Pacific Ocean presents extreme dangers with cold water, strong currents, undertows, and sneaker waves making swimming hazardous. Supervise children closely away from the waterline. The south jetty creates strong currents and wave action requiring caution for anglers and observers. Horseback riding requires appropriate experience and following equestrian trail guidelines. Campground loops near Highway 101 experience road noise. Generators are prohibited in H and I tent loops. Parking permits will be required starting October 1 2025. Reservations are essential during summer and holidays. Weather changes rapidly. Cell phone coverage is reliable. South Beach State Park combines extensive camping facilities, miles of sandy beach, paved jetty trail, horseback riding access, proximity to Newport's aquarium and waterfront dining, and year-round recreation into one of the central Oregon Coast's premier state park destinations for families and beach enthusiasts.
