From Newport to Toledo, Oregon, Highway 101 meanders past these enchanting towns with an incomparable stretch of shoreline. This seven-mile expanse features miles of walkable beaches, lakes, lighthouses, historical locations, aquariums and beautiful state parks with hiking and biking trails that are easily accessible.

Newport

With its ‘50s and ‘60s epoch downtown seaside motif, this town offers an abundance of activities for families and couples. Stroll along the town’s streets, lined with quaint beach-themed gift shops, fresh seafood and hearty but cozy bay-front restaurants and salty pubs. The public is even invited to drop a crab pot off the downtown dock and boil their catch in cookers located on the bay and south beach.

For a dash of excitement or a sea life science and scenery tour, contact Marine Discovery Tours in Newport. Marine Discovery is the official cruise company of the Oregon Coast Aquarium.  They offer fascinating aquarium-style cruises and activities with variable routes on the ocean, bay or river where guests regularly view whales, sea lions, porpoise, birds and seals. This sea life adventure is great fun for families and the tour takes place on the largest cruiser on the Oregon Coast. In addition, MDT offers the need-for-speed adventurous ride and scenic tour on the Oregon Rocket. This orange 16-seat inflatable is Coast Guard safe and guests wear safety rocket suits. The tour is an absolute blast and whizzes through waves and zooms over water, yet the captain always makes time to inspect interesting scenery along the way. Make sure to obtain reservations, as the Oregon Rocket is extremely popular, especially with kids, school groups and teenagers. For additional information, visit www.marinediscovery.com

The Oregon Coast Aquarium, named one of the top ten aquariums in the U.S., is one of Newport’s greatest treasures. The aquarium features many excellent permanent exhibits, such as the sea otters, seals and sea lions. Have you ever been kissed by an adorable Sea Lion? Check the aquarium’s calendar of “Animal Encounters” and events to experience this somewhat fishy but charming display of affection. The aquarium also offers interesting interactive and hands-on exhibits, as well as the fantastic “Passages of the Deep” underwater walkway. Travel under this 1.32 million gallon ocean exhibit and find yourself inches way from sharks, exotic fish and sea life in this marine tunnel version of walking under the sea.

The aquarium’s newest exhibit through 2008 is the amazing “Oddwater.” Guests journey past large and beautiful marine habitats containing strange marine life. These glass enclaves merge colorful artistic glass art, marine biology and special lighting to create captivating subaquatic terrain. The glass art, blown and crafted by local artistsans, was designed to replicate the habitats of the marine species’ extreme environment, such as the elusive chambered nautilus and lion fish. This colorful and educational surreal exhibit is one guests won’t want to miss! For additional information, visit www.aquarium.org

Located next to the Oregon Coast aquarium is the Hatfield Marine Science Center. The center features hands-on exhibits and an educational facility. The MSC is a research extension from Oregon State University and is open to the public.  Make sure to check visitors’ schedules. For additional information, visit www.hmsc.oregonstate.edu

There are nine lighthouses along the Oregon Coast and one of the most accessible and interesting is Yaquina Head in Newport. The 100-acre Yaquina Head Natural Area with Interpretive Center offers visitors an opportunity to learn about lighthouses and lighthouse keepers in the mid-1800s. The beautiful headland includes four trails, a tide pool and Cobble Beach to explore.  The trails range from easy to moderate with the Lighthouse Trail (easy and asphalted) leading visitors to the lighthouse. Gray whales and harbor seals are easily spotted from the observation points. And, if you don’t mind climbing the lighthouse stairs, the view and photo opportunities are worth the climb. The interior and solitude of the lighthouse feels as if you are back in time watching a wild and raging sea from a safe vantage point. For additional information, visit www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/yaquina

Yachats

Located a little south of Newport is the scenic splendor of Yachats. Cape Perpetua Scenic area sports several walking and hiking trails that overlook the ocean and is the perfect spot for photographs. The top of the point towers over 800 feet above the ocean and the trails range from easy to moderate, with the longest trail extending to a 10-mile loop.  The Siuslaw Forest and Cape Perpetua is incredibly beautiful, not crowded and a great place to spend the day enjoying the Oregon Coast. Heceta Head Lighthouse, located south of Cape Perpetua is another lovely stopping point. If you would like history, information on camping in the area or guided hikes, the Forest Service Visitors Center is located off Highway 101.  For additional information on Cape Perpetua Scenic Area and the Siuslaw National Forest, visit www.fs.fed.us/r6/siuslaw

Toledo

Just east of Yachats, Toledo is an arts town with some fascinating history. The Railroad Museum, or the Yaquina Pacific Railroad Historical Society, located on the boardwalk, takes visitors back in time to experience how mail was delivered by railcars. The docents will keep you riveted and the cars and interiors are original.

Many famous artists live in Toledo, such as Michael Gibbons and Sam Briseno. These outstanding artists’ galleries are located in town and are a must to visit while in Toledo. In fact, Briseno’s art is incorporated into the town’s ambience and is functional. See if you can find it when you visit.

With gourmet restaurants, such as Chef’s Place, antique malls, history and the art district, Toledo is an interesting and small coastal town in Oregon worth a visit. For additional information, visit www.cityoftoledo.org