Oregon Coast Aquarium — Attraction in Newport

Highly recommend visiting UNLESS you have a disabled person in your party. Several parents also complained about stroller accessibility.

The paths are small gravel, most of it NOT hard packed. So it is nearly impossible to push a wheelchair through.

The restrooms labeled handicap also do not allow a wheelchair to get in, much less into a stall. I'm pretty disappointed for such a modern facility and one such as this.

I would have still rated higher but im pretty disappointed the person who sold us our tickets didn't warn us. Also there is no warning that I saw online. These days, it's pretty safe to assume a public facility like this would be handicap accessible. It just plain is not.

It left a bad taste in my mouth that the gift shop staff just sat there watching us struggle to open the door against the wind and push the wheelchair out. There was nobody in line to pay. A little thoughtfulness would have gone a long way. It's sort of chaps your hide when they have a kid in a wheelchair as part of their display and they do that.

Throughout the park, several staff apologized and explained part of the two year plan is to pave the paths. Again...we would have appreciated knowing that before purchasing tickets.

Only other negative comment is I wish they had staff more spread throughout the aquarium. Not just to educate but also to help control the badly parented children who shriek nonstop, bang on the glass and stomp on the floor glass. It actually ruined the experience completely. Screaming kids is one thing but paying to be stuck in a glass tunnel with them squealing at the top of their lungs nonstop is entirely another. I get that kids are a part of the targeted customer group but they shouldn't be allowed to wreck the experience for adults. It wasnxt just a few, excited outbursts, which is to be expected. It was all-out screaming nonstop from a handful of kids. That really needs to be managed by staff if the parents won't. It isn't acceptable. They shouldn't be allowed to wreck it for other paying customers like that.

Other than that, the place is absolutely gorgeous and the staff is knowledgeable and eager to share...

The aquarium itself is mostly fine. It has stuff to teach kids about and fun things to see. But I have been coming since I was a kid and now have my own kids and it isn't much different than it was when I was young. Basically since the passages of the deep tunnels were installed nothing really has been added/improved. But my god the cost has gone up. We went this weekend and for my family of 4 (kids 5 and 4) it was $100. And it seems like the things they added all cost money. You can do the hurricane simulation for money. They have the VR thing for money. We asked if there was any plans on expansion or exhibit remodels and was told no...they did their big remodel which all we saw different was the ticket windows outside, the jellyfish moved to where the tickets were and a very fancy looking gift shop. For the crazy cost to get in they could at least make the animals homes better. I felt bad for the 1 sad looking turkey vulture that didn't move off its tiny corner perch the entire time we were there. I am beyond thrilled we don't have Keiko still as that was also awful but it seems like the cost goes up 1-2 times a year and nothing changes/improves. Heck even the changing tables are run down in the women's bathroom. I helped a mom in the women's bathroom near passages of the deep change her baby because the formica back strip was peeling off and her baby was trying to grab the corner and there was nowhere to set her diaper bag or a way to secure the child. I held her bag and handed her wipes and diapers so her baby had s hand on it wiggling around. Not even a trash can next to it. I love the education aspect but even that seems the same and often could be more. But for the cost it shuts out a lot of people from being able to afford to take their kids and it doesn't seem like the crazy price increase has improved anything for the animals or visitors. We will skip the aquarium for the next several years and visit the Hartfield...

We recently had the pleasure of visiting the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and it was an unforgettable experience that beautifully showcases the region’s rich marine life. Located just outside Newport, the aquarium is not only visually stunning but also deeply educational.

As you enter, you’re welcomed by an impressive array of exhibits that highlight the diverse ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest. One of the standout features is the Passages of the Deep, an underwater tunnel that allows you to walk through a giant tank filled with mesmerizing fish, sharks, and rays. The immersive experience of having these creatures swim around you is truly awe-inspiring.

The exhibits are thoughtfully designed, with plenty of informative displays that provide insight into marine conservation and the unique species found along the Oregon coast. The sea otter exhibit is a personal favorite—watching these playful animals interact with each other is both entertaining and heartwarming. Additionally, the outdoor habitats, including the seabird aviary and the sea lion exhibit, offer a great view of these animals in a more natural setting.

The aquarium is also dedicated to conservation efforts, and it’s evident through their educational programs and outreach initiatives. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about marine life, always willing to share interesting facts and answer questions.

For families, there are plenty of interactive activities, including touch tanks where kids can gently interact with starfish and other tide pool creatures. The café serves a variety of delicious, locally sourced options, making it a great place to take a break and enjoy the ocean view.

Overall, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is a fantastic destination for anyone visiting the area. It offers a perfect blend of fun, education, and a commitment to conservation, making it a must-visit attraction on the beautiful Oregon coast. Highly...