Newport was one of the earliest beach resort destinations in Oregon, and it was in Nye Beach that the first hotels and vacation cottages were built. Today, this neighborhood, north of the Bayfront along the beach, has been given a new pedestrian-only street and is home to hotels, good restaurants, some interesting shops, and, of course, miles of sandy beach. There’s public parking at the turnaround on Beach Drive. The works of local and regional artists are showcased at the Newport Visual Arts Center, 777 NW Beach Dr. (www.coastarts.org; [tel] 541/265-6540). The center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 6pm. Just a few blocks away, the Newport Performing Arts Center, 777 W. Olive St. (www.coastarts.org; [tel] 541/265-2787), hosts local and nationally recognized ensembles, performers and art exhibits.