Historic Nye Beach

Nye Beach District in the heart of Newport

Though Newport's colorful history can be chronicled from the 1860's, most structures in the district known today as Nye Beach date back to Prohibition era. Early visitors, drawn by the spectacular beauty and accessibility of Nye Beach, usually traveled as far as Toledo by train, then took a ferry the rest of the way. The roads were daunting and few autos made it to the coast.

Sea baths were popular with visitors and a large plunge near the Nye Beach turn-around provided an abundance of heated sea water.

Numerous vacation cabins were built along the bluffs of Nye Beach to meet tourists' demands. Also hotels, of which few remain. The Sylvia Beach Hotel (formerly the Gilmore) is a noteworthy exception. Not many cottages from that era are still with us. The Viking's Cottages, for example, survived decades of relentless assault by sea air and storms until the present decade; but now they too are gone.

Today Nye Beach is a cultural and social center for residents and visitors alike, burnished by many renovations—rebuilding, repainting, repaving—which tended to enhance its nostalgic charm. Graced by the Newport Performing Arts Center, the Newport Visual Arts Center, numerous galleries and craft shops, plus excellent dining, the Nye Beach district offers plenty to do within an easy walk for those who choose to stay here. Learn more about Nye Beach attractions at historicnyebeach.com.