Surf, fish and watch storms roll in along this rugged stretch of Pacific coastline, where life revolves around the ocean, both on and within its waters.
Everything leads to the ocean on the Central Oregon Coast, including views from a cozy cabin or a deep-sea fishing boat bound for the horizon. Find quaint towns, roads following every curve of the sculpted coastline, historic boardwalks, busy harbors, bustling seafood restaurants, museums and independent shops selling marine-inspired knickknacks.
The Central Oregon Coast runs about 75 miles (120 kilometers) along the Pacific Ocean. In the artsy enclave of Lincoln City, stroll the sand, hunting for colorful glass floats crafted by local glass blowers and then hidden by “float fairies” along the shoreline for beachcombers to find. Attend a world-class kite or music festival or head inland to hike through coastal forest to Drift Creek Falls and out to Cascade Head.
In Depoe Bay, explore one of the world’s smallest harbors; watch for migrating and resident whales nearly year-round. Stop at the Whale Watching Center for tips on where and when to spot the whales. Move on to Newport for its offbeat energy and coastal aesthetic. Walk the working waterfront and Historical Bayfront area, explore artsy Nye Beach and visit the area’s original lighthouse on Yaquina Bay. Nearby Toledo is an artsy community inland on the Yaquina River.
Explore Waldport, where the forest meets the sea and the waters are brimming with salmon and Dungeness crab. Try crabbing from the public dock, cast a line for steelhead or paddle up the Alsea River. Farther south in Yachats, navigate the black basalt shoreline to Devil’s Churn, Spouting Horn and Thor’s Well before touring the town’s numerous galleries, restaurants and shops.
Finish a central Oregon coast vacation in Florence, which draws avid kiteboarders, surfers and bikers to its sand dunes, ancient forests and beaches. Ride a dune buggy, kayak on the Siuslaw River and savor local craft beer and fresh seafood in the Old Town district.
Visit all seven Central Oregon Coast communities to enjoy a pleasing blend of Pacific Northwest wilderness and rugged Pacific Ocean.