From whale watching to an afternoon spent amongst the best of local cheeses, the Oregon coast has something to offer every traveler! We love any chance we get to brag about our beloved PNW (visit us in Portland!) and couldn’t help but put together a guide to traveling the coast. Here are some of our favorite places to visit, travel tips and must-sees for your next trip to the Oregon Coast!
Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City, OR – a must-see!
FIRST, A PRO-TIP: DRESS IN LAYERS!
Oregon is known for drizzling one moment and boasting a sky of sunshine the next- and you don’t want anything holding you back from getting the most out of your coastal adventures. Oregon natives know that no matter the season, you must pack an umbrella AND a rain jacket in the car, no matter what! If the weather man says nice enough to pull out your shorts, make sure to still have a light blanket in case your legs get cold, and make sure to bring a button up or flannel for later in the day!
CANNON BEACH AND ASTORIA
Cannon Beach is a perfect first stop to stretch your legs and get your feet in the sand! Take a walk along the sand to Haystack Rock, swing into Driftwood for an amazing bowl of homemade clam chowder and, depending on the weather, soak up some coastal rays. Are you a fan of the Goonies? Just about thirty minutes north of Cannon Beach is the city of Astoria, where the movie was filmed back in 1985. While you’re in Astoria check out Buoy 10 Beer Company for great craft beer and delicious American food. Finish off your day in Astoria at the Astoria Column, an enclosed spiral staircase that gives incredible views of the city.
CAMPING AND SURFING
Whether you’re a surfing newbie or even an expert, Otter Point is a great place to catch some waves. Rated one of the best places for beginners in North America, this spot along the Oregon coast is a great way to get that surfing experience you’ve been itching for. One of the most consistent breaks in Oregon is between Depoe Bay and Newport and has 2-to-4-foot surf! Venture two miles away from there and you’ll find great camping at Beverly Beach State Park. With how close these spots are to each other this trip makes for the perfect weekend getaway.
THREE CAPES SCENIC ROUTE
The Three Capes Scenic Route is made up of Cape Kiwanda, Cape Meares & Cape Lookout…and it is one of the most spectacular drives along the coast! The 40-mile trip takes you from Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City (where all of our Spring ’16 photos were taken!) and up to Cape Lookout State Park, which is one of Oregon’s best spots for whale watching. There, you’ll find a 2.5 mile hike that starts at the park and looks over into the Tillamook County ocean. This hike will leave you speechless! Once you reach the top you get to gaze off the tip of the cape; be sure to bring your camera!
TILLAMOOK CHEESE FACTORY
After that long hike at Cape Lookout State Park we know you will have worked up an appetite! Take a drive on down to Tillamook Cheese Factory. Here you’ll find both an ice cream AND fudge counter at the Creamery Café. Not to mention you’ll have the opportunity to purchase more cheese than you can imagine. After you’ve satisfied that sweet tooth and grabbed cheese for the road, you must take a tour of the factory! The tour will give you the down low on how they make all their yummy treats, plus you can sample the different cheeses- that alone is worth the visit!
DON’T FORGET THE PUPS!
If you’ve spent anytime in Oregon, you know there is no better place to be a dog owner! Gearhart Beach located between Cannon beach and Astoria is a perfect place to let your pup off the leash run for miles. Not to mention, it’s the perfect spot for those early mornings you want to go clamming! So pack a blanket and let the dogs burn off some energy at this special spot along the coast.
OREGON COAST AQUARIUM: NEWPORT
You can’t leave the coast without taking a trip to the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport. It’s home to 250 different species of animals- we’re particularly fond of the Starfish! Make sure to check online before you go for coupons and hours, depending on when you are traveling around the area. After you have wrapped up your time at the Aquarium, stop into Rogue Brewery for some mouthwatering Mac and Cheese and grab yourself a beer on tap!
Do you have favorite spots along the Oregon coast? Share with us!