Top Things to do in Oregon Coast
Top Hotels in Oregon Coast
- 1. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Seaside-Convention Center, an IHG Hotel
- 2. Hallmark Resort
- 3. Inn at Cannon Beach
- 4. Bandon Inn
- 5. The Whaler
- 6. Salishan Coastal Lodge
- 7. Best Western Salbasgeon Inn & Suites of Reedsport
- 8. Starfish Manor Oceanfront Hotel
- 9. Beachfront Manor Hotel
- 10. The Coho Oceanfront Lodge
10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Oregon Coast That You Shouldn't Miss
The Southern Oregon coast is home to isolated beaches, rugged cliffs with breathtaking views of the Pacific and quaint seaside towns. If you stay in the Bay Area, go whale watching at Coos Bay or explore the region on a bike or a hike along the coastline. Antique shoppers will want to explore old town Bandon while golfers hit the links at the world-renowned Bandon Dunes golf course. And don’t forget to bring your fishing gear – you’ll want to cast for salmon and other Pacific Northwest fish at Gold Beach, one of the region’s top fishing spots.
The Central Oregon Coast is a great place for fishing, clamming, hiking, golfing and other outdoor activities. Take the kids and visit the Sea Lion Caves near Florence, the world’s largest. Head up to Newport for a view of the state’s second-tallest lighthouse and shopping in this seaside town popular with vacationers for the last century. Go fly a kite on the beach in Lincoln City, kite capital of the world.
The Northern Oregon Coast offers a relaxing way to enjoy the region. A stay in the scenic town of Astoria on the Washington border will allow you to explore the western edge of the Lewis and Clark trail, with views of the Columbia River and the Pacific. Walk the sandy beaches in Seaside and Cannon Beach and then grab saltwater taffy and other treats while shopping these seaside towns.
Restaurants in Oregon Coast
1. Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 774 reviews
This scenic coastal spot features a large rock with face-like features.
Reviewed By babydoctoral - Parkland, United States
Face Rock State Park has a myriad of beautiful sea stacks that make for exceptional photography in the right lighting conditions. Face Rock itself is not all that interesting on its own, but the large number of beautiful sea stacks are simply terrific. Definitely worth a stop if you are near Bandon Beach,
2. Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By 14hannon - Sonoma, United States
Just another amazing American road side natural attraction, the Jewelll Mountain Elk Reserve is definitely work a stop. We happened on this by chance; a logging truck was tailgating us on Hwy 26 so we pulled over. In front of us was an expansive green meadow with many elk chilling in the light rain. So peaceful, serene, and natural. We felt blessed chance brought us here. Plan you stop to be sure not to miss!
3. Astoria Column
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,617 reviews
A 125-foot column which sits atop of Coxcomb Hill overlooking Astoria.
Reviewed By mgobludrew - Warrenton, United States
this a must do when your in Astoria great view of the whole area bring your camera especially around sunset breath taking also climb the 160 something stairs good family fun cheap too
4. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,801 reviews
From exploring tide pools teeming with life to witnessing Oregon's tallest lighthouse, there is something for every visitor at Yaquina Head. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area extends out from the Oregon coast, one mile into the Pacific Ocean. Standing 93 feet tall at the westernmost point of the basalt headland, the lighthouse has been a bright beacon of the night, guiding ships and their supplies along the west coast since the light was first lit on August 20, 1873. The offshore islands are a year-round refuge for harbor seals and a spring-summer home for thousands of nesting seabirds. Gray whales can be spotted during their annual migrations to Mexico (late fall-early winter) and Alaska (late winter-early spring). During the summer months some gray whales take the opportunity to feed in the shallow waters around the headland. Cobble Beach is compiled of millions of round basalt rocks that produce an applause-like sound as the waves roll in. When the tide is low a vibrant ocean floor is revealed—pools of colorful animals including orange sea stars, purple sea urchins, and giant green anemones. Rangers are at hand to answer questions and point out all of the amazing plants and animals that call the tide pools home. Visit the Interpretive Center and discover 140 years of lighthouse history and thousands of years of natural and cultural history. Friends of Yaquina Lighthouses, a non-profit organization, offers site-related books, maps, and postcards in their interpretive store. Whether you want to see raging winter storms batter the Oregon coast, learn about the role lighthouses played in the westward expansion of the United States, or watch peregrine falcons at play, visit Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and experience something wild.
Reviewed By Mike_B52033 - Redmond, United States
Yaquina Head is a beautiful area with an interpretive center, cove, lighthouse, Cobble Beach and amazing waves. It is definitely worth the time.
5. Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By iamhere555
Elk! There seem to be elk here most of the time. We stopped on our way to the coast and on our way back and saw elk both times. The pullout is easy and has bathrooms (closed due to covid on our visit) and signage. We saw a herd of female elk and a herd of male elk, both very close. Great way to see elk close by. Bring binoculars for an even better look. Birds are also in the area...saw redwing black birds and lots of blue and rust-colored barn swallows. Their nests are all around the covered viewing area. This is a pullout right off the road; so, extremely convenient and easy stop on a road trip. You can also see the elk from your car as you drive through the area, but it's worth the stop.
6. Beachside State Recreation Area
7. Yaquina Bay State Recreation Area
8. Taft Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By kiltsmum
This lovely little beach is worth a look. Lots of "fiddly-bits" to find at low tide if you like looking for shells and agates. Sea lions sunbathe across the reach (and occasionally come over for a closer look at us humans). There's Mo's if you want lunch, and a wonderful arcade/ice cream shop across the street for sweet treats. The street leading to the beach is lined with places to stay, and shopping/groceries are a short walk away for convenience. There's not a lot of parking, but it's worth the trouble of waiting for a spot.
9. Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By KALAMARIVERRAT - Rainier, United States
Easy on and off US 101 access; lots of free parking; clean restrooms; beach access; and lots of grassy areas for the dogs to run. What could be better.
10. Del Rey Beach State Recreation Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Explorer238 - Los Angeles, United States
Have you ever wanted to go to the beach but were wondering how all the "beach stuff" was going to get from the car, through all that loose sand where its hard to walk, to the beach? Then back again? This is not a problem at Del Rey, simply drive. Once out on the beach you can turn north (recommended) and drive for miles looking for the right spot to set up and have your beach fun. Once done for the day, the packing the car is just as simple, with more time spent enjoying the beach instead of getting from the parking lot to the beach. You can enter the beach at Gearhart, Sunset Beach, or Fort Stevens State Park. Thats almost 20 miles of beach to select your spot or simply drive. Want to look for shells but its too windy outside? No problem - just drive and scan for shells from the comfort of your own car.
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