The Oregon Coast

The North and Central Oregon coast offers a variety of towns, for you to explore, surrounded by forests, rivers, lakes, bays, sandy beaches, and the majestic Pacific Ocean. With its awe-inspiring scenery and a bounty of things to do and attractions, a trip along the Oregon Coast is sure to entertain all ages, tastes, and desires. To help you get planning your next vacation we’ve put together a brief description (with links to find out more) of the towns along this beautiful stretch of coastline. 

Astoria, is at end of the Lewis and Clark Trail. Take the iconic Astoria-Megler Bridge to this charming historic community. Visit the Columbia Maritime Museum, the Astoria Column, and enjoy the many historical sites.

Seaside, 20 miles to the south, has fun activities for the whole family. Beautiful beaches with amazing sand dunes are popular, of course, but there is also a merry-go-round, tilt-a-whirl, an arcade, and delicious fudge. Enjoy a relaxing stroll on the almost 2-mile boardwalk that goes along the ocean. From galleries to paddle boarding, to clamming, Seaside has something for everyone.

Cannon Beach, 8 miles south of Seaside, is known for Haystack Rock that has amazing tide pools, sea creatures, and birds. It offers a charming downtown with unique shops, galleries, coffee houses, bakeries, and restaurants. It also has a great local theater with a variety of shows. The best reason to visit is for the beach. Cannon Beach is known for having one of the greatest beaches on the coast. We are honored to have two of our inns, Schooner’s Cove & The Wayside Inn, in this town.

Manzanita, is a terrific community encircled by the Pacific ocean, Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain, and coastal forests. Beachgoers will love the miles of serene beach, horseback riding, golf course, camping, and hunting for treasures on the beach. Westover Inns has a delightful vacation rental house in Manzanita, Westover House.

Rockaway Beach, has seven miles of coast and was constructed as a summer resort destination in the 1920s. You’ll love the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad which travels beside the bay, showing passengers ocean views and giving them a great sense of history.

Tillamook, is famous for the Tillamook Cheese Visitors Center. Tillamook cheese and ice cream are Oregon traditions. This center is the most visited attraction on the coast and its one you shouldn’t miss. Also check out the Tillamook Air Museum, located in a World War 2 blimp hangar. Tillamook is also the spot to fish for salmon with its seven rivers and three bays.

Pacific City, a great town for a quiet beach getaway with a wonderful beach and small shops. It is the home of the Dory Fleet. For more than a century, these famous boats have gone to sea from this town’s sandy beach and shelter of Cape Kiwanda. It’s a town with two rivers, a lake stuffed with trout, and the ocean. It’s also home to one of the most amazing geological formations off the coast (Haystack or “Chief Kiawanda” Rock).

Lincoln City, is home to our three other Oregon Coast hotels, Looking Glass Inn, Pelican Shores Inn, and Shearwater Inn. Lincoln City is known as the place to fly kites with its ideal winds and seven miles of sandy beaches. It also has a wonderful lake that stretches over three miles that is naturally shallow and is sheltered from the coastal winds; Siletz Bay where you can paddleboard, kayak, and crab; and the D’River which is the world’s smallest river.

Depoe Bay, is known as the best place to see whales on the Oregon coast. It has a resident pod of Grey whales that can often be observed from shore or you can book a chartered tour. The beauty of Depoe Bay’s rocky coastline, harbor, and easy access via Highway 101 makes it one of the most popular destinations along the Central Oregon Coast. A large sea wall runs the length of the downtown area allowing visitors to shop or dine always within view of the ocean.

Newport, located between the mountains, Yaquina Bay, and the ocean, has many activities for young, old, and everyone in between. You’ll travel over Newport’s most iconic landmark the gorgeous Yaquina Bay Bridge. This is the place for lighthouse lovers. It is lucky enough to have two, Yaquina Head and Yaquina Bay. These historic treasures are now landmarks. Make sure to visit both while you’re in town. Also, plan a day at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. It’s an attraction the whole family will enjoy.