**Update: July 2025, it was time for a refresh, so I added in many more destinations and details! Enjoy!
There are few places as beautiful as the Pacific Northwest and that extends right on into the stunning coastline. We have spent many a season roaming the central Oregon Coast, with all its quirky beach towns and secret hidden gems. As we are coming to a close on our nearly month-long summer stay here, I thought it was time to put together a list of some of our favorite spots to visit, eat, stay and play. So here is my perfect Central Oregon Coast Guide.
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Table of Contents
What To Visit
This Oregon Coast Guide is full of activities to please every member of your family, from the amateur scientists to the wildlife enthusiasts and back to the nature lovers, there is truly something for everyone. If you want a break up your beach trips with some ocean inspired fun, check out these crowd pleasers:
Oregon Coast Aquarium (Newport) – this has been a favorite of ours for many years. Ever since they rescued Keiko so many years ago, I have always admired this aquarium’s commitment to rehabilitation and reintroduction. A little pricey for admission, but the easily walkable and interactive exhibits make it perfect for even the littlest kids.
Address: 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, OR 97365
Hatfield Marine Science Center (Newport) – just down the road from the aquarium is a more affordable marine experience. You can play in the touch tanks and check out the science behind tidal waves and much more. This place has a lot to offer in exchange for a suggested $5 per person donation.
Address: 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365
Newport Historic Wharf (Newport) – This Bayfront street has all the charm you need. Fishing boats coming in and out of the harbor, noisy Sea Lions that line the docks, people crabbing off the pier and lots of good little restaurants with great views of it all. Park and walk.
Address: 250-300 SW Bay Blvd Mariner Square, Newport, OR 97365-4535
Yaquina Head Lighthouse (Newport, Oregon) – Worth the $7 park entrance fee, this lighthouse has a fantastic view, and all the picturesque moments you could ask for. Get there early to sign up for one of the tours (free with the parking pass).
Address: 750 NW Lighthouse Dr, Newport, OR 97365-1347
Haceta Head Lighthouse (Florence, Oregon) – It is one of the most beautiful lighthouses I have ever visited, perched high above the sea. Just a short hike (walk) up from the parking lot and you are greeted with the keepers house, also a B&B during the summer months. From there you can walk out to the lighthouse, take a peek inside and enjoy the ocean views. A must do if you are in the area.
Address: 725 Summer St, Florence, OR 97439
Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad (Rockaway Beach, Oregon) – This is on the northern end of my central Oregon Coast Guide, but worth the drive to enjoy a unique experience riding the coastal railway. Sit back and relax on this 1.5 hour trip through some beautiful scenery.
Address: 306 American Avenue, Garibaldi, OR 97118-1614
Whale Watching in Depoe Bay (Depoe Bay) – It’s the Whale Watching capital of Oregon. Occasionally, you are lucky enough to see some whales from shore, but just in case they aren’t hanging out in the bay, hop on a whale watching tour and create amazing memories.
Spend a day in Neskowin. Grab lunch in this quaint little pocket town and then head to the beach to check out the ghost forest and Proposal Rock. Don’t forget to grab some treats and merch from the local market on your way out.
Hike Drift Creek Falls – At 3.2 miles total, this is a relatively easy hike with some moderate elevation changes. After your walk through mossy forests, you are rewarded with the most stunning waterfall view from a swaying suspension bridge. Cost: $5 Recreation Pass can be purchased electronically on site.
Where To Eat
My Central Oregon Coast Guide wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t include some of the very best places to eat. Not only are the views spectacular (on a sunny or stormy day), but the food is top notch as well. The fish and chips are always a fan favorite, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on these menus.
Kyllo’s Restaurant (Lincoln City) – Views and ambiance galore, sitting right on the beach in Lincoln City. They don’t take reservations so go early or be prepared to wait. Our favorite upscale restaurant on the Oregon Coast, but not too fancy for older kids.
Read’s Candy Store (Lincoln City)- all homemade. Fresh saltwater Taffy, truffles, and everything in between, hasn’t changed since I was a kid and that is just how I like it. If you time it right, you can watch them making the taffy which is really half the fun!
Tidal Raves Restuarant – (Depoe Bay) – They have the best views perched high up on the cliffs above Depoe Bay. The food is amazing, my favorite are the fish tacos.
*Pro Tip: They are one of the few restaurants that take reservations and you will probably need them.
Clearwater Restaurant – (Newport, Historic Bayfront) – This resto has the stunning view of Newport Bay, the beautiful Yaquina Bay bridge and great fresh food. Enjoy your meal while watching fishing boats come and go with a side of noisy sea lions.
Where To Stay
With no shortage of hotel options along the Central Coast towns, here is a short list of crowd favorites for every budget. With sweeping ocean views and amenities to delight everyone in the family, these are the few I would recommend:
Whale Cove Inn (Depoe Bay) – Set high up on the cliffs, the Whale Cove Inn has the most beautiful views with a cozy and romantic atmosphere. This exclusive hotel has all the luxuries to keep you enjoying every moment.
The Allred (Newport) – “A boutique oceanfront retreat” – This hotel has some great options for room upgrades for special occasions. Beautifully decorated and such a great location, walkable to many shops and restaurants.
Surfland Hotel (Lincoln City) – Sweeping views, newly renovated rooms, with packages fit for families. Enjoy this down to earth hotel in the heart of Lincoln City.
Where To Play
Regatta Park (Lincoln City)- I almost don’t want to do this, I’m afraid this little hidden gem will become too crowded, but here we go. This wooden playground sits right on the shores of Devil’s Lake, has the most wonderful and unique play structure and has been a family favorite for years.
Bijou Theater (Lincoln City) – For all the cinema lovers, check out this sweet little theater in the center of Lincoln City. You can shop your way through town before or after the showing.
Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge – This is a great (and newer) trail that takes you on a stroll near Siletz Bay. No dogs allowed but not a bad place if you need a change of scenery from the sandy beach.
Final Thoughts
While my Oregon Coast Guide is full of gems, I will skip the beach recommendations for now because there are far too many to list and you really can’t go wrong trying a new beach every time. There is not much like seeing towering pines right next to giant sea cliffs. The Oregon Coast remains one of the most beautiful places to visit and enjoy.
exploring:
I absolutely love Oregon, and this guide highlights so many of my favorite spots along the coast. Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Depoe Bay for whale watching, and the Drift Creek Falls hike are all such classic Oregon Coast experiences, and places like Kyllo’s and Tidal Raves really make the trip memorable.
I’d love to visit Oregon again, spending time exploring the coast. Love the sound of the hike to waterfalls.