Things to do on the Oregon Coast
There are several towns stretching along the Oregon coast such as Seaside, Cannon Beach, Tillmook, Newport and Coos Bay. Each of these has plenty to offer anyone planning on visiting these beautiful coastal towns.
Seaside – Seaside is a popular tourist town which hosts beautiful white beaches and plenty to see and do. A 90 minute drive from Portland, Seaside is a first choice destination for north and south bound travellers. Seaside has colourful streets lines with greenery and flowers. There are mini-malls, antique shops, Museums, art galleries, arcades, cinemas and speciality boutiques in the town. Also in the town centre there is a carousel which children and adults both like to ride. For animal lovers there is the famous Seaside Aquarium which has been open for over 70 years. If you choose to take a walk along the promenade boardwalk you will find more shops and activites for visitors. Just a few moments from here you will come across the coastal wilderness which can be explored on walking or hiking trails.
If you like sports Seaside is the place for you. Home of a variety of marathons, Seaside is also perfect for swimming, surfing, kite flying, volleyball, golf and tennis. Steelhead, trout, salmon and other game fish are just waiting to challenge anglers. And Seaside's 12 Avenue Bridge is a crabber's delight!
It seems that you will have plenty to keep you busy in this town as it also has Go Carts, Bonfires, Hot Dog Roasts, Whale watching, Moped Rentals, Kite Flying, a factory outlet centre, Historical sites, golf courses and many more. A trip to seaside would surely satisfy anyone from couples looking for a quiet break to families looking to keep the children entertained.
Cannon Beach - Nine miles of wide beach invite visitors to Cannon Beach. On the beach here you can fly a kite, watch the sea creatures in the tide pools, or take pictures of famous Haystack Rock. At 235 feet high it is the third largest coastal monolith in the world. It is protected as part of the
Oregon Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge as well as a designated National Wilderness Area. Relaxing on the beach is part of the Cannon Beach experience. Some of the best crafts, shopping and galleries on the coast are located here. The city is planned for strolling, and many visitors take advantage of this to visit the quaint bookstores, shops and bistros. Strict planning regulations have helped Cannon Beach keep its earth toned, rustic look.
For hikers, there are many trails to the water through the thick conifer forests of Ecola State Park. Ecola Point, near Ecola State Park, has a viewpoint and picnic area. The spectacular view here is one of the most photographed on the Oregon coast. A two mile trail connects Ecola point to horseshoe shaped Indian Beach, and a six mile trail leads on to Tillamook Head. The main street, N. Hemlock, has many galleries that are worth a visit or people may want to experience the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Ecola State Park offers excellent views of the lighthouse.
TILLMOOK – Tillamook is more laid back than cannon Beach. It is surrounded by rich dairy land with both fresh and salt water fishing. Although this is a quiet area there is still plenty to do for visitors. Take a trip to the Blue Heron French Cheese Company which specializes in French Style cheeses. This is a particularly good pace for families as there is a nice picnic area and petting zoo for the kids. For something more historical there is the Pioneer Museum. Situated in the heart of Tillamook there are artefacts from the pioneering days. The most popular is the collection of quilts, dolls and guns. Back to dairy products again there is the Tillamook County Creamery. This is the largest Cheese making plant on the west coast. There is a self guided tour for young and old where you have the chance to sample some of the famous Tillamook cheeses. Another option for something to do is the Tillamook Naval Air Station Museum. During World War II blimps were based out of Tillamook Oregon to patrol the coast for submarines. Today, the massive hanger is the home to vintage aircraft. For driving enthusiasts there is the Three Capes Loop. This is one of the Oregon Coast's 38-mile thrilling yet scenic driving experiences. The loop will wind along the coast between the towns of Tillamook Oregon and Pacific City. You will pass three prominent headlands: Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda. Arriving at Cape Meares State Park, on the northern tip of Three Capes Loop, visit Cape Meares Light House. You'll also get some sweeping views of the caves and sea lion rock. While there, take a picture of Octopus Tree an old spruce with many legs. Tillamook also offers Kayaking, Whale watching and bird watching.
NEWPORT = Newport is the county seat of Lincoln County . Rugged beauty, fascinating marine life, and historic lighthouses are a few of the wonders that attract visitors to Newport. You can spend a day on a deep-sea charter or a whale-watching cruise before lounging by the fire in your cosy oceanfront room. Stroll through local art galleries, and enjoy a meal of fresh-caught seafood and fine wines. The biggest attraction in Newport, however, is the Oregon Coast Aquarium. This beautiful aquatic and marine science aquarium is stocked to the rafters with fun and educational exhibits, showcasing life native to the Oregon Coast. From seabirds and sharks to invertebrates, fishes and plants. This is a must-see when finding things to do and while visiting Newport.
COOS BAY – Coos Bay is located on the southern coast of Oregon and offers an abundance of outdoor activities as well as a high quality of life. Pristine lakes and rivers, mountains, sand dunes, numerous parks and campgrounds, and the Pacific Ocean to the west, Oregon’s Bay Area provides a wide variety of activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. A great day out would be to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, here there is lots to do including off-road vehicle use, hiking, photography, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, and camping. Being a quieter area, it is all about the outdoors here.
For anyone planning a trip to the
Oregon Coast the link below will provide information more
things to do on the Oregon Coast