Vacation On The Oregon Coast

With over 3500 miles of coastline, the Oregon coast provides some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United States. Come, let me show you all the wonders you can find along these perfect beaches and bays dotted with lighthouses and ocean wind mills.

The Pacific Northwest is known for its rainy weather and its infamous gray haze. Many days it’s hard to see the beautiful mountains that frame the horizon. What a better place than the Oregon Coast to enjoy with friends and family.

Oregon is a beautiful place with many vacation destinations. You will find tall forests and sweeping beaches all across the coast. Surfing, fishing and sailing in the ocean will give you wonderful memories to take home with you. If mountains are what get you going come explore the Cascades with plenty of year round adventures including hiking, biking, and camping.

In the summer of 2015, my family and I decided to take a vacation to the Oregon coast. On our way there we stopped in Portland where we visited the Voodoo Doughnut. It was an amazing experience that included plenty of high-caloric doughnuts (look them up if you haven’t heard of them). Once we reached the coast we hiked, relaxed, and ate tons of delicious seafood. From this vacation I learned many things about why I live on the central coast as well as facts about Oregon that I never knew before.

Vacation On The Oregon Coast

Many people around the world might associate California – Oregon’s southern neighbor – with surfing. But the truth is that the Oregon Coast is awash with plentiful beaches that are perfect for surfing. In fact, some of the best surf spots in the entire Pacific area can be found here. And for those who love to get out and enjoy what nature has to offer, there’s much more to the Oregon Coast than grabbing your board and heading out to catch some waves.

The beaches in the Oregon Coast area are well known for their unique status in US law – thanks to The Oregon Beach Bill of 1967, which gives free beach access to everyone. At the same time, landowners of beaches in Oregon have to allow public access. And most importantly, they can’t build on the shore.

Map of the Oregon Coast

© OpenStreetMap © MapTiler © Touropia

This helps preserve the beauty of the stunning beaches that Oregon has to offer, filled as they are with postcard-perfect rock formations, dunes, and marshes. They are as perfect for hikes – with many state parks offering vast networks of trails – as much as they are for leisurely sunset strolls.

Thanks to Route 101, which runs along the Oregon Coast, access to all the best places to stay here is convenient. Road trips through the area are a must, as crossing historic bridges over mighty rivers, driving through pine forests, and getting to stop off at sea-facing viewpoints are what characterize the roads in this part of the world.

There is plenty of roadside accommodation to suit you; it’s the seaside nature of the Oregon Coast that also allows for many gorgeous oceanfront lodgings, too.

Lincoln City[SEE MAP]

© J. Maniex / Dreamstime

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Situated in the Central Coast area, Lincoln City is known for the Nelscott Reef, once named one of the best places to surf in the entire Pacific Ocean. This reef is the only place in Oregon for big wave surfing. Naturally, these two accolades earn it a great name as a prime spot for surfing in the Oregon Coast area. Since 2005, Lincoln City has been home to the Nelscott Reef Big Wave Classic, a surf competition.

Head inland from the coast to get a taste of hiking the trails of Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area. There’s also the North Lincoln County Historical Museum, complete with a surprising collection of Japanese glass fishing floats. Connected by Route 101, Lincoln City is home to a number of affordable and mid-range accommodation options – mainly on the coast itself.

Where to Stay in Lincoln City

• Surftides Lincoln City – Nestled on a beachfront location, this remarkable 4-star hotel is only a short distance from the extremely famous Devils Lake State Park. During your stay at the Surftides Lincoln City, you can enjoy things such as a refreshing indoor swimming pool, a fitness center with a hot tub and sauna, and an on-site restaurant that specializes in American delicacies. Sporting stylish décor, the contemporary rooms offer private balconies and a fireplace!
• Sandcastle Beachfront Motel – A hop, skip, and jump away from a bunch of fine-dining restaurants and supermarkets, this modest beachfront accommodation offers you a chance to enjoy a serene vacation away from the bustling city streets. Facilities include an indoor pool and a hot tub. Rooms here are spacious and bright and feature modern amenities, including a microwave, dining area, and a private bathroom. Some of them also boast a spa bath, a fireplace, or a private balcony.

Seaside[SEE MAP]

© Angela Miller / Dreamstime

Visited as much for its surf breaks as for its amazing conditions for Pacific razor clams, Seaside began life in the 1870s as a resort built under the name “Seaside House.” It grew from there, and now its history is clear to see: there’s even a 1920s era promenade for perfect sunset strolls along this wide stretch of Pacific coastline.

You can learn more about the heritage of the town at the Seaside Museum & Historical Society. Visitors can also check out the Seaside Aquarium, complete with a seal exhibit and touch tanks, making it great for families with kids in tow. Located in the North Coast area of the Oregon Coast, Seaside boasts plenty of places to stay – from motels just off Route 101 to hotels, resorts, and inns with fresh, cozy rooms.

Where to Stay in Seaside

• Inn at the Prom – Tucked away by the seaside promenade, Inn at the Prom is known to offer its guests a chance to experience ultimate tranquility while never being too far away from the primary spots in the city. An outdoor fire pit, complimentary use of bicycles, and a free pass to use at the pool or the gym at Seaside Aquatic Center are some of the perks on offer. The graceful suites come with a kitchenette, a fireplace, and a spa bath.
• Rivertide Suites – Boasting an indoor pool, a fitness room, and a classy lobby fitted with swish couches and a fireplace, Rivertide Suites is a striking 3-star hotel that offers lavish accommodation for all kinds of travelers. The beautifully decorated units feature a fully-equipped kitchen, a gas fireplace, a spa bath, and an in-unit launderette. During your stay here, you can start your day with a complimentary continental breakfast buffet and enjoy your evening with snacks and cocktails at the evening reception.

Cannon Beach[SEE MAP]

© Deebrowning / Dreamstime

The most recognizable landmark of Cannon Beach is the iconic Haystack Rock. At 72 meters tall, this substantial igneous rock juts out of the sea and acts as a natural signpost for Cannon Beach. It’s accessible at low tide, but Haystack Rock is nevertheless part of a protected marine sanctuary.

Staying in Cannon Beach means enjoying seafront inns and hotels with views of the famous rock and the expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

Connected by the Oregon Coastal Highway, and located just south of neighboring Seaside, Cannon Beach is also home to Ecola State Park. This is a hiker’s paradise, with many trails snaking through the coastal landscape. Elsewhere, there’s Indian Beach, which is not only great for surfing and lounging around on the sand, but also boasts some quality hiking routes.

Where to Stay in Cannon Beach

• Inn at Haystack Rock – Featuring pet-friendly rooms, suites, and apartments, this cozy 4-star hotel enjoys a marvelous location only three blocks away from the golden sands of Cannon Beach. Surrounded by two exquisite garden courtyards, the Inn at Haystack Rock is a no-frills accommodation with complimentary parking and an outdoor firepit. All units are fitted with a well-equipped kitchenette; some even have a furnished patio.
• The Waves – An excellent oceanfront accommodation with select rooms that have direct access to the Cannon Beach, The Waves is a beautiful 3-star hotel perfect for a relaxing holiday. Amenities and services at the hotel include barbecue facilities, a hot tub, meeting facilities, and complimentary parking. The elegantly decorated rooms here come fitted with a kitchenette, a fireplace, and a seating area. Numerous restaurants and shops are situated within walking distance.