What to do on the Oregon Coast

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

I know this isn’t a Southern California destination, but as you may have already read in my previous posts this summer we took a family road trip and spent a glorious week visiting the Oregon Coast. While I know there is a LOT more to see and do there, we had some pretty fabulous experiences I wanted to share with you. So that if you decide to visit the area, or perhaps take your own little road trip, our itinerary might help in the planning process. See how to make your road trip a little less stressful here and the best place to stay in Northern California (for an overnight break) here.

We stayed in Depoe Bay, Oregon which is known as the “Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast; and for good reason. Within 5 minutes of arriving at our condo we spotted a whale. We were lucky enough to see them sporadically almost every day after that; sometimes on walks, swimming at the pool, or just hanging out on the porch overlooking the ocean. From March to December grey whales can be spotted just off the coast. Visitors from all over come to the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center where rangers and volunteers provide binoculars, a video monitor, and an observation deck to help anyone see these majestic creatures at no cost, though donations are welcomed. You can also opt to take a whale watching cruise right out of the Depoe Bay Harbor where you are almost guaranteed to see something (hint: we used Groupon to purchase our whale watching cruise tickets). And I’ll tell you, seeing these guys doesn’t get old. Every single time we saw a spout, a back or a whale tale there was giddy screaming and pointing… mostly coming from the adults.

Across from the Whale Watching Center and next to the world’s smallest harbor (another claim to fame for Depoe Bay) is a cute downtown area (basically a block off the highway) with restaurants, shops and candy stores. One of our highlights of the week was getting to watch caramel corn and salt water taffy be made right there in front of us. Our kids squealed in delight and were thrilled by the entire process. What we thought would be a fun, simple thing, turned into one of our fondest memories. Isn’t that just how things go sometimes?

And while we loved our condo and small town, we also love exploring new areas when we are visiting different places. So, we decided to venture out and see more of the Oregon Coast and definitely have some places we would recommend.

Right around the harbor of Depoe Bay in Lincoln City is a unique spectacle. The Yaquina Head Lighthouse was something we knew we needed to check out. This still operational lighthouse has been running since 1873, obviously with some updated changes along the way. It costs $7 per vehicle to enter the area, good for three days and for what you get, it is totally worth it. The area has a sweet and educational museum, an area to view seabirds and marine animals, hikes overlooking the lighthouse, tidepools and beaches. You can actually take a free tour of the lighthouse, learn its history and look out of the 92’ tall tower. Things to consider about this tour though; you have to climb 114 stairs in a narrow stairwell to reach the top, and children must be 42” or taller to climb the tower (though they can do the floor-level interior rooms of the lighthouse with you). Make your reservations early as they do book up… fast! Our group enjoyed the tour of the lighthouse, a great hike overlooking the area, playing in the water and tidepools on our day there. Definitely a place to check out!

Tillamook. You cannot be so close to the city that produces the best cheese and not stop in; Right?! Well, the whole Tillamook area is breathtakingly beautiful and you will want to designate an entire day to explore the surrounding areas if you do decide to head there.

Of course, you have to take the free tour at the Tillamook Cheese Factory, which is crowded but oh so worth it (I recommend arriving as early as possible to avoid the crowds.) The tour itself is like the best parts of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. You can actually watch the cheese making process and it is all very fascinating. Then you get to sample cheeses. Is there anything better than free cheese samples?! I vote no. And they have some flavors I have never before tried and just loved that you can purchase in the amazing market connected to the facility.

Save some room to eat at the café after your tour too. We shared and sampled a little of everything with the group we were with, but there was definitely a landslide favorite among us all. I can’t recommend enough the tempura cheese curds with siracha ranch dipping sauce. I know, I know, the word “curd” doesn’t really sound all that appetizing. But seriously you guys, it was beyond delicious. Like a little bit of heaven on your tongue. (Literally my mouth started watering as I wrote about them right now). And the ice cream. Oh, the ice cream! So many incredible flavors, so little stomach room. Don’t pass up on a scoop, or two, or maybe even three (if you are feeling a little crazy).

Beyond the factory the area has so many natural wonders to explore. Like the tallest waterfall on the coast. Munson Creek Falls stands 319 feet tall and is a very easy hike with a great reward. Seriously, just about anyone could do it. The hike is a mere .5 of a mile out and back trail that stays pretty level for its entirety. And for the ending to be what it is, I would not recommend passing this one up. If you go later in the evening/at sunset my recommendation is to pack bug spray.

After the hike and tour, we continued down the 101 highway and were just awed by the beauty we passed. The road takes you by Tillamook Bay, the ocean, and through forests of trees. The drive itself is a little journey to be enjoyed. We were headed to an ultimate destination, but found some gems like Hug Point State Recreation Site to get out and explore and enjoy on our way. This area had a waterfall which fell directly onto the beach, cool sea caves to explore and was just as picturesque as could be.

But we didn’t stop here. We were on a journey to fulfill our childhood dreams of becoming “Goonies.” Like anyone born in the early 80s Wes and I have dreamed of being on the beach where One-Eyed Willy sailed away after saving Mikey and his friends from corporate destruction. And lucky for us the drive was not very far from where we were staying, had some beautiful stopping points along the way and was everything plus more of what we had imagined! Cannon Beach, where you find Haystack Rock is a great little beach resort town and one I am glad we didn’t miss out on. Not only do you find the iconic rocks, but at the base of the largest one, Haystack Rock, are great tidepools and a wonderful sandy beach where you could spend the entire day. We explored and played for a while here, before driving back to Depoe Bay as the sun set below the horizon.

Another hike, adventure, and fan-favorite of the trip was Drift Creek Falls. The there and back 3 mile hike is pretty easy (our 3 year old did the entire thing himself, though we did have a hiking backpack for him just in case) and takes you to a suspension bridge and waterfall. The hike itself is beautiful, green and lush, but the fact you end at a 240-foot suspension bridge overlooking an 80-foot waterfall was one word: stupendous! The bridge thrilled my kids and husband and gave me only minor anxiety as it wobbled while we crossed. But, quite honestly, it was safe and adventurous and a memory I will treasure for life. If you are a person or family that loves adventure, this is your activity.

Our last full day of fun and adventure in Oregon found us in Cape Perpetua; which is a must go to place to enjoy Oregon’s well known and admired rocky beaches and beautiful coastline. One spot to especially see is Thor’s Well. A gaping sinkhole at the edge of the ocean that spits and swallows the sea water surrounding it. Thor’s well was one of those places that was not only beautiful but terrifying. We did not let the kids wander far from us at the formidable location and kept a tight hold on hands at all times. The hole seemed never to end; and the water filled and disappeared as fast as it came. Go at high tide when Thor’s Well really puts on a show, but know this is mother nature showing the kind of destruction she is capable of. Cape Perpetua has a great visitor center to enjoy, participate in ranger led hikes (which we took) and even become Junior Rangers. Parking at the Visitor Center was $5 per vehicle.

This California family loved experiencing the beauty of the Oregon Coast! Another item checked off the bucket list for sure. What destination is on the top of your bucket-list?