The Central Oregon Coast especially highlights some of this distinctive magic that really sets itself apart.   With a wide array of distinct small towns once widely known as the 20 Miracle Miles back in the 50's, this windy stretch of the 101 coastal stretch is truly a breathtaking experience to take in.  Here are some unforgettable things not to miss on your adventure through the awesome beach towns of  Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Gleneden Beach, and beyond.  

Sunsets:  The beauty of a summer sunset cascading down the mighty Pacific Ocean is an incredible experience to behold.  The magic of the different colored rays of light even on partially cloudy days makes for an incredibly dramatic and awe-inspiring event.  Tall lush forests line the landscape creating a truly majestic sight to behold.  This shot was taken from the Ocean House in Newport Oregon right at golden hour.

Tidepools.  Amazing tide pools provide endless exploring opportunities full of vibrant sea life, anemones, starfish, barnacles, and other incredible discoveries.   The 15th Street beach access In Lincoln City has restrooms, paved ramp access, and stairs that lead to the beach.   Make sure to check the tide schedule before planning your adventure.

Beach Treasures. Fall storms are known for being beautiful and they bring sea shells, glass floats, and tons of driftwood to find along the beach.  Perfect for treasure hunts or walks along the beach.  Lincoln City also has the Finders Keepers tradition that goes through the end of the year. Here is the special drop schedule for the rest of 2024.

Pampering. Ocean water too cold for you? No problem. Inn at Nye Beach in Newport is home to its legendary infinity spa that overlooks 180 degrees of endless Pacific Ocean.  Bonus is that it stays heated year-round as well as offering a hot gourmet breakfast delivered to your room! Book early because rooms there sell out fast.

Otter Crest Loop.  Winding through the back forest overlooking incredible views of the Pacific including an arch bridge, Devil's Punchbowl, and a nature preserve.  At the end turn off, connect to Cape Foulweather towards Newport, or continue towards Otter Rock.  More info can be found here.

Sea Lions. The Bayfront in Newport near Port Dock One or the Taft District near Mo’s in Lincoln City is the perfect place to view these entertaining animals.  Don’t forget to bring binoculars for better viewing and plenty to do in both districts with lots of shops and restaurants nearby. 

Hiking.  There are dozens of great year-round hikes up and down the Oregon Coast.   From endless panoramic views on God's Thumb, or the beauty of a collapsed sea cave in Devils Punchbowl, not all hikes are created equal. One hike in particular, which seems to stay under the radar is Drift Creek Falls. Located near the Valley of Giants east of Lincoln City, it features a 240-foot-long suspension bridge that can support 165,000 lbs! This 3.1 mile out and back trail takes an average of 1 ½ half hours to complete and features a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. A day use pass is required and costs $5 via recreation.gov

Bonfires. Roast marshmallows for your s’mores and enjoy the gorgeous sunsets while warming up by the fire pits at Coho Oceanfront Lodge in Lincoln City.   They also offer bonfire packages you can also take down to the beach if you’re feeling more adventurous.    

Outdoor Adventures.  From stand up paddle boarding, to kayaking, to fat bike rentals, the Oregon Coast has no shortage of adventures to seek out.  You can get your rentals for all three and more at Safari Town Surf in Lincoln City.