9 Best Towns In Oregon For A Two-Day Recharge
Spending time between the sand and the surf is one of the simplest ways to recharge over a couple of days. In Oregon, towns like that dot the 362 miles of coastline, anchored in the north by Astoria near the Washington border and in the south by Brookings, the southernmost city on the Oregon coast. In the nine towns that follow, visitors are gently woken by the sound of the Pacific Ocean lapping the shore in spots like the Ocean Front at Seaside. Some may even be lucky enough to watch migratory whales breach the surface as the sun sets over Newport.
Astoria
Although Astoria sits on the south shore of the Columbia River where it empties into the Pacific Ocean, the beach is still accessible. Sunset Beach State Recreation Site is southwest of town, with a boardwalk leading straight to the beach. The Bowline Hotel is a historic hotel housed inside a former fish processing plant. It features an on-site bar and restaurant, saunas, and waterfront views of the Columbia River. Coffee Girl serves breakfast, lunch, espresso drinks, and pastries with more waterfront views. Visit the exhibits at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which narrate the history of marine transportation on the river from the days of dugout canoes, through the age of sail, and up to the present.
Seaside
The historic Seaside Promenade dates back to the 1920s and is one of Oregon's most notable landmarks. The oceanfront promenade stretches 1.5 miles along Seaside Beach. The beach itself runs 2.7 miles between the base of Tillamook Head and the Necanicum River. There are multiple recreational opportunities in Seaside, including walking and cycling along the promenade, storm-watching in the winter, or exploring beachgrass-covered dunes. The Ocean Front at Seaside is directly on the promenade and just steps from the beach, with rooms looking directly out into the Pacific. The Seaside Aquarium is one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast, where visitors can descend to underwater areas that showcase rare marine life.
Cannon Beach
Ecola State Park stretches along nine miles of coastline on Tillamook Head, separating Seaside from Cannon Beach. The park is composed of a network of trails that wind through a dense Sitka spruce forest, leading to secluded sandy beaches. Haystack Rock is one of the most iconic landmarks in Oregon. It is a 235-foot-high basalt sea stack that looks like it is rising directly out of the sand. Tide pools can be explored at low tides. Unwind at Public Coast Brewing Co., a craft brewery that produces a wide selection of beers and non-alcoholic drinks served alongside classic pub fare. Hallmark Resort and Spa Cannon Beach is fully equipped with a pool, whirlpool spa, sauna, and treatments.
Manzanita
Manzanita is just south of Cannon Beach, flanked by the Pacific Ocean, Oswald West State Park, and Nehalem Bay. Oswald West State Park contains Neahkahnie Mountain, which rises 1,600 feet above the beach. While hikers can access it from two different trails, each of them culminates in a bird's-eye view of the crescent beach curving along Manzanita below. Manzanita Beach is suitable for activities like surfing and kite surfing. As its name suggests, the Manzanita Oceanfront Inn is mere steps away from the ocean, and some rooms come with full or partial views of the water. The Offshore Grill and Coffee House is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with menu highlights including seasonal seafood.
Newport
Moving on to Oregon's central coast, Newport is home to the tallest lighthouse in Oregon, Yaquina Head Lighthouse. As the lighthouse is still active, only small guided tours are offered. Seabirds can be spotted on the basalt rock formations adjacent to the lighthouse, and whales can be spotted offshore all year. The Oregon Coast Aquarium creates a dreamlike experience of walking underwater through several tunnels connecting three different ocean habitats. Some rooms in the Allred Hotel have private walk-out balconies and patios that open up to the Pacific Ocean, but if that is not close enough, access to the beach is just across the road. Diners at the Clearwater Restaurant can sample fresh seafood while sea lions frolic in the water below the window.
Yachats
Yachats is located at the base of the Oregon Coast Range along the Pacific Ocean. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is south of Yachats, rising 800 feet above the ocean, laced with trails winding through dense Sitka spruce trees that open up on the rocky shoreline. An oceanfront trail traverses from Overleaf Lodge & Spa to vistas, tidal pools, sandy beaches, and hidden coves. Beach Street Kitchen is a cozy cafe that specializes in simple yet delicious soups, salads, and sandwiches. Wander through the stalls at the Yachats Farmers Market and browse a selection of produce, artisan products, and locally made crafts.
Florence
Florence is located at the mouth of the Siuslaw River, but visitors on their two-day retreat can still access the ocean at Heceta Beach, which has a shaded picnic area. Driftwood Shores Resort and Conference Center overlooks Heceta Beach. If the weather is not favorable for enjoying the beach and the ocean, the hotel is equipped with an indoor aquatic center. The Sea Lion Caves are the largest sea cave in the United States at over 12 stories high. It is the year-round home for a population of Steller sea lions that can be observed in their natural habitat. The Waterfront Depot is a riverside bistro with everything from lamb riblets to a Parmesan chicken sandwich.
Bandon
Bandon sits on the south side of the mouth of the Coquille River. Coquille River Lighthouse is on the north side of the river, and its surrounding grounds and tower are open to the public seven days a week. The lighthouse is on the tip of Bullards Beach State Park, which contains 4.5 miles of beach and dunes that are suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The Bandon Marina Inn is located in the heart of town overlooking the harbor. Nearby, the Wheelhouse and Crowsnest serve some of the freshest seafood in town, as well as multiple cuts of steak, soups, salads, and pastas.
Brookings
Brookings is the southernmost town on Oregon's coast and has some of the warmest temperatures on the coast. Enjoy those temperatures at Mill Beach, where visitors can wade into the water, picnic, or simply stroll along the sand. Azalea Park is filled with native azaleas and endless outdoor recreation, including disc golf, softball, and soccer, and you can enjoy a picnic or sit in a shaded gazebo. Mermaid's Muse Bed and Breakfast overlooks the ocean. Each room comes with ocean views and a private outdoor hot tub. Oxenfre Public House is a gastropub serving classic pub fare and handcrafted cocktails with live music playing in the background.
Two Days on the Oregon Coast
Oregon's coast works well for a two-day recharge for a number of reasons. The Pacific Ocean is never far away, the towns are compact enough to explore without an overwhelming itinerary, and the coastline offers a continual backdrop of beaches, sea stacks, and headlands. Whether that rest comes from strolling on the sand in Manzanita, watching waves crash beneath Cape Perpetua in Yachats, or spotting whales off the shore of Newport, these towns all leave you heading home recharged after two days away.
