Hey all, my wife and I are looking to get away for about a week and we are thinking of heading somewhere along the Oregon coast. I've been looking online and can't seem to find anything that really sets one area apart from others. We're looking for quiet, nice scenery, with some outdoor activities. I'm sure she would like a place that's near a shopping area, too! Oh, and good food. Can any of you guys recommend any cities/hotels that are nice and reasonably priced? Thanks, I appreciate any help.
For a beach location with other activities:Lincoln City, Seaside or maybe Newport. I love Manzanita or Cannon Beach for a peaceful beach getaway, but not much to do in town.
the shopping you'll find at pretty much every Oregon beach is going to be pretty bland. I would suggest taking a one day trip into portland if she wants something other than art.
Stay in Pacific City (Cape Kiwanda). If you need to shop, take a day and go up to Lincoln City. But stay in Pacific City.
I grw up in Southern Oregon, and thusly, when I visited the coast I would always head out to Bandon. It is obviously not a giant town (not that there are any along Oregon's beautiful coast) but it has a certain charm that I just love. The little tiny oldtown downtown area has quaint little shops with free samples of brownies, fudge, icecream, candy, chocalate, and the specialty of the southern Oregon coast, cranberries (Largest producer in the world). Aside from that, the beach by Bandon's Jetty is freaking amazing. One can hang out there all day walking around and still discover new little things. For you purposes there are a few little hotels right along the south jetty overlooking the ocean with little wooden steps right down to the good stuff. There are a lot of awesome trails within a 20 mile radius as well that run the gambit from beach, sand dunes, old growth forest, full on temperate rainforest, lakes and beautiful rivers. I would reccomend research, but one place to definately go in that area is Shore Acres State Park. It is about 15 miles away from Bandon and is probably my favorite place on earth. It really is undescribable. Whatever you choose, I really doubt you will be disapointed. Bandon Beach Shore Acres
Lincoln City and Newport are horrible. Too big. If you want a quiet beautiful setting, I would recommend Cannon Beach! Of the bigger beach towns, Seaside is the only tollerable one.
I agree! I love Pacific City and the Pelican Brewery! I also recommend Manzinita. It's a cool little town that has some good food and some cool little shops on its main st.
I recommend Newport. Here's why: 1) The Oregon coast is very windy during the summer. There are two beaches that are quite beautiful and they have large wind shelters so you so you can enjoy time on the sand. Those areas are the steps at Devil's Punch Bolw (just on the south side of Cape Foulweather) and the beach just south of Yaquina lighthouse on 101. 2) In the newport area are a ton of beach front houses and condos to rent. Many rent for under $150/night. 3) Depending on what you like to do, there are lots to do on the central Oregon coast: Casino in Lincoln City, Gleneded Beach, Depoe Bay, Rocky Creek Wayside, Cape Foulweather (try the views from the shop atop the cape- unbelievable), the Yaquina lighthouses, miles of beach (of course), Nye beach, the Newport Bay Front, Hatfield Marine Science Center (free and fascinating), The Aquarium, Rogue Brewery, Yachats, Seal Beach (don't miss this one), Cape Perpetua (one can spen an entire day exploring this area- from unfathomable views atop the cape (easy drive up and trails), to one of the most fascinating areas on a rocky shelf at the ocean with blow holes (no jokes here) and areas where the water churns... This area is clearly the most diverse. And there are fewer and fewer Californians, errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, Portlanders as you venture south along the coast.
Bandon is nice, as is Florence. Neskowin is fantastic as well - small, nice, but within easy driving distance to Lincoln City.
Thanks a lot for all your help. I think we're going to split the trip in half and spend a couple days in Newport and the rest of the week in Bandon. Am I going to get a ticket up there for lighting a fire on the beach?
Go Hang Gliding in Oceanside. [video=youtube;5Ac0TKVLIhQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ac0TKVLIhQ&feature=related[/video]
no...at least i never have. camped out quite a few places along the oregon coast and have never heard of anyone getting a ticket for a fire on the beach.
Lincoln city has the shopping. Get a place south of Lincoln City and then you can drive north about 15 minutes and shop, see movies, gamble, etc.
