My grandparents retired to several acres on the north end of Devils Lake in the early ‘60’s, so my siblings, cousins and I spent a great deal of time in Lincoln city growing up. That said, Lincoln City sucks balls and always has (it needed a bypass in the mid ‘60’s and needs one even more so now). For that reason (among others) my parents gravitated towards Pacific City. It allowed us easy access to my grandparents while avoiding the clusterfuck that is Lincoln City. We camped a lot at Cape Kiwanda growing up and even had a (POS)) dune buggy back in the days when they’d allow that shit. Also did a fair amount of dory fishing as a kid. Then my parents bought a tiny little place on the West Bank of the Nestucca River, right in the heart of town, so for most of the past 45 years that was my go too place. But these days we prefer Yachats on south. Much nicer and less crowded. You have to drive awhile longer but it’s very well worth it. Cannon Beach has gotten to be a royal pain in the ass.....
Astoria is a fun place to visit about every 5 years * I avoid the rest of the north coast till Pacific City. That's a nice little town with a real quiet beach on the south end * The stretch of beach between Lincoln City (one you get south of town) and Waldport is beautiful, but there are oodles of tourists there, especially around Newport and Cape Perpetua * we love Florence because it's a dividing point between the typical Oregon coast to the north and the miles of sand dunes to the south. We camp in the Siltcoos area often (by camp I mean RV) * Winchester Bay is great if you have an RV. Hundreds of pull-thru sites for RV's in dozens of parks, some real cheap, and all kinds of fishing opportunities. A lot of OHV's in certain parts of the beach area though * going quite a ways south, Port Orford is beautiful and if you go to Cape Blanco, you can stand on the westernmost piece of land in the contiguous 48 ******************************************************* we avoid Coos Bay/North Bend because of so many people, but if you happen to be there during a winter storm and go out to Shore Acres state park, you'll see the most spectacular wave action in Oregon. The #1 storm-watching destination in Oregon *********************************************************** we rarely go to the coast in the summer.....too many people make it a 300 mile long circus. We go in the winter, at least 3 times. Just got back last week from 5 days south of Florence (sunshine every day). But we have a 5th wheel and there are camping spots everywhere. At the same time though, if you avoid the holidays you can get motel rooms just about anywhere in winter. And renting houses or condos or cabins is a snap. You can also rent yurts at several state parks
One of the benefits of CB (vs LC) is that you can pretty much completely bypass CB by staying on 101. I'm fairly certain you can't avoid going through LC, unless you totally go inland a ton.
Cannon Beach or Yachats......Yachats is an easy trip for us....not far away...only problem on the coast is that a loaf of bread costs 12 bucks....but the gas is cheaper than Eugene....never understood that. I learned to take food with me when we visit....one thing I've not been impressed with so far on the coast are restaurants...would think they'd be great but meh....the buffet at the casino in Florence is ok....real salty
I have a cousin who lives in Cannon beach and told me first hand that the mayor is horrible and people should stay away!
I lived in Lincoln CIty for three years. Was so happy to move away. The traffic ruins that town. Just no way to get bypassed around it. We still go visit there because my mom has a cabin there, but usually it is for fishing or something.
Cannon is the nicest I think. Gearhart good too. Seaside is too kitchy for me. Lincoln City is a tad creepy. Oceanside and the lost coast is good, if fairly boring.
When I go to the coast I'm usually either fishing, crabbing, or taking the four wheelers out on the dunes. I guess I'll go with Winchester Bay if it's not packed and Newport.
You want just get away and escape? Try Oceanside. Nothing to do there but just chill and take in the scenery. My kinda place.......
The used to be a store there. It may still be there. There is also a pub. Oceanside is also very close to Netarts, which has the Schooner Inn. It’s a nice pub and restaurant with a great outdoor area, right close to the beach. Oceanside and Netarts make a nice little pocket off the beaten path.....
