You've obviously come here in search of fun things to do at the Oregon Coast (am I quick or what?). What are you in the mood for? Something that involves food? How about a sunbuggy ride on the dunes of Reedsport? Maybe you want to venture off on your own or join a crowd for an exciting event....Not a problem!
Actually, I think that a more realistic question would be: What is there NOT to do at the Oregon Coast? There are so many wonderful activities up and down the coastline. Don't limit yourself. Look around. Be creative. Depending on the city you're in along historic Hwy 101 (Oregon Coast Highway), you'll find a plethora (I think I broke my tongue on that one!) of things to do that will be just your cup of tea.
Here's a list of groovy ideas and suggestions that you may find well worth your time:
Rent a couple of bicycles or motor scooters and then explore the pathways, alcoves and "secret places" where lovers can participate in a bit of private smooching.
Bring or purchase a colorful kite from one of the many friendly shops in the area and let the sun and wind take you to a new level of fun. Participate in one of the annual kite festivals.
From mid-October through Memorial Day, Lincoln City hosts their annual event called, "Finders Keepers." The city of Lincoln City scatters hand-made glass floats along their wonderful 7.5 miles of public beaches. What you find, you keep! Simple as that and mucho fun!
Speaking of events and festivals, you will love getting to go and spend a day or more at one or all of the annual sandcastle contests.
One of my favorite things to do is beachcombing the expansive beaches, seeing what kind of treasures I can find and exploring the tidepools.
You can see who can find the most beautiful agates or other rocks and shells along the beach. Keep an eye open for the beautiful and rare Japanese glass floats that sometimes wash up on shore.
Take a trip to Lincoln City's popular outlet shopping center, Tanger Outlet Center, and buy direct from over 65 brand name manufacturer and designer outlet stores. You'll discover big names like Coldwater Creek, Eddie Bauer, Mikasa, OshKosh, Old Navy, Pendleton, Rockport and more.
hitting some of the popular attractions, and more!
Experience all the excitement and romance that the Oregon Coast has to offer and, if you have the time (you took three months off of work, right?), don't miss a thing. It will provide you special memories for years to come.
The Oregon Coast isn't only fun in the warm months. No sir-ee! Things are happening here all year round!
Take a tour of the world famous Tillamook Cheese Factory. Watch the cheese-making process, discover the history and story behind this company, enjoy the smells of freshly-made products and, best of all, taste samples of their wide-selection of cheeses and enjoy over 40 choices of ice cream!
4175 Highway 101 North Tillamook, OR 97141 503-815-1300 More information
Oregon Coast Farmers Markets - Various, OR.
The scrumptious farmers markets up and down the Oregon coast provide a real treat for you to get away for an weekend afternoon of relaxation. You'll find organically grown fruits and vegetables, free of pesticides, to mouth-watering baked goods, to family entertainment, to the finest seafood and meats to grace your dining table.
This beautiful aquatic and marine science aquarium is stocked to the rafters with fun and educational exhibits, showcasing life native to the Oregon Coast. From seabirds and sharks to invertebrates, fishes and plants. This is a must-see when when finding things to do and while visiting Newport.
2820 SE Ferry Slip Road Newport, OR 97365 541-867-3474
Tradewinds Charters - Depoe Bay, OR.
Charter a top-notch vessel from the premier ocean charter service on the Oregon Coast for a wonderful time of whale watching, sport fishing, bird watching, or an ecology tour. Book a ship for a special wedding that you and your guests won't soon forget.
Highway 101 Depoe Bay, OR 97341 800-445-8730 Website
Helicopter Tour Flights - South Beach, OR.
For something totally romantic, swing over to the Newport Airport and charter a helicopter for an awesome ride along the Oregon Coast. You can choose the package that suits your wants. Take a quick tour of Newport or expand your flight to Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Otter Rock, up and down the central coastline, and more. You can even make your own package for special occasions such as anniversaries and weddings.
You can also enjoy helicopter tours of the Oregon coast at Seaside Helicopters.
120 SE 84th St South Beach, OR 541-867-4140
Sea Lion Caves - Florence, OR.
Take an exciting, 208 foot elevator ride to the depths of a natural grotto, the world's largest sea cave. There you will find nearly 200 sea lions and many aquatic birds, living and playing during the fall and winter months. This is an unforgettable experience, so put it on your things to do list.
91560 Hwy. 101 N. Florence, OR 97439 541-547-3111 More information
Go Fly/Ride A Kite! - Various Locations
Kite flying is a popular activity around the coast. As you travel up and down the shores, you'll find many people flying kites recreationally and many cities hold large kiting festivals that really draw the crowds. These festivals are for both outdoor and indoor competitions. Indoor kiting is amazing! Kite businesses not only sell the kites (from small, novice kites to large, professional ones), but some offer kite building workshops and kite flying lessons. Lincoln City is known as the "Kite Flying Capitol of the World."
You will find some of the largest and most beautiful kites in the world right here at the Oregon Coast. If you want to blend right in with the natives, here is one of the things to do.
Why fly a kite, when you can ride it? For some heart-pumping action on the ocean, learn what Kiteboarding is all about. Such fun!
Crabbing and Clamming - Various Locations
You want the freshest, most mouth-watering seafood you can get, right? You may consider doing it yourself! For an ultimate things to do time, It's a lot of fun and pretty exciting to rent some gear from the local bait shop in town and start trolling for the coast-wide favorite: Dungeness crab.
Or take your shovels and buckets, wait until low tide and go adventuring for fresh clams. Once you're ready, be prepared for a scrumptious evening dinner to remember.
Talk about relaxing things to do! Being on the back of a horse as it gallops along the beach and through the surf is a freeing and awesome experience. Not to mention romantic ;)
Check with the local Chamber of Commerce for stables in the area you are in. Many offer excellent escorted riding trips.
Bicycling - Various Locations
Renting a couple of bikes to cruise around town is relaxing and fun for a couple of love birds to share a sunny day together.
You want to have a real blast? Rent a Funcycle from one of the local shops in the area you're in. These three-wheel vehicles are allowed right out on the beach. They come in different sizes for various ages and tend to run around $10 for an hour and a half or $20 for two and half hours. These are great fun!
Looking for things to do? Not taking the time to go whale watching while visiting the Oregon Coast is almost considered sinful! It's an activity that is well-loved by locals and visitors alike. Take a charter out to sea or grab a whale watching guide and go exploring yourself.
Agates ahoy! If you are a collector or just an admirer of these beauties, the Oregon Coast is the place to find them. The surrounding Newport beaches are probably the best places in the world for grabbing a few nicely formed agates to take home.
How about a thrilling hydro boat trip to get your adrenaline pumping? There a two companies in Gold Beach that offer visitors these exciting trips down the rough and rugged Rogue River, providing an entire day of things to do.
