Where in the world was Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio this weekend? He was broadcasting from the Surfsand Resort on Cannon Beach, Oregon.
Considered one of the most scenic stretches in the country, the Oregon coast has more than 360 miles of public coastline.
Whether you’re driving through any of the seven counties that make up the coastline, pedaling along the Oregon Coast Bike Route, or walking the Oregon Coast Trail, this region is all about getting in touch with nature. Read on to get tips straight from the locals.
Terry Richard, travel writer, The Oregonian
While whale-watching tour boats are numerous, only Carrie Newell brings tourists along on her excursions researching resident California gray whales. Join her for a quick spin on her highly maneuverable Zodiac from the snug harbor at Depoe Bay, one of the smallest in the world. In fact, it barely takes a minute to travel from the protected inlet to the open ocean. For more information, visit www.whaleresearchexcursions.com.
A good resource for hikers is www.coostrails.com which rounds up the land and water trails in the southwestern Oregon coast. For example, from Boice-Cope County Park, hikers can head west past Floras Lake (a windsurfing hotspot) to the Pacific Ocean beach, then go south 2 miles along an 80-foot high line of cliffs (but only during low tide).
Oregon’s many coastal state park campgrounds are perennial favorites, but for a more relaxing experience give Tillamook County’s campgrounds a try. One option is Whalen Island County Campground, which offers beautiful views of Sandlake estuary on the Three Capes Scenic Loop, just west of Tillamook.
The Historic Anchor Inn in Lincoln City is a much-loved, 1940s-era inn that’s both inexpensive and chock full of memorabilia from the golden days of family car road trips. It’s easily accessible on U.S. 101, but is located far enough back to be quiet and is situated in Lincoln City’s best neighborhood, the Taft District.
Preson Phillips, park manager at Sunset Bay State Park
At Cape Arago State Park, visitors can explore the tidepools of South Cove trail. Both the diversity and density of species in these tidepools are evident even to the layman’s eye. Simpson Reef wildlife viewing platform is right up the road, where visitors can view marine mammal and seabird colonies.
Kayaking the South Slough Estuary is a popular local sport. If you set out from the community of Charleston in Coos County, be sure to time your start with the inbound tide and glide 7 miles upstream through the inlet or slough. Then, if you’re feeling really energetic, you can ride the tide all the way back.
Coming up this holiday season is the spectacular light display Shore Acres State Park in Coos Bay. More than 275,000 lights illuminate the gardens between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, attracting locals and visitors from around the world.
John Newman, chef/owner, Newmans at 988
When I’m not at my own restaurant, I enjoy Warren House Pub on the south end of Cannon Beach. It’s an affordable option that serves local brews and traditional pub fare (including great burgers!).
For hearty fare like chowder and steaks, especially as we get into the colder winter months, head to Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge, also on Cannon Beach.
Lastly, if you’re looking for that small, coastal town experience, Cannon Beach is known for its antique shops and galleries, while Pacific City and Oceanside are both fun destinations that are particularly known for fishing and wildlife viewing.
For more information, visit www.TravelOregon.com.
Edited by Sarika Chawla for PeterGreenberg.com.
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