Destination Guide: The Oregon Coast
THE GIST
The Oregon Coast is an absolutely stunning stretch of cliffy coastline where you’ll find one quaint, quirky seaside town after another, from the northern tip of Astoria all the way down to Brookings just above the California border. It’s known for showcasing the entirety of Oregon’s diverse and gorgeous landscapes, from its quintessential rugged shoreline, capes, and sea stacks to its lush, green forests, all in one fell swoop. Whether you’re camping, whale-watching, or just hopping the coastal towns, these 350+ miles of pure beauty that wind down the 101 are quite simply what road trips dreams are made of.
THE PEACH + THE PIT
The best thing about the Oregon Coast: the gorgeous landscape and fresh seafood.
It’s honestly impossible to determine what’s more breathtaking: the jagged rocks that look out into the neverending Pacific, the pristine state parks and clean, isolated beaches, the rolling sand dunes and picturesque harbors, or the green, tree-lined cliffs and historic lighthouses. There is so much to see, all at once, so the unique geography and diverse landscape alone is reason to visit.
BUT. Amazing coastline usually means amazing seafood, and this string of tiny Oregon cities serves up some of the best fresh fish you’ll find in the pacific northwest. Crab, salmon, cod, chowder, fish and chips, you name it. Pretty much anywhere you go, it’ll all be fresh-caught and great quality. So when you take that road trip, make sure you’re hungry.
The worst thing about the Oregon Coast: the unpredictable weather.
Unsurprisingly, just like most of the Pacific Northwest the Oregon Coast is finicky and unpredictable when it comes to weather. And because of the geographical diversity, it can be tricky to plan for in one trip, with temperatures and precipitation varying from north to south. Rain is always a possibility, and it doesn’t often reach real beach weather on the Oregon Coast. So most of the year, you’ll need to keep an eye on the weather or hope to get lucky — but the views, food, and charming cities are sure to please even if skies are gray.
THE HIT LIST
OREGON COAST CHOWDER
(NORTH, CENTRAL + SOUTH COAST)
One of things the Oregon Coast is known for is its chowder, specifically clam chowder. There’s even a thing called the “Chowder Trail”. There are plenty of options to grab a hot bowl along the coast, each place putting out their own slightly different twist and many claiming to serve the best chowder on the coast. But two institutions seem to stand out above the rest: Mo’s Seafood and Chowder (the “OG'' of clam chowder, if you will, with lots of locations along the coast) and Gracie’s Sea Hag (its small but mighty famed rival in Depoe Bay).
Who actually serves the best chowder on the coast? There’s only one way to find out.
TILLAMOOK CREAMERY
(TILLAMOOK)
Okay, so this isn’t exactly on the coast, but the Tillamook Creamery is a short detour inland and totally worth the stop, whether you have kids who’d enjoy the tour or you’re just a big fan of extra creamy ice cream and free cheese samples (which is...most likely everyone in the world?). Inside you’ll find a free self-guided tour: first, a Farm Exhibit about life on a dairy farm; then the Viewing Gallery where you can learn about and watch the cheese-making process; and lastly the Shop and Dining Hall full of Tillamook goodies. With menu items like “The Tillie Grilled Cheese”, tubs of that extra creamy ice cream, and free cheese curds on your way out, you’ll leave happy.
chocolate peanut butter
it hit different.
source: Carly Weaver
SAMUEL H. BOARDMAN STATE SCENIC CORRIDOR
(BROOKINGS)
And now, for the only non-food-related mention on the list! This 12-mile-long linear state park lines the southernmost portion of the coast in Brookings, and as its name suggests it is chock-full of gorgeous scenery and it’s not to be missed. Huge Sitka spruce trees line some of the most picturesque, rugged parts of the entire coast, with tons of viewpoints, hiking, and sight-seeing along the way. If there’s ever a good time to pay attention to your surroundings, it’s during this part of the drive.
literal heart-eye emoji.
source: unsplash
THE HIDDEN GEMS
TONY’S CRAB SHACK
(BANDON)
We’re back with more fresh seafood. This time, hailing from Tony’s Crab Shack, which looks exactly how it sounds. The adorable town of Bandon sits on the Coquille River, and it’s a popular place for crabbing and fishing. So everything you eat at the three rivaling seafood shacks along the water is going to be fresh-caught and delicious.
But we maintain Tony’s Crab Shack to be the best.
They’ll even cook your catch for you if you want to reel something in yourself! Expect to wait in line a bit because the locals love it, and try their house special fish tacos and of course that local-caught dungeness crab.
THE CRAZY NORWEGIAN
(PORT ORFORD)
If you’re more of a fish-and-chips lady or gent, The Crazy Norwegian serves up fish that’s fresh, flaky, and substantial, with a light, salty batter and delightfully crispy fries. It’s a cute and quirky spot for fresh and fried seafood — definitely a no-fuss kind of place, with only a few tables and things like “Soup of the Day: Nope” written on their chalkboard. But that’s all part of its charm.
THE BITE’S ON
(GOLD BEACH)
Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a seafood lover to find great food here! This place is all about the meats. A hidden gem in Gold Beach on the southern coast, The Bite’s On is a tiny little food truck posted up at Lex’s Landing on the Mighty Rogue River. They offer flavorful, meaty, made-to-order items from breakfast sammies to chili dogs to tri-tip. But you’d be remiss not to try one of the best breakfast burritos we’ve discovered: their “Big A** Breakfast Burrito” with Santa Maria Style Smoked Tri-Tip. This is one for the books, folks.
by Carly Weaver
Carly, a New-Jersey-native-turned-Los-Angeles-local, has worked in digital marketing for the past decade doing everything from copywriting to creative production to brand strategy. But she’s always had three great loves: food, travel, and writing. That’s where Ogden Pacific comes in.
All-time favorite travel story? That time she slept in a drawer in a Florence hospital. All-time favorite meal? Well, as a decidedly unemotional person she’s been moved to tears by a single bite of food more than once...so let’s not even go there right now. All-time favorite destinations? The Jersey Shore for Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream and pure nostalgia. The British Virgin Islands for endless crystal clear seas and some of the nicest people on earth. Montana for that clean, crisp, mountain air and $2 Moose Drools enjoyed over dive bar shuffleboard. And Italy for literally...every...single...thing. Including that bite of burrata she cried over.
She’s here to help inform you, guide you, entertain you, and inspire you to find your next all-time favorite trip. (And also to help make sure you don’t end up in a drawer while you’re there.)