Local Area Guide

There's no wrong season on the Central Oregon Coast, just different kinds of magic. Summer brings the warmest, driest weather and long beach days, making it the busiest and most popular time to visit. Spring offers mild temperatures, thinner crowds, and prime whale watching as gray whales migrate north past the coast, while resident gray whales linger near Depoe Bay through summer and fall. Winter is the season for dramatic storm watching, cozy nights in, and a second wave of migrating whales in late December. Whenever you come, pack layers and a rain jacket, since coastal weather can shift quickly.

The Central Oregon Coast is easiest to reach by car, with Highway 101, the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, running the length of the shoreline and connecting every town in this guide. From Portland, it's roughly a two-hour drive to Lincoln City; the nearest major airport is Portland International (PDX). Once you arrive, a car is the best way to explore, letting you hop between beaches, lighthouses, and coastal towns from Cascade Head to Florence at your own pace. Build in extra time for the scenic pullouts and viewpoints along the way, since the drive itself is part of the experience.