About halfway between Newport and Depoe Bay/Lincoln City, Beverly Beach stretches like so many miles of heavenly sand. This wide-open area is one of the most pristine spots on the Oregon Coast.

As you’ll read here, Beverly Beach State Park has campgrounds, day use beach access and even… drum roll… oodles of fossils! Let me walk you through all the details to explore and enjoy this amazing Oregon Coast beach.

Gorgeous, wide beaches

Beverly Beach is part of a 5-mile stretch of sand between Depoe Bay and Newport, OR. On a clear day, you can see all the way north to Cape Foulweather and all the way south to Yaquina Head.

This wide, flat beach is a popular destination for both camping and day trips. On a recent day, Maxine, Edie and I spent hours playing on the beach here.

One reason I love this Oregon Coast beach: It’s wide and flat, allowing my kids to run at full speed until even they got out of breath! The beach’s size also made it easy to enjoy the outdoors while maintaining social distance.

Spencer Creek cuts across Beverly Beach. This rocky and chilly creek is one of my kids’ favorite parts of this amazing Oregon Coast beach. They love wading into the water.

If you want a more secluded area of the beach, simply cross Spencer Creek to the north side of the beach. Fewer people go this way—maybe they don’t want to get their feet wet!

Beverly Beach campground

It can be hard to snag a reservation at the Beverly Beach campground, especially in summer, but this amazing spot is worth the effort!

Most sites are wooded, so even though sites are about the standard state park distance from each other, the trees make sites feel more private.

You can expect the usual amenities, such as potable water, flush toilets and showers. Beverly Beach Campground is a great spot for people who want to camp—but don’t want to go super-rugged.

The campground also includes a playground, meeting area, information center and picnic area.

2021 note: Some campground facilities are closed to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Campground playgrounds, information center, meeting hall and picnic shelters are temporarily unavailable.

Beverly Beach yurts

Beverly Beach State Park camping is popular—and this Oregon Coast park is well known for its yurts!

These circular semi-permanent structures are a middle ground between cabins and tent camping. The yurts at Beverly Beach State Park include bunk beds, a futon, heat and electricity. They do not have cooking facilities (bring a propane stove or cook over the open fire!).

We love staying in yurts on the Oregon Coast. For us, yurts extend the camping season because we don’t have to worry as much about crummy weather. When it’s rainy, we just hang out indoors. Then as soon as the weather breaks, we head out to the beach!

Some of the Beverly Beach yurts are animal-friendly. When you reserve yours, pay close attention to which one you get if you’re bringing a four-legged friend. Several yurts are accessible.

Finding fossils at Beverly Beach

Beverly Beach is one of the best places to find fossils along the Oregon Coast. The cliffs that line the beach are made of two different kinds of rock formations: Sandstone from the 15-million-year-old Astoria Foundation, and volcanic ash and mudstone from the 20-million-year-old Nye Foundation.

(Are you geeking out on this geology as much as I am?!)

The exposed seawalls along Beverly Beach make it easy to find fossilized shells and other prehistoric marine life.

Once you spot a fossilized shell, you’ll see many more. It’s as if seeing one opens your eyes to all the other ones! Also look for the impression left from prehistoric shells.

Walk along the seawall slowly, keeping a watch for scalloped shells or clam-like creatures. We saw one fossil almost as big as Edie’s hand!

Also look closely at the rocks on Beverly Beach. You might spot some with fossilized snail shells inside! (Technically, these rock-like things are called concretions, which are hunks formed by minerals and other matter.)

Be aware that you are not allowed to remove fossils from seawalls on the Oregon Coast. Ones on the beach are fair game, though.

If you’re into dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals (like Edie and Max are), try this favorite activity: Bury toy dinosaurs in the sand and then excavate them like archaeologists! Then stop by Prehistoric, an amazing fossil store in Lincoln City, where you can see dinosaur teeth, claws and bones!

Things to do near Beverly Beach, OR

If you’re here for Beverly Beach camping, you might want to explore a bit beyond this area. A few minutes north, you’ll find Devils Punchbowl. (Read my post on hiking into Devils Punchbowl at low tide!)

Drive up Highway 101 a little farther and you’ll hit Lincoln City. This is one of our favorite Oregon Coast towns because of the beautiful beaches, the Siletz Bay (with its resident seal colony) and other offbeat things to do. If you want more info, check out my full guide to Lincoln City.

To the south, you’ll pass Yaquina Head. This stunning area is home to one of the Oregon Coast’s historic lighthouses and unique Cobble Beach. This is also a great spot to watch for whales!

A little farther down Highway 101, explore Newport and the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

And if you want to learn allllll the things, click over to my full-out guide to the Oregon Coast. It’s mega-packed with things to do, towns to visit, epic hikes, beautiful beaches and more.

The post Beautiful Beverly Beach State Park + Campground, OR: Oregon Coast gem appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

In fact, all these must-dos add up to a bit of overwhelm if you’re planning an Oregon Coast vacation. Where should I go? you might be wondering. Which Oregon Coast towns should I visit? What Oregon Coast hikes should I plan? What about the beaches, the sand dunes, the shipwrecks?

You might want to ask a local for their recommendation. If you’re fresh out of besties who live in Oregon, allow me to stand in to give you advice from a local.

(I grew up in Oregon and have been going to the Oregon Coast since I was 2. I now live outside of Portland, OR with my family and rescue dogs, and we head to the beach as often as we can—sometimes several times in a month.)

So if you want tips and recommendations for things to do on the Oregon Coast, you’ve come to the right place. Well, you’ve come to the right place on the internet. The truly right place, as you’ll agree once you read this post, is the Oregon Coast.

The Best Oregon Coast Towns

Up and down the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find sweet Oregon Coast towns: Little communities that welcome visitors but have their own local feel, too.

With so many Oregon Coast towns to travel to, the choices can feel overwhelming. But each one offers something a little different. Read on to see where you’ll go on your next Oregon Coast vacation.

Florence, Oregon

Just an hour from Eugene and two hours from Salem, Florence sits at the connection between the Siuslaw River and the Pacific Ocean. This rich estuary habitat means tons of wildlife, from sea lions to sandpipers. There’s plenty for humans to do, too!

One of the reasons I love Florence, Oregon is that it has a small town feel—especially historic Old Town, which is the heart of the visitor-friendly city. Pretty much everything else, from restaurants to hotels, lie along Highway 101—the main road that runs through Florence.

The wide, long beaches here are wonderful to walk, but this Oregon Coast town is best known for its sand dunes. Cross the Siuslaw River to reach the sand dunes at South Jetty or drive a few miles south to Honeyman State Park to play on these mountains of sand.

For all the details you need, including what to do and where to eat, see my guide to Florence, Oregon.

Newport, Oregon

Growing up, my family and I usually went to Florence when we visited the Oregon Coast. Occasionally, though, we’d head to Newport, OR and it was always a really big deal.

Newport still holds a special place in my heart.

This coastal city is well known for its fishing. Visitors who prefer the DIY route can head out to see to catch their own salmon, halibut and Dungeness crab. Excellent seafood restaurants and shops will serve you, too (without the seasickness!).

Newport is also a science town. It’s home to an Oregon State University marine research center (which is free to visit) as well as the Oregon Coast Aquarium. And don’t forget to save time for this Oregon Coast town’s phenomenal beaches.

Astoria, Oregon

Technically, Astoria, Oregon isn’t on the Oregon Coast; it lies on the Columbia just upriver from where it connects to the Pacific Ocean. But just about everyone thinks of Astoria as an Oregon Coast town—one with its own unique feel.

Astoria was a fishing and canning city. It holds tight to these roots, showing off its history at museums and preserved docks. In fact, Astoria has the most museums of any Oregon Coast town, as well as boutique shops and antique stores.

A walkable trail winds from east to west along the Columbia River. (You can also take the trolley here!) Excellent restaurants offer views of the Columbia as well as delicious seafood and wine from nearby wine regions.

A 15-minute drive will take you to one of the nearby beaches, such as Warrenton or, my favorite, Fort Stevens. (It has a real-live shipwreck on the beach!)

Want to know more? Click over to my comprehensive post on things to do and where to stay in Astoria, Oregon.

Manzanita, Oregon

Fewer than 700 people live in Manzanita, Oregon, which means it definitely qualifies as a sweet small town on the Oregon Coast. It’s less popular and trafficked than other Oregon Coast towns—read: fewer tourists—which can make for a quieter Oregon Coast vacation.

Come for wine tasting, local food or just a stroll on the beach.

For more details, read my full post on visiting Manzanita, Oregon.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach, OR is one of the most popular Oregon Coast towns. It’s an easy drive from Portland, which makes it a convenient destination. Its location also makes it crowded, especially during the summer and on sunny weekends.

Cannon Beach is most famous for—you guessed it—its gorgeous beach. At low tide, the beachfront becomes an almost never-ending stretch of flat sand.

Haystack Rock is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Oregon. The huge hunk of basalt is home to birds, including tufted puffins, and other wildlife. At low tide, walk right up to towering Haystack Rock, where you can look for sea stars, barnacles and anemones. (In fact, I have Haystack Rock tattooed on my left arm!)

This Oregon Coast town may be busy, but it has just about anything a visitor would want to do, eat and explore. There’s a reason it’s so popular: Cannon Beach is a wonderful destination.

Depoe Bay, Oregon

Depoe Bay, OR has a few claims to fame: It’s the most popular whale watching town on the Oregon Coast, and it has the world’s smallest navigable harbor. Stats aside, this small town and its rugged landscape make it a lovely destination on your Highway 101 road trip or Coast vacation.

Whale watching should definitely be on your Depoe Bay bucket list. Check out the low-key Whale Watch Center, where experts will give you pointers on what to look for. You can also break out the binoculars as you walk along the sea wall. (Just watch out: At high tide and during stormy weather, you might get sprayed by the surf spouting up over the walkway!)

Whale watching charters also leave from Depoe Bay. You’re likely to spot one, for example one of the area’s resident gray whales that live here March through December.

You’ll also want to stroll along the sidewalk built right alongside the coastal cliffs that look out onto the Pacific Ocean. It’s the only of its kind on the Oregon Coast.

Seaside, Oregon

Seaside, OR feels the most like an East Coast beach spot of all the other Oregon Coast towns. A flat boardwalk stretches alongside several miles of flat beach, where folks stroll and bike.

Although Seaside is a busy coastal town, similar to Cannon Beach, its huge swath of sand makes it feel less crowded.

My kids particularly love the carousel in Seaside and the swing sets right on the beach. There’s something super-special about swinging with the sea breeze blowing through your hair!

If you’re looking for shopping, check out the outlet mall in Seaside. Famous brands, including Nike and Columbia, sell discounted clothes and gear.

Rockaway Beach, Oregon

Rockaway Beach, Oregon is a little town—with plenty of sand. 7 miles of beach stretch the length of the town, but that’s not the only thing that makes Rockaway Beach, OR special.

Ride a steam train to nearby Garibaldi, OR. Walk among enormous old growth trees along the trails. Even take your chances of meeting the town’s ghost, Roger, at Grumpy’s Cafe! (Roger is usually shy when lots of customers are around, but it’s always possible to witness the ghost knock something off a shelf or turn the faucet off.)

Yachats, Oregon

Blink and you might miss the teensy tiny town of Yachats, Oregon. But you’ll want to keep a keen eye out for this Oregon Coast town on Highway 101: Its adorable charm and dramatic landscape make it well worth a visit.

The main street area of Yachats, OR is walkable, making it easy to bop between shops, restaurants and the bakery. (YUM don’t miss the bakery!)

This Oregon Coast town does have sand beaches, but when you drive a short way south on Highway 101 you’ll find dramatic cliffs and rugged rocks. Devil’s Churn and Thor’s Well are a short drive from Yachats, as is Cape Perpetua, where you’ll find hiking trails and one of the best views of the Oregon Coast.

Read my full post on Yachats, Oregon for more details!

Pacific City, OR

Pacific City, OR on the Northern Oregon Coast is best known for the Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area—but that’s not all. This little town is also famous for its historic dory fishing fleet. In fact, you can watch independent fishermen launch their dory from just a few steps away on the Pacific City beach. You can also eat the day’s catch in the town’s local seafood restaurants.

Just off the beach, you’ll see Haystack Rock. This is confusing because the Haystack Rock that everyone knows and loves (and that graces so many Oregon Coast landscape photos and postcards) is in Cannon Beach. I guess the Pacific Ocean is big enough for two Haystack Rocks. Watch the sun set behind this sea stack or admire it from the patio of Pelican Brewing. (You might also catch a beautiful sunrise like I did on this day!)

Pacific City is also well known as an Oregon Coast surfing town. It’s not ideal for beginners, but a longboard surfing competition is held here.

My favorite thing to do in Pacific City is relax on the beach at Bob Straub State Wayside. This gorgeous stretch of beach offers a view of Haystack Rock in the distance (and plentiful parking!). A point of detail: Weather like we had in Pacific City recently is not typical. It’s always beautiful—but not always warm enough to comfortably swim!

Check out my guide to Pacific City!

The Best Oregon Coast Hikes

The Oregon Coast is gorgeous. What better way to see it than hiking its many trails? (That’s what we locals do!)

These are a few of the best Oregon Coast hikes, in my humble opinion. They’ll take you to waterfalls, burbling creeks, secluded beaches—even a suspension bridge 100 feet off the ground!

Want even more recommendations? We use and swear by William Sullivan’s Oregon Coast hiking guide (affiliate link). I buy it as a welcome-to-Oregon gift for almost any friend who moves to my home state!

Read on for highlights of the best Oregon Coast hikes.

Drift Creek Falls

One of Oregon’s most famous hikes, the Drift Creek Falls trail takes you to a dramatic waterfall and suspension bridge. About 40 minutes from Lincoln City, Oregon, this easy 3-mile hike takes you through dense forest.

At the halfway point of the out-and-back trail, you’ll cross Drift Creek 100 feet up. The suspension bridge sways a bit as you walk but don’t worry, it’s safe!

Cross the bridge for the best views of Drift Creek Falls.

The trailhead gets quite busy, so morning hikes will feel more secluded. Wear layers, as you might feel chilled on this Oregon Coast hike.

Read my full post on hiking Drift Creek Falls for more details.

Sweet Creek Falls

Just outside Mapleton and about a half-hour inland from Florence, Oregon, you’ll find the Sweet Creek Falls trailhead. This easy Oregon Coast hike takes you along Sweet Creek. The showstopper is a four-tiered waterfall. The layers look a bit like a Pacific Northwest wedding cake!

Small waterfalls pop up along the entire hike. The trail is narrow in parts (bring your mask!) and some parts include metal grate footpaths (which my dog Finn didn’t love).

On a warm day, walk down one of many short spurs to the water. You can play and splash to cool off.

Aim to hike Sweet Creek Falls in the morning. This is a popular trail and gets quite busy later in the day. Aim to arrive at the trailhead by noon at absolute latest.

Note: Sweet Creek Falls escaped a 2020 fire near Mapleton, OR. You’ll likely see burned forest on your drive to this Oregon Coast hike, but the trail is intact and safe.

Saddle Mountain

Not for the faint of heart, Saddle Mountain is a strenuous and steep Oregon Coast hike about 40 minutes inland from Seaside, OR. The 4.5 mile out-and-back trail takes you to the top of Saddle Mountain, where on a clear day you can see the ocean to the west and Mt. St. Helens to the northeast.

Saddle Mountain gets particularly busy during May and June, when wildflowers bloom across the mountain. The hike is gorgeous at any time of year, though.

Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes. The trail gains more than 1,600 feet in a few miles, and some parts of the trail take you over loose rocks.

Note: As of the time I wrote this, the Saddle Mountain trail is closed because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Hobbit Trail

Just north of Heceta Head and 20 minutes outside Florence, Oregon, you’ll find the strangely named Hobbit Trail. Tolkien’s imagined characters would have an easier time than you and I hiking Hobbit Trail: Parts of this short Oregon Coast hike take you through tunnel-like sections of trees better suited for hobbits than fully grown humans.

We’ll just have to duck our heads to get under low-hanging branches.

This short hike takes you to Hobbit Beach. The trail itself is mostly flat, ideal for inexperienced hikers and kids. (Just keep an eye out for tree roots; you don’t want to twist an ankle.)

Hobbit Trail gets crowded, so aim for hiking this in the morning or during the week. The beach is best at low tide, so try to time your visit to coincide.

Munson Creek Falls

Nearly no one has ever seen Munson Creek Falls, the highest waterfall on the Oregon Coast. That’s because the Munson Creek Falls trailhead is tucked away off the beaten path.

Unfortunately, the second half of this trail is currently closed, so you won’t get terribly close to the 319-foot-high falls. That said, this easy hike is just over a half-mile so is great for kids.

Find the Munson Creek Falls trailhead 25 minutes south of Tillamook, Oregon.

Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge

The Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers a walk, not so much a strenuous trek. But don’t skip this gorgeous Oregon Coast hike just because it doesn’t get your heart pumping. The views and wildflowers will earn a place in your heart, too!

The Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge lies about halfway between Tillamook and Lincoln City, Oregon. This off-the-beaten-path natural area is off most people’s radar. That’s why when we went on a summer weekend, we only saw a few people the whole time we were there.

The wildlife refuge is a popular spot for bird watching. Its protected status means it’s paradise for animals—except dogs. (You’ll have to leave your pups at home, as they’re not allowed inside the refuge.)

Start your hike by walking through the field to the observation deck. (Keep an eye out for passing whales in the Pacific Ocean!)

Then head to the Two Rivers Nature Trail. This easy 2.2 mile hike takes you through forests and wildflower meadows. You’ll also see the confluence of the Nestucca and Little Nestucca Rivers. The two rivers, combined with the Pacific Ocean, create a rich habitat teeming with birds, amphibians, fish and even elk.

Fair warning: Mosquitoes also like this habitat. We didn’t have any problem with bugs but I’ve heard others complain. Bring bug spray just in case.

Devils Punchbowl at low tide

This Oregon Coast hike is more of a beach walk and exploration than a strenuous hike, but it still deserves a spot on your list of things to do on the Oregon Coast.

Plenty of folks visit Devils Punchbowl, which lies between Lincoln City and Newport, OR. But few people know you can hike inside this hollow rock formation at low tide!

At high tide, waves crash inside this bowl, which geologists think used to be a cave whose roof collapsed. But when the water recedes, you can get a totally different perspective by climbing over boulders and looking for sea anemones.

You better believe I wrote a full post on how to hike Devils Punchbowl, complete with must-know safety details.

Hart’s Cove and Chitwood Falls

The Oregon Coast can be dramatic and rugged—and so is the Hart’s Cove Trail. The steep and slippery trail doesn’t make this hike easy, but the payoff is well worth the effort.

After hiking through dense forest, you’ll arrive on a headland high above the Pacific Ocean. Walk through a prairie of native grasses to catch a glimpse of the waves crashing onto the cliffs in Hart’s Cove. You’ll also spy Chitwood Falls—it’s quite far away but still cool to see a waterfall plunging into the ocean.

You can get all the details about hiking Hart’s Cove at my post.

God’s Thumb hike

I love it when landmarks have colorful names—and I can imagine any deity would give this hike’s a thumbs up! (Sorry, so corny!)

God’s Thumb is an impressive, dramatic Oregon Coast hike in Lincoln City, OR. It’s popular so can get crowded, especially on weekends and during the summer. It’s easy to see why:

You’ll hike just over 2 miles to a headland that looks over the Pacific Ocean—and God’s Thumb, a piece of land that sticks up out of the water. Hiking that last stretch up the thumb is steep and arduous. But the 360-degree views are remarkable.

I recommend this hike even if you don’t go the very last stretch. (Full disclosure: I get crazy vertigo from high places so didn’t hike the last part.) It’s still incredible to see God’s Thumb from the headland.

More Oregon Coast Beaches

Oregon is the only state in the US that has designated every inch of its beaches as public land. That means that as long as you can access the sand by public means (i.e. not tromping through someone’s yard), you can explore to your heart’s content.

And you’ll want to explore as much as you can! Oregon Coast beaches are sometimes sandy and sometimes rocky, sometimes stormy and sometimes calm. They’re always gorgeous.

Keep reading for my favorite Oregon Coast beaches.

Oswald West State Park

Oswald West State Park, near Manzanita, OR, is home to one of my favorite beaches. You park just off Highway 101 and hike a half-mile along a creek to get to a short stretch of beach.

Climb around on heaps of driftwood or the basalt cliffs that hem in the half-mile of sandy beach. You can also do as the locals do and surf!

The Oswald West State Park beach is sheltered from the Oregon Coast’s strong winds, since the landscape is shaped like a horseshoe: The cliffs on either end of the beach block much of the wind. That means it’s warmer here than most Oregon Coast beaches!

Cobble Beach

The Oregon Coast has a variety of beaches—some of sand, others of rock—but I don’t know of another beach like this one. Cobble Beach is covered in round basalt stones that, when the tide pushes them together, make a noise almost like hoofbeats.

(Since this is a protected area, you can’t take stones off the beach.)

Find Cobble Beach in the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area ($7 admission for one day’s entry). You’ll be able to explore this unique beach, check out sea creatures at low tide and admire the Yaquina Head Lighthouse perched on the nearby cliff.

For additional details, click on over to my full post on Cobble Beach.

Strawberry Hill

Between Yachats and Florence, OR, you can pull over on the Strawberry Hill Wayside and explore this hidden gem of a beach. Nearly no one stops here, so you’re likely to have the beach (mostly) to yourself.

This section of the Oregon Coast is better known for the twisting Highway 101 and dramatic cliffs, but the beaches are stars in their own right.

Stairs lead down to the beach, so it is not an accessible trail.

Beverly Beach

Beverly Beach is one of the Oregon Coast’s iconic destinations. This beach is right off Highway 101, which makes it an ideal stop for an Oregon Coast road trip.

The thing that makes this Oregon Coast beach truly unique: fossils! See prehistoric creatures preserved in rocks and the cliffs at Beverly Beach State Park.

We also like this beach because of the creek that splits the beach. It’s fun to splash in, and the part of the beach north of the creek is always less busy.

Fogarty Creek

I adore Fogarty Creek in part because it’s an excellent agate beach! I’m a geek for anything related to natural science, so I love walking at a snail’s pace and looking for beautiful rocks.

Low tide is the best time to visit Fogarty Creek, as the beach gets pretty small when the water is high.

The best thing about this beach: Fogarty Creek is super fun to play in! Kids and dogs splash in the water here, which is warmer than the ocean.

This Oregon Coast beach is just a few minutes south of Lincoln City.

Neptune South Beach

If you’re not looking forward to enjoying the beach with hundreds of other people, Neptune South Beach should be on your itinerary.

Just south of Yachats, Neptune Beach mixes a flat sand beach with stones and basalt outcroppings. We love to explore and climb these rocks—basalt is pitted, making for excellent toe- and handholds!

Cummins Creek runs across the sand, and you might find agates here.

Things to do on the Oregon Coast

Exploring towns, hiking, walking beaches—you’ve already read about plenty of things to do on the Oregon Coast. But there’s more!

Whether you’re interested in aquariums, natural landmarks, or tide pools—or if you’re not quite sure what you want to do—this section will give you lots of ideas.

Get ready to fill up your Oregon Coast itinerary.

Oregon Coast Aquarium

We are members to the Oregon Coast Aquarium because my family and I *love* it! Take this local’s advice: The Oregon Coast Aquarium should definitely be on your itinerary, whether you’re taking a Highway 101 road trip or are staying in Newport.

We have a few favorite attractions. The Passages of the Deep tunnel takes you through three different undersea habitats. I could stay forever under the curved walls of water. But that wouldn’t leave time for the tidal touch pool, where you can make the acquaintance of anemones, sea cucumbers, sea stars and more.

To dive deeper into this fun thing to do on the Oregon Coast, read my local’s guide to the aquarium or our overnight sleepover experience at the aquarium.

Fort Stevens

We love camping at Fort Stevens State Park, but this destination also has a military museum. For a unique thing to do on the Oregon Coast, check out the Civil War-era fort and its artillery.

Typically, volunteers lead tours of the old military site. Guided tours are cancelled for the time being because of social distancing, but you can still explore via a self-guided tour.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

You already read about one-of-a-kind Cobble Beach; the Yaquina Head Lighthouse is in the same natural area. Split your time between exploring the rocks and admiring this historic lighthouse!

The 93-foot-tall lighthouse stands guard atop a basalt cliff. It overlooks sea rocks, which are protected wildlife refuges. Hundreds of sea birds come to nest here, but it’s a popular birding spot at any time of year.

COVID-19 update: As of the time of publication, the indoor areas at the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area are closed. Access to all outdoor areas, including Cobble Beach and the paths around Yaquina Head Lighthouse, is still open.

Hunt for agates

Pace of life is nutty for many of us: We rush, rush, rush. All that slows waaaaay down when you’re on the beach hunting for agates.

I love Oregon Coast agate beaches. I walk ever so slowly, keeping an eye out for these see-through, shiny stones. Agates feel more like glass than a typical rock, and they come in gorgeous colors.

You can hunt for agates at Agate Beach in Newport, Bella Beach near Lincoln City, Fogarty Creek near Depoe Bay and Agate Point near Yachats. You’re never guaranteed to find agates, which only adds to the charm and excitement of this fun thing to do.

On a recent trip to the Lincoln City area, one day I didn’t find a single agate. The very next day I found agates—in the same spots I was looking the day before—including some almost the size of my palm!

Devils Punchbowl

You already read about hiking into Devils Punchbowl at low tide. Whether you’re more of a looker than a hiker, or you visit this Oregon landmark at high tide, you may just check out Devils Punchbowl from above.

The best time to check out Devils Punchbowl is at high tide or during stormy seas. That’s because the waves crash into this natural rock formation, sending spray into the air (and sometimes onto onlookers!).

If you’re on a Highway 101 road trip, this is an excellent stop. It’s just a few minutes from the highway and has several picnic tables. Devils Punchbowl is a wonderful view to watch while eating lunch!

Thor’s Well

Have you ever seen the movie How to Train Your Dragons 3? Even if you haven’t, you can imagine the entrance to the dragons’ hidden world, where the sea cascades into a hole in the ocean. Got a good mental picture? Then you’ve just visualized Thor’s Well.

This dramatic destination near Yachats, OR lives up to its Nordic namesake. Just like Thor, the god of thunder, this unique landmark is most exciting during storms.

At high tide or during stormy seas, watch as the waves pummel the rock formations around this area. Water crashes over the stone—then drains into the center of a gaping hole. Thor’s Well seems to swallow the sea itself, never sating its thirst.

Thor’s Well is best seen at high tide. Plan to visit about a half-hour before high tide so you time your arrival right.

Explore tide pools

One of the best things to do on the Oregon Coast is explore tide pools! At low tide, you can spot creatures typically only seen at aquariums.

An up close and personal look at sea anemones, sea stars, sea urchins, crabs and fish is such a unique experience. (Be sure to look only and never remove or disturb these animals.)

Time your visit so you arrive at tide pool beaches 30 to 60 minutes before low tide. That will give you plenty of time to check out the tide pools before the ocean covers them again—until the next low tide.

Run down sand dunes

One of the most unique things to do on the Oregon Coast: visit the sand dunes!

The Florence area is home to Oregon’s best sand dunes, which also happen to be the largest stretch of sand dunes in North America! Check out South Jetty County Park or Honeyman State Park, both just south of Florence, OR. These two destinations offer tall, rolling hills of sand and incredible views.

Honeyman’s dunes run right into a lake, where you can also rent kayaks. (For details on Honeyman State Park, read about things to do near Florence, one of our favorite Oregon Coast towns.) In contrast, South Jetty’s dunes slope down to the beach, as you can see here:

No matter which sand dunes you explore, don’t miss this unique thing to do on the Oregon Coast.

Visit Sea Lion Caves

Did you know that the Oregon Coast is the world’s largest sea cave? This natural rock formation in the Pacific fills with the barks of huge sea lions all year long.

A stop at the Sea Lion Caves, about 15 minutes north of Florence on Highway 101, won’t take long but is worth the trip.

Be prepared: This Oregon Coast activity is both noisy and smelly. (Someone forgot to pass the sea lions a toothbrush.) This just makes the experience of visiting Sea Lion Caves even more memorable.

Go whale watching

If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of whales on the Oregon Coast any time of year. But Oregon’s whale watching season peaks twice: mid-December to mid-January and late February to May.

These stretches are when grey whales migrate past the Oregon Coast, making it much more likely for you to spot these gentle giants.

Many visitors book a whale watching trip with a tour company or charter (for example in Depoe Bay). I’ve seen plenty of whales on my own from the beach!

You might spot a whale spouting water from its blow hole in the distance. If you’re really lucky, you might see a whale up close. I’ve seen whales come a stone throw’s distance from the sand—experiences I’ll never, ever forget.

Watch waves at Devils Churn

Are you sensing a theme? Whoever named landmarks on the Oregon Coast had a penchant for devils and gods. I have a feeling it’s because these spots can be extremely dramatic!

Devils Churn, near Yachats, OR, is no different.

Just a short walk from the parking lot off Highway 101, see the waves crashing into a narrow opening worn down over millennia of tides. You can also access the Restless Waters Trailhead here.

Access to the park is $5 per day.

Amazing things to do on the Oregon Coast

Is your head swimming with so many unique things to do on the Oregon Coast? I hope this post from a local’s perspective helps you narrow down your must-do activities (or maybe I just added a bunch of items to your itinerary!).

Either way, I can’t wait to hear about your favorite Oregon Coast spots. Did I miss any? What would you recommend?

And don’t worry: I’ll continue to add to and update this Oregon Coast guide. There’s always more to discover in this breathtaking part of the US.

The post Local’s Oregon Coast Vacation Guide: Towns, beaches, hikes + more! appeared first on To & Fro Fam.