Central Oregon Coast Scenic Drives
The Oregon Coast, full of majestic scenery that one can not only observe–but experience, is an ideal location for a short romantic getaway, facilitated in part by the fabulous local dining and lodging opportunities. This region is fun to visit not only in the summer when you can massage the sand under your toes, but can also be very romantic in the winter when the two of you can curl up in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of wine at your oceanfront hotel and watch a storm brew. The following Oregon scenic drives itinerary will take you from Lincoln City to Waldport in 3 days to fly kites, watch whales, climb light house towers, and more!
Directions:
- Begin in Lincoln City.
- Take US-101 S/Oregon Coast Highway to Depoe Bay (12 miles)
- Take US-101 S/Oregon Coast Highway to Newport (13 miles)
- Take US-101 S/Oregon Coast Highway to Yachats (24 miles)
- Continue south on US-101 S/Oregon Coast Highway to the Sea Lion Caves (15 miles)
- Head north on US-101 N/Oregon Coast Highway to Waldport (23 miles)
This journey begins with a simple late afternoon walk and beach comb along the beach in Lincoln City. If you are lucky, you may be there during one of their colorful kite flying festivals. In any case, you should bring your own kite along, or purchase one as a Lincoln City souvenir in order to fully enjoy the ocean breeze. Watch the sun set into the Pacific, and then feast on gourmet cuisine at the Bay House Restaurant; the menu here is printed daily depending on the freshest ingredients. Make sure to leave room for one of their decadent desserts!
Spend the night in the luxury Starfish Manor Hotel where you can continue to watch the ocean while soaking in a hot tub or cuddling by the fireplace. For a unique breakfast the next day, go to the highly-reviewed Beach Dog Café which specializes in hot dogs, but also serves delicious and hearty breakfast including pancakes, fried potatoes, and homemade pastries.
The next destination is Depoe Bay, where you can take advantage of the rare opportunity to go whale watching in the winter months. If whales are not in season, you can still charter a boat and a skipper for a memorable experience on the waves. Another highlight just down the road from Depoe Bay is the Flying Dutchman Winery–the only winery on the coast; visit the Dutchman to see how the environment here makes their wines unique. For lunch you must go to Riptide BBQ, “the best BBQ on the coast” serving up in-house sauces and local meat from Oregon and Washington, roasted over wood from Lincoln City.
Continue the drive South to Newport. Here, you will want to climb up Oregon’s tallest lighthouse, the Yaquina Head. Take some time to talk the volunteers working there to hear some interesting and entertaining stories. Check into the beachfront Agate Beach Hotel and relax a bit before dinner at the Saffron Salmon. The delicious food, wine, and great view from this restaurant, located at the edge of the pier, is the perfect prelude to a night of romance.
Breakfast at the locals’ favorite joint, the Newport Courthouse Café, on a cup of coffee and a light meal. The Newport Aquarium is a must-see local attraction; let yourself become fascinated by the exotic fish and sea mammals for the morning. And then lunch at the Rogue Ales Brewery. For a special souvenir, contact the Edge Gallery where you can make your own blown glass artwork.
Finish the afternoon in Yachats where you can drive to the Cape Perpetua overlook, which, at 803 feet, is the highest point over the Pacific accessible by car; enjoy the view and watch spouting geyers. After this excursion, take another down the road to observe sea lions and other Oregon coast wildlife at the Sea Lion Caves. Then warm up with a bowl of award-winning clam chowder at the LeRoy’s Blue Whale for dinner.
In the evening, drive back up to Waldport to spend the night at the large and beautiful Pretty Heart Estate, or find smaller lodging for one last relaxing evening before returning home the next day.
A journey to the Central Oregon Coast is perfect for a three-day weekend of memorable fun with your sweetheart; so come out and see these Oregon scenic byways.
