The Oregon Coast is far more beautiful than its famous landmarks. It boasts dozens
of small villages tucked away between towering cliffs and misty forests.
These communities boast authentic coastal experiences, from freshly caught
seafood to storm watching, all while remaining truly quirky and uniquely Oregonian.
Yachats
Tucked between a rugged shoreline and heavy forest, this miniature village has some of the coast’s most dramatic wave action. At high tide, Thor’s Well and Spouting Horn have natural entertainment value, while the Adobe Resort’s restaurant has fresh seafood and expansive ocean views.
Wheeler
This sleepy village on Nehalem Bay retains its fishing village authenticity without the
tourist crowds. Antique shops fill the historic buildings along the water, and kayak rentals lead to great crabbing spots and seal-watching opportunities.
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Neskowin
Home to the mysterious Ghost Forest of ancient tree stumps visible at low tide, this
village stresses natural beauty over commercial development. One store serves as a
community center and coffee shop, while Proposal Rock provides perfect sunset
viewing.
Pacific City
Known for its dory boat fishing fleet that launches directly off the beach, this village
retains its working waterfront character. The Pelican Brewery offers craft beers with
sand-level ocean views, while Cape Kiwanda provides dramatic hiking opportunities.
Oceanside
This quiet village west of Tillamook conceals itself behind a headland, its beach
accessible only through a rock tunnel. The village café serves great crab melts, and
offshore Three Arch Rocks shelter huge seabird colonies.
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Gleneden Beach
Tucked between Lincoln City and Depoe Bay, this residential community offers quiet
beach access sans crowds. Side Gate Beach is a hotspot for excellent agate hunting, and historic Salishan Resort offers fine dining with a view of the golf course greens.
Manzanita
Seven miles of sandy beach stretch before this artistic village beneath Neahkahnie Mountain. Galleries have lots of local Oregon artists, and excellent kayaking is available on the Necanicum River, Oregon’s shortest river.
Port Orford
Until recently, the West Coast’s only natural open-water port still employed a dolly
dock system to hoist boats out of the water. Humpback and gray whales can be
spotted on whale-watching tours from Battle Rock Park.
Dramatic coastline scenery inspires many artists whose works are on display in local galleries.
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Netarts
This attractive working fishing village on Netarts Bay produces oysters and clams.
The Schooner Restaurant combines bay views with fresh seafood; the adjacent state
park is good for bird-watching.
Charleston
The real fishing port near Coos Bay retains its working waterfront character. Hands-
on learning is offered at the Charleston Marine Life Center, and guided fishing for
salmon and rockfish is available from local boats.
Bandon
This historic village celebrates a balance between tourism and tradition, with an
instantly recognizable signature sea stack landmark and surrounding cranberry
bogs. Award-winning cheese at Face Rock Creamery, local art, and seafood in Old
Town shops housed in restored buildings.
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Arch Cape
Tucked between Cannon Beach and Manzanita, this sweet residential community
features quiet access to the beach and tide pooling. Holiday rentals locally include
cozy storm watching, and Oswald West State Park nearby offers craggy trails for
hiking in solitude.
Waldport
On Alsea Bay, this village combines great crabbing with serene beaches. The local
history is available at the historic bridge interpretive center. The port itself easily
facilitates kayaking and fishing.
Bay City
This working village on Tillamook Bay retains much of its oyster farming and fishing
orientation, with fresh catches coming right off the boats into the Fish Peddler
restaurant. There are also excellent hiking trails with bay views and bird watching.
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Gold Beach
This village at the mouth of the Rogue River is the gateway to the Wild and Scenic
River section. Dramatic canyons along the river are explored via jet boat tours, and
secluded beaches provide perfect storm-watching viewpoints.
Tierra Del Mar
This little residential enclave between Pacific City and Sand Lake has three miles of
uncrowded beach. Locally operated rental homes make great bases for trips into the
nearby sand dunes, while excellent surfing lures adventurous wave riders.
Garibaldi
This working port on Tillamook Bay still hangs on to its fishing village feel. One of the
historic railways runs scenic trips down the length of the bay, and the port’s fresh
seafood market offers just-caught fish and crab.
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Depoe Bay
Known as the world’s smallest navigable harbor, this village is all about whale
watching and fishing charters. The seawall offers up some pretty dramatic wave-
watching during storms, and restaurants take advantage of the views to serve up
fresh catches.
Escape to the Real Oregon Coast
Whether you’re storm-watching solo or looking for seafood fresh off the boat, these
coastal villages make for excellent getaways from the city.
Take your time to discover the secret beaches, sit down, and chat with locals over
coffee, experiencing the real Oregon Coast without hordes of tourists.
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