Hike up Cascade Head for an incredible view of the coastline and ocean, part of the Cascade Head Biosphere Preserve! Peter proposed to Anna at the top in November 2023. She was so surprised! Another option near closer to Lincoln City is a 3-mile hike, The Knoll, which is a favorite. It’s steep but with an extremely rewarding view, different length options and a great spot to picnic.
Get a glass or a bottle of local Willamette Valley wine at Sea Horsey in Lincoln City. They opened just last year and provide a fun space for wine lovers and local coasties to hang out, eat and be merry.
Look for a glass float on the beaches in Lincoln City, where they're scattered daily for passer-bys to find and keep. Or, if you’re like us and aren’t able to find one, just buy one as a keepsake from Lincoln City Glass Center, where you can also make your own!
Do the Otter Crest scenic drive off the 101, and stop at Otter Rock for a walk or to catch some waves (you can rent a board and wetsuit from Pura Vida Surf Shop). Another popular surf spot nearby is Agate Beach, across the highway from Ossie’s Surf Shop.
Stop by the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport! It's huge and has something for everyone. The jellyfish exhibit is Anna’s favorite — Peter’s is the outdoor sea otter area.
Sign up for a fishing charter out of Depoe Bay to catch lingcod, Dungeness crab, rockfish or salmon. We recommend Dockside Charters — we went with them one sunny day in January and caught so much fish and crab we were able to stock our freezer for months.
Visit this spot at low tide to see lots of little ocean critters revealed among the rocks near a pebble beach! After that you can check out the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.
Ride your mountain bike at Big Creek Trails outside of Newport!
Enjoy a coffee and breakfast in Yachats at Beach Street Kitchen near the state park, or a pastry and breads from Bread & Roses. They have the best danish Anna has had on the coast!
Walk the 804 Trail along Yachats — it goes from south of town all the way to our suggested hotels at the north end of town (see Travel section for more). It’s flat, mostly paved or well-worn path and follows the seaside cliffs for a beautiful view with very little effort! Benches along the way and signs help guide the way. See more at www.yachatstrails.org
Clem at BOT can organize a custom hiking tour in and around Cape Perpetua, featuring old-growth Douglas Fir and historic wagon roads.