travelmonkey

My husband and I are planning a drive down the Oregon Coast in a couple of months. What are the must see and eat places?

Thanks!

Andrew

I suggest you Search the Forums for "oregon coast" to read some of the numerous past posts on the subject, then after reading those ask specific questions.

My one recommendation for now: get an AAA Oregon Coast Tour Map - it breaks down the highlights of the coast in four nice separate vertical maps with info on each destination. I live in Oregon and still consider that map essential - use it all the time.

happytrailstoyou

Yes, there is a great deal of interest any many restaurants between Astoria and Brooking; it will help if you would narrow the possible field of discussion a wee bit. Thanks, HTTY

saige

We enjoyed Pelican Brewery in Pacific City, Otis Cafe in Salem, Tidal Raves in Depot Bay and Blackfish Cafe in Lincoln City. You will find lots of posts about Oregon using the search function at the top of the page. You might also check out Chowhound.com for specific types of places in the cities you plan to visit.

boom_boom

IMO for great clam Chowder, find a Mo's.

travelmonkey

Thanks for the tips. I will look into the AAA map.

We will spend a little time in Astoria and are driving up to Mt. St. Helens but other than that we will "play it by ear" as to how far we travel down the coast each day so I don't know exactly which towns we'll overnight in other than Astoria. We'll be returning to Portland via I-5.

We really enjoy eating where the locals eat-anything from the mom and pop diner to 5-Star and we enjoy all types of cuisine. For us it's all about the experience of trying something new and the only rule is that it's not a restaurant we have at home. We will hit the occasional chain if it's something regional and a new experience.

We'll definitely be hitting the microbreweries for local brew so we'd love to hear your favorites.

happytrailstoyou

Thanks for the clarification.

When we make this trip from Seattle we stay in Cannon Beach, Newport, or Yachats.

The stretch of Highway 101 south of Yachats to the Sea Lion Caves is particularly beautiful.

If we have the time, we drive to Reedsport and take Highway 138 to I-5. Following the Umpqua River, Highway 138 is our favorite road to drive between I-5 and 101.

HTTY

Andrew

I agree that the coast scenery south of Lincoln City (and then south of Yachats) is really beautiful. If you don't have time to drive down that far south, though, the scenery between Cannon Beach and Manzanita is great too just sometimes more of a challenge to get to. (The AAA map will help you find it.) On some parts of 101 down in the southern part of the coast, you see breathtaking scenery just from the road!

In Astoria, I always try to detour over to the Danish Maid Bakery in the center of town to have something yummy to munch on while I walk around. Otherwise, I really don't have any good food or drink recommendations for the area - I usually don't eat on the coast, often just take pics at sunset and drive home!

happytrailstoyou

Based on your stated preferences, in Cannon Beach I think you will like the Lumberyard Rotisserie & Grill and in Yachats you'll have a good time at Drift Inn--two places that definitely attract the locals.

In Newport, check out Mo's--an Oregon tradition which also has a restaurant in Cannon Beach.

oregoncottage

In my opinion, the most scenic portion of Highway 101 is from Waldport to Florence, and Highway 138 along the Umpqua River is a beautiful route back to I-5. Local Ocean Seafoods in Newport is one of my favorite coast restaurants (great fish tacos).

travelmonkey

We'll be driving the entire coast from Astoria to Northern Cali. Keep the good suggestions coming!

Suggestions for quaint places to stay along Hwy 101 are appreciated too!

yestravel

Otis Cafe is great -- good food and pies to die for. Dont miss it!

travelmonkey

Thanks so much! I've added these to the list to take a look at. I checked out the Treesorts and they look amazing!

Food suggestions sound exactly like what we're looking for.

I'm checking out your link too. We are so excited!

NWWanderer

You might want to have a look at the Heceta Head Lighthouse B&B (just south of Yachats) as an unusual, interesting place to stay.

Ducko

Don't forget about the southern coast! Bandon has some great places. The coast is beautiful and more unspoiled. We love the Wild Rose Bistro in Bandon. Beautiful natural areas include Shore Acres near Charleston and the point just a couple miles south of there (can't remember--check map!)

laurieb_nyny

If you are adventurous, maybe a dune buggy tour or the speed boat ride would interest you. Speed boat is in Gold Beach (I think) and the Dune Buggies are in Florence & Reedsport.

sunbum1944

I have stayed at the Heceta Head B&B and its a great place to stay - they serve a fabulous breakfast in the am /
There is a kitchen you can use for personal use - we bought fresh crab in town and had a crab feed in the evening
There is a great hike you can take that starts behind the lighthouse and the beach is my favorite in Oregon.

at night we took flashlights and walked up to the lighthouse -very cool.