manzanita vs. newport vs. yachats vs. ? for 1 week in September
May 27th, 2010, 08:07 PM
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manzanita vs. newport vs. yachats vs. ? for 1 week in September
Hi Fodorites!
My family (2 adults, 2 kids--3.5 yrs and 14 months) is planning a vacation with another couple this September. We've been to Manzanita a few year ago and loved it--explored Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach, Oswald West State Park, etc. We're debating about repeating a week up that way or exploring the central coast this trip. (We didn't make it south of Tillamook last time.)
Our original thought was to rent a house near a beach and explore from there. We were happy with the size of Manzanita--we don't need the town to be huge--but it was nice to wander around Cannon Beach and have an easy drive for tidepooling, etc. I don't want to repeat just because it's known, though.
Would you recommend Yachats and Newport over Manzanita? If so, which would you choose, or would you suggest splitting time? (I'm willing to do one switch in a week, but not more than that unless I *have* to, as there's just too much stuff traveling with kids.)
Thanks in advance!
My family (2 adults, 2 kids--3.5 yrs and 14 months) is planning a vacation with another couple this September. We've been to Manzanita a few year ago and loved it--explored Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach, Oswald West State Park, etc. We're debating about repeating a week up that way or exploring the central coast this trip. (We didn't make it south of Tillamook last time.)
Our original thought was to rent a house near a beach and explore from there. We were happy with the size of Manzanita--we don't need the town to be huge--but it was nice to wander around Cannon Beach and have an easy drive for tidepooling, etc. I don't want to repeat just because it's known, though.
Would you recommend Yachats and Newport over Manzanita? If so, which would you choose, or would you suggest splitting time? (I'm willing to do one switch in a week, but not more than that unless I *have* to, as there's just too much stuff traveling with kids.)
Thanks in advance!
May 28th, 2010, 10:12 AM
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We love the little town of Yachats, but Newport has an expansive beach, a world class aquarium, and loads of lodging and dining options.
If you stay in Newport, one day drive as far as the Sea Lion Caves just north of Florence. There are great ocean views, lighthouses, and other attractions on the route.
On another day, you could explore the coast north to Depoe Bay, where is there a whale watching center with activities for children.
If you stay in Newport, one day drive as far as the Sea Lion Caves just north of Florence. There are great ocean views, lighthouses, and other attractions on the route.
On another day, you could explore the coast north to Depoe Bay, where is there a whale watching center with activities for children.
May 28th, 2010, 01:14 PM
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@happytrailstoyou, we could drive to newport for the aquarium, etc., right? if we're mostly going to do the beach, would you recommend yachats? (my sense is that yachats is potentially similar to manzanita in size.) thanks for your response!
May 28th, 2010, 01:29 PM
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Since you've been to Manzanita, I would suggest you go somewhere else for different experiences. Yachats is really beautiful and small. I think it would make a great base for your trip. You won't be disappointed. I think the Yachats area of the coast is even more beautiful, if that is possible. Cape Perpetua is beautiful and the Sea Lion Caves are nearby. It must be around 35 miles or so from Newport, so you can easily go to Newport for a day trip. I've never been to the sand dunes south of Florence but hear they are great. Newport is a lot bigger - different feel.
May 28th, 2010, 04:49 PM
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If you stay in Yachats, you will have no need to move - plenty to do there and surrounding area.
Check out Heceta Head State Park (also known as Devils Elbow) - its my favorite- its a cove with trail up to lighthouse and beyond. Think its a great beach for kids- some caves to explore, rocks to climb on and a shallow stream comes down to the ocean and kids seem to love playing in it- see kids with floating devices who are having a ball - its very shallow, so no worries.
There are picnic tables, grills if you want to pack a picnic.
South of Florence is Honeyman State Park- also a fun playground for kids with big sand dunes to play on -
Some of my friends use Odyssey Vacation rentals in Yachats for home rentals in the area.
Check out Heceta Head State Park (also known as Devils Elbow) - its my favorite- its a cove with trail up to lighthouse and beyond. Think its a great beach for kids- some caves to explore, rocks to climb on and a shallow stream comes down to the ocean and kids seem to love playing in it- see kids with floating devices who are having a ball - its very shallow, so no worries.
There are picnic tables, grills if you want to pack a picnic.
South of Florence is Honeyman State Park- also a fun playground for kids with big sand dunes to play on -
Some of my friends use Odyssey Vacation rentals in Yachats for home rentals in the area.
May 28th, 2010, 06:32 PM
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We love Yachats, but we have never found a sandy beach to stroll there. I don't know where you would build sandcastles in Yachats. Perhaps somebody else will tell you.
You are right that Yachats and Manzanita are similar in size, but they differ in other ways.
When we stay in Manzanita we have a cozy small town feeling.
When we stay in Yachats we are at the Overleaf, which is a nice place set off on the ocean. There are a few homes nearby, but the feeling is not one of "town."
I am surprised at the lack of enthusiasm for Newport. It's a real town. It has a great beach--Nye. It has a colorful port. It has a wonderful aquarium. It has loads of restaurants. And room rates are usually a better value in Newport than at other towns we like.
Wherever you stay, I urge you to explore the stretch of coast from Florence to Depoe Bay--it is beautiful.
HTTY
You are right that Yachats and Manzanita are similar in size, but they differ in other ways.
When we stay in Manzanita we have a cozy small town feeling.
When we stay in Yachats we are at the Overleaf, which is a nice place set off on the ocean. There are a few homes nearby, but the feeling is not one of "town."
I am surprised at the lack of enthusiasm for Newport. It's a real town. It has a great beach--Nye. It has a colorful port. It has a wonderful aquarium. It has loads of restaurants. And room rates are usually a better value in Newport than at other towns we like.
Wherever you stay, I urge you to explore the stretch of coast from Florence to Depoe Bay--it is beautiful.
HTTY
May 28th, 2010, 08:41 PM
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Happytrails - It's true Yachats is a cuter town than Waldport, but Waldport has home rentals on the beach and is right between Yachats and Newport. The reason I stay there is it has a 6-7 mile beach to walk and at low tide you can walk all the way into town. At the municipal dock you can go crabbing right off the dock and have the crabs cooked for you at the little store there.
May 28th, 2010, 09:32 PM
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We stayed at the Oregon House in Yachats. It was several years ago. It was lovely, but it is true that you had to walk down a trail to get to the beach. Happytrails has a good point.
Newport is a nice place and has a good beach, with lots to do in the town. While it is busier than Yachats, it isn't overcrowded. It's all relative on the Oregon coast. Lincoln City is a place I would not choose to stay. It is too much like a strip mall. Newport has a lot more character.
Newport is a nice place and has a good beach, with lots to do in the town. While it is busier than Yachats, it isn't overcrowded. It's all relative on the Oregon coast. Lincoln City is a place I would not choose to stay. It is too much like a strip mall. Newport has a lot more character.
May 29th, 2010, 09:58 AM
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You guys are great! I'll look at Waldport (and Newport and Yachats, just b/c I'm that type 
. If we can walk to a beach, that's fine--it doesn't need to be out the door. I'm getting excited in general; central coast here we come!
Thanks again!
. If we can walk to a beach, that's fine--it doesn't need to be out the door. I'm getting excited in general; central coast here we come!Thanks again!
May 29th, 2010, 10:31 AM
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happytrails- there is a beach right outside the Overleaf isnt there? The asphalt trail ends and beach begins- as I recall.
If you drive into Old town Newport - you may see (and hear) sea lions who hang out on the docks - although sometimes mid summer- they leave - not sure where they disappear to.
I love Newport also- especially area around Nye Beach - there are some cute shops/restaurants. If you are into shopping Toujour has some nice womens clothes.
We ate at a very popular restaurant - under the bridge close to Aquarium- its a brewpub - can't think of the name but will look it up- make a reservation if you can because otherwise- lines out the door
If you drive into Old town Newport - you may see (and hear) sea lions who hang out on the docks - although sometimes mid summer- they leave - not sure where they disappear to.
I love Newport also- especially area around Nye Beach - there are some cute shops/restaurants. If you are into shopping Toujour has some nice womens clothes.
We ate at a very popular restaurant - under the bridge close to Aquarium- its a brewpub - can't think of the name but will look it up- make a reservation if you can because otherwise- lines out the door
May 29th, 2010, 11:22 AM
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@NWWanderer, if we were to stay at Yachats (probably not at the Overleaf, but who knows?), are there sandy beaches we could walk to?
I like the idea of being able to walk to some kind of town, even if we're not in it. I just read more about Walport and I think I'd probably lean more to Yachats or Newport (assuming I can find a decent beach for those sandcastles in either).
@sunbum1944--do you mean Rogue Ales Public House (it's in the one tour book I own)? I always like to get personal recs if they are available.
@Orcas--walking a trail to a beach...like 1/2 mile? That's do-able for us.
Thanks again!
I like the idea of being able to walk to some kind of town, even if we're not in it. I just read more about Walport and I think I'd probably lean more to Yachats or Newport (assuming I can find a decent beach for those sandcastles in either).
@sunbum1944--do you mean Rogue Ales Public House (it's in the one tour book I own)? I always like to get personal recs if they are available.
@Orcas--walking a trail to a beach...like 1/2 mile? That's do-able for us.
Thanks again!
May 29th, 2010, 11:58 AM
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It is the Rogue Ale Public House- sure is a popular spot!
There is another spot we thought was fun in Newport - I think its Mundos World Cafe - but need to check for sure on that one too.
I am pretty sure there is a sand beach just past the Overleaf - Yachats is nice for walking around- spent an afternoon not long ago just walking around town - the old log church is interesting and has an interesting museum and when we there were told about a botanical garden that had some nice trails but did not check it out.
I like Yachats much better than Waldport
Florence is nice too - nice "Old Town" area with shops restaurants - favorite restaurant there is Travellers Cove because they have a deck overlooking the river with a variety of foods that would appeal to kids or adults. Great on a sunny day.
There is another spot we thought was fun in Newport - I think its Mundos World Cafe - but need to check for sure on that one too.
I am pretty sure there is a sand beach just past the Overleaf - Yachats is nice for walking around- spent an afternoon not long ago just walking around town - the old log church is interesting and has an interesting museum and when we there were told about a botanical garden that had some nice trails but did not check it out.
I like Yachats much better than Waldport
Florence is nice too - nice "Old Town" area with shops restaurants - favorite restaurant there is Travellers Cove because they have a deck overlooking the river with a variety of foods that would appeal to kids or adults. Great on a sunny day.
May 29th, 2010, 05:30 PM
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I've only ever stayed at the Overleaf since I like it so much, so can't answer your question definatively, but I would imagine you could walk the 804 trail (that's the paved path) from other points in Yachats.
Actually come to think of it, I did stay at the Oregon House years ago before the Overleaf was built. I'm not sure the beach below the resort has public access if you're not staying there (I know Oregon's beaches are public, but is the access?).
Actually come to think of it, I did stay at the Oregon House years ago before the Overleaf was built. I'm not sure the beach below the resort has public access if you're not staying there (I know Oregon's beaches are public, but is the access?).
May 30th, 2010, 10:48 AM
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According to the Yachats Chamber of Commerce they have "area" beaches, including a sandy beach south of town and a "pebble" beach: http://www.yachats.org/tour.html
However, they don't show photos of the beaches. Hum.
HTTY
However, they don't show photos of the beaches. Hum.
HTTY
May 30th, 2010, 11:29 PM
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They mention basalt headlands. I think most of that area of the coast is basalt - rocky. The Oregon House has beach access, but it is a small sandy beach and, even if it might be publicly owned (don't know), it is, effectively, private.
You might want to go to bing maps or google earth and look at a satellite photo of the area to see if it meets your beach needs.
It is not like Manzanita, that's for sure. Newport has more of a beach on par with that - broad sweeping beaches.
You might want to go to bing maps or google earth and look at a satellite photo of the area to see if it meets your beach needs.
It is not like Manzanita, that's for sure. Newport has more of a beach on par with that - broad sweeping beaches.
Jun 1st, 2010, 01:37 PM
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HECK YA! We have a sandy beach! That's the surprise at the end of the 804 trail. Just follow it south and it drops you right off in to the sand. Just shows you that folks don't walk the trail long enough. The trail that has all the basalt lava is only about 1 mile long? Then you hit the sand and it's about 7 miles long.
