My wife and I will be travelling from Seattle to the Three Capes area for the first time over the Christmas/New Year week. Where is a good place to stay for a couple of nights that is close to the area and dining? Any help is much appreciated.

BTT

The Three Capes area is fairly remote, so there aren't a lot of options for lodging and/or dining. Other than camping, I've never overnighted in the area. Both Oceanside and Pacific City (north and south ends of the loop, respectively) are small, welcoming towns with beautiful ocean views. I would lean towards Oceanside for the scenery factor, but maybe towards Pacific City for proximity to lodging and dining options (20 miles from Lincoln City).

If you google Three Capes Loop Oregon, you'll find that NWSource: Travel & Outdoors recommends the Inn at Cape Kiwanda as the best lodging in the loop. Looks pretty nice to me. http://www.innatcapekiwanda.com/

I just drove this a few weeks ago for the first time. This area is pretty but there are very few actual towns - most are the 'don't blink or you'll miss it' variety. I recommend Neskowin - lots of little rental houses that looked very cute when we drove through. Though I don't know if there is any dining in the area.

This drive will only take about a full day (or less).... are you planning something else or just relaxing?

Sara

We had a very nice lunch at Pirate's Cove in Pacific City. Great clam chowder and seafood and beautiful views from the dining area.

If you go to Nehalem, don't miss the Nehalem River Inn for dinner. It's wonderful! ***kim***

When we visited the Cape Meares Lighthouse, volunteers working there recommended Roseanna's in Oceanside where we had a delicious lunch seated at a table with an ocean view.

We drove down the coast last month and had a great dinner at the Blackfish Cafe in Lincoln City, and great Kobe hamburgers for lunch at the Rogue Ale Brewery in Newport. Stay at the Lighthouse Inn in Crescent City, CA if you get that far south.

Do you have AAA? Check out their listings. Most of the motels along the coast are mom-and-pops and vary a lot in quality.