The Oregon Coast: Waldport to Newport

The Oregon Coast is a breathtaking place. Three hundred and twenty miles of rocky bluffs, sand and sea. Each year I return, planting my feet on a twenty-five mile stretch running from Newport to Waldport.

I’ve been visiting this central portion of the Oregon Coast every August/September for nearly sixteen years. It’s where I get my fill of some of life’s best things; sand between my toes, delicious food in my belly, and lots of Mom love.

My Mom and Step-dad moved to Seal Rock, OR (population: 1,200) almost two decades ago. One extra long blink and you will miss this tiny town . . . and that would be a shame. Bookended by Newport to the north and Waldport to the south, this stretch of the Oregon Coast offers an abundance of little gems.

What To Do

Certainly, the ocean and beaches are the biggest draw to this area. Unlike the Southern California beaches though you wont find any bathing beauties here – unless you count these ladies.

So pack a warm hoodie and forget about good hair. This place offers a slower pace and an abundance of opportunities to explore and appreciate the wonders of nature.

Tide Pools

Seal Rock State Park offers some of the best tide pools on the Oregon Coast. Pools teeming with colorful sea creatures like starfish and anemones are fun to explore at any age. Make sure to wear some shoes with a grip as the rocks surrounding the tide pools are quite slick. Seals and sea lions can occasionally be spotted on the large rock formations and the beach itself is fantastic for a long walk. Beach access is directly across from the Seal Rocks RV Cove.

Crabbing

You really haven’t experienced the Oregon Coast until you’ve gone crabbing and the Alsea Bay area in Waldport is one of the best places to do that. You can crab from a boat or the dock and there are two businesses, Dock of the Bay and McKinley’s Marina, that will get you set with everything you need.

Tips: Take 10 minutes to read through this article from Oregon Fish and Wildlife. It’s the perfect, easy-read Crabbing 101 .

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Kite Flying

One of the best memories I’ve made on the Oregon Coast is flying a kite with the kids on Bayshore. Bayshore, a community just north of the Alsea Bridge, is a sandy peninsula jutting out where the Alsea River meets the Pacific Ocean. To say it is breezy here is an understatement but that makes it a perfect spot for flying a kite. The waving sea grass tells you when the wind is just right and you have miles of sandy beach to run.

Beach Hopping

There are so many fabulous little beaches along this stretch of the Oregon Coast. Driftwood Beach will give your calves a little work out with it’s mini dunes and sand drifts. A little bonus – if you happen to enjoy painting Kindness Rocks, Driftwood often has an abundance of perfectly smooth rocks.

Quail Beach is a peaceful spot where you can walk for miles, often alone. Whereas Quail Beach is small and quiet, Ona Beach, part of the Brian Booth State Park, is expansive. Complete with a large picnic area, access to Beaver Creek and level paved paths, this spot is perfect for a day at the beach. Bonus: Ona is also one of best spots for beachcombing and agates.

Glass Blowing

I’m not sure why glass blowing is so popular on the Oregon Coast but you truly have your pick of places to experience this fascinating art. Ocean Beaches Glass in Seal Rock is my favorite spot to watch glass blowing in action. You can catch a demonstration almost every afternoon – it’s truly amazing to watch. If you’re eager to get your own molten glass spinning, head to The Edge Art Gallery for a class (reservation required) . They are professional and patient while helping you make a blown glass piece you’re actually proud display. Both these shops also have gorgeous blown glass pieces for sale.

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Farmer’s Markets

I am a sucker for a good farmer’s market and there are two wonderful ones on this stretch of coastline. The Newport Farmer’s Market and the Yachats Farmer’s Market.

Both markets run May through October, 9 am – 1pm. You will find gorgeous fresh produce, wild mushrooms, fresh flowers, the most amazing baked goods and some truly wonderful arts and crafts.

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This year I meet Susan Jones (Newport Market), creator of the stunning “Magical Medusa” baskets. She adds a light kit to these organically beautiful jellyfish baskets and I can only imagine what interesting shadows it must cast. If I wasn’t extremely limited on my luggage this year, one of these beauties would have come home with me.

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Where to Eat

Of course, you can’t do all that running around without sustenance. While this area is somewhat limited on restaurants there are a few establishments that I absolutely love! The best thing about them, other than the obvious delicious factor, is they are all family run by some of the hardest working people I’ve had the pleasure to meet.

Indulge Sweets of Seal Rock

This little shop located right on Highway 101 is everything sweet and wonderful – including the owner, Mandy. My favorites are too many to list but there are a few Indulge Sweet treats you just can’t miss. The handmade dark chocolate caramels with sea salt are absolutely divine as are the Evil Brownies (they are evil because you try not to eat the entire thing – but you do). Her fresh caramel corn is my hands-down favorite – anywhere. Love here cranberry oatmeal cookies and the seasonal Pumpkin Spice Fudge. If you see one of Mandy’s homemade marshmallows covered in chocolate in the case – get it! Indulge Sweets ships anywhere in the US so keep this in mind for holidays – A box of fudge or caramels make great neighbor/teacher gifts.

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Seal Rock Espresso & Bakery

The convenience of this drive thru coffee & bakery shop is surely appreciated, especially on a misty-moisty morning. Seal Rock Espresso & Bakery serves excellent coffee and the pastries are tasty too. I love their danishes, bear claws and scones. They also have fabulous savory pastries including a gluten-free quiche! This is my go-to coffee spot on this stretch of the Oregon Coast. Word is – they’ve just opened a full-on bakery too soo I’m excited to see what’s in their tasty future.

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Hilltop Café & Bistro

Hilltop Café and Bistro is located just south of Waldport and is open everyday from 7am to 9pm. They use fresh, quality ingredients and their food is excellent. We often come here for breakfast and the staff (three sisters, a mom and dad) are so positive and personable. Occasionally we’ll head there for dinner as well and I can personally recommend the Beef Stroganoff, Crab Cakes or one of their thick juicy burgers. Food isn’t all Hilltop does well. They have great coffee and espresso drinks plus an excellent assortment of wines, draft beers and ciders. Hang out on a Friday or Saturday night for some live music. There really aren’t many establishments like Hilltop Café & Bistro on this stretch of the Oregon coast so make sure to add it to your ‘must go’ list.

Ove Northwest

If you are looking for something special, try Ove Northwest located in the Nye Beach area of Newport. Newport has a few excellent restaurants and Ove, sits among the top. The menu takes advantage of the incredibly fresh seafood available in Newport but Ove also offers plenty of other proteins and vegetarian options. Their skilled use of spices and unique ingredients makes Ove’s food innovative and truly excellent. You can’t go wrong with the gorgeous scallop dish and they offer a thoughtful variety of wines. Make sure you leave room for a little dessert – the Chocolate Espresso Pot de Crème is fabulous!

Grand Central Pizza

Absolutely the best pizza for miles – hundreds of miles. Grand Central Pizza is yet another excellent family-run restaurant. Located in Waldport, they have fantastic pizza and the most amazing garlic rolls (will definitely keep the vampires away!) This is our Sunday dinner whenever we are in town.

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There are certainly an abundance of things to do, see and taste along the 320 mile stretch known as the Oregon Coast. From gorgeous bridges, light houses, a world class aquarium and the world’s largest cheese factory (Tillamook), you certainly will not be bored. Once you’re done with the heavily advertised options, do yourself a favor and take the time to enjoy the 25 mile stretch between Waldport and Newport. Everything here works on it’s own time. It is not rushed or pretentious. Take a deep breath and embrace a slower rhythm. Whether you’re looking for a little outdoor exercise, a new hobby or an hour of peace and solitude, there’s a little something for everyone in this slice of coastal heaven.

Until next time, happy crafting and happy travels.

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