April is here, and that means spring roadtrip season. After the cold of winter, we suggest going coastal for some sand, surf and sunshine. Head to Gearhart (pop. 1,462), a little town tucked away between Seaside and Astoria. This quaint and quiet beach town makes the perfect spring getaway.

Hit the green: Check out Gearhart Golf Links, the oldest golf course in Oregon (and arguably in the U.S.), which celebrates its 120th birthday this year. First opened in 1892 with three holes, this beautiful 18-hole public course is spring ripe for your tee-off.

Reach the beach: If you like a challenge, try digging for razor clams. With a little luck (and handy tips (pdf) )from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife) the rewards can be tasty. About 95 percent of the state’s razor clams are located on nearby beaches.

Flight watch: April is a great time for bird watching at the Gearhart Necanicum Estuary as feathered spring migrators pass through. Look for shorebirds like the Western sandpiper, whimbrel, semi-palmated plover, dunlin and long-billed curlew.

Sleep in history: The McMenamins Gearhart Hotel will open in May in the historic Kelly House (also home to McMenamins Sand Trap Pub) with 18 guest rooms on the third floor of the Cape Cod-style building.

Get to Gearhart!