Oregon’s Central Coast offers rugged Pacific Northwest scenery, from soaring headlands to pristine crescent beaches. You’ll also find the quintessential seaside attractions that resonate both with kids and playful adults. You can rent bikes, learn to surf, book whale-watching and charter-fishing cruises, and ramble along breezy oceanfront trails. Casual restaurants specializing in everything from hearty pancake breakfasts to local albacore and razor clam dinners proliferate in the region’s main towns. Here’s how to start.
Getting There
From Portland, the quickest way to Lincoln City is by Caravan Shuttle bus — the ride along Oregon 99W and 18 to U.S. 101 takes about two and a half hours. Alternatively, NW Connector serves Portland to Lincoln City via Tillamook (where you change buses); the trip takes about four hours. Although Caravan Shuttle is faster, the fare is also more than double that of Tillamook County Transit.
Once you’re in Lincoln City, Tillamook County Transit makes the 30-minute trip north to Pacific City. Lincoln County Transit makes the 40-minute excursion south to Depoe Bay and the additional 30-minute trip farther south to Newport.
Pacific City
This quiet hamlet — with a population of just over 1,000 lies — in the shadows of a 240-foot sand dune. Visitors are drawn to the town’s secluded vibe and magical setting at the southern tip of Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area.
Arrive in the early afternoon and spend a few hours exploring the beach, climbing the dune and admiring surfers. You can even book a surfing lesson with Moment Surf Co., and if you’re already a pro, Moment Surf also offers surfboard, bodyboard, SUP and more rentals. And if you’re here in mid-September, catch some incredible surfing action during the Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic. As the sun slowly fades over the horizon, grab a seat at Pelican Brewing Company, which serves award-winning craft ales such as Kiwanda Pre-Prohibition Cream Ale and Tsunami Export Stout.
Depoe Bay
Synonymous with whale watching, this tiny village set along a rugged stretch of ocean has its very own Whale Watching Center, one of the best spots on this stretch of coastline for spotting these gentle giants. Drop in to talk with the knowledgeable rangers, watch a film and explore interactive exhibits about these magnificent creatures. You can also book a whale-watching excursion with a few different charter companies in town. You can spot whales year-round, but the prime times to go are late March and late December/early January for the biannual migration of gray whales, when nearly 20,000 whales swim along the Oregon Coast.
Lincoln City
Made up of five smaller communities set along a bustling stretch of the famed Oregon Coast Highway (U.S. 101), Lincoln City lays claim to the largest variety of hotels, restaurants and travel services on the 363-mile Oregon Coast. The town does extend for several miles, but it’s easy to get around by using the Lincoln City Loop Bus. There’s good fun to be had here year-round, whether you make it to one of the three well-attended kite-flying festivals, head out for a retail romp among the 50 shops at Lincoln City Outlets, or enjoy gaming and a concert at Chinook Winds Casino Resort. For arts-and-crafts fans, there are several exceptional galleries in town, and from mid-October through Labor Day, during an annual event called Finders Keepers, approximately 3,000 colorful blown-glass floats are hidden along beaches in town.
There’s no lack of great food in town. Fresh breakfast and lunch favorites at Otis Cafe, woodfired pizza at Hearth & Table and plenty of options at The Pines Dune — a food cart hall in Taft Beach — are among Lincoln City’s top spots.
Newport
Newport is just 25 miles down the Coast from Lincoln City. Oregon’s largest and liveliest commercial fishing port, the storied city filled with seafaring lore has two walkable neighborhoods and a slew of engaging diversions easily reached via the Newport City Loop Bus. If you have time, consider budgeting an overnight stay to take full advantage of the town’s many offerings.
Stroll along the colorful and historic bayfront its old-school souvenir shops and amusements like Ripley’s Believe It or Not! World of Adventure. When you’ve worked up an appetite, be sure to request an outdoor table at Local Ocean Seafoods to sample some of the freshest and most innovatively prepared fish and shellfish around while listening to the barking of spirited harbor seals who reside in the picturesque bay.
Set along Newport’s oceanfront, Nye Beach abounds with funky eateries and cool little shops — there’s even a boutique literary-themed 1912 lodging, Hotel Sylvia, newly remodeled in 2025 with the same historic charm and space to disconnect from technology. Find local artful decor, easy access to the beach, oceanview rooms, a breakfast cafe, fireside lobby lounge, attic library, oceanfront deck with fire pit and two public sun porches. If you want to pedal a fat-tire bike on the sand, you can pop into Bike Newport for rentals and tours. Across the striking art deco Yaquina Bay Bridge, you’ll find several other worthy draws, including the famed Oregon Coast Aquarium, live action entertainment games at Escape Rooms Newport, the sugary sands of South Beach State Park and the flagship location of acclaimed Rogue Ales & Spirits.
If You Go
Check ahead — The Oregon Coast is a year-round destination, but many believe it’s best experienced during fall, winter and spring when crowds thin. Even so, some coastal businesses operate limited hours during off-peak months, so be sure to call ahead before setting out.
Cab services — Tired of walking? Your car-sharing apps may not work here on the Coast, though you can hail a number of reliable cab companies that service the area, including Taxi 101.
Bike travel — Want to bring your bike along with you? All busses on the NW Connector route are equipped with bike racks, so you can load it when you board and alert the driver that you’ll remove your bike at your chosen stop. In Lincoln City, Safari Town Surf Shop offers hourly and day bike rentals. Bike Newport is an excellent bike shop for cyclists on the Central Coast, and the also offer various rentals.
Leave no trace — No matter where your car-free travels take you, be sure to brush up on these top tips for visiting the Coast. Stay on designated trails, leave what you find where it’s at, respect wildlife and be considerate of locals.
Eat well — For more tasty inspiration along this stretch of coastline, check out the Central Coast Food Trail — your guide to everything from farm and seafood stands to restaurants, brewpubs, distilleries, wineries and more.
