The Central Coast

Lighthouses, coastal towns, and roads that hug the ocean. From the beach community of Lincoln City to the adventure-seeker’s dream at Florence, the Central Coast is defined by its relationship with the sea. This is the heart of the Oregon Coast.

Photo: Joey Hamilton

Lighthouses, coastal towns, and roads that hug the ocean. From the beach community of Lincoln City to the adventure-seeker’s dream at Florence, the Central Coast is defined by its relationship with the sea. This is the heart of the Oregon Coast.

On the Central Coast, it’s all about the ocean. Whether it’s surfing, fishing, or winter storm watching from a warm cabin with an ocean view, the Pacific is the main event. All roads seem to lead back to the ocean.

The towns of the Central Coast are immensely memorable, with one-of-a-kind attractions that are right at home near the water. Discover fascinating museums and aquariums, locally-owned shops with unique merchandise, historic boardwalks and harbors, and landmark restaurants known for their coastal cuisine. There’s fresh fish and crab to be caught, meals to eat with friends, beaches and trails to explore, and peaceful waterways to navigate. Enjoy.

Featured Spots

Travel Stories

Holiday Gifts With a Coastal Vibe

With the holidays just around the corner, now is the time to start shopping for gifts, and who doesn’t appreciate a thoughtful gift from the Oregon Coast? From tasty treats that will bring back memories of a day by the sea to beautiful artwork created by local artists, here are some ideas for sharing your love for the Coast with loved ones.
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Travel Stories

The Geology of the Oregon Coast

Everyone loves a sandy beach, but for sheer visual drama, nothing beats the majesty of rugged, rocky cliffs disappearing into frothy surf. You don’t have to look far to find beautiful rock formations on the Oregon Coast. How they got there is a very, very old story. Here’s what to know about the geologic history of some of today’s most iconic coastal views.
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Travel Stories

Coastal Teacher Helps Keep Local Seafood Traditions Alive

Patrick Clarke first discovered the power of food as a cook in the U.S. Army. Soon after joining the service, he was deployed abroad, and while cooking for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, he began to notice how food encouraged conversation, fostered community and brought comfort.
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Travel Stories

6 Great Multigenerational Hikes

While Oregon certainly has its fair share of challenging wilderness trails that experienced hikers love, there are plenty of walking routes where you can enjoy the great outdoors, no matter your age or ability. You just need to head to the Oregon Coast, where you’ll find plenty of relatively short, flat and — in many cases — paved trails that are perfect for multigenerational outings.
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Travel Stories

Great New Lodging Along the Oregon Coast

With windswept shorelines, lighthouses keeping watch and coastal towns built for wandering, a great place to stay makes a trip to the Oregon Coast that much better. From revived hotels with refreshed rooms to cozy cabins built for slow mornings and ocean views, there’s a place for every budget — and don’t forget camping options. These new or revitalized lodgings bring the coast to your doorstep.
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Travel Stories

Accessible Travel on the Central Oregon Coast

From adaptive beach wheelchairs and paved trails to sensory-friendly exhibits and playgrounds, the Central Oregon Coast is working to make travel and recreation more inclusive. With thoughtful accommodations like sand-friendly mobility devices and color enhancing glasses, these locations are designed...
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Events on the Central Coast

January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025

Lincoln City’s Finders Keepers Glass Floats 2025

Lincoln City, OR
November 8, 2025

Bird Watching Explorience

2341 N. Three Rocks Road
Otis, OR

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