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.

Travel Stories

The Coast’s Quiet Season

Winter is a time for slowing down and cozying up, and few places are better suited for doing just that than the Oregon Coast. While many visitors come to the Coast for outdoor activities like storm-watching and spotting whales, it’s good to keep in mind that winter brings a host of indoor delights, too, designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. Here’s how to make the most of the quiet season on the Coast.
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Travel Stories

What’s New at Oregon’s State Parks

Oregon state parks cover our beautiful coastline, with day-use areas and well-appointed campgrounds residing in forests of fir and Sitka spruce, in view of dramatic sea stacks just offshore and atop wide-open bluffs that offer idyllic opportunities for whale-watching.
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Travel Stories

What’s New with Winter Waters

Winter on the Oregon Coast brings its own kind of magic — silvery skies, roaring surf and the annual return of Winter Waters, a monthlong celebration of sea vegetables and the region’s sustainably sourced seafood. Each February, this coastal culinary festival washes ashore with chef collaborations, community dinners and dynamic experiences that spotlight the people and places behind our seafood.
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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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Events on the Central Coast

January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026

Lincoln City’s Finders Keepers Glass Floats 2026

Lincoln City, OR
January 17, 2026

Beachcombing Explorience

SW 33rd Street
Lincoln City, OR

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