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

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Central Coast

Salmon River Wooden Kayak Company

Salmon River Wooden Kayak Company provides guided kayak tours for small groups on the Salmon River estuary in Otis, Oregon. The rental inventory consists of hand made in the USA wooden kayaks for which are 15 ft and 17 ft...

2015 N Three Rocks Rd
Otis, OR

(541) 921-7127
Email us (bob[at]srkayak[dot]com)

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Central Coast

Chinook Winds Casino Resort

Ocean-view suites, restaurant and lounge, pool, live entertainment, childcare and arcade.

1777 NW 44th Street
Lincoln City, OR

888-244-6665
Email us (Heatherh[at]CWCResort[dot]com)

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Central Coast

Lincoln City Cultural Center

At the Lincoln City Cultural Center, they believe art is necessary for living well. Whether it’s experiencing live entertainment or expressing your creativity, Lincoln City Cultural Center is a community hub of artistic expression that can enrich your life. From...

540 NE Hwy 101
Lincoln City, OR

541-994-9994
Email us (lincolncityarts[at]gmail[dot]com)

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Central Coast

Tah•Lume

Carefully curated, TAH·LUME is where you look to find one-of-a-kind and handcrafted items. They offer individually chosen products, pulled from small-batch makers, local artisans, and fellow lovers of the world’s curiosities. Their love for the natural world is evident in...

3229 SW Hwy 101
Lincoln City, OR

541-614-0890
Email us (contact[at]tahlume[dot]com)

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Central Coast

Safari Town Surf Shop

Safari Town Surf Shop is a family owned and operated surf shop established in 1989, on the central Oregon coast in Lincoln City. Offerings include surfboards, wetsuits, bodyboards, skim boards, kayaks, bike rentals, skateboards, clothing, and more. Safari Town also...

3026 NE Hwy 101
Lincoln City, OR

541-996-6335
Email us (safaritown[at]gmail[dot]com)

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Central Coast

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

Jutting into the Pacific Ocean, this harsh, unforgiving environment hosts many forms of life. Harbor seals and whales are visible offshore year-round. In spring and summer, thousands of seabirds flock to the near-shore islands to breed and raise their young....

750 NW Lighthouse Dr.
Newport, OR

541-574-3100
Email us (blm_or_no_yhona_comments[at]blm[dot]gov)

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Central Coast

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Take a deep dive into marine science at one of the nation’s top aquariums. An icon of Newport, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is a public aquatic and marine science exhibition facility offering educational programs. Exhibits showcase seabirds, marine mammals, fishes,...

2820 SE Ferry Slip Road
Newport, OR

541-867-3474
Email us (info[at]aquarium[dot]org)

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Central Coast

Heceta Head Lighthouse

There are few more dramatic vistas along the Oregon Coast than Heceta Head, a 200-foot bluff that juts out into the sea and is crowned with a 56-foot-tall lighthouse that has steered ships from danger since 1894.  The view is...

Summer Street
Florence, OR

(541)547-3416

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Central Coast

White Wolf Sanctuary

Founded in 1999, White Wolf Sanctuary’s mission is to preserve and protect wolves, promote the recovery of wolf populations where appropriate and encourage conservation through education of all wildlife and the role it plays in the natural world. White Wolf Sanctuary is...

10095 E Alsea Hwy
Tidewater, OR

541-528-3588
Email us (whitewolfsanctuary[at]gmail[dot]com)

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Central Coast

Florence Events Center

A full-service convention and performing arts facility on the central Oregon coast capable of hosting groups up to 500. There is a 457-seat proscenium theater for general sessions and fine art performances such as concerts, plays, ballet and opera.

715 Quince St
Florence, OR

(541) 997-1994
Email us (lis[at]eventcenter[dot]org)

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Central Coast

Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1948, the Newport Chamber is a non-profit organization of more than 500 local businesses, organizations, and individuals. Their mission is to unite the efforts of the citizens in promoting the civic, commercial, agricultural, tourism, marine and industrial welfare...

555 SW Coast Hwy.
Newport, OR

541-265-8801
Email us (info[at]newportchamber[dot]org)

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Central Coast

Sea Lion Caves

America’s largest sea cave, Sea Lion Caves is a privately owned wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary that is the year-round home of the Steller sea lion. Sea Lion Caves is not a zoo, so the protected marine animals come and...

91560 Hwy 101
Florence, OR

(541)547-3111
Email us (info[at]sealioncaves[dot]com)

Travel Stories

The Coast’s Freshest Seafood

From Garibaldi to Brookings, many historic fishing ports on the Oregon Coast still serve visitors with family-run seafood markets. In some spots you can even walk the docks, mingle with resident fishing families and buy direct from working boats. Here are some can’t-miss spots to buy the freshest seafood Oregon offers.
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Travel Stories

Accessible Adventures on the Oregon Coast

In 1967 Oregon Governor Tom McCall passed landmark legislation making the entire 363-mile Oregon Coast public, earning it the nickname “The People’s Coast.” In recent years, accessibility improvements have brought it even closer to that vision for adventurers of all abilities. Here’s what to know about how to take advantage of new developments at many destinations when planning a trip to the Oregon Coast.
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Travel Stories

Pitch Your Tent at These Quiet Coastal Campgrounds

The Oregon Coast draws visitors from around the world all year long — but never more than in summer, when sunny beach days give way to cool nights around the campfire. For many, there’s no better way to experience the region’s natural beauty than with a night under the stars. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite under-the-radar campgrounds, each beloved for their relaxed vibes and easygoing atmosphere, to inspire your summer adventures.
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Travel Stories

Great Mountain Biking on the Oregon Coast

Imagine carving a graceful turn as the smell of salt air fills your nostrils. Or dropping in to a perfect break with no one in sight. No, we’re not talking surfing here — this is mountain biking on the Oregon Coast. Over the past decade, new trail systems have been popping up along the Coast and might just be the state’s best-kept secret for mountain biking enthusiasts.
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Travel Stories

Beer Lover’s Guide to the Oregon Coast

From Astoria to Brookings, dozens of coastal breweries are producing everything from a crisp lager that took gold at the country’s most prestigious competition to spontaneously fermented ales to a fig-infused stout. Here are nine beermakers that are worth a stop.
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Travel Stories

Fun Family-Friendly Stays on the Oregon Coast

If you’re planning a family getaway on the Oregon Coast this spring, these unique stays will extend your adventures beyond the surf. Cozy up together close to nature in a cabin or yurt, stay in a cluster of tiny homes or explore a reimagined vintage motel. We’ve rounded up a list of memorable digs sure to satisfy every budget and taste.
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Events on the Central Coast

January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024

Explore Lincoln City’s Finders Keepers Glass Floats 2024

Lincoln City, OR
August 3, 2024 - August 4, 2024

Ride the Dirt Wave: Big Creek

2510 NE Big Creek Road
Newport, OR

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