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

Map

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 Rd
Newport, OR

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

Map

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)

Map

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)

Map

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

Map

Central Coast

Yaquina Pacific Railroad Historical Society

Learn about Toledo’s local railroad history at the Yaquina Pacific Railroad Historical Society, which hosts a collection of railroad artifacts, locomotives and antique rail cars. You can explore the town’s rail past through these displays, including a visit inside the...

100 NW A Street
Toledo, OR

541-336-5256
Email us (yprhs[at]peak[dot]org)

Map

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)

Map

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)

Map

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)

Map

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)

Map

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)

Map

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)

Map

Central Coast

Chinook Winds Casino Resort

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

1777 NW 44th Street
Lincoln City, OR

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

Travel Stories

Discover the Oregon Coast’s Public Art Trail

A road trip for art lovers reveals maritime culture in sculptures, murals and more. In Lincoln City, a creature has been born. Named “Poppy,” this 24-foot-high stainless steel outdoor sculpture with antennae and four feet greets visitors on Highway 101...
Read More

Travel Stories

Give Back to the Coast

Leave Oregon even better than you found it by volunteering on your visit. In 1967 Gov. Tom McCall helped to establish Oregon’s Beach Bill, ensuring public access to all 363 miles of the state’s coastline and beaches. This year, honor...
Read More

Travel Stories

Crab: It’s What you Catch for Dinner

Winter is a prime time to explore the Coast looking for tasty Dungeness. The Coast in winter offers a tremendous display of salty, natural beauty, but beneath the waves and bluster thrives a world filled with delicious Dungeness crabs. To...
Read More

Travel Stories

Resolve to Be Kind to the Coast in 2023

Celebrate the new year by showing the Oregon Coast a little love. We all love the Oregon Coast — from rugged rock formations and windswept dunes to wildlife in towering forests — and it’s easy to resolve to protect it...
Read More

Travel Stories

Light Up the Oregon Coast

Festive displays and events make the holidays even happier. Holidays are merry and bright along the Oregon Coast as local communities get into the spirit by lighting up their favorite places in all kinds of creative ways. The docks are...
Read More

Travel Stories

Fall Surfing on Oregon’s Central and South Coasts

Get stoked about great waves, few people and fish tacos. Imagine you arrive at the beach, surfboard waxed and ready to go, and it’s nothing but sweet little peelers with nobody on them. Head south along Oregon’s Highway 101 and...
Read More

Events on the Central Coast

January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023

Explore Lincoln City’s Finders Keepers Glass Floats

Lincoln City, OR
March 28, 2023 - April 2, 2023

Spring Oregon Whale Watch Week

Depoe Bay, OR

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.