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

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)

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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

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

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)

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Safari Town Surf Guided Kayak Tours

Guided kayak tours of the beautiful Salmon River Estuary. Guests paddle out near the Salmon River mouth where the river meets the sea. Our kayak tours offer amazing views of Cascade Head, Three Rocks, God’s Thumb, and more! Kayak Tours...

3026 NE Hwy 101
Lincoln City, OR

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

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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Travel Stories

The Science of Sand

Next to majestic sea stacks and awe-inspiring surf, sand might not be the most obvious marvel of the Oregon Coast. Without those humble little granules, though, there would be no sandcastles, no writing your name on the beach and no sinking your toes into warm softness on a dune hike. Here’s a crash course on how sand comes and goes, who lives in this special habitat, and how we can help protect it.
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Travel Stories

Where to Eat Pizza on the Oregon Coast

After a day of playing on the beach with the family or hiking in lush coastal forests, sometimes a hot, cheesy pizza hits the spot. The Coast has a pie for a range of tastes, too, from kid-friendly classics to premium toppings on artisan pies. Whether you’re searching for a neighborhood joint or hoping to try innovative combos while enjoying a waterfront view, here are six spots to consider.
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Travel Stories

5 Winter Forest Walks on the Oregon Coast

There is something invigorating about a walk through a coastal Oregon forest at the start of the new year — swollen creeks and thundering falls; deep, mossy greens; towering, swaying trees. Underfoot could be banana slugs, newts and mushrooms; above, the occasional bald eagle or osprey sailing by. One can’t help but be energized and refreshed, ready to embark on another year with a new commitment to getting out amidst all the splendor this corner of the world has to offer.
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Travel Stories

Snuggle Up With a Great Book on the Coast

Short days and crisp weather create the perfect environment for cozying up with a good book, and the Oregon Coast is a great place to do it. We asked Charlie J. Stephens — owner of Port Orford’s Sea Wolf Books & Community Writing Center — for their recommendations of what and where to read on the Coast this winter. Here are some favorites to check out on your next coastal vacation.
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Travel Stories

Take a Road Trip on the Coast’s Electric Highway

An ever-expanding network of charging stations makes it easier than ever. With its postcard views, charming inns, and fantastic trails and tide pools, the Oregon Coast makes for a great emissions-free road-trip in an electric vehicle thanks to a robust...
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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
April 5, 2024 - April 11, 2024

Watercolor Society of Oregon’s Spring Experimental Exhibition

441 Hwy 101 N
Yachats, OR

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