The Central Coast

A few times each winter, when conditions are right, the Oregon Coast takes a proverbial bath. Bays fill to the brim, incoming tides submerge whole stretches of coastline and rivers rise to their banks, occasionally flooding nearby forests.

Winter is a magical time on the Oregon Coast. It’s when local boutiques get into the holiday spirit, king tides show off Mother Nature’s flair for the dramatic and winter storms roll in before giving way to dramatic sunsets.

Winter on the Oregon Coast creates the perfect setting for holiday cheer, bedecked in twinkling light displays that turn coastal towns into colorful wonderlands. Cities along the shoreline put on spectacular festivals and glowing events that let their quirkier sides shine through. Dress warmly, bring the whole family and experience the holiday season come to life after sunset with these fantastic light displays on the Oregon Coast.

As summer winds down and travelers turn their attention to back-to-school routines, RV enthusiasts can enjoy a quieter escape to the Oregon Coast during the shoulder season. Days can remain pleasantly warm in autumn, making them perfect for exploring scenic beaches and coastal towns. Check out these attractions near affordable and highly rated RV parks that welcome visitors far beyond summer, all along the 363 miles of the Coast.

Built around the idea of “Oregon-landed” seafood — catch delivered to an Oregon port — the Oregon Coast Seafood Trail stretches from Astoria to Gold Beach, connecting visitors with vetted seafood markets, dockside retailers, fish shacks and restaurants committed to serving local seafood. Along the way, it introduces the fishing families and coastal communities that make it all possible.

The Oregon Coast sits along the Pacific Flyway — a major north-south migratory route. A diverse mix of birds can be found in mixed-conifer forests, around coastal lakes and on remote rock formations. Many of those habitats are protected via national wildlife refuges — including the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, which stretches the length of the Coast. This special area comprises more than 1,800 rocky headlands, reefs and islands, and serves as an important breeding ground for migrating seabirds.