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.

Central Coast
Towns & Cities

map regions central

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.

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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 Rd
Newport, OR

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

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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

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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

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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 Southern...

100 NW A Street
Toledo, OR

(541) 336-5256

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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

Manna

MANNA is a working studio and retail shop, established by husband and wife duo, Zak & Whitney Shelhamer. Zak is a full-time filmmaker and photographer, while Whitney is an established fine jewelry designer and licensed apothecary artist. In 2016 they felt...

1297 Bay St.
Florence, OR
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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

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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

Tah•Lume

With home goods, jewelry, clothing and metaphysical items, Tah•Lume is not your typical gift shop. The store has an emphasis on small-batch and handmade items as well as fair trade and ethically sourced imports. Customers will find the opportunity to...

3229 SW Hwy 101
Lincoln City, OR

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

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Central Coast

Chinook Winds Casino Resort

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

1777 NW 44th St
Lincoln City, OR

541-996-5825
Email us (Heatherh[at]CWCResort[dot]com)

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Views of Oregon's
Central Coast

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Travel Guides

Taste Your Way Along the Central Coast Food Trail

With its picturesque lighthouses, adventure-inducing sand dunes and character-filled town, the Central Oregon Coast is a getaway unlike any other. Especially important to this region is its relationship with food. In fact, even the landscape tells the story of food’s...
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Travel Guides

COVID-Conscious Spring Break Ideas on Oregon’s Central Coast

March in Oregon brings spring break for students and teachers — the perfect opportunity to recover from Zoom fatigue and reconnect as a family. There’s arguably no better place in the state to relax and recharge than Oregon’s Central Coast.
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Travel Guides

10 Road-Trip Essentials Everyone Must Know

Whenever it’s safe to travel, the Oregon Coast’s 363 miles of public beaches will be here waiting for you. So will the sunrises and sunsets, the scenic trails and wildlife-filled estuaries. Before you make plans to travel, here are your...
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Travel Guides

Fall Wellness Weekend at the Coast

If you’ve ever felt like the ocean has healing powers, you’re not mistaken. The roar of the surf, blue horizon and heart-melting sunsets on the Oregon Coast are a balm for the soul, and sometimes a getaway is just what...
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Travel Guides

Guide to Paddling on the Coast

Whether it’s cruising through hidden coves in the ocean or paddling around a tranquil lake or estuary, you’ll get a chance to see wildlife and natural scenery that you just can’t find on land. Before you set out to navigate...
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Travel Guides

Where to Find Fresh Produce and Fish on the Oregon Coast

Editor’s note: Note that masks are required at farmers markets and in indoor public spaces in Oregon. Check business hours and protocols before visiting. As the warm season settles in at the Oregon Coast, balmy weather sets the scene for...
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Events on the Central Coast

January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021

Explore Lincoln City’s Finders Keepers Glass Floats

Lincoln City, OR
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September 3, 2021 - November 27, 2021

Time in two directions – 10 Year Anniversary Exhibition

7755 N Hwy 101
Gleneden Beach, OR
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