The Oregon Coast is a haven for its quirky local businesses, specialty products, and a treasure trove of artists and makers. This makes for an incredible shopping scene where you can discover one-of-a-kind gifts such as a coastal-landscape painting or photo print, homemade crab dip or spirits produced with local ingredients. Often the items you’ll find for sale in each small coastal town can’t be found anywhere else — so don’t leave without perusing these shops for hidden gems.
South Coast
There are several art galleries along Fir Avenue in Reedsport — though don’t miss Ellie’s Chainsaw Carving Art Gallery on the south end of town. In Port Orford, you don’t have to leave the main street along Highway 101 to discover gift shops full of great finds. For the person on your list who has everything, check out the edible offerings like award-winning cheeses, jams, chocolates and wine at Bandon’s Face Rock Creamery, or the sudsy beverages at Gold Beach’s Arch Rock Brewing Co. For the thrill seeker in your life, consider gifting an experience on the Rogue River with a ride on Jerry’s Rogue Jets.
Central Coast
Yachats is home to a number of unique stores on its numbered downtown streets, including Styx, Stones, ’n Bones, which sells rocks, gems and fossils. Newport’s Historic Bayfront is a great area to stroll and find the perfect little something, including locally made candy, candles and toys — or head east to discover all the art Toledo has to offer. Depoe Bay is known for its whale watching, so consider gifting your loved ones a guided boat ride with a company like Tradewinds Charters to see the migrating gray whales. In downtown Florence, you’ll find art, antiques and knickknacks at Wind Drift Gallery and Artefacts. More artwork can be found along the Oregon Coast Public Art Trail.
North Coast
Laneda Avenue is the main street in Manzanita, and it is where you’ll find truly one-of-a-kind artwork and gifts. Stop into local shops Finnesterre or Unfurl for great finds. Wild Coast Goods in Nehalem stocks unique artisans’ work including photography, jewelry and handmade goods. Seaside is brimming with cute shops and stellar artisan treats, but it’s best to start your shopping on Broadway Street and venture out from there, as you’ll find stores like Heron’s Nest Gift Shop and Seaside Candyman. For the beer drinker in your life, give them something unique to try with a bottle of beer from Tillamook’s de Garde Brewing, which is made from natural fermentation. The old-town feel of Astoria comes through in its vintage shops and unique finds filled with sea lore. Find a cluster of good shopping on a pair of streets, Marine Drive and East Columbia River Highway, including Finn Ware and The Rusty Dahlia.
By Emily Gillespie