With its backdrop of forest and commanding sea wall churned by waves, Depoe Bay is a spectacular place to spend your coastal holiday. Known as the Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast and the home of the World’s Smallest Harbor, this small tourist-oriented town gives you access to a pod of resident gray whales via the Whale Watching Center, observations points in or around the area or charter boats that take you out onto the ocean. Charming and romantic in every weather, Depoe Bay has a boat harbor you can view from a staircase under the highway bridge; seeing boats cruise the narrow channel to ride the surf out to sea is unforgettable. The Whale, Sea Life and Shark Museum will orient you to the many animals and birds that make their home here, and its marine biologists will take you on a zodiac ride to meet sea lions and whales up close. You’re a short drive to the bustling fishing port of Newport, home of NOAA, the Hatfield Marine Science Center and the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and even closer to Lincoln City with its shopping, dining and tourism. But you might decide to stay put in Depoe Bay, chartering a fishing trip, exploring the shops and restaurants, or just relaxing in your home and enjoying the sunset. View All Depoe Bay Vacation Rentals