Road Trip to Yachats / Waldport

A stop by the Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Cobble Beach is the perfect place to learn a little about the Lighthouse’s historical past and do a little exploring. The lighthouse began operations in August of 1873, when Head Keeper Fayette Crosby climbed the 114 steps to light the wick of the oil burning fixed white light. At that time, the light was on display from sunrise to sunset. Today the lighthouse runs a fully automated Fresnel lens light on commercial power, and it flashes a unique pattern of 2 seconds on, 2 seconds off, 2 seconds on, 14 seconds off, 24 hours a day. The area around the lighthouse is just as interesting as the light inside – and it is a favored spot for natural wildlife. Situated on the migratory path for Gray Whales, visitors may spot them just offshore in early December and January on their travels South – or again in March and April as they return North toward the Bering Sea. Birdwatcher’s also have a lot to be excited about at Yaquina Head. One of the West Coast’s largest nesting colonies of common murre’s resides there along with Brandt’s and pelagic cormorants, western gulls, and bald eagles. Yaquina Head is also home to a mated pair of peregrine falcons, easily spotted most days in the cliffs above the Interpretive Center. For beachcombers, a stroll around the Cobble Beach Tidepools is a must. The beach is named for the dark, smooth rounded stones that cover it and it is an excellent place to explore tidepools. No matter where you explore near Yaquina Head, you will find staff and volunteers nearby to help you make the most of your visit. PLEASE NOTE: Summer 2020, parts of Yaquina Head recreational area are currently closed so check for their hours of availability.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium, located in Newport, Oregon, first opened its doors to visitors in 1992. This award-winning facility is the pride of the Central Coast and attracts regional, national, and international visitors to its world-class programs and exhibits. Showcasing marine mammals, seabirds, plants, fish, and invertebrates native to the Oregon coast, The Aquarium endeavors to share its well-informed view of the wealth of coastal resources and promote environmental awareness, conservation, and stewardship with visitors of all ages. Located on 39 picturesque acres overlooking Yaquina Bay and across from Newport, Oregon’s Historic Harbor, The Aquarium makes for an ideal way to spend part of your day when visiting Newport or nearby cities Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Waldport, and Yachats. The facility is considered one of the nation’s top aquariums, and has been recognized as such by the Travel Channel, USA Today, Coastal Living, Parents Magazine, Forbes Traveler and 10Best.com . Open by reservation this Summer, please check for hours of availability.

Another beautiful stop to make when traveling South on US Highway 101 is South Beach State Park. Sitting next to the Yaquina Bay Bridge, the park begins in south Newport and stretched for several miles down the Oregon Coast, offering many recreational opportunities for visitors. There is an equestrian trail for those wanting to explore on horseback (sunset views on horseback are extra special!) and the Jetty Trail is a beautiful place to go for a jog or take a bike ride. The park also offers a 9-hole disc golf course, horse shoe pits, a playground, and a camping area. When open, park’s Hospitality Center is a great place to get park maps and brochures, shop for souvenirs and check out free discs or horse shoes. Please note the park has limited facilities available this Summer and check online to see what is open before your visit.

Offering a wide array of salads, sandwiches, and soft drinks, Chubby’s is most famous for their burgers, with diners coming from neighboring towns on a regular basis to enjoy them. This popular food card is a family-friendly, budget-friendly, and delicious stop when visiting Waldport.

When coming into Waldport you will cross over the beautiful Alsea Bay Bridge. Learn more about this modern engineering marvel as well as many other Oregon Coast bridges when you stop by the Alsea Bay Bridge Interpretive Center. Pleased check for hours and availability and ask about crabbing and fishing demonstrations, too.

The Oregon Coast and excellent coffee is a perfect pairing and locals love the coffee at Green Salmon Coffee Company. Offering fair trade coffees, teas, and organic cocoas, Green Slamon serves their coffee out of their Yachats Café, which also has delicious food on offer. Many are partial to the bagels and lox, and all menu items are rumored to be delicious and locally inspired.

Find the absolute best of Oregon Coast produce, farm to table meat, fish and food and local crafts at Yachats Farmer’s market. Open on Sundays from Mid-May to the end of October, this local-favorite Sunday activity draws visitors and residents alike. Buy local and support local at the Yachats Farmer’s Market!

Did you know one of Oregon’s most-beloved craft breweries in in downtown Yachats? Here is, along with some of the best food in town! Yachats Brewery + Farm store features 30 taps, including 15-20 of award-winning beers as well as house-made probiotic beverages, including Kombucha, Jun, and Kefir soda. A locally sourced menu offers flavorful comfort-inspired food including salads, sandwiches, and picnic items to go…with the brisket sandwich being a local favorite, along with the garlic dill pickles!

If you like breath-taking views where you can see the ocean meet the sky for miles of endless shades of blue, you will love the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area (named after Saint Perpetua by Captain James Cook). Just south of Yachats, the most stunning views are from the Cape Perpetua Headland, towering 800 feet above the sea., making it the highest viewpoint accessible by car on the Oregon Coast. On a clear day, you can see 37 miles out to sea and along 70 miles of pristine coastland. The Scenic area has been preserved for its significant ecological characteristics, connected to its unique location where the spruce rainforest extends to the sea. Let your eyes fill with wonder at Cape Perpetua.