CENTRAL OREGON COAST 65 VISITTHEOREGONCOAST.COM CENTRAL COAST TOWNS LINCOLN CITY Stretching from the Salmon River to Siletz Bay, Lincoln City has 7 miles (11.3 km) of sandy beaches, and much of the area is located in the ecologically diverse UNESCO Cascade Head Biosphere Reserve. One popular beach-access point is Roads End State Recreation Site, where families enjoy building sandcastles and beachcombing. Find your own blown-glass fishing float on the beach, hidden throughout the year by Finders Keepers, or try blowing your own at the Lincoln City Glass Center. Chinook Winds Casino Resort, owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, is popular for gaming and live entertainment. DEPOE BAY Depoe Bay calls itself the “WhaleWatching Capital of the Oregon Coast,” and for good reason. As waves crash and spray on the rocks below the town sea wall, Rocky Coast gallery at the Oregon Coast Aquarium visitors gather to scan the horizon, hoping to glimpse gray whales. Venture down to the tiny harbor to embark on a charter fishing trip or a whale-watching excursion, or try clam chowder at a local brewpub. At the Oregon State Parks Whale Watching Center, rangers help you spy whale spouts with binoculars and offer marine education for all ages. The Whale, Sea Life & Shark Museum offers a fascinating collection of marine artifacts. NEWPORT Overlooking Yaquina Bay, Newport is Oregon’s largest commercial-fishing port. Its most recognizable symbol, the graceful Yaquina Bay Bridge, stretches 3,223 feet (982.4 m), with observation areas on each end. The historic Bayfront is where tourists rub elbows with fishers off-loading the day’s catch. Buy fresh albacore tuna, salmon and crab right off the boat at the docks. The Nye Beach district is home to art galleries and excellent restaurants. In South Beach, check out marine exhibits at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and the popular Oregon Coast Aquarium. And don’t miss the Yaquina Bay and Yaquina Head lighthouses, both erected in the 1870s. TOLEDO Travel 7 miles (11.3 km) up the Yaquina River from Newport to sunny Toledo, a former lumber town with an active arts community, antique shops and paddling spots. In the summer, Toledo Waterfront Market includes live music and vendors selling everything from furniture to ice cream — and look for restored railroad equipment on display. Kayakers and wildlife watchers flock to the 25-acre (10.1-ha) wetlands at Paddle Park. Soak in some culture at Yaquina River Museum of Art and multiple art galleries, or get an insider’s look at local artwork during monthly “First Weekends” open studios. JEREMY BURKE / OREGON COAST AQUARIUM
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==