Where to go on the Oregon Coast?

[desert parrot]

I am dropping the youngest off at college in Portland, Oregon at the end of the month. My wife and I are going to do a slow drive down the Oregon Coast to try and get used to the empty nest syndrome...

Any suggestions of good beaches, bars, boats and hotels along the Oregon and Northern California coast that we should not miss on our way to wine country and San Francisco?

[The Lost Manatee]

I've always been partial to Newport and the area right around it. The best hotel as I recall is the Shilo Inn. It's not a five star property but it's nice enough and has a great location right on the ocean. I don't have any suggestions for eats but the scenary is great. Also don't forget that there are a number of small wineries between the Willamet Valley and the coast.

Tillamook is great for cheese and is located on the northern end of the Oregon Coast. I don't recall much of anything in terms of dining or lodging.

Further south is Coos Bay. It's got great black sandy beaches with tiny flecks of gold in it. There are a number of B&Bs in the area and the Red Lion hotel. I haven't stayed at any of them since I always stay with relatives in the area. Your not far from the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area which is a wonderful place to explore the coastal dunes (big surprise).

Give yourself LOTS of time to drive down the coast, it's hard to average much over 30 mph because of traffic, small towns and lots to stop and see.

Have a fun trip.

[desert parrot]

Thanks.

Now that the last son has left the next, time is ours once again. We're looking forward to the change and a long, slow trip back to the arizona desert is the plan...Portland to San Francisco along the Oregon and Norcal coast highway. Plan is a couple of nights in SF, a Giants game and then few days in Carmel...heading south via Big Sur to LA and then back home to the madness....gotta feed the beast!

Thanks again for the info.

Any other suggestions are welcome...especially winerys!!!

[island_hopper]

hello! I'm from SW OR.....but I heard about a great place in Lincoln city called Pier 101. A freind of mine told me that they play non-stop Buffett and it's a great place to hang out. If you like to camp you should check out Cape Blanco St park where it is a regular campground or there are little cabins you can rent for $30 a night. It's a great place and there are resident whales in that area so pretty much any time you go there you are guarenteed a whale sighting. (Gray whales). PM me for some more info RE: awesome places to stay..........

[Godsowndrunk]

Pier 101 in lincoln city, the bar is all Buffett all the time....no other music is played...its right on the beach and you will love it....enjoy

d

[MA_Buffett_Fan23]

I've always been partial to Newport and the area right around it. The best hotel as I recall is the Shilo Inn. It's not a five star property but it's nice enough and has a great location right on the ocean. I don't have any suggestions for eats but the scenary is great. Also don't forget that there are a number of small wineries between the Willamet Valley and the coast.

Tillamook is great for cheese and is located on the northern end of the Oregon Coast. I don't recall much of anything in terms of dining or lodging.

Further south is Coos Bay. It's got great black sandy beaches with tiny flecks of gold in it. There are a number of B&Bs in the area and the Red Lion hotel. I haven't stayed at any of them since I always stay with relatives in the area. Your not far from the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area which is a wonderful place to explore the coastal dunes (big surprise).

Give yourself LOTS of time to drive down the coast, it's hard to average much over 30 mph because of traffic, small towns and lots to stop and see.

Have a fun trip.

I was born in Coos Bay!! Don't remember any of it since I was 3 when we moved... One day I'll go and check it out...

[NorCal]

Thanks.

Now that the last son has left the next, time is ours once again. We're looking forward to the change and a long, slow trip back to the arizona desert is the plan...Portland to San Francisco along the Oregon and Norcal coast highway. Plan is a couple of nights in SF, a Giants game and then few days in Carmel...heading south via Big Sur to LA and then back home to the madness....gotta feed the beast!

Thanks again for the info.

Any other suggestions are welcome...especially winerys!!!

Try visiting the town of Yachats on the central coast of Oregon. They have places you can rent right off the beach....very relaxing. On the northern coast of Oregon a cool artist town is Cannon Beach. In Northern Cal check out the town of Gualala.

When you make it down to the SF area, I would recommend visiting the town of Sonoma for you wine tasting needs. My favorites are Ravenswood, Sebastinanis, and Valley of the Moon Winerys.

I could go on for days on driving the NorCal/Oregon Coast but it sounds like you have some good suggestions already from other BN'ers.

When your ready to see that Giants game PM me, I may be able to hook you up with some good tickets (season ticket holder).

Have fun!!!

[desert parrot]

Thanks NorCal.

We are pretty familar with NorCal wine country...especially some of the back road wineries up around the Russian River. And, thanks for the Giants tix offer. I already have tickets via some friends inside the organization.

Things are a bit stressful with the last keet leaving the nest so a nice relaxing trip down the coast is just what this tuition paying Dad and Mom could use!!

[hikingontuesday]

Hey!

I am in Scottsdale, but will be moving "home" to Oregon in September. So glad to hear about Pier 101!! Although I love the Desert... I am looking forward to seeing green outside of the golf courses again.

There is a great little bar in Cannon Beach called Schooner Bay. It is upstairs off the street but has a great little feel. It is south nearest Haystack Rock -- which you must see on the coast.

There is also a great little place (I'll have to find the town) called The Sea Hag. There's an older woman named Gracie who plays the "bottles" of alcohol behind the bar with Xylophone sticks (what are those called anyway??). The place is stuck in 1971 with a fake gas fire pit in the middle and everything. It may be in Lincoln City or Depot Bay -- but definately north of Florence. Be sure to order a Harvey Wallbanger!

We found it a few years ago when my ASU friends and I flew up for the Devil/Duck game. We are going again the weekend of Oct. 1st.

Mo's clam chowder is also good!