ROAD TRIP TO THE NORTH OREGON COAST
THROUGH THE CENTRAL COAST OF OREGON
November 2021
The Oregon Coast Highway 101 travels approximately 363-miles along the coastline from the California border to the Columbia River in Astoria OR; weaving in and out of beautiful small towns, through old-growth forests and past awe-inspiring viewpoints.
One of our favorite Highway 101 routes from southern Oregon to Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa begins in Yachats Oregon. It’s filled with culinary delights, a visit to a not-to-be-missed aquarium, and breathtaking vistas along the way.
From southern Oregon make your way to HWY 101 and start in the beautiful, small coastal town of Yachats.
STOP 1: Yachats Brewing + Farmstore – 348 US-101 Yachats, OR 97498
Kick-off your road trip to Pacific City with a stop at the small, casual, timber-clad Yachats Brewery. Here you’ll find delicious burgers, fermented house vegetables from locally sourced farms, and 30 taps of their award-winning crafted beer and house-made Kombucha, Jun, and Kefir soda. During your visit don’t forget to check out the wood used throughout the brewery—much of it has been sourced from reclaimed building materials. It’s quite likely that your table in the taproom was built using reclaimed wine barrels. After your meal, take a stroll around the quaint town while you enjoy beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
STOP 2: Oregon Coast Aquarium – 2820 SE Ferry Slip Road, Newport, OR 97365
45 minutes North of Yachats
No trip along HWY 101 is complete without visiting the spectacular Oregon Coast Aquarium, a living classroom brimming with local sea life. Their mission is to create unique and engaging experiences that connect visitors to the Oregon coast and inspire ocean conservation. Must-see exhibits include the largest known population of Sea Otters, the Seabird Aviary, and the Giant Pacific Octopus.
STOP 3: South Beach Fish Market – 3640 S Coast Hwy, South Beach, OR 97366
2 Minutes from Oregon Coast Aquarium
Eat like a local and enjoy the bounty of the sea at the quaint and vibrant South Beach Fish Market. For over 20 years, this charming fish market has delivered a wide selection of seafood that is locally sourced from the fisher people of Newport Bay. South Beach Fish Market was little known place until 1994 when The Oregonian named their fish and chips “far and away the best on the coast.” They also offer an Oregon Coast classic of fresh cooked Dungeness Crab and fries for you to dig into.
STOP 4: Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area – Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area, Otter Rock, OR 97369
A 20-minute drive from South Beach Fish Market
As you make your way north from Newport, make a quick stop at the iconic Devils Punch Bowl State Natural Area. This day-use park is known for its large bowl naturally carved in a rock headland that is partially open to the Pacific Ocean. Waves enter the bowl with a thundering roar, and then churn and swirl violently, displaying Mother Nature’s power up close for visitors.
STOP 5: Depoe Baykery – Suite A1, 7755, US-101, Gleneden Beach, OR 97388
A 17-minute drive from Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area
Satisfy your sweet tooth with one final stop before making your way to Pacific City at Oregon’s favorite bakery, Depoe Baykery, located in Gleneden Beach. This family-owned business of 25 years offers a variety of pastries from donuts to eclairs to ding dongs and cinnamon rolls. It was named best bakery in Oregon by Taste of Home magazine in 2019.
From Depoe Baykery, you’ll be a short 40-minute drive to Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa as you wind your way through coastal towns and take in the breathtaking landscape of the North Coast of Oregon.
All listed establishments are currently open with Covid-19 regulations in place. Please check each establishment’s respected website to stay updated on current hours and offerings.