
By Lorie Lewis Ham
It won’t be long before spring is upon us again and perhaps the itch to get away—whether for a weekend, spring break, or just a fun spring vacation. Or perhaps you are already planning your summer getaway. There are many exciting places to visit on the West Coast that we are all familiar with. Big cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Portland. But sometimes it’s fun to go somewhere not as well known—somewhere quieter.
One such place is the tiny Oregon coastal town of Depoe Bay. According to Visit Oregon, the town only has 1,800 residents and is about two miles long. It hugs the Pacific waters along the infamous coastal highway U.S. Route 101—the highway is actually the Main Street of the town. If you are looking for somewhere that is breathtakingly beautiful but also has interesting things to do and is quieter than a big city, this is the place for you. And if you do end up needing something they don’t have, it also is within driving distance of larger cities. Lincoln City is a mere ten miles away and has a population of 9,000, and the big city of Portland is just 101 miles away.
While Depoe Bay may be small, there are unique and fun things to do. One of those things is whale watching. Depoe Bay is known as the whale-watching capital of the Oregon Coast, according to Select Registry. At some of the local hotels, you can even catch glimpses from your window. From March to December, the whales head to the deep waters off the Oregon Coast during their annual migration. There is even a Whale Watch Center (opening again on February 28), shore observation decks, and charter boats if you want to get up close. Park staff and volunteers at the Whale Watch Center are happy to answer any questions and provide help in spotting whales and other marine life. It is equipped with binoculars for visitors and displays that feature facts about whales and information on what swimming patterns you might see. During their busiest times, thousands of gray whales migrate past on their way to and from the waters of Alaska and Mexico. You never know what might swim by. You might also see humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, porpoise, and even blue whales.
Two popular options for a place to stay in Depoe Bay that are right on the ocean are Channel House (which is a Bed and Breakfast) and Whale Cove Inn. There are also several cheaper options available if you are on a budget.
Here are some other things you can do while you are there:
- Hiking Fishing Rock Trail.
- Check out the local art galleries on Main Street.
- Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area, a beautiful natural land formation that really must be seen firsthand.
- Enjoy a bit of wine tasting at Depoe Bay Winery, which produces wine from grapes grown in the nearby Willamette Valley.
- Visit Depoe Bay’s Spouting Horn, an underwater cave that throws saltwater into the air like a geyser.
- Take a scenic drive (or bike ride) along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.
- Take a fishing charter from the Depoe Bay Harbor. Companies like Dockside Charters offer a variety of charters, from fishing to whale watching.
- If you happen to catch Depoe Bay on a stormy day, don’t fret. Storm watching on the Oregon Coast is a much-beloved tradition!
- Visit the Cape Foulweather historical landmark, just 3 miles south of Depoe Bay—a perfect place to experience views of the Pacific Ocean from 500 feet above sea level!
- Enjoy unique shopping and dining downtown along the seawall.
Whether you want to take part in the many activities, or just want a beautiful place to relax—Depoe Bay, Oregon is the perfect destination. There’s nothing more relaxing than listening to the sound of the ocean hitting the rocks below your hotel room while reading a good book.
This is the first in a series of travel articles we will be doing in 2025 about unique and lesser-known places to visit along the West Coast. If you have a favorite spot, please feel free to share on the Mennonite Insurance Facebook page.