Explore the Oregon Coast

Otter Rock is quiet and peaceful. There are only five businesses in town — and they're exactly the ones you want at a surf spot. 🤙

• Mo's Chowder — Famous Oregon Coast clam chowder
• Cliffside Sweet & Treats — Coffee, pastries, ice cream
• Flying Dutchman Winery — Wine tastings with ocean views
• Spyglass Restaurant — Local pub vibe with great pizza
• Pura Vida Surf Shop — Surfboard and wetsuit rentals, lessons

Year-round resident Gray whales feed in the kelp beds near Otter Rock, and migratory whales pass close to shore—especially in fall, December-January, and March-April. Depoe Bay, just 8 minutes north, bills itself as the "Whale Watching Capital of the World" and offers excellent whale-watching tours. Orca are also occasionally spotted in the area.

Whale Watching Center State Park →

Just 5 minutes south, the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is home to Oregon's tallest lighthouse, visible from our beach. Features a surprisingly excellent museum, wildlife trails, and great spots to see harbor seals and sea birds.

Ten minutes south, Newport is the closest bigger town. It is situated on Yaquina Bay, one of Oregon's only deep-water bays, and has a thriving fishing industry and is the self-proclaimed Dungeness Crab Capital of the World. Buy fresh fish and crab right off the docks. It has a several major grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essentials, plus a charming historic bay-front with shops, restaurants.

Discover Newport →

Our favorite restaurants nearby in Newport and Depoe Bay

• Local Ocean Seafoods — Upscale, sustainable, harbor views
• South Beach Fish Market — No-frills local favorite
• Clearwater Restaurant — Pacific NW cuisine on the Bayfront
• Tidal Raves —Oceanfront NW seafood
• Bay View Thai — Local Favorite for Thai in Depoe Bay

Newport has fun science education for all ages.

• Oregon Coast Aquarium — Sea otters, shark tunnel, local marine life
• Hatfield Marine Science Center — Free exhibits and touch tanks

Newport and Depoe Bay offer world-class deep sea fishing year-round—salmon, halibut, lingcod, rockfish, and summer tuna runs.

• Newport Tradewinds — Family-run since 1971, Newport
• Yaquina Bay Charters — Bottom fishing specialists, Newport
• Tradewinds Charters — 80+ years in Depoe Bay
• Dockside Charters — Year-round trips, Depoe Bay

The central Oregon coast is a birder's paradise—shorebirds, seabirds, raptors, and migratory species year-round. Yaquina Head and the Otter Rock Marine Reserve are prime spots.

• Seven Capes Bird Alliance — Local chapter, guided walks & events
• Free Bird Watching Programs — Lincoln City Parks & Rec
• Bird Alliance of Oregon — Statewide resources & trails

Winter storms and king tides create dramatic 30+ foot waves. Devil's Punchbowl is spectacular in heavy swell—watch safely from above. Peak season runs November through February.

• King Tide Dates & Info — Plan your visit around the highest tides
• Storm Watching Guide — Portland Monthly's top picks

Yaquina Bay is one of Oregon's best spots for Dungeness crab and bay clams. Rent a boat or crab from the Newport piers. Shellfish license required.

• Yaquina Bay Guide — ODFW's official spots & tips
• Licenses & Regulations — Limits, seasons & permits