When you imagine a classic winter holiday, you probably picture something similar to the Oregon coast. Our coast sits less than 90 minutes from Portland and offers the same hikes and/or viewpoints just as in Summer, and towns full of restaurants, pubs, historic sights, and other attractions that make it a fun and exciting getaway—no matter the time of year.
And while you’ll be literally rubbing elbows with fellow visitors along the coast every summer, winter just might be the best time to visit. Free from crowds, the quiet communities offers great deals on comfortable accommodations, no shortage of natural beauty, and plenty of opportunities to see the rugged coast in a whole new light.
So if you’re considering a weekend getaway as the rains arrive, here are five reasons for enjoying winter on the coast.
1. Take Advantage of the Seasonal Perks
Winter means easier access, and shorter waits for the world-class pork belly banh mi at the Osprey Café or clam chowder at Mo's. You have the Coast to yourself.
We know you love noshing on cotton candy and sticking your feet into the sand every summer, but we think you’ll also enjoy smaller crowds and a more intimate vibe that comes with the quieter, more laid-back winter season. Most of the Oregon coast’s top attractions are accessible during the shoulder and winter seasons.
Better yet: The smaller crowds also mean off-season rates at our favorite hotels and the reduced My Chauffeur Tours rates. So why not upgrade to that full-day or multi-day tour, or beachfront suite? You deserve it.
2. Warm Up With a Cup of Coffee
Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy a cozy morning.
Is there any better feeling than warming up and getting cozy over a steaming cup of coffee? We think not, so we’d recommend spending a morning at one of the coasts relaxing places to grab some coffee.
With a funky blend of couches and lounge chairs, Seaside Coffee Roasting Company delivers a comfortable atmosphere that recalls a lived-in home. Or who will forget a visit to Coffee Girl in Astoria. If the weather’s nice, it’s a great place to grab an Americano or mocha and go walk along the pier.
They are great places to meet with locals if you’re looking to chat or get some inside info on the upcoming activities for the day. You’ll also find plenty of specialty drinks beyond just coffee.
These places feature locally roasted coffee, espresso, and home-baked goodies in bright, modern interiors.
3. View the Diggers, or even Dig for Dinner yourself
Head out to the beach on any given winter weekend, and you’ll see dozens of rubber boot-wearing clam diggers patrolling the shore, looking for dime-sized divots that signal a razor clam just below the surface.
According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the beaches between Seaside and the mouth of the Columbia River account for 95 percent of Oregon’s razor clam harvest every year. It’s easy for new diggers to join the fun: Once you’ve learned what to look for—divots and V-shaped streams in the sand, generally speaking—just get a license, a shovel or clam gun, bucket, and some kind of waterproof footwear…and start digging.**
Clam diggers must keep the first 15 they catch—and, while cleaning takes time, it’s a fun way to experience Oregon’s famous seafood scene and embrace the “locavore” ethos for which the state is known. One quick note: Clam season is occasionally postponed due to an insufficient number of mature clams. Make sure it’s open season before you go.
**We'll take care of the details and instructions, just give us 3 weeks advance notice and bring your waterproof footwear, and a cloths change just in case.
And while you’ll be literally rubbing elbows with fellow visitors along the coast every summer, winter just might be the best time to visit. Free from crowds, the quiet communities offers great deals on comfortable accommodations, no shortage of natural beauty, and plenty of opportunities to see the rugged coast in a whole new light.
So if you’re considering a weekend getaway as the rains arrive, here are five reasons for enjoying winter on the coast.
1. Take Advantage of the Seasonal Perks
Winter means easier access, and shorter waits for the world-class pork belly banh mi at the Osprey Café or clam chowder at Mo's. You have the Coast to yourself.
We know you love noshing on cotton candy and sticking your feet into the sand every summer, but we think you’ll also enjoy smaller crowds and a more intimate vibe that comes with the quieter, more laid-back winter season. Most of the Oregon coast’s top attractions are accessible during the shoulder and winter seasons.
Better yet: The smaller crowds also mean off-season rates at our favorite hotels and the reduced My Chauffeur Tours rates. So why not upgrade to that full-day or multi-day tour, or beachfront suite? You deserve it.
2. Warm Up With a Cup of Coffee
Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy a cozy morning.
Is there any better feeling than warming up and getting cozy over a steaming cup of coffee? We think not, so we’d recommend spending a morning at one of the coasts relaxing places to grab some coffee.
With a funky blend of couches and lounge chairs, Seaside Coffee Roasting Company delivers a comfortable atmosphere that recalls a lived-in home. Or who will forget a visit to Coffee Girl in Astoria. If the weather’s nice, it’s a great place to grab an Americano or mocha and go walk along the pier.
They are great places to meet with locals if you’re looking to chat or get some inside info on the upcoming activities for the day. You’ll also find plenty of specialty drinks beyond just coffee.
These places feature locally roasted coffee, espresso, and home-baked goodies in bright, modern interiors.
3. View the Diggers, or even Dig for Dinner yourself
Head out to the beach on any given winter weekend, and you’ll see dozens of rubber boot-wearing clam diggers patrolling the shore, looking for dime-sized divots that signal a razor clam just below the surface.
According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the beaches between Seaside and the mouth of the Columbia River account for 95 percent of Oregon’s razor clam harvest every year. It’s easy for new diggers to join the fun: Once you’ve learned what to look for—divots and V-shaped streams in the sand, generally speaking—just get a license, a shovel or clam gun, bucket, and some kind of waterproof footwear…and start digging.**
Clam diggers must keep the first 15 they catch—and, while cleaning takes time, it’s a fun way to experience Oregon’s famous seafood scene and embrace the “locavore” ethos for which the state is known. One quick note: Clam season is occasionally postponed due to an insufficient number of mature clams. Make sure it’s open season before you go.
**We'll take care of the details and instructions, just give us 3 weeks advance notice and bring your waterproof footwear, and a cloths change just in case.
4. Witness Nature’s Wrath with front-row action
The beaches take on a different look in the winter, and storms can produce a fascinating show.
Mother Nature puts on her own reality show every winter as storms roll in off the Pacific Ocean and collide with the rugged Oregon Coast.
Some of those waves can reach 50 feet high–or taller–making the wide-open coastline at your feet an ideal spot for winter storm-watching. The coast has many restaurants and beachfront hotels with a view, in addition to our regular numerous viewpoints, so you’re never far from the action when the rain rolls in and waves crash into the shore.
Feel free to head out to the beach itself for the closest views. Just make sure you’re dressed for the weather and watch from a safe distance. Find out why locals love to visit the coast in the winter: Storm watching at one of Oregon’s many beachfront resorts is an exciting off-season pastime.
5. Watch for Whales
Whales regularly swim up and down the Oregon Coast, but winter is one of the best times of year to spot some of the 20,000 gray whales that migrate along the coast every year. While whales migrate all winter long, you’re most likely to spot a gray whale in December and January. And if you’re watching for that distinctive spout, there are few better outposts than Ecola State Park, Tillamook Head or Cape Meares in Tillamook.
If you’re up for a challenging hike, make your way on the hardy trail along Tillamook Head for wide-open ocean views—not to mention views of the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, also known as “Terrible Tilly,” which sits more than a mile offshore.
The beaches take on a different look in the winter, and storms can produce a fascinating show.
Mother Nature puts on her own reality show every winter as storms roll in off the Pacific Ocean and collide with the rugged Oregon Coast.
Some of those waves can reach 50 feet high–or taller–making the wide-open coastline at your feet an ideal spot for winter storm-watching. The coast has many restaurants and beachfront hotels with a view, in addition to our regular numerous viewpoints, so you’re never far from the action when the rain rolls in and waves crash into the shore.
Feel free to head out to the beach itself for the closest views. Just make sure you’re dressed for the weather and watch from a safe distance. Find out why locals love to visit the coast in the winter: Storm watching at one of Oregon’s many beachfront resorts is an exciting off-season pastime.
5. Watch for Whales
Whales regularly swim up and down the Oregon Coast, but winter is one of the best times of year to spot some of the 20,000 gray whales that migrate along the coast every year. While whales migrate all winter long, you’re most likely to spot a gray whale in December and January. And if you’re watching for that distinctive spout, there are few better outposts than Ecola State Park, Tillamook Head or Cape Meares in Tillamook.
If you’re up for a challenging hike, make your way on the hardy trail along Tillamook Head for wide-open ocean views—not to mention views of the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, also known as “Terrible Tilly,” which sits more than a mile offshore.