Depoe Bay OregonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Depoe Bay, Oregon.
1. Whale Watching Center
WHALE WATCHING HEADQUARTERS
The Oregon State Park Whale Watching Center is the premier destination in Depoe Bay for observing majestic gray whales as they migrate along the coast. Visitors can enjoy educational exhibits about marine life and get guidance from knowledgeable staff about spotting these magnificent creatures. The center's strategic location in the 'Whale Watching Capitol of the Oregon Coast' provides an ideal vantage point for year-round whale watching opportunities.
2. Spouting Horns
NATURAL OCEAN GEYSERS
The Spouting Horns in Depoe Bay create spectacular water displays as waves crash into volcanic rock formations along the shoreline. These natural blowholes shoot seawater high into the air, creating unique hissing noises and providing visitors with an unforgettable sensory experience. The phenomenon is best viewed during high tide or stormy weather when the ocean's power creates more dramatic eruptions.
3. Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
DRAMATIC COASTAL OVERLOOK
Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged Oregon coastline and the vast Pacific Ocean. The viewpoint is named after the remnants of a shipwrecked vessel, whose boiler can sometimes be spotted during extremely low tides. Visitors frequently come to this picturesque location for storm watching, bird viewing, and spotting gray whales during migration seasons.
4. Cape Foulweather
HISTORIC OCEAN LOOKOUT
Cape Foulweather is a historic landmark located approximately 3 miles south of Depoe Bay that offers spectacular views from 500 feet above sea level. The cape features a gift shop and observatory housed in a building that was originally a modest stagecoach station built in the 19th century. Named by Captain James Cook in 1778 due to the stormy weather he encountered, this dramatic headland continues to be a must-visit destination for travelers along the Oregon coast.
5. Devil's Punchbowl State Natural Area
DRAMATIC OCEAN FORMATION
Devil's Punchbowl State Natural Area features a large bowl naturally carved into coastal rock that opens to the Pacific Ocean, creating mesmerizing water displays. Located in Otter Rock near Depoe Bay, this natural formation puts on a spectacular show as waves crash and swirl inside the cavernous bowl, especially during high tides and storms. Visitors can view the punchbowl from surrounding cliffs or explore nearby tide pools during low tide for a closer look at coastal marine life.
6. Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint
PANORAMIC COASTAL VIEWS
Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint provides visitors with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the dramatic, rocky Oregon coastline. The area features picnic tables nestled among spruce trees, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing meal while taking in the coastal scenery. Whale watchers frequently visit this viewpoint during migration seasons to spot gray whales as they journey along the coast.
7. Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area
FAMILY-FRIENDLY BEACH ACCESS
Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area offers visitors a beautiful beach experience with easy access via a tunnel that passes under Highway 101. The park features picnic areas, walking trails, and protected beaches ideal for families looking to explore tide pools and coastal environments. The creek that runs through the park creates additional interest, especially for children who enjoy splashing in the shallow waters where it meets the ocean.
8. Whale, Sea Life and Shark Museum
MARINE EDUCATION CENTER
The Whale, Sea Life and Shark Museum in Depoe Bay offers an educational experience focused on marine biology and ocean conservation. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring whale skeletons, shark specimens, and interactive displays about the diverse sea life found along the Oregon coast. The museum provides valuable context for whale watching activities in the area and helps visitors gain a deeper appreciation for marine ecosystems.
9. Depoe Bay Harbor
WORLD'S SMALLEST HARBOR
Depoe Bay Harbor is renowned as the world's smallest navigable harbor, offering visitors a charming glimpse into coastal fishing life. The harbor is home to a fleet of fishing boats that navigate through a narrow channel beneath the Highway 101 bridge to reach the open ocean. Visitors can watch fishing vessels come and go, book charter fishing trips, or simply enjoy the bustling activity of this unique maritime community.
10. Otter Crest Loop
SCENIC COASTAL DRIVE
Otter Crest Loop provides a breathtaking alternative route to Highway 101, winding along cliffside vistas with spectacular ocean views. This narrow, one-way road takes travelers past several notable landmarks including Cape Foulweather and the Devil's Punchbowl. The slower pace and reduced traffic make it ideal for those wanting to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the Oregon coast without the distractions of the main highway.
11. Tidal Raves
UPSCALE OCEANFRONT DINING
Tidal Raves is a renowned seafood restaurant in Depoe Bay offering stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from its cliff-side location. The restaurant specializes in fresh, locally-sourced seafood prepared with creative flair, making it a favorite among visitors and locals alike. Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the dining room ensure that guests can enjoy whale watching and dramatic wave action while savoring their meals.
12. Restaurant Beck
FINE COASTAL CUISINE
Restaurant Beck is an award-winning fine dining establishment located at the Whale Cove Inn, offering innovative Pacific Northwest cuisine with spectacular ocean views. Chef Justin Wills crafts seasonal menus featuring locally-sourced ingredients, foraged items, and creative culinary techniques that have earned the restaurant national recognition. The intimate dining room provides an elegant setting for special occasions, with large windows framing the dramatic coastline and the possibility of whale sightings during dinner.
13. Depoe Bay Bridge
HISTORIC COASTAL LANDMARK
The Depoe Bay Bridge is a historic structure spanning the harbor entrance, originally completed in 1927 and later expanded in 1940. This iconic bridge carries Highway 101 over the channel that connects the world's smallest navigable harbor to the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can walk along the sea wall adjacent to the bridge for views of boats navigating the narrow passage and possible whale sightings just offshore.
14. Gleneden Beach
PRISTINE COASTAL SHORELINE
Gleneden Beach is a serene stretch of coastline located just south of Depoe Bay, offering visitors a more tranquil beach experience away from the busier tourist areas. The long, sandy shore provides ample space for beachcombing, kite flying, and contemplative walks along the water's edge. Stunning sunsets and the rhythmic sound of crashing waves make this beach a perfect destination for those seeking natural beauty and peaceful relaxation.
15. Ainslee's Salt Water Taffy
ICONIC COASTAL CONFECTIONERY
Ainslee's Salt Water Taffy is a beloved Depoe Bay institution known for its handcrafted taffy made using traditional methods dating back generations. Visitors can watch the taffy-pulling process through the shop's windows and choose from dozens of unique flavors ranging from classic vanilla to innovative combinations. This charming confectionery has been delighting tourists and locals alike since 1947, making it one of the oldest continuously operating businesses in Depoe Bay.