Toledo OregonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Toledo, Oregon.
1. Yaquina Pacific Railroad Historical Society
TRAIN HISTORY AND EXHIBITS
The Yaquina Pacific Railroad Historical Society offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Toledo's railway heritage. Visitors can explore train exhibits, including a life-sized toy train donated by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians that children can explore. The museum also features a unique recording of a train entering and leaving the station that can be activated with a quarter.
2. Port of Toledo Waterfront Park
RIVERSIDE RELAXATION AND RECREATION
Port of Toledo Waterfront Park provides a scenic setting along the Yaquina River with walking and biking paths. Visitors can enjoy the detailed pavilion, watch sea life in the river, and pick seasonal blackberries while exploring the area. The park features beautifully crafted benches, boat anchor monuments, and informational signs about the area's logging history and natural wildlife.
3. Toledo History Center
LOCAL HERITAGE ON DISPLAY
The Toledo History Center preserves and showcases the rich past of this former lumber mill town. Exhibits highlight Toledo's industrial heritage, from its logging roots to its current focus on boat repair and fishing industry support. The center offers a window into the evolution of this charming riverside community nestled in the Coast Range foothills.
4. Gallery Michael Gibbons
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Gallery Michael Gibbons features the works of its namesake artist and other local talents in Toledo's vibrant arts scene. The gallery is part of Toledo's flourishing artistic community that has helped transform this former industrial town. Visitors can experience fine art in an intimate setting while exploring Toledo's strollable Main Street.
5. Muggly's
UNIQUE LOCAL GIFT SHOP
Muggly's offers an eclectic selection of locally crafted items and unique gifts in downtown Toledo. The shop embodies the creative spirit of the town with its array of artisan goods and specialty items. Visitors can find distinctive souvenirs that reflect the character and craftsmanship of the Oregon Coast.
6. Toledo Clay Works
HANDS-ON POTTERY STUDIO
Toledo Clay Works provides a creative space for pottery enthusiasts and artists in this artistic riverside community. The studio offers workshops, classes, and gallery space showcasing local ceramic artistry. Visitors can observe artisans at work or even try their hand at creating their own pottery pieces.
7. Main Street Toledo
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE
Main Street Toledo offers a unique coastal Oregon experience as the only city on the Oregon Coast with a downtown on a city street rather than a highway. The strollable main thoroughfare leads past specialty shops, art galleries, and gift stores with local wares. The street ends at the waterfront where fishing vessels are moored, preserving the town's historical flavor and connection to maritime activities.
8. Yaquina River
SCENIC WATERWAY ADVENTURES
The Yaquina River curves through Toledo, creating the scenic bend where this charming town is situated just seven miles inland from the coast. The river has played a crucial role in the town's development, supporting both historical logging operations and today's fishing industry. Visitors can enjoy riverside walks, wildlife viewing, and water activities along this picturesque waterway.
9. Newport's Historic Bayfront
COASTAL SHOPPING AND DINING
Newport's Historic Bayfront, just a short drive from Toledo, offers a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and working waterfront atmosphere. Visitors can watch fishing boats unload their catch while exploring shops, galleries, and restaurants housed in colorful buildings along Bay Boulevard. The area provides an authentic coastal experience with sea lion viewing, fresh seafood markets, and boutiques selling local crafts.
10. Oregon Coast Aquarium
MARINE LIFE ENCOUNTERS
The Oregon Coast Aquarium, located near Toledo in Newport, showcases the diverse marine life of the Pacific Northwest through immersive exhibits. Visitors can walk through underwater tunnels surrounded by sharks and other sea creatures or explore touch pools with hands-on marine experiences. The world-class facility is dedicated to education and conservation of Oregon's coastal ecosystems.
11. Nye Beach
ARTISTIC COASTAL NEIGHBORHOOD
Nye Beach is a charming historic district in nearby Newport featuring boutique shops, restaurants, and gorgeous ocean access just a short drive from Toledo. The area's bohemian character attracts artists and writers, creating a vibrant cultural scene against a backdrop of stunning coastal views. Visitors can explore unique shops, enjoy local cuisine, and take in spectacular sunsets from this beloved beach community.
12. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
LIGHTHOUSE AND WILDLIFE VIEWING
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area features Oregon's tallest lighthouse standing 93 feet tall on a headland extending into the Pacific Ocean. The 100-acre protected area offers tide pools, interpretive programs, and an interpretive center teaching visitors about local history and ecology. Visitors can spot seabirds, seals, and even migrating whales while enjoying spectacular ocean views from this dramatic coastal promontory.
13. Hatfield Marine Science Center
OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
The Hatfield Marine Science Center serves as Oregon State University's coastal campus for research and education about marine systems. The visitor center offers interactive exhibits that make marine science accessible and engaging for all ages. Visitors can learn about oceanography, marine biology, and coastal ecosystems through hands-on displays and demonstrations.
14. Local Ocean Seafoods
FRESH SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD
Local Ocean Seafoods combines a bustling seafood market with a restaurant serving some of the freshest catches on the Oregon coast. The establishment works directly with local fishing boats to provide sustainable, high-quality seafood from dock to dish. Diners can enjoy ocean views while savoring innovative seafood preparations featuring whatever was caught that day.
15. Rogue Brewery
CRAFT BEER AND WATERFRONT DINING
Rogue Brewery's waterfront location in Newport offers craft beer enthusiasts a chance to sample innovative brews in a working brewery setting. The pub serves hearty food alongside their extensive beer selection, with views of the fishing fleet and Yaquina Bay Bridge. Visitors can take brewery tours to learn about Rogue's brewing process and commitment to crafting distinctive beers using local ingredients.