I declare this the finest Oregon coast weather we’ve ever experienced.
Generally, when we head to the coast, it’s cold, windy, rainy, or cloudy. This day was 70-degrees and glorious.
We started out at the sand dunes in Florence (South Jetty Beach parking area #3, where you need your Northwest Forest Pass, or to pay $5 when you first enter the dunes area). Lesson #1: It’s difficult to walk uphill in sand, which we had to do to see the ocean. There was lots of sliding happening around here. It’s easier if you remove your shoes.
Lesson #2: Once you remove your shoes, your feet will be subjected to burning hot sand. You’ll want to put your shoes back on.
Lesson #3: Going down the sand dune to get the photo above means you’ll have to climb back up.
We drove up the coast a bit to Devil’s Elbow State Park, our most visited coastal landmark. (You have to pay $5 to park here, and your Northwest Forest Pass is no good.) I don’t think we’ve ever been here when the tide was so low, leaving so much of the beach available for playing. It was beautiful. And this place was packed with kids playing in the water, folks playing frisbee, and a few brave souls in swimsuits.
Next up on our coastal tour was Seal Rock State Recreation Site. It was also packed on this beautiful day, but we managed to snag a parking spot (no fee for this lot), and walked out to see the views. There was actually a rock out in the ocean that appeared to be covered with something animal-like, and once we snapped a photo and I zoomed in on it at home, I declare the rock completely covered in seals. Unfortunately, I think it’s considered poor blog form to post a super blurry, zoomed-in shot of what you hope might be a pack of seals, so you’ll just have to trust me that there were actually seals near Seal Rock.
Our final stop along the coast was for dinner in Newport at Local Ocean. We’ve only ever eaten at two restaurants when visiting the coast, but this is my favorite. It’s always super crowded, so go at a weird time and expect a long wait, but it’s incredibly delicious. I’ve had the crab po’boy on every visit, and it is crazy good. So good that I neglected to take any photos. But go ahead and admire the view from the restaurant. Not too shabby.
We’re pretty excited to see a new section of the Oregon coastline after we move up to Portland next month. So parents, get excited for different sight-seeing on your next visit!
-Ally
Becca says
I hope you didn’t have to wait for a table. I paid them off well enough to always allow the Ringers first access.
Betsy Ringer says
So many beautiful spots to enjoy! Love the pics to remind me of the lovely Oregon coast. And yum…I remember Local Ocean – great atmosphere, view and food. Looking forward to time in Portland with you.