Vacation Rental Guide for the Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is an area of natural beauty with a meandering shoreline, undulating dunes, and breathtaking state parks and harbors. The Oregon Coast lies in the US state of Oregon, bordered by the Pacific Ocean, stretching 362 miles.

If you seek a vacation destination, the Oregon Coast has several treasures to entice and enthrall whether you are a couple, a family, or a larger group of vacationers.

Vacation Rentals on the Oregon Coast include free access beaches, hiking, fishing, and watersports in abundance. The best rental for romance is the stunning Sea for Two, while families will love the Chinook right on the beach. Rancho del Mar has all you need for a group holiday.

The Oregon Coast has many attractions in its three distinct sub-regions: The North, Central, and South Coasts, with a seemingly endless coastline to explore.

The Oregon Coast also has an exciting history and historical sites to engage the senses. If you plan to explore this area, read on to discover the best spots to rent in this alluring stretch of coastline.

The Oregon Coast: A Brief Overview

Historians know very little of the first settlers in this area of natural abundance and resources. Experts generally accept that people were early settlers in the stretch of coast around 13,000 years ago. However, few archaeological sites exist before 3,500 years ago so take whatever they told you with a grain of salt.

The Oregon Coast boasts a tumultuous history, with America finally claiming the territory in 1838.

The Oregon Beach Bill of 1967 is the reason why this stretch of coast is so accessible. The bill ensured that the public retained free access to the coast and beaches and prevented the buying up of beautiful land in so many other coastal towns. This bill allows visitors unimpeded access to the abundant natural treasure of the Oregon Coast.

The Oregon Coast marine ecology is diverse, with more than 29 species of marine mammals calling the coast their home.

These mammals include the harbor seal, Steller sea lion, and the Northern elephant seal. The area was once home to abundant sea otters, sadly hunted into extinction by early fur trappers.

Local Attractions

Fishing

Sports fishing draws thousands of visitors to the Oregon Coast, with various species that visitors may catch all year round. There are many coasts and streams to cast your line or organize a charter for more adventurous pursuits. You may explore several marinas through boat rentals or if you have a boat you wish to sail. The most popular sports fish on the coast include:

• Bass
• Panfish
• Salmon
• Steelhead
• Sturgeon

Watersports

Watersport abounds on this stretch of coastline, from placid creeks to waves perfect to surf. There are also several Marinas if you own a boat or wish to charter one. With the sheer diversity of water sources such as lazy creeks, rivers, and oceans, visitors can choose between a wide variety of water activities from kayaking, waterskiing, windsurfing, and more.

Historical Sites

The Oregon Coast has a rich cultural history, with plenty of historical sites for visitors to explore, including:

• Fort Astoria
• Wreck of the Peter Iredale
• Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
• Fort Clatsop National Memorial (Astoria)

Several historic lighthouses were built between 1870 and 1896 and nine of these lighthouses are still intact for visitors to explore their winding stairs. The following lighthouses have regular visiting schedules:

• Heceta Head Lighthouse
• Cape Blanco lighthouse
• Yaquina Bay lighthouse
• Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Hiking and Nature

Oregon state parks are abundant on the coast, with public access and beautiful areas for fishing, picnicking, or camping. Due to the free access bill, there are seemingly endless miles of shoreline, rock pools, and tidal regions for visitors to explore. Some of the most beautiful park areas are the following:

• Devil’s Churn (Yachats)
• Sutton Creek Campground (Florence)
• Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area (Reedsport)
• Sunset Bay State Park (Charleston)
• Floras Lake

Best Vacation Rental for Couples: Sea for Two Romantic Oregon Coast Condo

This condo-style romantic getaway has breathtaking views of the ocean from nearly every room. Spectacular sunsets and sunrises greet guests from the cozy home built for two with original northwest glass and art.

Sea for Two offers HDTVs in both the living room and bedroom and a master suite jetted bathtub for luxurious baths, providing the ultimate romantic retreat at the edge of the ocean. The package includes WiFi and access to the luxury amenities of the clubhouse, a small stroll away. The clubhouse has an indoor pool, hot tub, pool table, and a 19-seater theatre room.

Things to Do Nearby for Couples

• Sea for Two is only a mile away from the Whale Watching Center, where you and your partner can marvel at the beauty of almost 20,000 grey whales that pass on the way to Mexico.

• Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area is a walk away with wind-sheltered picnic spots for a romantic outing. The wooden footbridges meander through the forest, and at the beach, there is a lazy creek with birdlife and tidepools to explore.

• Boiler Bay State Wayside is less than a mile away, with beautiful surf crashing on the rocky spurs.

• Tradewinds Charters offer fishing trips and whale watching for a romantic day out, where you can catch your dinner to prepare in your fully kitted condo kitchen.

Best Vacation Rental for Families: Chinook Oceanfront, Dog-Friendly Family Escape

This beautiful home rests on the sands with spectacular ocean views from almost every room. Your kids can hunt for seashells and play on the beach while you soak in the sun from a beautiful porch right on the beach. You can also bring your family dog along with you.

The condo sleeps 6 and boasts a master king-sized bedroom, a queen room, and a sofa sleeper with some awesome sea views. The apartment even offers two bathrooms with heated tiles for chilly mornings in the ocean breeze.

There are friendly eateries nearby, with an easily accessible iconic cheese factory and ice cream spot. Otherwise, the fully kitted open plan kitchen has all you need to make a family feast.

Things to Do Nearby for Families

• Cape Meares Lighthouse is a treat for the kids that lies in an area of great scenic beauty, the National Wildlife Refuge and Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint. The shortest lighthouse in Oregon is still powerful from its vantage point of the cliff and stands proudly since 1889.

• The Tillamook Air Museum is an excellent place to take the family and has a great variety of flying crafts and war memorabilia, including parts of the famous Hindenburg.

• Nearby beaches Cape Meares Beach and Agate Beach have plenty of areas to explore and play.

• The Oregon Coast Scenic railroad offers family adventure in the form of a steam train that explores the coast in the style of yesteryear.

Best Vacation Rental for Groups: Rancho del Mar Luxury, Oceanview Near Cannon Beach

The beautiful Rancho del Mar is a luxury single-story home with four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms for up to 11 guests. The indoor living areas flow onto an ocean-facing deck perfect for sunsets, and a communal area with a fire pit ideal for late-night gatherings under the stars.

The living area is spacious with a comfy wrap-around couch in front of a stone fireplace for a chilly night of conversations and wine. If you decide to bring your kids, they have their own designated play area with fold-out couches and their own TV should you need some adult time with your friends.

Things to Do Nearby for Groups

• Cannon Beach offers various group activities such as hikes, fishing chartered, and excellent craft beer spots, with delicious eateries to enjoy en route.

• Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site is less than two miles away, and you and your group can take a lazy walk to this scenic spot. The mile-long stretch of beach offers tidepools and a sandy beach to soak up the sun. If you feel energetic, the beach has access to surf spots, and you can explore further breaches if the tide is low.

• The Manzanita Golf Course offers spectacular views and a well-maintained course for group activities. The nine-hole course is playable all year round due to its sand base, which absorbs water.

• Hug Point State Park offers natural scenic beauty, where you may trace the stagecoach trail from days long gone at low tide, the only way the early settlers could travel the coast.

• The Coaster Theatre is nearby with some excellent theatre and musicals to enjoy for a night of culture.

• Haystack Rock is an Oregon icon, with a soaring 235 feet (71.63 meters) on the edge of the shore. At low tide, you can find a multitude of marine life such as colorful anemones, starfish, and puffins.

Conclusion

The Oregon Coast is a delightful area of natural wonders and the unspoiled beauty of forests and beaches.

The area is rich in history and supplies endless maritime and water activities for visitors to enjoy.

Families and groups will find plenty of activities to enjoy, and couples will love the rolling surf and sun setting outside the windows on long nights. Oregon has so much to offer, and you wont regret sharing the beauty of this iconic stretch of coast.