The Coast

Oregon's 363-mile-long coastline is studded with historic lighthouses, dramatic rock formations, sandy beaches and quaint towns that host all kinds of festivals: kite flying, sandcastle building, arts, seafood and wine, and more. And there's no shortage of things to do and stuff to see, including incredible golf, Sahara-like sand dunes, whale-watching and Lewis & Clark historical sites.

The first beach town you'll come to is Lincoln City. Beachcombers will love strolling on this beach, where from mid-October through Memorial Day more than 2,000 glass floats are placed along the shoreline - finders, keepers! Try your hand at glass blowing at the Jennifer L. Sears Glass Studio. If you need more time to play and enjoy, book a stay at The Coho, a newly transformed oceanfront lodge offering warm hospitality, friendly service, great facilities and amenities, and the perfect oceanfront location.

Further north is Pacific City, a surfing spot with an excellent brewpub, Pelican Pub & Brewery. Climb the dune north of Cape Kiwanda for an unbeatable view of the Pacific Ocean.

From here, head north to Tillamook. The area's stream-fed grasslands and mild climate make an ideal environment for dairy herds, which is why the famous Tillamook County Creamery Association calls this beautiful place home. The farmer-owned cooperative has been producing naturally aged cheeses and other dairy products (ice cream!) for more than 100 years. At the Tillamook Cheese Factory, you can take a free, self-guided tour with video presentations, historical displays and interactive kiosks. View the cheesemaking process and its packaging in their upstairs observation area. Stop by the sample counter for a delectable cheese tasting. The Cheese Factory provides cheese, gift and gourmet shops, the Farmhouse Café for breakfast or lunch, and Tillamook Ice Cream at their dipping counter-irresistible in a freshly-baked waffle cone! They are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the summer and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. the rest of the year (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas).

There are countless places to stop as you continue your journey north on Hwy. 101. Plan a lunch layover in Cannon Beach, where art galleries and fine dining abound. In Seaside, visitors delight in dozens of unique boutiques, specialty shops and antique stores. Seaside's 1.5-mile long oceanfront Promenade ("Prom" to locals) is perfect for strollers, joggers and bike riders. And history buffs won't want to miss the historic sites in Astoria (the oldest west coast city), where Lewis & Clark and the Corps of Engineers spent the winter of 1805. You can even visit a replica of their camp, Fort Clatsop.