1. Oregon's Ocean: public, picturesque, pristine, powerful
Oregon' s share of the Pacific coastline owes its international reputation to the rugged beauty and natural wonders found along its 363-mile stretch. Unlike other states, all of Oregon 's beaches are protected from encroachment and entirely open to the public, so visitors can play along the Pacific and experience its pristine splendor.
The Oregon Coast has all of the quintessential beach activities: surfing, sand castle building, horseback riding, kite flying, whale watching, fishing, hiking, parasailing, picnicking and the ever popular lay-back-in-the-sand-and-do-absolutely-nothing. Want more? Really? Here are a few options for making great memories.
Beachcomb for Treasure
Back in the day, visitors combing Oregon 's beaches often found treasures from the Far East : blown glass floats in intriguing shades of green and blue. Used by Japanese fishing crews to float their nets, these spheres were hoarded, polished and adored by those lucky enough to stumble upon them.
Now that fishing vessels around the world use buoyant plastic, a blown glass float is a rare find - except on the beaches of Lincoln City where, from October to Memorial Day, local artisans create more than 2,000 of them and set them loose to be washed upon the coastline as the ocean permits. Although the greater number of floats are found before Memorial Day, many wait to be discovered throughout the summer. As the old saying goes: finders, keepers! (For immediate gratification, glass floats can also be "found" for purchase in artist studios and galleries up and down the Oregon Coast. Technically, you can say you found it along the beach. We promise not to tell.)
Hole Up in a Lighthouse
The quaint and cozy rooms perched next to Heceta Head Lighthouse overlook the mighty Pacific Ocean and offer one of the best vantage points for storm and marine wildlife watching on the Oregon Coast. First illuminated in 1894, Heceta Head is one of only a few lighthouses across the country that has overnight accommodations. The owners, both certified executive chefs, serve up tempting seven-course breakfasts for their guests, highlighting fresh herbs, cheeses, produce and pastries. No wildlife in view? Look for ghosts! This B&B is rumored to be haunted.
Hurl Down a Dune
Florence, a coastal city known for its stunning ocean views and sweeping sand dunes, is perfect for the fast-growing adrenaline sport of sandboarding (like snowboarding, only warmer). The town is home to the first sandboarding park in the United States, Sandmaster Park, which offers 40-acres of private sculpted dunes, chutes, bowls, and rail slides. Sandmaster Park leverages the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
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