Why Depoe Bay, Oregon Should Be Added To Your Family Travel Bucket List
Trips to the Oregon Coast rarely disappoint. From lighthouses to tide pools, our shoreline has it all. A hidden gem right on the 101 Highway between Newport and Lincoln City is Depoe Bay. Here is why you can’t miss the chance to visit!
It Has The World’s Smallest Harbor!
If you are a fan of achievements, Depoe Bay won in the category of tiny yet mighty. That may sound odd but it is a big deal. Of all the harbors in the entire world, here is the smallest navigable one. Just because it is small, doesn’t mean it isn’t awesome. Fishing and crabbing boats leave daily along with tour boats. You can even watch crabs be prepared near the docs. Talk about fresh seafood!
You Can See Whales All Year
The symbol of Depoe Bay is a Gray Whale. Oregon State Parks has a Whale Watch Center there where locals and tourists alike can observe whale migration year round for free! They have telescopes and information displays that are great for kids and adults. We always bring our waterproof and fog resistant binoculars for the whole family to see who can spot a whale first! You can even pick up and examine baleen. Also, all months of the year you can go on whale watching tours out of, you guessed it, the world’s smallest harbor. Gray whales are the main focus but occasionally other whales come by and surprise everyone.
The Depoe Bay Bridge is Iconic
Along Oregon’s coast are a series of significant bridges that truly have that “wow” factor. The Depoe Bay Bridge is one of them. Constructed originally in 1927 and updated to allow more traffic flow in 1940, this bridge is a great example of transportation architecture. You can even walk under the bridge (and the 101 Highway) to see waves crash over the giant sea wall and get amazing photos.
“Spouting Horns” Blast Water Into The Sky
The Spouting Horns are a result of eroded rock formations along depot bays cliffs. Even driving by you might get a bit of saltwater spray. People stand and stare in awe as large waves crash against rock and water shoots high up into the air spraying tourists and children with delight (and salt.) This is a must experience in my book. Locals know that off the main highway there are other cliff formations you can get to that aren’t advertised. Ask a local shop keep or friendly looking person where to find them and you will be in for a treat.
Shopping and Dining Are An Experience
Restaurants from the Sea Hag to the Depoe Bay Winery are not what you would consider “normal” places to dine. For example, at the winery, hundreds of hand signed dollar bills are pinned to the ceiling where guests left their mark on Oregon. Shops are similarly unique with catchy names and sometimes just plain odd souvenirs to take home and explain later. Kids love the hustle and bustle of shops especially in summer months as the air fills with the smell of fresh kettle corn, salt water taffy, and sea water.
If you are visiting Oregon, you should go to the coast (Oregonians DO NOT call it the beach for whatever reason.) When you go to the coast, don’t just drive past Depoe Bay. It is a little town but a mighty one with a lot to offer.
Have You been to Depoe Bay? What did you think? Please let me know in the comments below. To learn more travel recommendations in the Pacific Northwest, please subscribe to my email list.
Amazing stuff. Keep it up!