Rise and shine! Start your day the locals’ way with a strong cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast at these Waldport eateries. Waldport Café This casual, family-friendly cafe is a great spot to fuel up before a day of exploring. The menu has all the breakfast classics you’ll love, plus specialties like smothered hashbrowns, chicken fried steak and eggs, and house-made cinnamon rolls. Espresso 101 Prefer a quick stop before heading out for an adventure on HYW 101? Stop by this drive-thru espresso spot where you can find something for everyone: specialty mochas, lattes, brewed coffee, chai tea, frappes, smoothies, milk shakes, baked goods, bagels, and more! Pacific Sourdough This small artisan bakery serves handcrafted specialty breads, freshly baked pastries, and specialty desserts – like their decadent Napoleons and Pecan Whiskey Bars. The bakery is only open from 10am – 3pm on Thursdays and Saturdays, and favorites are known to sell out, so we recommend going early. Note: The bakery is temporarily closed and will reopen February 4th, 2023. Hilltop Café Bistro This bistro has a great breakfast menu with classics like pancakes, French toast, and omelets to house specialties like crepes, Dungeness crab or smoked salmon benedict, and a breakfast burger. The Beachside Buzz This small coffee shop is the perfect place to grab and go. The menu offers organic fair-trade coffee, espresso drinks, tea, smoothies, deluxe bagel sandwiches, and baked goods. Book Your Waldport Getaway with Us! Meredith Lodging has a lovely selection of Waldport vacation rentals that all have views of the ocean. Choose from a small bungalow perfect for a romantic getaway, or a large beach home where you can entertain the whole family. Most of our Waldport vacation rentals are pet-friendly, too! Read about some great recreation ideas to enjoy while visiting this quaint and beautiful coastal town. We can’t wait to see you!
Locals say, a trip to the Oregon Coast isn’t complete without going crabbing, and there’s no better place to try it than Waldport, Oregon. Nestled along scenic Alsea Bay, Waldport offers some of the best crabbing on the Oregon Coast. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or trying crabbing for the first time, Waldport crabbing is a must-do activity for visitors of all ages. Alsea Bay is teeming with Dungeness crab, and features public docks and easy access to rental gear through Dock of the Bay, a local outfitter offering boats and all the equipment needed to enjoy a successful day of crabbing in Waldport, Oregon. Check out some of our helpful tips for crabbing in Waldport: Best Time to Go Crabbing in Waldport One of the most common questions visitors ask is: “What’s the best time for crabbing in Waldport?” Locals recommend the months from September through November, when the crabs are typically at their largest and most abundant. Early fall offers ideal weather and higher crab yields. For the best success, plan to go crabbing during slack water, the period around high or low tide, when waters are calm and crabs are more active. Always consult a Waldport tide chart before heading out. When is the best time to go crabbing in Alsea Bay? September through November tends to be the best time for crabbing on the Oregon Coast. Many locals prefer to go crabbing in September, as the crabs are usually at their fattest, and the weather is better than the colder winter months. What You’ll Need for Crabbing in Waldport? Before you drop your first crab ring, make sure you’re prepared with the right gear: If you don’t have your own equipment, Dock of the Bay offers rentals for everything you need to get started with crabbing in Waldport. What are the Rules for crabbing? Before you start crabbing, be sure to follow Oregon and Waldport Crabbing Rules & Licensing: Where to Crab in Waldport? The most popular crabbing spot in Waldport is Alsea Bay, known for its calm waters and plentiful crab population. You can crab right from public docks near the Alsea Bay Bridge, or rent a boat to try deeper waters in the bay. Ready to throw in some rings and catch a stay with us on the Coast? Meredith Lodging has a lovely collection of Waldport vacation rentals to suit all sizes and budgets. Many of our homes have ocean views, hot tubs, and are pet-friendly, too! We hope to see you at Alsea Bay soon! Plan Your Crabbing Getaway in Waldport, Oregon Crabbing in Waldport is more than just catching dinner, it’s a fun, hands-on way to connect with Oregon’s coastal culture. Whether you’re teaching the kids how to crab or enjoying a peaceful day on the bay, Waldport Oregon crabbing is a memory you won’t forget. From breathtaking coastal views to delicious Dungeness crab, crabbing in Waldport, Oregon is a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience. With the right gear, timing, and know-how, you’ll be hauling in fresh crab in no time. So pack your gloves and cooler, grab your license, and get ready for a day of fun and flavor on Alsea Bay! FAQs About Crabbing Waldport, Oregon
Road Trip to Yachats/Waldport – Best Places to Stay, See, Eat and Discover Stunning coastline views, breathtaking sites like Cape Perpetua, Thor’s Well and sunsets over the Alsea Bay Bridge. Award-winning craft beer, popular local restaurants and coffee shops, and a bustling farmer’s market – the beloved beach towns of Yachats and Waldport have something for everyone. Tucked into the southern-most part of Lincoln County these towns are slightly less frequented than larger cities to the North, and that makes all the difference. The drive to these two cities is a beautiful one, and opportunities for scenic vistas and memorable stops abound. We have assembled a few of our favorite stops to make along the way and focused them toward the area South of Lincoln City and north of Waldport/Yachats – and an area rich with natural beauty and an impressive marine science center. Stops to Make Along the Way to Yachats/Waldport: Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Cobble Beach A stop by the Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Cobble Beach is the perfect place to learn a little about the Lighthouse’s historical past and do a little exploring. The lighthouse began operations in August of 1873, when Head Keeper Fayette Crosby climbed the 114 steps to light the wick of the oil burning fixed white light. At that time, the light was on display from sunrise to sunset. Today the lighthouse runs a fully automated Fresnel lens light on commercial power, and it flashes a unique pattern of 2 seconds on, 2 seconds off, 2 seconds on, 14 seconds off, 24 hours a day. The area around the lighthouse is just as interesting as the light inside – and it is a favored spot for natural wildlife. Situated on the migratory path for Gray Whales, visitors may spot them just offshore in early December and January on their travels South – or again in March and April as they return North toward the Bering Sea. Birdwatcher’s also have a lot to be excited about at Yaquina Head. One of the West Coast’s largest nesting colonies of common murre’s resides there along with Brandt’s and pelagic cormorants, western gulls, and bald eagles. Yaquina Head is also home to a mated pair of peregrine falcons, easily spotted most days in the cliffs above the Interpretive Center. For beachcombers, a stroll around the Cobble Beach Tidepools is a must. The beach is named for the dark, smooth rounded stones that cover it and it is an excellent place to explore tidepools. No matter where you explore near Yaquina Head, you will find staff and volunteers nearby to help you make the most of your visit. PLEASE NOTE: Summer 2020, parts of Yaquina Head recreational area are currently closed so check for their hours of availability. Bureau of Land Management Oregon Coast Aquarium The Oregon Coast Aquarium, located in Newport, Oregon, first opened its doors to visitors in 1992. This award-winning facility is the pride of the Central Coast and attracts regional, national, and international visitors to its world-class programs and exhibits. Showcasing marine mammals, seabirds, plants, fish, and invertebrates native to the Oregon coast, The Aquarium endeavors to share its well-informed view of the wealth of coastal resources and promote environmental awareness, conservation, and stewardship with visitors of all ages. Located on 39 picturesque acres overlooking Yaquina Bay and across from Newport, Oregon’s Historic Harbor, The Aquarium makes for an ideal way to spend part of your day when visiting Newport or nearby cities Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Waldport, and Yachats. The facility is considered one of the nation’s top aquariums, and has been recognized as such by the Travel Channel, USA Today, Coastal Living, Parents Magazine, Forbes Traveler and 10Best.com . Open by reservation this Summer, please check for hours of availability. aquarium.org South Beach State Park Another beautiful stop to make when traveling South on US Highway 101 is South Beach State Park. Sitting next to the Yaquina Bay Bridge, the park begins in south Newport and stretched for several miles down the Oregon Coast, offering many recreational opportunities for visitors. There is an equestrian trail for those wanting to explore on horseback (sunset views on horseback are extra special!) and the Jetty Trail is a beautiful place to go for a jog or take a bike ride. The park also offers a 9-hole disc golf course, horse shoe pits, a playground, and a camping area. When open, park’s Hospitality Center is a great place to get park maps and brochures, shop for souvenirs and check out free discs or horse shoes. Please note the park has limited facilities available this Summer and check online to see what is open before your visit. stateparks.oregon.gov Where to Stay in Yachats/Waldport: Sand and Sky, Waldport You will be charmed from the moment you arrive to this oceanfront, beautiful one-level home with walls of windows facing the sand and sea. Step outside your door and you are mere seconds away from miles of Bayshore ocean beach! Inside you will love the light-filled spaces, white stacked-stone fireplace, and well-appointed kitchen. A short stroll away you will find the Bayshore Beach Club with its fitness center and seasonal pool, and all the shops and restaurants in Waldport and Yachats are just a short drive away! 3 bedrooms/ 1 bathrooms / Sleeps 6 View Sand and Sky, Waldport Dowd House, Waldport Find Oceanfront, classic Beach House charm at Down House, on the beautiful Southern end of Alsea Bay. This home features tow living areas and two kitchens and makes an ideal getaway for households travelling together. Once you arrive you will find countless cozy corners and nooks perfect for reading or gazing at the sea – and that expansive oceanfront back porch will become your new favorite place. Be sure to bring your pups to enjoy this pup-friendly getaway, with all that Waldport has to offer nearby. 4 bedrooms / 3 bathrooms / Pup-friendly View Dowd House, Waldport The Nautical House, Waldport You will love the light and
If you’re looking for the best places to eat and drink in Waldport and Yachats, Oregon, look no further! This guide will give you the inside scoop on where to find the tastiest food and drink options in town. Pacific Sourdough Pacific Sourdough is a small artisan bakery serving natural leavened sourdough breads, delicious pastries, and specialty desserts – like their infamous Napoleons and Pecan Whiskey Bars. They are only open from 10am – 3pm on Thursdays and Saturdays, and favorites are known to sell out, so it’s recommended that you get there early! Espresso 101 Espresso 101 is a drive-thru espresso spot serving mochas, lattes, brewed coffee, iced and blended frappes, chai tea, and baked goods. Green Salmon Coffee Company Yachats’ favorite neighborhood coffeehouse, Green Salmon Coffee Company offers organic paninis, bagels and lox, and freshly baked pastries, plus fair-trade beans, and premium teas. Hilltop Café-Bistro Looking for a great meal and a relaxing place to hang out? Hilltop Café-Bistro is the perfect spot for you. Their menu has something for everyone, from delicious pancakes and egg dishes to handcrafted burgers and sandwiches. They also serve espresso and a wide selection of craft beer and wine, which you can enjoy from their dog friendly patio! Currently open every day from 8am – 2pm. Azul Azul is a family favorite serving authentic and fresh Mexican food in a friendly and casual setting. Choose from sizzling fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and a wide variety of seafood dishes. Skosh If you are looking for a fast and filling meal after a day of exploring, Skosh has you covered. Their menu has something for everyone from gourmet burgers with crispy fries (plain or loaded!), fish tacos, salads, cheesesteak, or ribeye sandwiches, to milkshakes and brownies. Yachats Brewing + Farmstore Yachats Brewing + Farmstore is a casual, award-winning market and eatery serving burgers, vegetarian dishes, salads, rotating ciders and brewing sodas/kombuchas on tap, and craft beers. They also serve a delicious brunch on Sunday. Grand Central Pizza Planning a night in at your cozy Yachats or Waldport Meredith Lodging rental? Pick up a pizza at Grand Central Pizza. The menu has a broad range of options besides the delicious pizza, including sandwiches, burgers, salads, and the best sweet potato fries in town. Oh, and don’t forget to order the garlic rolls!
Waldport and Yachats are located in the heart of Oregon’s Coastal Range, offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, bird watching, and exploring the many scenic State Parks are just a few of the activities that can be enjoyed in this beautiful area. Here are just a few of our favorite Waldport and Yachats outdoor recreation ideas. Get out on the water If you are looking for an easy kayaking adventure with fantastic bird watching, Lint Slough is the perfect spot. Lint Slough is a small area of backwater off the Alsea River estuary where you can see herons, egrets, mallards, hawks, and bald eagles. Access to the bay is available at the Port of Alsea dock for an $8.00 fee. Need to rent a kayak? Head to Coastal River Adventures The friendly and knowledgeable crew also offer guided recreational and fishing tours of the Alsea River, Siletz River, and surrounding areas. Go Crabbing in Alsea Bay Crabbing is king in Alsea Bay, an estuary literally crawling with Dungeness crab. Waldport has everything you need to give it a try – public docks, along with crab gear, boat rentals and licenses from local outfitter Dock of the Bay Marina. They will even cook your catch! Tee time! Hit the links at Crestview Golf Club Crestview Golf Club is a family-owned and family friendly course, perfect for all skill levels. This scenic 9-hole course is just up the street from the beach, and features modern greens with multiple tiers and lots of movement. The signature golf hole is #4, a par three that shoots over the course’s lake. Shop local at Yachats Farmers Market Take a stroll through the Yachats Famers Market. Wares from farmers and artisans include a wonderful selection of fresh, locally grown produce, fine foods, and handmade crafts. This event is seasonal, so check the website for opening hours and dates. All is well at Thor’s Well Thor’s Well is a visually stunning natural occurrence that will take your breath away. Most historians agree that Thor’s Well began as a sea cave that over time has been dug out by the impressive force of the sea to create a sinkhole just outside of Yachats. This “hole in the rock” is a spectacular way to witness the power of the ocean as the waves roll into the 20-foot-deep cave, and then come roaring back out of the top of the cave. High tide and stormy weather are the most popular times to visit. We recommend taking in this mesmerizing site from the viewpoints if the ocean appears too rough on the day of your visit. Book your Oregon Coast Getaway with Meredith Lodging! There are also many Waldport and Yachats vacation rentals available that offer easy access to all the best that the area has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin by the river or a spacious oceanfront home, there’s sure to be a perfect rental property for your getaway. So come and enjoy all that Waldport and Yachats have to offer! We know you’ll love it here as much as we do.
Waldport and Yachats are blessed with natural beauty, from the crashing waves of the Oregon Coast to the verdant forests of the Siuslaw National Forest. And there’s plenty for families to do together in this special place. Here are just a few ideas: Hop on a bike. Green Bike Co-Op is a community bike program that provides free bike rentals for anyone in the town of Waldport. Park the car and enjoy peddling around this quaint coastal town. Explore tide pools and comb the beach for treasures. Seal Rock State Wayside has large off-shore rock formations which are home to seals, sea lions, sea birds, and other marine life. The wayside includes interesting tide pools, as well as excellent ocean views, and a sandy beach. Go Picnicking in Driftwood Beach State Wayside Driftwood Beach State Wayside provides access to the ocean and picnic facilities scattered among the shore pine. The Driftwood area offers a wide, flat, sandy beach, perfect for beach combing and enjoying beautiful sunsets. Parking lot is currently closed. Check out Cape Perpetua Scenic Area Cape Perpetua scenic area is a large forested headland located 2 miles from Yachats. It is part of the Siuslaw National Forest offering lush, green trails, thor’s well and majestic headlands. There is a visitor center that offers a phenomenal view of the Pacific Ocean. Cape Perpetua offers lots of great adventures and activities for families, including a mobile app to help explore the coastal forest. Ranger-led programs and guided walks are available throughout the year, including winter and spring whale watching events. Go Hiking on the Crestline Park Woodland Trail Located in the center of Waldport, the Crestline Park Woodland Trail takes you on a journey through pristine forest and coastal habitat. The trail is a 1.6 mile, lightly trafficked, out and back loop that features a river and is good for all skill levels. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on leash. Discover and explore at one of the nation’s top aquariums. An icon of Newport, the Oregon Coast Aquarium offers educational programs and impressive exhibits highlighting marine mammals, fishes, seabirds, invertebrates, and plants primarily native to the Oregon Coast. No matter what you choose to do, Waldport and Yachats is the perfect place for a family vacation. So come and enjoy all that this special place has to offer! Check out our Waldport and Yachats vacation rental collection online or give us a call!
Waldport and Yachats, on the south end of the Central Oregon coast, are considered two of the Oregon Coast’s best-kept secrets! Meredith Lodging has a beautiful collection of Waldport and Yachats vacation rentals just waiting for your arrival. From cozy beach bungalows perfect for romantic getaways, to large homes where you can entertain friends or the whole family, we can help you find and book the perfect Oregon Coast vacation rental. Many of our Waldport and Yachats vacation rentals have amazing ocean views, and are pet-friendly, too! Ready to start planning your Waldport/Yachats getaway? We have prepared a weekend itinerary full of some of our favorite things to do, see and eat, so you can spend more time relaxing and less time planning. Check out our lists of things to do to enjoy your weekend away in Waldport or Yachats. Check-in/Friday night – Yachats Brewing After checking into your cozy Meredith Lodging Waldport vacation rental, head to Yachats Brewing for dinner. Yachats Brewing + Farmstore is a casual, award-winning market and eatery serving gourmet sandwiches, vegetarian dishes, smoked salmon chowder, salads, craft beers, seasonal ciders, and brewing sodas/kombuchas on tap. If you can’t make it in time for dinner, try their delicious Sunday brunch. On the way to dinner, we recommend stopping by Thor’s Well to take in this incredible force of nature while watching a majestic sunset over the Pacific Ocean. This “hole in the rock” is an impressive way to observe the sheer power of the ocean as waves are pulled into the 20-foot-deep-well, and then roar back out of the top of the sea cave. Saturday – Looking for a strong cup of coffee and a healthy, delicious breakfast before you head out for an adventure? Stop by Green Salmon Coffee Company in Yachats. This neighborhood favorite serves breakfast sandwiches, bagels and lox, freshly baked pastries, oatmeal, and an extensive array of espresso and coffee drinks and premium teas. After breakfast, head to the Cape Perpetual scenic area where you can explore miles of trails amongst the stunning, forested headlands. Stop by the visitor center for an impressive view of the Pacific Ocean from the observation deck, and to learn more about the family-friendly activities and adventures the area has to offer. There is a mobile app to help discover the Siuslaw National Forest, ranger guided walks, and different programs throughout the year, including whale watching in winter and spring. Hungry after a few hours of hiking and exploring? Head to local’s favorite Hill Top Café-Bistro where you can enjoy gourmet burgers and hotdogs, wrap sandwiches, salads, and soups. Grab a seat on their outdoor patio, where your four-legged friend is welcome! Currently open every day from 8am – 2pm. After lunch, we suggest a visit to the Alsea Bay Historic Interpretive Center & The Waldport Heritage Museum. Discover the rich history of the Waldport area, learn about all the bridges along the coast, from Astoria to Brookings, and observe unique artifacts and displays celebrating Waldport’s rich history. Admission is free. Prefer a quiet night in your cozy Meredith Lodging rental after an action-packed day? Grab a pizza to go at Grand Central Pizza. The menu offers everything from grinder sandwiches, deluxe burgers and fries, salads, spaghetti dinners, calzones and of course pizza, pizza, pizza! Make sure and order their world-famous garlic rolls! Sunday/Check-out – Enjoy your last day of your coastal getaway with a coffee stop at The Village Bean. This friendly drive-thru coffee house serves organic brewed coffee, handcrafted espresso drinks, chai, fruit smoothies, Smith teas, and hand-made frappes. They also serve freshly baked pastries, coffee cake, muffins, scones, and gourmet cookies! After your caffeine fix, head to Smelt Sands State Recreation Site where you can take in some majestic views, look for whales, and observe the tide pools. Walk the historic 804 Trail, a 1.3 mile out and back trail, good for all skill levels. Leashed pups allowed. Ona Restaurant and Lounge Fuel up after your morning hike at Ona Restaurant and Lounge. Overlooking the Yachats River and Pacific Ocean, this fine-dining restaurant offers a locally sourced and globally inspired menu in a relaxed, family friendly environment. We love the fresh, briny oysters on the half shell, Dungeness crab and shrimp melt, and the halibut sandwich. Save room for the sticky toffee pudding cake! They also offer a kid’s menu and a heated, outdoor patio. Yachats Farmers Market Before heading home, stretch your legs with a stroll through Yachats Famers Market. Local farmers and artisans offer a wonderful selection of handmade crafts, fresh produce, and fine foods. Grab some snacks for the car ride, or some seasonal fruits or vegetables for a quick and easy dinner when you arrive back home tired, but happy from your memorable weekend getaway! The market is seasonal, so we do recommend checking the website for operating hours and dates. Ready to plan your next weekend getaway? You can view our entire Waldport and Yachats vacation rentals collection online or call our Reservations Team at 877.778.9055 to book your stay. We hope to see you soon! In the meantime, follow us on social and tag those vacay posts #STAYWITHMEREDITH.
