The Southern Oregon coast is home to isolated beaches, rugged cliffs with breathtaking views of the Pacific and quaint seaside towns. If you stay in the Bay Area, go whale watching at Coos Bay or explore the region on a bike or a hike along the coastline. Antique shoppers will want to explore old town Bandon while golfers hit the links at the world-renowned Bandon Dunes golf course. And don’t forget to bring your fishing gear – you’ll want to cast for salmon and other Pacific Northwest fish at Gold Beach, one of the region’s top fishing spots.

The Central Oregon Coast is a great place for fishing, clamming, hiking, golfing and other outdoor activities. Take the kids and visit the Sea Lion Caves near Florence, the world’s largest. Head up to Newport for a view of the state’s second-tallest lighthouse and shopping in this seaside town popular with vacationers for the last century. Go fly a kite on the beach in Lincoln City, kite capital of the world.

The Northern Oregon Coast offers a relaxing way to enjoy the region. A stay in the scenic town of Astoria on the Washington border will allow you to explore the western edge of the Lewis and Clark trail, with views of the Columbia River and the Pacific. Walk the sandy beaches in Seaside and Cannon Beach and then grab saltwater taffy and other treats while shopping these seaside towns.

North of Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Preserve and south of Tambor Bay, along a forested sandy bay, Montezuma has numerous beaches, waterfalls, good fishing, seafood, surfing, snorkelling, horseback riding, hiking, and bicycling.

Playa Las Manchas is popular for snorkelling, though you need to be mindful of riptides as you gaze at the parrotfish, rays, puffers, and needlefish. The kids will like exploring the colorful rocks and tide pools at Playa Rocas. Beachfront cantinas, bars, and restaurants are plentiful in Montezuma. Playa de los Artistas on the Montezuma beachfront serves sushi, pizza, and vegetarian dishes by lantern light at driftwood tables on smooth sand floors beneath bamboo lattice ceilings.

Playa Montezuma hosts the fishing fleet. Hike half an hour to the endless sands of Playa Grande to swim, surf, boogie board, or sunbathe nude where the waves are big and the currents less strong. Horseback ride, bike, or hike the beachfront path north towards Playa Cocolito, where El Chorro waterfall tumbles into the rocky ocean. Follow the river upstream from the beach to find more waterfalls for swimming.

Playa Los Cedros, a small scenic beach flanked by a waterfall and large banyan tree near Cabuya, has a right-handed point break favored by experienced surfers when the south swells get going good. The beaches and tropical forests at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula in Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Preserve are protected as a national park. Surf at nearby Mal Pais, Playa Santa Teresa, or Playa Carmen. Surf camps can teach you the basics.