BEACH NEWS YOU CAN USE
Covering 160 miles of Oregon coast travel: Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Wadport, Yachats & Florence.

Summer Cometh: Are you ready?
Family Fun Nightlife Frivolity	Subscribe to BC news RSS Feeds Add BC news to YOUR site

Oregon Coast Travel: The Great Fourth of July Preview

For last minute lodging availability, click here

(Oregon Coast) - If it seems too early to begin thinking about the Fourth, it's not. It's less than a month away, and there's a lot to plan for.

What a celebration it is on Oregon's coast. Some communities even whoop it up on the third or the first. So, you could theoretically enjoy two or more days of stuff going boom in the air. It's amazing.

There's more to Independence Day than Fourth of July celebrations, too. Many communities along the beaches have interesting little events happening around the holiday. Make your plans now: spend a few days at the beach. Remember to reserve your lodging well ahead of time - and be prepared for major crowds and traffic. For last minute lodging availability, click here

But most of all prepare to have a lot of fun. All events happen on July 4 unless otherwise noted.

Astoria
An enormous celebration explodes over the waterfront at dusk. In Warrenton, just over the bridge, there's a parade and fireworks as well. 800-875-6807.

Seaside
There an old fashioned street fair at 6 p.m. on Broadway, and a parade at 11:30 a.m. that includes the Oregon Crusaders Drum Corps, The Oyster Shooters (rock band), Tsunami Skippers (skip rope jumping team), face painting and more. The “Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social” happens in the afternoon at the Historical Museum, with food, games and music (503) 738-7065). Then fireworks go into the air at dusk, with one of the more spectacular, massive displays in Oregon. 800-444-6740.

Cannon Beach
The Fourth is celebrated without fireworks because of the bird sanctuaries at Haystack Rock. But it's charming Americana nonetheless. Parade at 1 p.m. with bikes, walkers, cars, pets and the infamous lawn chair drill team that doubles as a kazoo band. You'll have to see it to believe it. Personal fireworks on the beach were recently banned altogether. (503) 436-2623.

For some delicious, real Americana fun, there will be strawberry shortcake sold at the steps of the U.S. Bank, starting at 9:30 a.m. All proceeds will go to charities that provide college scholarships for local girls.

Manzanita
Pancake Breakfast from 8:30 - 11 a.m. at the Fire Hall. At 1 p.m., a parade meanders through town. Fireworks at dusk. 1-877-368-5100. Local secret: Some pack picnics and head to the top of Neahkahnie Mountain (just north of town). There, spectators can take in displays from Seaside, Manzanita Rockaway - and sometimes further south.
Nehalem Bay Winery has a BBQ in the afternoon, following the parade (usually beginning the festivities at the winery about 2 p.m.) The informal celebration includes hot dogs, hamburgers, and usually live music. Free. (503) 368-9463.

Rockaway
Parade, auction on the main wayside and other celebrations. Fireworks on the beach at dusk. (503) 355-2291.

Pacific City/Cloverdale
Happens on July 1. Display begins at dusk on the beach, with many people parking their vehicles on the beach to get a neck-bending view. 503-965-7102.

Clover's Day happens July 1 in Cloverdale, with a breakfast, parade, bazaar and music. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Highway 101 - a few miles from Pacific City. 503-392-3445.

Lincoln City
One of Oregon's bigger fireworks display happens at Taft, on Siletz Bay. Get there early in the day to park, and keep the family occupied all day with cooking goodies over a bonfire. 800-452-2151.

For those over 21, there's great kooky bar action before and afterwards at The Roadhouse, Snug Harbor and The Pines.

Gleneden Beach
March in the parade at the biggest little celebration on the coast - one which has grown ten-fold since its beginnings more than 10 years ago. The 1.1-mile route begins at the Fire Hall at 1 p.m. 800-428-5533.

There's a Fun Run/Walk that benefits the Habitat for Humanity at 8:30 a.m. (541) 574-1143. Community Breakfast with ham, sausage, eggs, pancakes and beverages for $4 at 8 a.m. (110 Azalea Street.)

Depoe Bay
July 3. The big stuff shoots off at dusk from nearby Boiler Bay. Shuttles available. 1-877-485-8348. Depoe Bay Winery stays open later for fun times. (541) 765-3311.

Newport
The fireworks over Yaquina Bay are one of the more awesome displays around, with the explosions echoing and bouncing around the bay as boats crowd the water, sometimes shooting off their flares. 800-262-7844.

July 1: Fourth Annual Nye Beach Clambake and Seafood Barbeque, at Nye Beach. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nye Beach celebrates its history of these social events, which were popular around the turn of the century. The focus is local seafood, with vendors serving up steamer clams, BBQ shrimp, BBQ chicken, strawberry shortcake, lobster gumbo and shrimp cocktails, among other delights. It also features horse carriage rides and live music. (541) 574-7706. Click here for full story on Clambake.

Waldport
It happens on July 3. Folks line up along the bridge to view the big booming stuff over Alsea Bay. (541) 563-2133.

Yachats
La De Da Parade at noon, which Landmark owner Bruce Olson calls "fairly hilarious. It features the Umbrella Drill Team and the mayor riding his manure spreader." Throughout the day, the Yachats Yamboree serves up great food and music at various venues about town. Spectacular fireworks at sundown. (541) 547-3530. Afterwards, hit the Landmark Bar for live music with a stunning view of the bay and incredible food. (541) 547-5459.

Florence
The sternwheeler offers a fireworks cruise on the river; live music outdoors in Old Town. Fireworks display over the river, with folks lining up all over Old Town and cramming the balconies of the area's restaurants and businesses. Some offer "fireworks specials" for the evening. The sternwheeler offers a special fireworks cruise. (541) 997-3128.

BREATHTAKING CLIFFTOP IN NEWPORT

STARFISH POINT is located on the Central Oregon Coast - in Newport - and offers only the finest in luxury condominium lodging. At Starfish Point, every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the beach.
All of the units boast two bedrooms, two bathrooms, designer kitchens, wireless broadband Internet, fireplaces, Jacuzzi’s and private decks - surrounding you in soothing relaxation. We have a friendly staff dedicated to high quality and superb customer service. 140 NW 48th Street, Newport. (541) 265-3751. (800) 870-7795. www.starfishpoint.com

DIVE INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES

THE TIDES BY THE SEA, Seaside. For over 80 years, The Tides has been a favorite of Seaside visitors. There's a sense of history as well as modern luxury here, with the ancient-looking stone walls and pillars out front practically screaming to tell tales of the generations of visitors that have stayed here. These 51 oceanfront condos come in various incarnations and are individually owned and decorated. Find suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes, one or two bedroom family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining rooms. There are wonderful oceanview cottages that sleep anywhere from two to eight people, with two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces and kitchens.
Meanwhile, the heated outdoor pool, enormous grounds with picnic tables and location at the quiet southern end of Seaside make for some memorable means of play and repose. 2316 Beach Drive. 800-548-2846. www.thetidesbythesea.com.

Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside

Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites, 1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people. Rent our entire rental property for 20-26. All units close to beach, river and Broadway St.
Suites are designed for two adults; vacation rental units are designed for families. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or family vacation/reunion, you will find it at Weiss' Paradise. All units have kitchen and many have fireplace, deck and jetted tub. Enjoy comfy robes & slippers, luxury bath amenities, quality linens and more.
Suites include daily maid service and complimentary coffee (beans), teas, cocoa, popcorn, cookies, snacks and more - all restocked daily. Stay a week in any unit and receive a tote bag filled with goodies.
Our award winning flowers are a must-see attraction in Seaside. Visit Paradise and see why so many of our guests are repeat customers.
The Travel Channel "Great Escapes" Show will feature our property in August 2006. 741 S. Downing St., Seaside. 800-738-6691. www.SeasideSuites.com