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.

Taste-Testing Tourism on the North Oregon Coast

(Oregon Coast) – The top portion of the north Oregon coast is sometimes called the “final golden 35,” referring to the fact the last 35 miles of the coast includes Manzanita, Cannon Beach, Seaside and Astoria. It’s also a reference to the fact this is the favored section of the coast to many, for a variety of reasons.

Pacific Oyster

Numerous lodging, dining and hidden beach treasures lurk here, so it’s not unimaginable this area snags such accolades.

Really, some of the best hidden gems begin another 20 miles south, such as the delirium-inducing seafood on the scenic, pristine Tillamook Bay at Pacific Oyster.

Right up front is a cioppino to die for. It’s thick, hearty and so stocked full of a variety of fish it puts a hatchery to shame. The oysters are like tender little chunks of beef: extremely rich and flavorful, quite powerful for their miniscule size. The smoked salmon burger is wonderful as well, and the view of the bay magnificent. 5150 Oyster Drive. (503) 377-2323.

Up the road a ways, stay at the Old Wheeler Hotel: a wildly romantic hotel in the tiny town of Wheeler that was carved out of an old building once ready to fall apart. The place is extremely manicured, with a cozy old world charm, hard wood floors, chandeliers, clawfoot bathtubs and views of the untouched and pure Nehalem Bay. It’s been nicknamed the “Westin-Benson of the Oregon Coast,” and it is one of those places where first discoveries turn people into addicted, returning customers. Hwy 101 and Gregory. www.oldwheelerhotel.com. 877-4theview.

At Guido's: broccoli and mushrooms stuffed with crab on one pizza

Practically next door, it’s pure pizza heaven at a fairly new eatery called Guido’s Ristorante. The staff here is constantly hilarious – a little like watching the cast of “Seinfeld” interacting. But it’s the grub that’s the real star of the show, with a thick, even juicy crust beneath a forest-like covering of innovative ingredients. The main chef there calls himself Guido, but this is likely part of the continual gags. He often asks customers to let him create a pizza masterpiece based on a few guidelines – such as one or two favorite ingredients. From there, he takes control and adds innovative toppings according to inspiration.

For example, ask for meatballs to be the base of your pizza toppings, and he may throw together a work of art with various kinds of cheeses, a delicious marinara sauce drizzled on the meatballs and a variety of garden vegetables. There is a group nicknamed the “three guinea pigs” who come in regularly to be “experimented” on by the chef’s mad – but ingenious – creations. They always let him take control and surprise them.

This place also had an outstanding view of the bay, and a deliriously hip retro lounge in the back. 675 Hwy 101, Wheeler. (503) 368-7778.

Also for your slumbering pleasure, there is a real charmer of a motel called the San Dune Inn in Manzanita. This place is super dog friendly. They have a large selection of movies, as well as other unique things rather uncommon to motels, like bikes for use of guests, volleyball equipment, beach balls and other beachy equipment. It isn't your average little motel - but then Manzanita is not your average sleepy coastal town, either. 428 Dorcas Lane. www.sanduneinn.com. 503-368-5163.

Nearby, wander up just north of Manzanita to check out one of the incredible hidden spots. A set of grandiose cliffs and a small mountain hovers over the sleepy little beach resort, and on its north face lie some wild, weird slopes. It resembles Ireland in some spots, and scenes from “Planet of the Apes” in others, creating a wild and wondrous place. You walk down these steep, grassy areas to come across a strange seascape of jagged, freaky rock structures and boiling surf. It is, however, quite a dangerous drop off, so use extreme caution when venturing and do not take children.

Further up the road there’s Hug Point, near Cannon Beach, with an array of veiled pleasures and interesting details tucked away in one rocky area or another. There’s a waterfall, a few sea caves (one has some intricate structure inside that’s fun to crawl), and a rather mysterious road going around the point. In the early part of the century, when Oregon’s beaches were the only coastal highway, the state had dynamited this out of the rock so old horse ‘n’ buggies and Model T’s could make their way around during high tides.

The area is a geologist’s wonderland too, with intricate features showing a remarkable progression of land features through time and pre-history.

When hunger strikes in the Cannon Beach area, you’ll be more than a little pleased with the tiny little wonder called Fultano’s Pizza. Try the penne pasta with meat sauce and meatballs. These handcrafted delights are exceptional, with a marvelously multi-layered taste to them, like the subtleties you find in fine wine. The meat sauce is partially responsible for this, also with a few layers of goodness all its own. This place is a truly gourmet discovery, yet it’s not only totally kid friendly but thoroughly has its romance element as well.

Another highlight: the seriously delectable pizza with a sauce made from mashed grapes. This is absolutely fantastic and truly unique. 200 N. Hemlock and Second Street. (503) 436-9717.

Yet another wonder of the coast is the castle-like bed & breakfast called Arch Cape House - just a ways south of Cannon Beach. Here, antiques fill these rooms, and the place looks like something between a castle and a ski lodge. The garden is a bit of fantasia come to life, and the gourmet breakfast in the morning is legendary for good reason. East Ocean Rd. - S. of Cannon Beach. www.archcapehouse.com. 800-436-2848.

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

Cannon Beach Ecola Creek Lodge

Ecola Creek Lodge, Cannon Beach. In a quiet neighborhood, this longtime coastal landmark boasts a koi/lily pond, spacious lawns, gardens, stained glass windows and wireless internet – all in a slightly Victorian vibe. With some rooms pet friendly, you are a couple minutes walk from town and close to the beach. Guests also get access to a full recreational and exercise facility. Wild bunnies provide an adorable addition to your stay, making for an especially serene coastal experience. 208 5th St. www.cannonbeachlodge.com. 800-873-2749.