Published 07/22/09

Oregon Coast Attractions and Spas

Strange and unearthly are the sea creatures that inhabit the Seaside Aquarium, such as this basket starfish.

(Oregon Coast) – It's an ever-growing part of the Oregon coast experience, and often a necessary one when the weather gets a bit rowdy. Attractions on the coast are a longtime staple, with facilities like aquariums providing not just touristy entertainment but some brain food as well. Wineries are growing in numbers and popularity, as well as other means of indoor repose.

Then, there are the emerging spas along the Oregon coast, which create yet another layer of rest and relaxation to a region already known for its pure laidback sense.

Feeding the seals at the Seaside Aquarium has been a favorite of tourists for decades.

Seaside Aquarium. For over 70 years it’s been the major attraction in Seaside, cajoling generations of visitors to dig a bit more deeply into their coastal experience. Feeding the seals has been the big draw for much of that time, allowing the public to grab some small chunks of fish and tossing them to the seals – who do wacky and adorable tricks to get your attention. All manner of exotic, freaky fish roam their various tanks, many of them spiny and pointy and not resembling anything of this Earth at all. There is an octopus or two, starfish, seahorses and then seemingly the stuff of aquatic salads: funky creatures with names like sea cucumbers, sea lemons and sea lettuce.

You can see what cod or tuna look like before they become part of your fish ‘n’ chips, and other rather gigantic fish swimming around in their natural environments. Engage in eye-to-eye contact with moon jellyfish, the ferocious Wolf Eel or a deadly Moray eel. The roster of oceanic beasties changes with the seasons, too. A touch tank allows you to get up close and personal with all kinds of sea goo.

It’s a perfect reason to head to the coast during the winter months, while the other seasons provide different kinds of entertainment for the family as well. 200 N. Prom, Seaside, Oregon. www.seasideaquarium.com (503) 738-6211.

Overleaf Lodge & Spa. Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage or facial and follow with a soak in a spa tub overlooking the spectacular Oregon coast.The Overleaf Spa offers a full menu of treatments and therapies designed to help you restore, refresh and rejuvenate. Many of their treatments use seaweed, a healing gift from the ocean. Why seaweed? It is similar in composition to human plasma, our intracellular fluid. Seaweed helps your skin rebalance, regenerate, detoxify, oxygenate, mineralize, hydrate, purify and firm. Seaweed products are excellent for many skin conditions, and they help moisturize and defend skin against aging and ultra-violet light.

In addition to the usual amenities, such as showers and dressing areas, the men’s and women’s locker rooms include separate steam rooms and saunas. Surrender to the sea in a warm soaking pool that overlooks the ocean. The hypnotic waves and beautiful Oregon coast set the mood for total and complete relaxation. To soothe tired muscles, melt into the hot tub and turn up the jets.

Overleaf Spa facilities are included in the Overleaf Lodge room rates. Non-Overleaf Lodge hotel guests may use the Spa facilities only if they book a 60 minute treatment. Overleaf Lodge & Spa. 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane Yachats, Oregon 97498
(541) 547-4880 or Toll-Free (800) 338-0507. www.overleafspa.com.

Nehalem Bay Winery. You’ll discover a whole new take on the world of wine tasting. It’s fun, it’s funky and it’s very quirky – shaking loose all pretentiousness from the usual vino experience.
 
First, you enter the thick green farmlands and tightly knit hills, immediately evoking the wine producing regions of France or Germany. Even the building – a historic creamery – looks somewhat European in architecture. You immediately sense something is different, even more upbeat than usual.

A large variety of wines are on hand at the tasting room, which guests can enjoy year round, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. The fun never stops at this varietal merry-go-round.

Each year, the winery hosts a joyous blues festival, a legendary Fourth of July party, and the massive Bluegrass n’ BBQ festival that often features national acts like David Grisman, Laurie Lewis or the Austin Lounge Lizards. There are other intriguing, unforgettable music festivals as well, which differ from year to year.

They also have some great specials that include free shipping. Call them or email them with an order and you’ll get it quickly.

For Portlanders or visitors to Astoria, you can find them at the Portland Farmers Market, Thursdays in the Pearl District June; and Astoria Sunday Market through early October in Downtown Astoria.

The Nehalem Bay Winery is located on Highway 53, one mile from Highway 101, between Wheeler and Nehalem. Advance tickets are on sale now. Call 888-368-9463. www.nehalembaywinery.com.

Depoe Bay Winery. Inside the “cave de vin” as they termed it, there’s more quirky fun from the folks who bring you the Nehalem Bay Winery. Like their north coast sister winery, enjoy a large variety of reds and whites, as well as dessert wines. Write your name on the cave walls as well. Highway 101, downtown Depoe Bay, Oregon. (541) 765-3311. www.depoebaywinery.com

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