Central Oregon Coast Spring Break 2025: Unpopulated Gems to Insect-Eating Plants

Published 03/21/25 at 4:15 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Lincoln City, Oregon) – Vast is the central coast of Oregon and it's the most popular destination on this shoreline for good reason. It encompasses nearly 100 miles of the region, and there's so many fat (and phat) beaches for the kidlets to romp around on. (Above: Newport's Yaquina Head / Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

Which is why – in many ways – it's the centerpiece of spring break. In 2025, this spring break-cation boasts a variety of super fun events for kids of all ages, including the large-scale Festival of Illusions (Lincoln City's Festival of Illusions Puts Magic in Oregon Coast Spring Break ).

If that's not enough, there's the massive beaches of Newport and Waldport to play around on, the Oregon Coast Aquarium and Hatfield Marine Science Center, and then there's the long tract of unpopulated sands between Yachats and Florence in northern Lane County.

For other central Oregon coast spring break suggestions:

Whale Watch Week has special significance around these parts. The central coast is where more of them can be seen other times of the year, and there's a good chance they come in closer around Depoe Bay during the migrations.

Also, there are more whale watch volunteer sites in this region: Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint, Whale Watching Center, Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint, Newport's Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Yachats State Recreation Area, the Cape Perpetua Turnout and Heceta Head Lighthouse near Florence. Oregon Coast Whale Watch Week Begins Amid More Worries About Gray Whale Population - March 22 - 30

A Little Lincoln City Secret

Hidden spots are pretty much impossible to come by in this bustling tourism mecca, yet there is one lurking a little ways south of Roads End and its state park. Look for the sign pointing to NW 50th amid the placid neighborhoods. Follow that to its end, where it meets NW Jetty, and you'll find what resembles a gravel "driveway" which winds its way down to the beach.

Down on the beach, it's the only access for about half a mile in either direction. There are some interesting rock features here created by a crumbling cliff, and the sand is pristine and more than a little pleasant. Hotels in Lincoln City - Where to eat - Lincoln City Maps and Virtual Tours

Depoe View Park

Here's the kooky catch about this one: there's two by this name in Depoe Bay. City planners just let the second one happen. We'll let you find that hidden spot in the Depoe Bay Virtual Tour (happy hunting).

The main one is at the north end of town, sitting behind a large neighborhood. Mostly, it's known as North Point, and it contains an amazing span of puffy, bubble-like basalt cliffs.

Look straight out to sea: you're high above the crushing, crashing waves and a captive audience member to some amazing oceanic power. At the park's northern end, there's some weird coves and sea caves as you walk along some very odd shapes and features. Walk to the south of the entrance a bit and you'll encounter more craggy structures (including a natural oddity that looks like a mini Stonehenge).

Most spectacular, however, is when there's storms hitting the area. You can actually feel the vibration of the waves smacking the cliffs.

Only one thing is more fire than that: whales sometimes come right up to this mini-promontory and check you out. It is possible to be within 20 feet of them.

Warning; the area is unfenced cliffs so do not take small children here. Hotels in Depoe Bay - Where to eat - Depoe Bay Maps and Virtual Tours

Darlingtonia Gardens and Meat-Eating Plants

Near Florence, you'll find one beautiful but deadly attraction - deadly if you're an insect, that is. The Darlingtonia Wayside features insect-chomping plants that mostly live between there and around the south Oregon coast. These rarities simply sit tight, just waiting to catch bugs with their sticky parts, then slowly digest them.

Picnic tables abound here, and this rainforest-like park features a wooden walkway which keeps you elevated and away from the protein-hungry plants. They can't harm you, obviously. But still.....yikes...

The wayside is free, and you'll find it just off 101, near Mercer Rd. - Florence Oregon Virtual Tour, Map

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