Expansive Beaches, Local Dives, & Old Airplanes in Oregon
Taking a break from craft breweries and Voodoo donuts, it's time to get outside the Portland city limits and explore the Oregon coast. Start your day trip with breakfast at Bread and Ink Café in the Portland city limits. The café is loaded with kitschy kitchen gadgets and old diner décor, dating back to the 1960s. The food has large portions and will fuel you for your drive down the 101. If you need an extra jolt, grab a mocha and chocolates for the drive from Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe and start driving southwest towards the ocean.
Once you hit the ocean, take the 101 south from Pacific City down past Lincoln City, stopping at various beaches and lookout points. The coast is comprised of various state and city parks that are perfect for nature watching, sun bathing, and swimming. Start in Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, Mugg County Park, or the Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Swim at Bob Straub State Park or off the cliffs at Winema Road Beach. Continue south to Neskowin Beach for a stunning beach or Roads End State Recreation Site for winding paths overlooking the sea. End your trip down the 101 in either Devil's Lake State Recreation Area, taking a peek at Devil's Lake, or Siletz Bay Park, overlooking the Siletz Bay. At each stop along the way, the air is crisp, the waves are picturesque and the atmosphere is relaxing. We were traveling in late spring so the beaches were desolate and we had plenty of space to frolic at will and dip our toes in the sea. In the heart of summer, the State Parks will be packed with Oregon residents escaping the dry, hot, sun, but the dip in the cold Pacific Ocean will be the perfect break from your 2 hour drive from Portland.
After all the driving, wandering, and picture taking, you'll be famished. Stop at Mo's Seafood and Chowder on the Siletz Bay in Lincoln City for a bowl a chowder and water views. I opted for the famous clam chowder but the fried clam basket and shrimp on skewer were also making my mouth water. Wash the whole thing down with a slice of Oregon famous Marion Berry Pie.
Time to hit the open road and head back towards Portland, but first, a stop at Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum. Located near McMinnville, OR, about an hour outside Portland, the museum sits across from the McMinnville Municipal Airport so you can see actual planes take off and land as well. Highlights include the Spruce Goose, a wooden airplane made during WWII when metal was scarce, and interactive airplanes you and explore inside and out. The museum is a dream for airline nerds and ordinary fans of travel alike.
After a day on the road, head back into Portland to commence your craft brewery tours and fine donut dining. As one of the coolest cities in the Pacific Northwest, there is plenty to do to compliment your Summer Saturday on the Oregon Coast. Enjoy!
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