The Oregon Coast is renowned for its breathtaking views, rugged cliffs, and sandy beaches. While sunny days are ideal for exploring, the coast has a unique charm in rainy weather. With mist rolling in from the Pacific and waves crashing dramatically against the rocks, the coast can feel both mystical and inviting. And the best part? There’s still plenty to do, even when the weather isn’t cooperating. Here’s a guide to the best things to do on the Oregon Coast on a rainy day.
1. Explore the Quaint Coastal Towns
Oregon’s coastline is dotted with charming towns, each offering unique indoor attractions, local flavor, and hidden gems.
- Cannon Beach: Stroll through the art galleries and boutiques along Hemlock Street. With its artsy vibe and cozy cafes, Cannon Beach is perfect for an afternoon of browsing local artwork, handmade jewelry, and crafts.
- Astoria: Dive into Oregon’s history at the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Explore shipwrecks, fishing history, and even climb aboard a Coast Guard ship. Afterward, visit the Astoria Column and take panoramic coastline views.
- Newport: Home to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport is ideal for rainy-day adventuring. The aquarium showcases Oregon’s diverse marine life, from playful sea otters to mesmerizing jellyfish.
2. Visit Historic Lighthouses
Rainy days provide the perfect atmosphere to visit one of the many historic lighthouses that dot the Oregon Coast. These beacons, surrounded by mist and crashing waves, offer a dramatic and picturesque view that’s even more captivating with a gray sky.
- Heceta Head Lighthouse near Florence is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country. Take a guided tour or simply enjoy the view from inside the cozy keeper’s house (now a bed and breakfast).
- Yaquina Head Lighthouse in Newport is the tallest lighthouse in Oregon. Be sure to explore the interpretive center and learn about the area’s rich maritime history.
3. Indoor Entertainment: Museums, Art, and Books
If you’re looking to avoid the rain entirely, there’s no shortage of museums, galleries, and other indoor attractions on the coast.
- The Seaside Aquarium is small but charming, where you can even feed seals and learn about local sea creatures.
- In Manzanita, stop by Cloud & Leaf Bookstore for a cozy escape into a world of literature. Pick up a local author’s work or something from the shelves of bestsellers.
- Lincoln City is home to the North Lincoln County Historical Museum, where you can explore artifacts from the coast’s early settlers and Native American tribes.
4. Hike Through a Rainforest
Yes, it may be raining, but that doesn’t mean you can’t hike! The coast’s temperate rainforests are even more enchanting with the drizzle if you’re willing to brave the rain.
- Cape Lookout State Park offers a five-mile round-trip hike to the edge of a cape with dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean. The misty, rain-soaked forest only enhances the experience.
- For a shorter walk, explore the trails at Ecola State Park near Cannon Beach. You’ll wind through towering Sitka spruce forests while enjoying misty views of the coastline and offshore sea stacks.
5. Take a Trip to Tillamook: Cheese, History, and Indoor Fun
A rainy day is the perfect time to explore Tillamook, a town famous for its dairy products and rich history. There’s plenty to do indoors, making it an ideal rainy-day destination on the Oregon Coast.
- Tillamook Creamery: The Tillamook Creamery is a must-see for anyone traveling along the coast. It offers a free self-guided tour where visitors can watch cheese production in action, savor freshly churned ice cream, indulge in hearty comfort food at the Creamery Café, and take part in some delicious and informative experiences. The whole family will love the interactive exhibits and the chance to learn about the dairy farming process.
- Tillamook Air Museum: Housed in a massive World War II blimp hangar, this museum is one of the largest wooden structures in the world. Explore historic aircraft, learn about aviation history, and view vintage planes and military exhibits, all while staying dry inside this impressive building. Dress warmly when you visit, as the hangar stays cool all year long.
- Blue Heron French Cheese Company: Another local favorite, Blue Heron offers wine tasting, gourmet food sampling, and an adorable petting zoo. It’s the perfect stop for a rainy afternoon when you’re looking to indulge in local flavors and enjoy some indoor fun.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Rainy Magic of the Oregon Coast
A rainy day on the Oregon Coast is an opportunity to explore the region’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty in a more intimate way. Whether you’re visiting museums or shops, enjoying local food, or simply taking in the atmospheric landscapes, the rain adds a special magic to every experience. No matter the weather, there are lots of ways you can enjoy the unique charm of Oregon’s coastal gems!
Emily currently lives in Orange County, California after spending four years in Illinois and half a year teaching in Florence, Italy. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from Knox College and an M.A. in Counseling from the University of San Diego and has taught English to native speakers and ESL students for over three years. When she’s not working as a School Counselor or writing, she enjoys traveling the world, playing instruments, and blogging about Millennial experiences at Long Live the Twenties.