Depoe Bay 1-Day Itinerary

Rainbow in the ocean spray along the Depoe Bay sea wall — *Disclosure: post contains affiliate links*

Depoe Bay isn’t quite like anywhere else on the Oregon Coast. I’ve been about a dozen times and would happily go back tomorrow. The small harbor town sits above a sea wall that looks like a medieval castle built to keep hydras at bay. Waves crash against it at high tide. During storms, the spray can get high enough to splash the cars on Highway 101. Calm days are the best for enjoying Depoe Bay’s number one activity, whale watching. Whether you search from land or take a boat tour, this area is a hot spot for whales. After exploring the coast, relax at a restaurant with an ocean view. Here’s how to plan the perfect day in Depoe Bay.

Morning: Depoe Bay sea wall and whale watching

Depoe Bay is about 2.5 hours from my home in Portland. I’ve gone there on day trips and long weekends. The main difference is that you’ll have time to see more of the Oregon Coast if you stay longer than one day. If you’re coming from Portland, I’d try to be on the road by 8 AM to have enough time to explore. If you’re staying on the Oregon Coast, so much the better. Either way, once you get to Depoe Bay, you’ll want to check out the town center. As you drive through, you’ll have the sea wall on one side and shops and restaurants on the other. Park along the road wherever you find a spot. Public parking is free in Depoe Bay. If the street parking is full, turn off Highway 101 and look for the public lots up the hill. They’re only a block or two away.

Wave crashes against Depoe Bay sea wall — *King tides at Depoe Bay*

The sea wall in Depoe Bay looks very different depending on the weather and the tide. At low tide on calm days, you’ll see a broad rocky shoreline. Look carefully as you walk along the sea wall. Whales sometimes come very close to shore, especially moms with calves. The highlight of the sea wall is the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center. Volunteers and staff in this observatory can help you spot whales. There are binoculars to borrow and a bulletin board with the daily whale counts. I learn something each time I visit. One of my favorite whale facts is that you distinguish a gray whale at a distance from the heart-shaped mist that comes from its blowhole.

Depoe Bay whale watching center on sunny day — *Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center*

From the whale-watching center, a pedestrian walkway passes under the Depoe Bay Bridge. On the other side, you’ll see Depoe Bay Harbor. Known as the world’s smallest harbor, it’s a working harbor full of mostly charter boats and fishing boats. Harbor seals often hang out in the water waiting for handouts. After you cross the bridge, walk down the other side of the road to browse the shops. If you need any product in the world with a whale on it, it’s the place to go.

Several companies in Depoe Bay offer whale-watching tours. If your budget allows (around $30-55 per person), the 1 to 1.5-hour boat rides are a fun way to see the Oregon Coast and possibly get a close encounter with a whale. I went for the first time recently and, sadly, didn’t see any whales, but I had a blast anyway. The boats go pretty fast and it’s exciting to watch the coastline pass by as you bounce on the waves. You’ll see a gazillion seabirds and probably some seals and sea lions. I hear most tours do see whales. Ignore the sound of my muffled sobs as you read on. You can book a tour once you’re in town if they’re available. I’d suggest making a reservation if you’re confident about your plans. I saw some sold-out tours when I looked on a cloudy weekday.

Woman wearing lifejacket on boat in the ocean — *I look for (but do not see) whales*

Afternoon: Explore the coast

After spending the morning checking out Depoe Bay, it’s time for lunch. I’ve got restaurant suggestions next, but if the weather cooperates, you might want to bring a picnic to one of the scenic viewpoints near town. One of the best things about a day in Depoe Bay is seeing the coastline around it. Highway 101 has a series of overlooks with stunning panoramic scenery. Stop at any or all of them. I double-dog dare you to find one that isn’t pretty. Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint just north of town is a great whale-watching spot. I saw a couple of whales very close to shore there once.

Spout from whale — *Whale at Boiler Bay*

Driving south of Depoe Bay, you’ll pass one incredible viewpoint after another. Rocky Creek has a quarter-mile hiking trail that leads to a deck overlooking Whale Cove. I take a petty kind of amusement in this viewpoint since it’s right next to an identical private one at the Whale Cove Inn ($500+/night). Granted, I’ve only been to the general public’s peasant viewpoint, but I have a feeling the experience is similar. Just south of Rocky Creek, Otter Crest Loop is a scenic drive with breathtaking coastal vistas. The highlight is the Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint, one of the most impressive sights on the Oregon Coast.

Elevated viewpoint overlooking Oregon Coast — *Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint*

Last but absolutely not least is the Mack Daddy of Oregon Coast viewpoints, Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area. Even if you only have one day to spend in Depoe Bay, I’d make time to see it. This gaping well in the sandstone coastline has tunnels to the ocean, allowing water to enter. At high tide, waves churn inside Devils Punchbowl. At low tide, you can walk down to the beach and look for tidepools. If the tide is very low and the sea is calm, you can enter the Punchbowl. If you do, proceed with caution and make sure to be out before the tide returns.

Waves crash against Devils punchbowl — *Devils Punchbowl*

Continue down the coast until you’re ready for dinner, then head back to Depoe Bay. South of Devils Punchbowl is a lovely sandy beach that’s a favorite among surfers. It continues for miles. If you have more time, stop at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. I’ve seen more whales there than anywhere on the Oregon Coast. The tidepool area is also unbeatable at low tide. Unlike the other stops, it has an entry fee of $7/vehicle (or use the America the Beautiful Pass or Oregon Coast Passport).

Restaurants in Depoe Bay

Two wine glasses on patio table overlooking ocean and cliffs — *The patio at Tidal Raves*

For a small town, Depoe Bay has a good restaurant scene. Head to the Whale Bites Cafe for breakfast or lunch. The cozy cafe overlooks Depoe Bay Harbor. The food is a variety of breakfast plates, sandwiches, smoothies, and bowls. It’s a great destination if you have dietary restrictions. The menu has satisfying vegan and gluten-free options.

Breakfast plate by window overlooking harbor — *Whale Bites Cafe*

For lunch or dinner, Tidal Raves is the go-to spot for locals and tourists alike. The views are unbeatable. Just north of the sea wall, it’s a rare spot in Depoe Bay on the coastal side of Highway 101. Giant windows overlook the Pacific and the cliffs at the north end of Depoe Bay. I’ve stopped in for a drink, but I’ve never eaten here because the vegetarian options are limited to the drink menu. I get it, I’m in a fishing town.

Restaurant with ocean views — *Tidal Raves*

For other options, I’ll tell you where I have eaten and enjoyed. The Horn Public House has pub food of the pizza and burger variety, plus plenty of seafood options. If you can manage to get a table upstairs, it has a fantastic ocean view. The wait for a table can be long during popular times. Across the street, Mazatlan is a hole-in-the-wall place with delicious Mexican food. Since it has a lower profile than the other restaurants, it’s easier to find a table during busy times. The table in the back has an ocean view.

Where to stay in Depoe Bay

Hotel on cliffs above ocean — *World Mark across Pirate Cove*

SCP Depoe Bay has comfortable and affordable rooms overlooking the Depoe Bay Harbor. It’s a five-minute walk to the sea wall and restaurants in town. Breakfast is included. It’s dog-friendly.
Inn at Arch Rock is a historic property on top of the cliffs at the north end of Depoe Bay. It’s in the heart of the action and has great ocean views. Breakfast is included.
If you have a bigger group, you might want to check out the vacation rentals at Harbor Lights. My last visit was a family trip and the five of us were very comfortable there. It’s next to the harbor and Depoe Bay City Park. It’s about a 5-10 minute walk to town. You’ll have a full kitchen and a hot tub.
World Mark is a resort overlooking Pirate Cove in Depoe Bay. It’s on the pricier side but has a lot of amenities like pools, hot tubs, a fitness center, and a basketball court with an ocean view. The location has a good combination of feeling like a private stretch of the coast while being an easy walk to town. I’d book early for this one. The reservations go fast.

Hidden gems in Depoe Bay

Depoe Bay Scenic Park

Bench on grassy slope overlooks ocean — *Depoe Bay Scenic Park*

Most people who walk along the Depoe Bay sea wall miss the small park just to the north. A lawn overlooking the ocean has a small picnic area. Although still by Highway 101, it feels more like a natural space than the main drag. You’ll have great views of the craggy cliffs on the north end of town. On a calm day, you can get to the rocky shore and admire the coastline. Be cautious if you go beyond the grass. It doesn’t have the same protection as the sea wall.

Pirate Cove

Pink flowers bloom on cliff above ocean — *Sea thrift blooms at Pirate Cove*

Pirate Cove is a secluded inlet that you won’t find unless you go looking for it. Public access is tucked away in a residential neighborhood. From Highway 101, turn onto Vista St. It’s next to Pirate Coffee Company. At the end of the street are two public parking spaces for Pirate Cove. I went on a weekday in the rain and found one available. If they’re full, you could walk from the center of town. The public access at Pirate Cove is high on a cliff above the ocean. In late spring, clumps of sea thrift growing on rocks add splashes of pink to the rough stone of the cliffs.

Large number of sea birds on rock by ocean — *Common murres in Pirate Cove*

Pirate Cove is one of the best birdwatching spots in Depoe Bay. I’ve seen large flocks of common murres here, plus cormorants, gulls, and pelicans. You might also spot harbor seals swimming in the cove. Like everywhere else in Depoe Bay, it’s a good place to watch for whales. If you walk south along the cliffs, you’ll pass a picnic table and benches. The cliffs taper off as a small peninsula. When you get close to the end, you’ll get a view of town. Be careful exploring and stay back from the edge. Waves can come up high on the cliffs, especially at high tide.

Depoe Bay City Park

Trail leading to weird trees — *Two Sitka spruce trees grow from a stump*

Depoe Bay City Park is a beautiful and quirky public park in the woods behind the harbor. I wouldn’t skip time at the ocean to visit, but it’s a fun excursion if you have more than one day in Depoe Bay or are staying near the harbor. At first glance, it looks like a typical urban park. There’s a covered picnic shelter, a playground (whale-themed, of course), and a grassy field for dogs to run. Past the field is where things become an adventure. A short trail (one mile, tops) follows Depoe Bay Creek through an old-growth coastal forest. Toward the end, it gets so overgrown you’ll think you’ve gone the wrong way. Then, you’ll reach the large and well-built footbridges that look brand new. The highlight of the hike is a pair of giant Sitka spruce trees growing from a nurse stump with a hollow center.

Rainy day plans in Depoe Bay

Shops along sidewalk — *Shops in Depoe Bay*

For any day trip to the Oregon Coast, it’s a good idea to have backup plans in case of bad weather. I don’t mind a walk on the beach in the drizzle, but windswept viewpoints in driving rain get old quickly. Here are some places to wait out a shower:

The Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center has an indoor lower level.
The shops along Highway 101 offer a good variety for browsing. There’s a little of everything from candy stores to souvenirs to fine art.
Along the Otter Crest Scenic Loop, the Lookout at Cape Foulweather is a gift shop with fantastic windows out back overlooking the coast from hundreds of feet above the waves. You can borrow binoculars to look for whales.

Getting there

Depoe Bay is on the central Oregon Coast directly off Highway 101. It’s 20 minutes south of Lincoln City and 20 minutes north of Newport. The drive from Portland takes 2.5 hours. You need a car to get there.

Enjoy your day in Depoe Bay!

With love,

Emma

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