Whale watching from the Oregon Coast doesn't get any better than at Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center. The position of the center atop a plateau overlooking the ocean is perfect for such novelties and the whales are fairly reliable. Whale enthusiasts on staff know the best time of day and year to see these magnificent creatures playing along the line where ocean meets sky. The center staff is friendly and helpful, and the atrium features plenty of information about the whales as well as some fossils. It's great for the whole family. -Cathryn D. Blue

Lincoln City is known for its "get away from it all" beach feel, and Depoe Bay is no exception. Depoe Bay is a sightseer's dream, featuring everything from whale watching, boat tours and rentals, great restaurants, and beautiful beach hotels to little shops with no names. In addition to the various attractions within this attraction, the actual bay is quite the sight to see. The waters are beautiful, blue, and relatively calm, especially in comparison to the waters along the rest of the Oregon Coast. -Cathryn D. Blue

This town, located minutes from the Pacific shore, is a little slice of Wisconsin right here in Oregon. Made famous by its cheese and ice cream, the town is a dairy delight. Tour the cheese factory or visit the Tillamook Dairy Farm. The town offers quaint accommodations and other things to see besides cows and cheese, including a naval and pioneer museum as well as the Latimer Quilt and Textile Center. The town also has a number of dining opportunities from fast food to fine cuisine.

This drive tour was developed by the Oregon Coast History Center. Seventeen historical locations in the Newport area are on the list of places to drive by from the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse to the Midway Theater. While some of the buildings have been transformed over the years, many remain unchanged. If you feel like stretching your legs a bit, stop by the Burrows House. Once a home to travelers, the building is now home to the history center.

Oregon's spectacular coastline is rich with lush forests, incredible views and remarkable attractions. This central coast destination is laden with these interests. Where the mountain meets the dark waters, Yachats (pronounced Yah-hots) is within 25 miles of the coast's major attractions like the Sea Lion Caves, Oregon Coast Aquarium and Cape Perpetua. Check out the Chamber of Commerce and the Little Log Church for more information and history on the area.

These natural caves are home to Oregon's sea lions. Twelve stories tall and the length of a football field, the cave is a cold home to these seals in winter and a favorite basking spot during the warmer months. It is a sight to see when these personable ocean dogs play on the rocky volcanic cliffs. The immense cave is their community where the sea lions gather and reproduce. Eleven miles north of Florence, the caves are a spectacular treasure of the coast.

From June 18th to August 1st, you can take an hour and a-half tour of Tillamook Dairy Farm. Feed the calves and watch the Brown Swiss, Jersey, Holstein and Guernsey cows get milked. Tours leave from the Tillamook Cheese Factory at 3pm daily, but reservations must be made. Be sure to leave some extra time to tour the cheese factory itself. All admissions include an ice cream treat.

Located approximately 70 miles from Portland in the town of Tillamook, this famous cheese factory invites visitors to embark on a fun and educational self-guided tour. Two interactive video displays keep the audience well engaged, allowing them to learn not only about the in and outs of a fast-paced West Coast dairy, but also about the rich history of the community-oriented organization and its beloved products. Upstairs, a five-part video presentation explains the process of making cheese while you observe the factory operations below. If the kids don't go ape over all of that, send them to the "Kidz Zone," an interactive play area that focuses its attention on cows. At the end of the tour, sample the dairy's delights for free. Admission is free as well. If you have a couple additional hours to spare, reserve an afternoon tour of the neighboring Tillamook Dairy Farm.

Located on more than 125 acres, the replica fort was built in 1955. A historic canoe landing and spring are also located on the national memorial. Educational programs and activities are held throughout the year. Visitors can use the memorial for the day by walking the trails, observing the flora and fauna, enjoying a picnic lunch in one of the designated areas and exploring the fort, salt works and other historic sights. Admission is USD3 per adult or USD5 per family. The park opens at 9a daily, but closing times vary- between mid-June and Labor day it is 6p; after this it resumes to close at 5p.

This sandy beachfront offers much more than mere goose bumps for the extremely hardy sunbather. Windsurfing, swimming, boating and fishing are all easily accessible, and the scenery is nothing less than spectacular. Rooster Rock State Park offers a wonderfully refreshing day trip during summer's hottest days. For some real fun, try the separate beach (clothing optional) on the east end of the park. Be sure to see the rest of the Columbia Gorge while you are out this way.