The day after Christmas, December 26, kicks off the yearly whale week on the Oregon coast when 18,000 gray whales will pass by on their way to their breeding and calving lagoons along the Baja coast of California. They’ve been heading south from their summer feeding water in the Bering and Chukchi seas near Alaska.
In addition to the gray whales, over 1,100 humpback whales will also be in the area. The migration will continue through early February, but the final week in December is highlighted as dozens of volunteers will be keeping watching at different vantage points along the coast and also provide information to visitors.
The whale migration makes for quite a spectacular show, and I’m fortunate to live right on the Northern Oregon coast for a front row view.
If you aren’t lucky enough to live in one of the most beautiful places in the United States, you should consider visiting the Oregon coast in the winter, and whales aren’t the only reason to come. The winter time can bring spectacular storms, perfect for photographers who can catch the large sea swells crashing to shore on film, or just watching the waves from an ocean view balcony while relaxing with a good glass of wine.
This month, we’ve had many bright sunny days and even moderate temperatures. This time of year you can experience miles of beach with only a handful of people on the entire expanse of sand. It’s like having a slice of your own paradise. Hunt for sand dollars and sea shells, and you’ve got the best souvenirs, all for free.
There are many great destinations on the coast, with the best on the central coast including Newport and Lincoln City, but the north coast is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Cannon Beach.
Cannon Beach is a picturesque beach community reminiscent of Cape Cod, and is the home of the famous landmark, Haystack Rock. It’s one of the most photographed as well as the world’s third largest coastal monoliths. It can be seen in many films , including “The Goonies” and “Kindergarten Cop.” If you are one of the millions who loved “Goonies,” this is where you can see much of that fabulous scenery.
Ecola State Park in Cannon Beach is the location of one of the prime whale watching spots. Follow Ecola Park Road from Cannon Beach through old growth rainforest and end with spectacular views of the ocean and Tillamook lighthouse, and if you arrive during the last week of December, whale watching experts will be there to help you spot the incredible marine life.
Lodging
If you’re looking for budget accommodations, winter is the best time for deals. The best budget priced hotel in Cannon Beach is Sea Breeze Court . It is close to the beach and offers large, comfortable, clean rooms at a reasonable price. During the off season (October through March), room rates start as low as $80.
One of the most luxurious stays on the coast can be found at Tolovana Inn, offering breathtaking ocean views for as little as $125 a night.
Ten minutes up the road in Seaside, the Best Western in downtown offers rooms with an ocean view for around $70 a night.
Restaurants
Of course you’ll have lots of delicious, fresh seafood at your fingertips at the coast, and Wayfarer’s Restaurant offers oceanfront dining and some of the best meals on the entire coast. In Seaside, fresh crab can be had for budget prices at Buoy’s Best Fishouse . It sits next door to Bell Buoy’s Fish Market, and though it doesn’t look like much from the outside, they offer some of the best fish and chips, fresh dungeness crab and clam chowder in the area.
There are so many reasons to visit the Oregon coast in the winter, if I were you, I’d already be packing. But I guess that’s why I moved here!
K.C. Dermody is a freelance writer and a Featured Contributor for Yahoo!Travel. She has traveled to nearly all 50 states, and many countries worldwide, and has a passion for imparting what she has learned from her experiences to others.
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