By Ann Johnson
Things to Do in Depoe Bay, Oregon
The Depoe Bay Chamber of Commerce refers to its community as the whale capital of the Oregon coast. Located along the central Oregon Coastline, Depoe Bay has the world's smallest navigable harbor. Deep sea fishing and whale watching are popular off the coast of Depoe Bay. Nearby, there are plenty of other sites and recreational opportunities.
Whale Watching
"Whale Watching Spoken Here" is an acclaimed Oregon Parks and Recreation Department program based at The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay. The program helps educate visitors about the fascinating marine mammal. Local whale watching charters are available. Ten months out of the year a pod of gray whales makes the waters near Depoe Bay a temporary home.
The Whale Watching Center
119 SW Highway 101
Depoe Bay, OR 97341
(541) 765-3304
Fishing
Deep sea fishing is a year-long activity of Depoe Bay. Charters are available, with some offering services for whale watching and deep sea fishing excursions. Local catches include Chinook, Coho salmon, albacore tuna, halibut and Dungeness crab. Charter companies include Depoe Bay Mariner, Whale Research EcoExcursions, Dockside Charters and Tradewinds Charters.
State Parks
Aside from Depoe Bay City Park, there are eight nearby state parks, within a six-mile radius. To the south, there is Otter Crest State Scenic Area, Devil's Punch Bowl State Natural Area, Beverly beach State Park and Rocky Creek State Scenic Area. To the north, there is Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area, Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint and Gleneden Beach State Recreation Area.
Shopping
Shopping and dining in Depoe Bay includes stores filled with marine collectibles and fine art, as well as gift shops and galleries, and a variety of seafood and ethnic eateries. Depoe Bay galleries include AZ Ray's Photo Art Gallery, Blue Heron Gallery, Silver Heron Gallery and Wild Woman Creations.
Golf
Golf is available at nearby Newport and Lincoln City. The Agate Beach Golf Course is located at 4100 North Coast Highway Newport, Oregon. The Chinook Winds Golf Course is located at the Chinook Winds Casino in Lincoln City. The resort casino is operated by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz and offers gaming, entertainment and dining.
Resources
About the Author:
Ann Johnson has been a freelance writer since 1995. She previously served as the editor of a community magazine in Southern California and was also an active real-estate agent, specializing in commercial and residential properties. She has a Bachelor of Arts in communications from California State University, Fullerton.
Photo Credits:
© Vojtech Soukup - Fotolia.com
