5 Things to Do in the Depoe Bay, Oregon, and Surrounding Areas

Before baby girl #2 arrived, I wanted to take a beach trip with just the 3 of us as a mini vacation because once she actually does arrive, we probably won’t be doing too much of anything, which seems to be the norm when you become a parent.

We set out our sights on Depoe Bay, Oregon area since we always head to Seaside, Oregon for it’s close proximity to us. Depoe Bay is a nice area and there’s plenty to do and see, even if you have to drive a little way north or south depending on preferences of activities.

We ended up staying the weekend at the Clarion Inn Surfrider Resort because you literally have the best view of the ocean as the hotel sits on a cliff. I was planning on taking some maternity photos on Fogarty beach, so the Surfrider Resort was the perfect spot to wind down for the night!

I was actually pleasantly surprised with the large soaking spa tub in the bathroom. This far along in pregnancy, being comfortable is important, so I’ve been taking a bath almost every night, but mine is so small that it’s just not pleasant. So this was awesome. I, of course, took a bath both nights with the jets going!

The Surfrider Resort offers a wide variety of on-site amenities with comfort and convenience in mind like:

• A 100% smoke-free lodging
• Free Wi-Fi
• Fitness center
• On-site restaurant & Bar
• Business Center
• Indoor heated pool & hot tub
• Direct Beach access
• Outdoor corridors
• Guest laundry services
• Event catering
• Food and beverage service for special events
• Free on-site handicap parking
• Indoor heated pool
• Sauna
• Game room
• Meeting room
• Adult only building section
• Pet-friendly (call for availability)

We ended up checking out the game room for a few minutes after we ate dinner at the Surfrider Restaurant which I might add was delicious!! I had the SURFRIDER SEAFOOD SAUTÉ and it was yum. My husband was a little jealous that he didn’t order it too, but he did enjoy his meal as well. Unfortunately, I did not get pictures of our meal.

The day we were leaving, Sunday morning, we decided to go back to the Surfrider Restaurant and enjoy the breakfast buffet. I might add, it was good too and worth it if you’re hungry enough for some strawberry crepes, sausage, bacon, hashbrowns, eggs, pancakes, waffles, etc. If you come in the daytime, you get a nice view of the ocean as you eat your meal, which is viewable from just about every seat in the restaurant.

5 Things to do In Depoe Bay, Oregon, and the Surrounding Areas

Fogerty Beach:

Hit up Fogerty Beach when you plan your hotel stay at the Clarion Inn Surfrider Resort. There is a stair path from the hotel, but it’s a lot safer to just drive up the road a short way to the Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area and walk the rest of the way to the ocean.

The first night we arrived was decent weather, but the next day we were in a storm. We didn’t know that would occur during our vacation so it was kind of miserable with the heavy winds and rain, but we made the most of it, even during my maternity photo session with my sister.

Oregon Coast Aquarium:

Take a stroll through the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, Oregon. I loved this place as a kid when Keiko was there. He was obviously the main hype back when Free Willy was popular, but it’s just as every bit as important now as it was then. So many animals and sea creatures for little kids to see and enjoy and learn from on the daily. My daughter even got curiously brave and touched a starfish in the hands-on tank area.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium opened in Newport, Oregon in 1992. It is a nonprofit, public aquatic and marine science exhibition facility offering educational programs and exhibits. The exhibits showcase seabirds, marine mammals, fishes, invertebrates and plants primarily native to the Oregon coast. The Aquariumseeksto provide a balanced, informed view of the wealth and fragility of coastal resources and promote environmental awareness, conservation, and stewardship.The Oregon Coast Aquarium is situated on 39-acres overlooking Yaquina Bay, adjacent to an estuary and opposite Newport’s Historic Bayfront and working harbor. The Aquarium broadens the economic base of the Newport community and attracts visitors from all over the world.

Mariner Square:

Snag a Groupon for Mariner Square’s 3 tourist attractions: The Wax Works, Undersea Gardens, and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. I’ve gone to these 3 places multiple times in my lifetime with the last time being about 4 years ago. They have implemented a couple new things in them if you haven’t been for as long as I have.

Devil’s Punch Bowl:

The devil’s punch bowl is a large bowl naturally carved in a rock headland which is partially open to the Pacific Ocean. It’s pretty easy to find and is right there on the ledge from the parking lot, so you don’t have to hike down unless you really wanted to. You can hike inside, but it’s only recommended during low tide for obvious reasons. We actually were there during low tide as you can see, but it was super windy and rainy so we didn’t want to endure much more than what we could see from above. Maybe next time!

Whale Watching:

You can do a whale watching tour in Depoe Bay, which I have yet to do, or even just check out the whale watching center for free. There’s an indoor facility with many knowledgeable and friendly volunteers and staff there to teach you about gray whales and to help you see them. They’ve got live camera feeds, binoculars, kids activities and some nice displays. Be sure to put this spot on your list of things to do in the area!

Sea Lions:

Check out the sea lions in Newport if you hit up mariner square. Go across the bridge and you can usually catch them chilling on the docks below. As you can see, for our trip, only one was swimming around. We went further out over the bridge and found them making noises on a large rock in the middle of the bay. I had to zoom in so the pic isn’t super great.

Check out the 20 shops along the Sea Wall:

The sea wall is what the residents call the strip along Depoe Bay. You can find some delicious clam chowder, salt water taffy and numerous trinket, t-shirt shops along the sea wall.

Thank you to the Clarion Surfrider Inn Resort for the weekend comped stay and to Newport, Oregon Aquarium for the comped adult passes for our family trip. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.