The Best Things to Do in Yachats, Oregon.
A Pacific Northwest local’s recommendation on things to do in Yachats, Oregon. Includes an interactive map and videos: best views, beaches, nature, and food & drink. Long weekend itinerary and things to do if just passing through.
Lighthouse to Sealions, this guide — from a Pacific Northwest local — delivers all the best things to do in Yachats, Oregon.
You’ll get as many answers if you ask long-time Pacific Northwest locals about the best Oregon Coast Towns to visit. The scenic 363-mile outline that follows the Pacific Ocean is as varied as the varieties of moss in the coastal forests. Click here for the complete list of all 21 communities that hug Oregon Coast Highway 101.
For years I’ve driven the entire coast en route to a yearly Nature Connection retreat in California. The Central Coast remains a “must-stop” region for each road trip on Highway 101. No matter where I stay between Lincoln City and Florence, Yachats is a favorite place to spend my time.
Whether visiting Yachats (pronounced Yaw-HOTZ) for the first time or a long-standing Oregon Coast regular, this area of the Oregon Coast provides a breath of fresh sea air. This relaxed but vibrant community has a distinct energy that encompasses dramatic natural beauty, great food and drink, and magical forests. All entwined around iconic Highway 101.
This guide includes a map with an outstanding itinerary for a long weekend or only a few hours–how to have a remarkable experience on the Oregon Coast.
Table of Contents: The best things to do in Yachats, Oregon.
- Why should you listen to Matthew Kessi?
- Experience a Nature Connection with more purpose and meaning.
- History of the land: Amanda Trail.
- Wave watching.
- Beachcombing.
- Surfing.
- Whale and Sealion Watching.
- Making a Nature Connection: Forest Bathing.
- Cape Perpetua Scenic Area.
- Heceta Head Lighthouse.
- Considerations when making plans to visit the Oregon Coast.
- Hotels in Yachats, Oregon.
- Restaurants in Yachats, Oregon.
- A long weekend itinerary in Yachats.
- Things to do when just passing through.
- Interactive Map
Why should you listen to Matthew Kessi (that’s me)?
- The Pacific Northwest is my lifelong playground.
- As a former travel industry professional, my experience guiding people around Oregon gives me valuable insight into the right balance between what is possible and rewarding.
- Unlike big travel websites, I’ve been to all the places, tested the ideas, eaten the food, and taken photos. Unless specified, I don’t receive compensation for naming specific locations — my recommendations come from the heart.
- I make a yearly drive up and down the entire Oregon Coast, which keeps me in the know.
- I’m a practical mystic, which means I actively integrate spiritual sensitivities and meaningful applications in daily life. I can help you find more rewarding experiences grounded in nature — and you can be more present to yourself, your companions, and all the wonders of travel. In another article, “Six steps to deepen your nature connection, “ I write about the fundamentals to do this.
Let me help you plan your Oregon Coast adventure.
Are you visiting the Pacific Northwest for the first time, or the first time to new regions in Oregon? I have loads of resources to help you make sense of all the information coming at you. This is also helpful for planning road trips, especially on the time-tricky Oregon Coast. Are you already a local, but hosting out-of-towners and wanting assistance putting together some plans? I can help.
What is the difference between burnout and remarkable experiences on the Oregon Coast? Connection with Nature’s Wisdom.
The difference between a “meh” experience and a memorable one is about grounding with the natural environment. You can probably think back to wonderful travel experiences, and the common denominator would be feelings of belonging—or connection—to yourself, your companions, and the destination.
Whether that is a fun conversation with a server at a quirky restaurant or sighting a rare bird landing on your veranda, magic occurs when you’re open to the beauty of a connection. The wonder awakens your inner self—or your true Nature.
Often, the loudness of modern culture, especially on vacation in an unfamiliar place, adds static—especially that distracting idea that says you need to see it all. Unrealistic expectations prevent a total opening up to the possibilities, consciously or subconsciously. That’s why—without grounding—you might return home feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation.
Allowing yourself to focus on grounding in Nature’s wisdom will monumentally change the way you embrace the joy of Yachats, Oregon. But don’t worry. You can still enjoy your favorite experiences, like wandering an open breach, gazing at wild waves, or enjoying a cup of locally sourced chowder. Consciously deepening your connection to Nature makes all these things more meaningful because you’re more connected to your heart and soul—or your true Nature.
Over my lifetime, I’ve developed six steps that are guaranteed to help anyone practice focusing on a more profound connection with Nature. This simple and accessible framework is proven to work — with remarkable outcomes. Staying grounded and mindful takes as little as 30 minutes daily. I give you all the information in my article, Six questions to ask yourself to deepen your nature connection.
This entire article and all my recommendations use this framework to encourage you to take your grounding in Nature seriously while visiting the Oregon Coast.
You will enjoy the best possible experience when you spend quality time at a few stops and accept that you cannot see it all.
The first thing to do in Yachats, Oregon: Learn about the history of the land–The Amanda Trail
Yachats is pronounced yaw – HOTZ and one translation of the name is believed to be Siletz for “dark water at the foot of the mountain”. The original indigenous people were the Alsea Tribe who lived in a wonderland of coastal bounty since the 6th century. From elk and deer on land to water creatures, there was plenty of food, and the tall sacred old-growth provided materials for housing to protect them from the swell of elements — particularly in the seasons of inclement weather from November through March.
In 1855 the US Government pushed across the Pacific Northwest to coerce the indigenous population to sign treaties ceding their land to the US government in exchange for peaceful lives on reservations — including hunting and fishing rights and resources for healthcare and education. Instead, there would be struggles with broken promises, genocide, and lost identities.
Central and Southern Oregon Coast tribes signed a treaty that created a 1.1 million acre Coast Reservation, stretching from Cape Lookout in the north to Siltcoos in the south (near Florence) — and inland 20 miles to a ridge in the Coast Mountains. It is about 16,000 acres today.
Amanda was a blind woman from the Coos Tribe who, longing for her home and fleeing starvation and abuse by Indian Agents, refused to live on the Coast Reservation. Instead, she was found by a military group tasked with “rounding up the run-away Indians.” She was separated from her young daughter and forcibly marched back to the sub-reservation north of Yachats. (The language and information come from a placard referencing collaboration by the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians.)
Her story was documented by Corporal Royal Bensell in his journal. Amanda represents the injustice of coercive treaties, inhumane abuse, and genocide endeared by the Coast Tribes, in this instance, around Yachats.
Three things to do to reflect on Amanda and the Indigenous way of life in and around Yachats:
- The Amanda Grotto: A subtle pullout just before the North Cape Creek Bridge. Park near the logging gate and walk down steps to a serine amphitheater area memorializing Amanda.
- Amanda’s Trail: A 9.7-mile challenging hike that winds from the Amanda Grotto area to the viewpoint of Cape Perpetua.
- Ya’Xaik Trail: A short but beautiful trail just off Highway 101 in Yachats. A great place to go slow and reflect on the spirits of the land, past and present.
The best things to do in Yachats Oregon always involve wave watching!
Yachats hovers at the base of impressive mountains that dramatically meet the sea. Much of the coastline in this area was formed by volcanic activity from thousands of years ago. This makes for a spectacular show when the power of the Pacific Ocean meets the bubbled lava flows.
Especially around high tide, look for blow holes exploding salty spray, and fantastic patterns of foamy goodness cascading down rock stacks. Each wave seems to have a uniquely captivating quality, and you’ll be surprised how much time goes by watching the sea.
Here are a few of my favorite places to watch the waves in Yachats:
- Yachats State Park: The view is great from your vehicle but there are some handy benches to get closer to the elements. At low tide, you can explore the tide pools and rock formations.
- Yachats Ocean Road State Natural Site: Another wonderful place to take in the sea from your vehicle, or on a short and gentle walk.
- The 804 Trail: A spectacular walk along a dramatic part of the coastline. It winds in front of several of the local hotels (including the Overleaf, mentioned below).
My favorite hotel for wave watching: Overleaf Lodge
This is a magical place to sit on your deck (or ground-level patio) and enjoy the show for hours. Sunsets are spectacular, but this well-appointed hotel makes for a wonderful place to slow down your pace, no matter when.
The best things to do in Yachats Oregon always include beachcombing!
You’ll want to check the tides before venturing out to a nearby beach, and it’s recommended to start a beach walk 1-2 hours before low tide. The Yachats River divides the beach access between the more dramatic rock stacks (near Yachats State Park) and more open beach better for walking on the south side of the river (park along Yachats Ocean Road). But it’s not difficult to find your stretch of sand in either direction along Highway 101 (I prefer the beaches to the south).
Head a little bit south of Yachats for more beach access.
While some beaches, like Bob Creek, are great for spotting agates, others, like Hobbit Beach, offer miles of sandy peace. Either way, you’ll want to head south on Highway 101 from Yachats and pull off where the spirit calls you.
Surfing in Yachats Oregon?
Yes, it’s cold! But how exhilarating to play in the Pacific Ocean. Even if carrying a board along the surf isn’t for you, it is fun to watch the action. Usually near where the Yachats River meets the sea.
Whale watching and other creatures of the sea.
Whale watching is a favorite activity for many, especially when the migrations pick up from mid-December to mid-January and from the end of February to the beginning of June. While Depoe Bay (about an hour north on Highway 101) is famous for the best views of resident gray whales coming in to feed (summer through fall) from the shore, I’ve seen whales from Cape Perpetua and Heceta Head. Tours leave from both Newport and Depoe Bay.
Other opportunities to see creatures in and around the sea exist everywhere. I always stop at a viewpoint overlooking Heceta Head to see a nest of bald eagles swirl around sea lions resting on the rocks below. Speaking of sea lions, although very touristy, it can be fun to visit the SeaLion Caves just south of Heceta Head on a sharp corner and cliff. You’ll pay admission to descend hundreds of feet in an elevator that taps into a favorite hangout of droves of sea lions. Beware of the smell!
The Oregon Coast Aquarium
Stop in right at 10 am when they feed the sea otters for a real treat, and stay for the variety of sea creatures, birds, educational exhibits, and… did I mention the otters? Newport is about 30 minutes from Yachats. Use the link to learn more about things to do in Newport.
One of the best Nature Connection things to do in Yachats Oregon? Forest Bathing.
Wait! This isn’t just new-age jargon. Please read on.
Forest bathing, or Shinrin Yoku, is a concept that originated in Japan in the 1980s as its population migrated from rural to urban living to support a booming economy based on manufacturing and technology. However, in this transition, companies found that their employees were prone to sickness and burnout.
Japan’s government commissioned studies to get to the root problem. They found empirical proof that a mindful re-connection to the Natural World worked well as a remedy against the stress of daily life in a demanding corporate environment.
The concept of “forest bathing” comes from the phytoncides and other essential oils emitted from forest trees. They quite literally rain down. Several studies have shown that the fragrance of phytoncides reduces stress and promotes immunocyte growth, including natural killer (NK) cells.
Furthermore, a growing body of research points to the beneficial effects of exposure to the Natural World on health, reducing stress, and promoting healing. Some studies further clarify that only 20 minutes daily (of immersive Natural experiences) are essential to producing lasting benefits such as lower blood pressure, higher concentration, improved mental health, regulating cortisol levels, neutralizing inflammation, and even higher sexual satisfaction.
If you’re interested in more information, I’ve written a step-by-step guide, “Forest Bathing for Beginners” that offers simple and proven ways to find more meaning and fulfillment in a deeper Nature Connection.
Where can you go Forest Bathing on the Oregon Coast?
The answer is anywhere! After all the whole point of this article is to help you slow down to take in all the beauty and magic of this iconic mountain. If you want some pointers, check out my article, “Forest Bathing Near Me — a guide to finding the best places to connect with Nature.”
What does forest bathing look like near Yachats Oregon?
There are lots of wonderful places in and around Yachats to explore a deeper Nature Connection–in a Forest Bathing experience. Keep reading for two areas of Natural goodness, on the road south of Yachats.
If you’re interested in deepening in Nature in this area, check out this recent YouTube Nature Connection video, filmed on the trail to Hobbit Beach near Heceta Head.
Quiet your mind, manage your emotions better, and trust your intuition more by following my guided Forest Bathing Experience. Excellent for beginners and magical for those already deep in the forest. Access healing, wellness, & empowerment in the beauty of the Oregon Coast. In this 20-minute guided meditation of sorts, “How to find your Magic” the Forest Bathing experience represents a Natural World conversation about opening up your inner self to the magic and power, you hold within yourself.
Things to do at Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Depending on your time, there are many adventures available in this diverse area of natural beauty. Remember, the rock stacks (like Thor’s Well) are more dramatic closer to high tide.
Quick views:
- Devil’s Churn: A wonderful loop trail that offers views of churning water (photo shown), and benches with views of the sea, set among Sitka spruce trees.
- Thor’s Well: Be careful walking on the rocks, but prepare for quite a show. Also in this same area are Spouting Horn and Loki’s Revenge.
About an hour plus:
- Cape Perpetua Overlook and Lookout: The winding drive up to the top of the mountain is an adventure in itself. You can also hike this from the bottom. I’ve spotted whales from up here before. A great place for a picnic and soaking up the Oregon Coast’s majesty. There are also a few short trails to wander.
- Visitor Center and Giant Spruce Trail: There are a lot of visitors here because it’s a pretty short and easy trail, but don’t let that deter you. I like to take this trail very slowly, as it follows a lovely creek. Wind through the damp, mossy goodness of a coastal forest to a… giant Sitka spruce tree.
Parking passes in this region.
Cape Perpetua and much of the land around Yachats are in the Siuslaw National Forest. You’ll need to buy a $ 5-day pass or else use an inter-agency pass like America the Beautiful (for National Parks) or a Northwest Forest Pass.
Things to do at Heceta Head Lighthouse
This is one of my favorite areas in all of Oregon’s 363-mile coastline. It makes a great stop on a road trip along Highway 101 because you get a little bit of everything: A statuesque lighthouse, a cozy beach with tide pools, an iconic bridge, and a wonderful hike through magical terrain to Hobbit Beach. There’s even a charming Bed & Breakfast (see below).
This is an Oregon State Park within the National Forest, so a $ 10-day pass is required, or an Oregon State Park Annual Pass.
- The lighthouse: It’s a relatively short, but uphill, walk to get there, which also passes a gift shop and the Bed & Breakfast. Tours are available but I like to enjoy the fabulous view of the vast Pacific Ocean and waves crashing on the rocks below. This is the most beautifully situated lighthouse on the Oregon Coast (in my opinion).
- Heceta Beach: A cozy alcove along a mountainous part of Highway 101. Walk out to the rocks to find sea creatures in the pools of water left behind at low tide (photo shown).
- Trail to Hobbit Beach: This four-mile roundtrip hike offers spectacular views of the lighthouse and one of the most magical stretches of forest trails on the Oregon Coast. See the Nature Connection video below for more.
Heceta Lighthouse Bed&Breakfast
Housed in the former living quarters for lighthouse workers, an overnight stay here is one of the most unique on the Oregon Coast. Sip wine on the porch and watch the sunset grace the surrounding mountains and churning surf below. Plus, guests have access to the lighthouse at night, watching the rotating light shine bright for 22 miles. Use the link below for other unique places to stay in the Pacific Northwest.
Looking for an outstanding hike near Yachats Oregon?
The four-mile roundtrip trail from Heceta Beach to Hobbit Beach offers a magically diverse experience. From an iconic lighthouse to spectacular views, enjoy a guided Nature Connection experience with me as we walk with ways to ask Nature for wisdom and support on one of those “bad days.” The beauty of Nature helps us ask quesitons and reflect on the answers within.
Considerations for planning things to do in Yachats Oregon.
- Be mindful of the tides, and never turn your back on the ocean. Sneaker waves are real.
- Be careful when walking over rocks, as they can be very slippery.
- Don’t take anything from the land.
- Cell service is not reliable in many areas in and around Yachats. And, the Wifi at hotels isn’t robust.
- More restaurants and attractions are closed Monday to Wednesday during the off-season, so check ahead if there is a place you want to try.
- Highway 101 is the only road in or out. It can get congested by the afternoon. Try to travel earlier in the morning and return to your Yachats lodging by 2-3 pm to enjoy the afternoon and evening colors.
- The summer season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) is busy and more expensive for lodging. My favorite times to visit the Oregon Coast are March/April and September/October.
Let me help you plan your Oregon Coast adventure.
Are you visiting the Pacific Northwest for the first time, or the first time to new regions in Oregon? I have loads of resources to help you make sense of all the information coming at you. This is also helpful for planning road trips, especially on the time-tricky Oregon Coast. Are you already a local, but hosting out-of-towners and wanting assistance putting together some plans? I can help.
Places to stay in Yachats Oregon
As I’ve mentioned above, I drive through this part of the world at least once, and usually twice a year. While I mix things up with each road trip itinerary, Yachats is high on my list for a place to rest my head at night. I appreciate the availability of quality food (see below) and a variety of lodging options. I’ve stayed at these three places in Yachats:
Drift Inn: Fun and quirky, which is right up my alley. Each room has a name and unique setup. While you won’t be right on the beach, and views include some part of Highway 101, I appreciate the affordability relative to other hotels, and the bar/restaurant on the premises — sometimes with live music. This is a good option if you’ll only be stopping by to sleep on a longer road trip.
Adobe Resort: This property offers both waterfront access and a proper restaurant on the premises. Plus a pool and pet-friendly rooms. The overall vibe is unremarkable and similar to most motels on the Oregon Coast. But if you have a direct ocean view…
Overleaf Lodge: My favorite experience in Yachats for the stunning access to waterfront views, the well-appointed nature of the rooms, and quality breakfast, which is usually included in the cost of your room. The first floor rooms don’t have the broad views but I enjoy the patio access to benches overlooking the rocks. This property is associated with the Fireside Motel, which also offers great views.
Where to eat in Yachats Oregon
For a town of 881 year-round residents, this enclave offers great choices and quality cuisine. Remember to verify operating hours, especially in the off-season. Here are some of my favorites:
Drift Inn: Also mentioned above in the places to stay, the food here is delicious and plentiful. Plus, they seem to be open all the time.
Luna Sea: I love a good pun. There are other locations as well. Fresh and delicious–a go-to for reasonably priced seafood.
Green Salmon Coffee Company: Their hours of operation feel a little wonky to me, but it could just be when I’m passing through. Delicious coffee and crunchy cuisine with veggie and vegan offerings too.
Ona: Higher-end fare. Delicious and festive environment. This seems to be the place locals come to celebrate with quality food and drink.
C&K Market: This is a good spot to procure picnic eats. Then drive a few blocks to Yachats State Park.
Support locally sourced and served.
The Oregon Coast boasts wonderful food, with no sales or consumption taxes to boot. There is no need to stop at chain restaurants. While locally sourced seafood is expensive compared to a McFish, you support local families and small businesses.
How to spend a long weekend in Yachats
This is a recommended suggestion if visiting from somewhere in Oregon.
Day One: Arrive from your drive and check into lodging. Use the afternoon to slow down from daily life. Walk the 804 Trail. Get takeout/picnic supplies and watch the sunset from your room/hotel, or, Yachats State Park.
Day Two: Breakfast at Green Salmon Coffee Company. Stop at Amanda Grotto on the way to Heceta Lighthouse State Park. Hike the four-mile trail to Hobbit Beach and back. Or, take the shorter Hobbit Beach trailhead through the rhododendron thickets. Or find a long beach for walking, building sand castles, or jumping into the cold Pacific Ocean!
Stop at Bob Creek on the return or continue on to the Cape Perpetua area. Drive up to the overlook and spend some time surveying the landscape. Walk the Giant Spruce Trail and wander down the trails to the Devil’s Churn. Find and bench and spend time watching the waves. Return to Yachats for a relaxing walk along 804 Trail and get ready for dinner at Ona or Luna Sea. Have a nightcap at the Drift Inn.
Day Three: One last walk on the 804 Trail or the beach. Possible stop at the Oregon Aquarium on the way through Newport (if going North) or Depoe Bay to spot whales.
How to get to Yachats, Oregon
While there is a transit system pieced together along the Oregon Coast, it’s best to have a vehicle. If you need to fly to Oregon, Eugene Airport (EUG) is the closest commercial service (85 miles) to Yachats. Portland (PDX) is the largest International Airport (160 miles/3 hours) in the region.
Things to do when just passing through Yachats Oregon.
If time is short and you’re only passing through, consider enjoying a meal here (restaurant or picnic) and walking the 804 Trail and/or hanging out at Yachats State Park. It is one of my favorite stops on the entire coastline.
Stop at Devil’s Churn or Thor’s Well and drive down to the viewpoint of Heceta Lighthouse. Between Heceta Beach and the Sealion Caves, there is an outstanding pullout to view the scenery (photo shown). At the very least, stop there.
Newport Oregon is the region’s hub.
If you want to visit a place with more options, consider Newport, just 30 minutes away from Yachats. The food scene is great, and they boast TWO lighthouses. The Oregon Aquarium is also a fun attraction, plus a real harbor experience at the bayfront. And, of course, lots of Nature Connections to make.
Things to do in Yachats Oregon — use this map to help pave the way.
This map is a collection of my favorites on the Oregon Coast. I’ve either been to all the places or have it in good faith they are worthy of a mention.
Remember, in many regions of the Pacific Ocean coastline cell phone service is unpredictable — just depending on the carrier — plan.
These suggestions are my point of view — I do not receive compensation for placement on the map or written articles unless specifically noted.