Budget travel suggestions for the Oregon Coast
Though this piece is not recent, as vacation season nears, I recalled our trip to the Oregon Coast. We recently revisited the Oregon Coast for a second time, and it remained wonderful! Our detour included Long Beach, Washington, situated just before the Oregon border; it's a delightful spot. Be sure to cycle along the enjoyable beach path; we thoroughly enjoyed it and strongly suggest it!
My spouse and I enjoy traveling, yet our former career restricted summer trips.
That changed within the last year.
Precisely one year ago, we embarked on our first summer vacation since our 1990 honeymoon, packing the car.
Our destination was the Oregon Coast!
We possessed more time than funds (haha!), so we aimed for maximum affordability without feeling deprived.
On this trip anniversary, I decided to review photos and list key takeaways.
Affordable Ways to See the Oregon Coast
1. Establish a Preliminary Itinerary
Before leaving home, we consulted a map to create a general outline. We are not meticulous planners, but having a rough concept aids the journey.
Since we preferred not to rush, we focused on the northern stretch of the coast. With only 5 nights available, we limited our travel to as far south as Waldport.
Traveling from Montana (after visiting my sister), our initial scenic stop was at Multnomah Falls.
As a devoted waterfall admirer, I greatly appreciated this stop. Even with nearby wildfires and smoky air, the location was stunning.
2. Secure Lodging Ahead of Time
Friends advised reserving lodging early because the area is extremely busy with tourists during Summer.
We regret not heeding that counsel sooner.;)
We quickly saw that even modest, older hotels are quite expensive.
Air BnB offered a more economical option, but by the time we searched, listings were heavily booked.
We successfully found a charming small cottage in Tillamook via Air BnB, and we adored it! The hosts were welcoming, yet respected our need for privacy. The cabin was separate from the main house and featured a wrap-around porch. This initial Air BnB experience was lovely.
Aside from that single Air BnB stay, however, we found almost no accommodation remotely fitting the 'budget friendly' criteria.
Therefore, although I am not a camper, against my husband's expectations, I suggested we pack our tent to save substantial money.
A close friend who camps frequently strongly recommended KOA campsites, so we booked 2 spots online several months before our departure.
These were our lodging locations:
Air BnB in Tillamook for 2 nights use this affiliate link for a possible discount on your first stay let me know if it presents any issues:
Waldport/ Newport KOA for a duration of 2 nights
Lincoln City KOA for 1 night
Though camping isn't my strongest point I found the savings at $30 nightly compared to over $200 nightly for a less appealing stay made it entirely worthwhile
3. Discover Local Spots
The Oregon shoreline offers breathtaking views with beauty appearing at every turn
We deliberately scheduled two nights at each location allowing for relaxed exploration of the surroundings
Exploring trails and stopping at scenic viewpoints costs absolutely nothing if you seek budget-friendly activities
Many of our dearest recollections came from pausing to observe the various scenic outlooks
At this particular stop we spent a good amount of time observing whale feeding beneath us
We took pleasure in strolling through charming small towns and along the beaches
...and seeing famous locations we had previously only viewed in photographs
4. Visit a Lighthouse
Lighthouses are scattered along the coast a complete list of Oregon lighthouses is available here
We decided to tour the Yaquina Head Lighthouse
It proved to be a truly captivating experience!
A guide detailed the former life of a lighthouse keeper before leading us up the internal staircase.
Honestly, the stairs without backs and the perforated treads made me quite nervous; nevertheless, I reached nearly the summit despite my significant fear of heights.
Despite the summer wirefires causing a persistent atmospheric haze near the coast, we were thankful for brief moments of visible blue.
5. Capture Photographs
The Oregon Coast offers exceptional scenery for photography; possessing a camera or iPhone allows practice without any financial outlay.
Furthermore, you might acquire an image suitable for personal artwork enlargement!
6. Economize on Meals Through Smart Meal Planning
Because our area attracts many Summer tourists, we discovered a budgeting strategy for dining out:
Dine at fine establishments during lunchtime!
The midday menu is less costly, yet you still enjoy the ambiance of upscale dining.
For my birthday lunch, we visited the Wayfarer Restaurant in Canon Beach, where our view encompassed the beach and Haystack Rock; it was both wonderful and tasty! We also enjoyed a scenic lunch at Georgie’s Beachside Grill in Newport.
Between these pleasant lunches and simple dinners (such as take out pizza or subway sandwiches), we frequently sought charming and quaint coffee spots.
Even while mindful of our finances, enjoying meals out remains a highlight of our travels.
One day we attempted to purchase lunch items from the grocery store but realized the cost was comparable to fast food or a sandwich shop, so we abandoned that approach for the remainder of the trip.
A Few Additional Suggestions
- Remember to pack a jacket and a sweater, as the ocean breezes on Oregon's beaches are quite cool!
- We were unaware that refueling your own vehicle is prohibited in Oregon; we simply assumed the gas station staff were 'traditional and welcoming'!
- Pay attention to restroom availability; finding public facilities has been unexpectedly challenging in other destinations! Check the proximity of a restroom well before you genuinely need one.
- Should we return, we plan to spend more time in Astoria and Canon Beach, as we only drove through them previously.
More Travel Writings:
Vancouver Island, BC, Canada – (our home location!)
- Tips for Packing Your Bags for Myra Falls
- Exploring Mount Washington on Vancouver Island During Summer
- Twelve Must-Have Items for Your Upcoming Boat Adventure
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- Our Maui Dream Journey Over the Rainbow
- First Sight of Maui Where We Lodged
- Maui's Upcountry Region
- Big Beach Location on Maui
- Kaanapali Beach and Hula Pie Experience
- Molokini Crater Snorkeling Excursion
- Maui Island
- The Hana Road Adventure
Georgia State
- A Beginner's Guide to Savannah, Georgia
- Winshape Retreat Center located in Rome, Georgia
- Exploring Dacatur, Georgia
