Things to Do on the Oregon Coast in December
Winters on the Oregon Coast can be chilly, but there are still plenty of family-friendly activities to make your spirits bright, and have you laughing all the way to your cozy Oregon Beach Vacations rental.
Check out some of the best things to do in December on the Oregon Coast:
The Candy Cane Express
All aboard the Candy Cane Express! Passengers can sip hot cocoa, nibble on Christmas cookies, and visit with Santa while traveling from Garibaldi to Rockaway on a historic steam locomotive. The excursion is offered on Saturdays and Sundays in December. We recommend reserving your spot in advance by calling (503) 842-7972.
Merry & Bright
There are several places to view Christmas lights on the coast. We recommend the Sea of Lights attraction at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, the Festival of Lights in Brookings, and the lights display at Shore Acres State Park in Coos Bay.
December King Tides
The Oregon Coast is famous for its wild winter storms. Luckily for you, the next session of the natural phenomena known as King Tides is scheduled for December 22-24. Although a mighty sight to behold, viewing the King Tides can be dangerous.
Here are a few safety tips:
- Always check the tide times.
- Watch for sneaker waves and never turn your back on the ocean.
- View from a distance.
- Wear closed-toed shoes and take care if walking on jetties or rocks as they can be slippery.
Where to watch the King Tides:
- Haystack Rock – North Coast
- Seaside Promenade – North Coast
- The Spouting Horn, Seal Rock and Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area – Central Coast
- Samuel Boardman State Scenic Corridor – South Coast
- Dine with a view at Fathoms, located on the 10th floor of the Inn at Spanish Head in Lincoln City.
Prefer to stay warm and dry? You can enjoy a front row seat to a dramatic storm showing from the comfort of one of our cozy vacation rentals.
Whale Watching
Mighty and majestic gray whales migrate past the Oregon Coastline every December and March, and if you are visiting during the annual Whale Watch Weeks, you can spot dozens of whales spouting and occasionally breaching. Several charters in Depoe Bay offer whale watching tours if you prefer to get up close and personal.
Go Crabbing
Winter is a great time to go crabbing and clamming on the coast. Clatsop County is a great area for razor clams, while Dungeness and red rock crabs can be caught up and down the Oregon coast. Be sure to get a license from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and check local rules and regulations before you go.
Visit a Rainforest
A misty and drizzly day can be magical walking beneath the canopy of a coastal rainforest in Cape Perpetua and Ecola State Park. The Oregon Coast also offers miles of stunning hiking and biking trails to explore.
Head to Mo’s Seafood and Chowder
Winter days at the coast can be wet and chilly. Warm up with a piping hot bowl of their world-famous clam chowder. There are several locations throughout the coast. They also sell chowder to-go, so you can enjoy a bowl back at your vacation rental.
Finders Keepers
Locals will tell you a visit to the coast is not complete without hunting for a hand-blown glass float. Float fairies place extra glass treasures for you to find and keep from Roads End to Siletz Bay in Lincoln City, December 26-January 1. Read about the hunt and the rules here.
Ready to Book a December Getaway?
Oregon Beach Vacations has a lovely collection of vacation rentals from Yachats on the central coast all the way to Warrenton on the north coast. Some homes have hot tubs, and are pet friendly, too! Book online, or call our friendly team at 503-528-7480. We can’t wait to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with you!
