We made it to Oregon with the intent to slow down a bit, but we were able to pack a lot into one week and enjoyed our time in Newport, Oregon.
I didn't expect the food to be so good, but we enjoyed a lot of seafood, sushi, ice cream, and cheese! The seafood around here is much different than what we see back home. The clam chowder was incredible!
Beaches, Tidal Pools, and More
We expected the Oregon coast to be misty and cool, and while it did have periods of mist, most of the week was spectacular and a bit chilly. The cost is incredible!
Seals!
We're always on the lookout for wildlife and when we were driving over a bridge just south of Newport we saw a sandbar packed with seals. We parked and walked along the bridge and the some of the seals decided to put on quite the show for us!
Oregon Coast Aquarium
Right next door to the campground was the Oregon Coast Aquarium. This was an exceptional way to see examples of the local wildlife and gave us an idea of what to look out for on our travels.
Hatfield Marine Science Center
Also right around the corner was the Harfield Marine Science Center which was operated by the Oregon State University. A bit small, but really cool to see the different projects that the university helps support.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse
Although we couldn't take a tour of the lighthouse, the area around the lighthouse was teeming with life and the tidepools were filled with wonderous creatures of the sea.
Tillamook Air Museum
We drove up to Tillamook to check out two things - the air museum and the creamery! The air museum was FANTASTIC! We've never been in an airship hangar and these things are massive and unfathomably large. This one house a lot of aircraft, a blimp, and an equally massive collection of models from World War II.
Tillamook Creamery
The Tillamook Creamery was great, especially if you plan to show up around lunch. They have an awesome menu and the walking tour of the creamery facility is really cool. Sit down and enjoy dishes made with cheeses made right there and then enjoy some ice-cream made from the very same cows that produce milk for the cheese.
Oceanside Beach
After the activities in Tillamook, we drove over to Oceanside Beach to check out a cool tunnel that takes you to the other side of a beach that is otherwise inaccessible.
Up Next
We will spend one more week in Oregon before heading to Washington for two weeks. We're excited to see what Seaside and Astoria have to offer!
