One can’t really access the beach in Depot Bay, but nearly everyone who drives through stops for a while just to watch the ocean right across from the shops. It is a stunning place to be in the middle of a winter storm.

For fabulous views of the ocean visit Rocky Creek State Park, just south of Depot Bay, and Boiler Bay State Park, just north of Depoe Bay…Two of our favorite places on the coast.

Surf or watch surfers at these state parks: Otter Rock, Moolack Beach or Agate Beach.

Tidepooling

Tidepooling is best at Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint.

Whale Watching

Watch for gray whales almost any time at the Depoe Bay Whale Watch Center. The Center is staffed by volunteers during Oregon Whale Watch Weeks, one in late March (whales are migrating north to Alaska from mid-February through May), and one in late December (whales are migrating south to Mexico from mid-December through mid-January). There are some “resident” whales who arrive in Depoe Bay in June and leave in mid-October.

Take a whale watching boat trip, going out of the Depoe Bay (the world’s smallest harbor) into the Pacific Ocean. We had a wonderful trip through Whale Research Eco Excursions…led by Carrie Newell, a marine biologist.

Other places to see whales are: Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint, Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint, Cape Foulweather, Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Yachats State Recreation Area, Cape Perpetua Turnout, Sea Lion Caves, and Heceta Head Lighthouse.

Deep Sea Fishing

There are several deep-sea fishing options available on the waterfront.

Annual events

You can browse upcoming events at: www.cityofdepoebay.org

Wooden Boat Show/Ducky Derby/Crab Feed…Held in April.

Fleet of Flowers…On Memorial Day each year.

Salmon Bake…Held on the 3rd Saturday in September.