Explore Yachats: What To See, Eat & Do

April 19, 2022

Categories: Yachats | Central Oregon Coast

Updated 03/10/2023 ~ If you're looking for a place to explore with plenty of natural beauty and interesting attractions, look no further than Yachats, Oregon. This charming coastal town is located in the central part of the state and is known for its rocky coastline, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. There's something for everyone in Yachats, whether you're interested in sightseeing, dining out, or taking part in some exciting outdoor adventures. Here are just a few of the best things to see and do while you're in town.

 

Places to See & Things to Do in Yachats, Oregon

804 Trail: Take an easy walk along the 804 Trail, perfect for viewing the scenic coastline of Yachats. You can access the trail from the Smelt Sands State Park parking area, where your stoll begins with some wild wave action views! Continue down the trail for about a mile and discover a stretch of sandy beach to enjoy. 

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Cape Perpetua Scenic Area: The first stop on your trip should be the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center. Here, you can find information about the natural and cultural history and advice for how best to explore this beautiful area with its 26 miles of trails that lead down towards scenic beaches or up through mountain sides covered in trees! If you're looking for some beautiful natural scenery, be sure to visit Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. This park features miles of hiking trails that wind through thick forests and offer amazing views of the rugged coastline. 

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Devil's Churn: Another popular attraction is Devil's Churn. This geologic feature was formed when waves crashed against rugged rock, creating an inlet that now looks like a giant whirlpool (or churn) where you can see the water swirling around before going down into the earth below - making it look as if someone has just punched through from below! It's located near the Cape Perpetua area as well.

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Thor's Well: Check out Thor's Well if you have time to spare. This unique geological feature looks like a hole in the ground but actually spouts water up into the air when waves crash onto it, making it look as if someone has just punched through from below! The geologic feature is located on the Oregon Coast and has become a tourist hotspot in recent years due to its impressive size. It's located near the Cape Perpetua area, so be sure to stop by on your way there or back for some great photos (and memories).

Places to Eat in Yachats

If you're looking for a great place to eat while in Yachats, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some favorites:

Beach Street Kitchen Restaurant & Cafe: This little cafe is perfect if you are looking for a great variety of delicious vegan options featuring top-quality egg, meat, and cheese substitions. They also feature unique frozen take away meals, a kids menu, and adult beverages too! Offering dine-in and takeout.

The Drift Inn: This restaurant is known for its fantastic seafood dishes - especially their crab cakes, which are locally famous! They also have a great selection of vegan options and a kids menu. Choose from a from a wide selection of beers on tap, wine and cocktails. Be sure to check it out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner if you're looking for a lovely evening out. Dine-in and carry-out.

The Green Salmon Coffee House & Cafe: Offering specialty breakfast and lunch bagels and wraps. This is a great spot if you are looking for a yummy vegan menu which includes vegan pastries! Enjoy their organic, fair trade, and home roasted coffee, fine teas, and special blended cocoas. Dine-in and takeout.

Luna Sea Fish House: If you're in the mood for some fresh seafood, Luna Sea Fish House is definitely the place to go. They have everything from fish and chips to salmon skewers and crab bisque, all made with local, sustainable ingredients. Dine-in and takeout.

LeRoy's Blue Whale: This restaurant is known for its burgers, but they also have a wide selection of salads, sandwiches, and entrees if you're not in the mood for a burger. They're open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so be sure to check it out no matter what time of day you're looking for food! Dine-in and carry-out.

Yachats Brewing + Farm Store: If you're looking for something slightly different, Yachats Brewing is definitely worth checking out. They brew their own beer on-site and have everything from IPAs to stouts to blondes on tap - perfect for any taste. They also have food options like pizza, salads, and appetizers, so be sure to check it out if you're hungry! Dine-in and Outdoor seating. 

Day Trips and Things to Do Near Yachats

• Visit the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in America
• Take a scenic drive on Highway 101 and admire the dramatic coastline views
• Explore Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, featuring tide pools, forests, and waterfalls
• Check out Newport's historic bayfront district with its shops and restaurants
• Discover treasures at local antique shops in Waldport or Florence
• Take a drive on Otter Crest Loop (about an hour from Yachats) for fantastic ocean views and hiking trails at Cape Foulweather
• Visit Yaquina Bay Lighthouse in Newport and learn about local history at the Rogue Ales Public House

Places to Stay

When visiting, enjoy your stay in a private vacation rental, where you feel at home on vacation! Find a great selection of oceanfront, ocean view, and pet friendly vacation home rentals in Yachats at Beachcombers NW. 

Some other things to consider when planning a visit:

• Spring and fall offer the most moderate temperatures, while summer can be quite warm and winter tends to be wetter with more overcast days
• Be sure to layer clothing so you can adjust easily as temperatures change throughout the day
• Pack binoculars if you're interested in wildlife viewing, sunscreen and a hat for sunny days, and an umbrella or raincoat if you're visiting during the winter months
• Yachats is also pet-friendly - so feel free to bring your furry friend along on your adventure!

Towns and Places to Visit outside Yachats

From Yachats, Oregon, you can explore the Central Oregon Coast. You can take day trips to several towns on Highway 101 that are within an hour of each other, and each has its own charm.

These include Waldport (known for its antique shops), Newport (with a historic bayfront district), Toledo with its glass artisans, Florence with its surfing beaches, and much more! In between these towns is Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, where there are hiking trails through old-growth forests and tide pools filled with crabs & sea stars.

Conclusion

Yachats is a small town on the Oregon coast. It's known for its scenic beauty and its relaxed pace of life. The Yachats River runs through downtown, where you can find restaurants with views of this beautiful river or take a walk along its banks when it rains! You'll also see many shops selling local arts & crafts as well as fresh seafood from nearby fishermen's co-ops.

The best thing about Yachats? It's less than three hours from Portland, so if you're looking to get away from the city but still want some adventure - come explore what makes this place so special!