Best Places to Stay for Oregon Coast Whale Watching

November 29, 2021

Categories: Depoe Bay | Central Oregon Coast

oregon coast whale watching

Photo: Oregon Coast Visitors Association

Updated 12/18/2023

Discover the best Oregon Coast places to stay for whale watching right from a cozy beach house, cabin or condo rental! Winter whale watching can be windy and cold outdoors, so we've put together the best indoor whale watching opportunities! Book one of these getaways and enjoy a front row seat for spotting whales on your next trip to the Central Oregon Coast.

The best whale watching on the Oregon Coast begins mid-December through mid-January, when more than 20,000 gray whales swim along the coastline to the warm waters of Baja Mexico. Then, come mid-March (which usually falls on Oregon's Spring Break week) through May they are passing back through to Alaska.

If you want to experience the thrill of seeing these amazing giant creatures right from the shore, these migration times are your best bet! If summer is your only vacation time to head to the coast, you can still spot whales between June and November! Oregon hosts around 200 part-time resident gray whales, mostly seen feeding along the shoreline feeding along the shoreline between Lincoln City and Newport.

Top 5 Places to Stay for Whale Watching

Here are our top picks for the best places to stay for whale watching on the Oregon Coast. Click on a listing and read amazing whale sightings from guest reviews!

Whaler's Rest Condo - Depoe Bay

You may know that Depoe Bay is called the Whale Capital for its resident gray whales who live year-round along this magnificent stretch of coast. Why not stay where you are most likely to catch a glimpse of these giants, as well as scores of seabirds and boats galore? Whaler’s Rest is a single-level, two bed, two bath, clifftop oceanfront condo with stellar ocean views, and outdoor seating for enjoying ocean breezes. and spectacular sunsets. It's dog friendly too!

Aerial views at sunset of large oceanfront rental house in a rocky cove.

Pirates Cove - Depoe Bay

This stunning vacation rental is a two-story home sitting on a large piece of land overlooking the Pacific Ocean! You'll have amazing oceanfront views from this beautiful rental no matter what time of year you visit. With five bedrooms and three and a half baths, up to seventeen guests can sleep here comfortably! Bring the whole family, it's pet friendly too! Large, picturesque windows allow you to take in the sunset at night and the waves during the day, while watching for whales.

Cliffside aerial views of oceanfront house rental.

Whale Pointe - Depoe Bay

This charming two bedroom vacation getaway features a full-size loft sitting on a high bank near Rocky Creek, just south of Depoe Bay. Perfect for one or two couples. With a large oceanfront deck, you can easily hear the whales as they come up to feed along the shoreline or rub on the rocks. The cottage has a small kitchen, just right for preparing an easy meal. If you prefer to dine out, visit one of the many wonderful restaurants nearby in Depoe Bay. Don't forget Bowser, Whale Pointe is pet friendly too!

Two recliners with oceanfront views from floor to ceiling windows.

Gardner Family House #1 - Depoe Bay

This vacation home overlooks boats braving the surf as they motor in and out of Depoe Bay harbor. The kelp beds just off your backyard are attractive to seals, birds and the occasional whale, and you’re likely to see lots of spouting from whales around and beyond the bay. You’ll love the big picture windows looking north and west in the living room, and wood-burning fireplace will keep you cozy and entertained after the brilliant sunset fades in the west. This two-bedroom, one bath home is pet friendly!

A whale tail view in the Pacific Ocean.

Photo from the Gardner Family Beach House #1

Beach house hot tub with an oceanfront view.

Serendipity - Depoe Bay

This one bedroom, one bath cottage is located on a cliff side overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You'll have plenty of room for you, one guest, and your favorite four-legged friend, making this rental home perfect for a couple's weekend getaway! Make sure to enjoy the hot tub while on your vacation as well. Enjoy a nice soak in the summer months or warm up during the winter!

If you are looking for the best Oregon Coast whale watching lookout sites, this map by the Whale Watching Spoken Here program is a great resource! The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay, is also a popular place for spotting whales, and it's open for day use year-round.

Whether you choose to be outdoors or indoors, be sure to pack your binoculars! Discover more lodging with whale watching opportunites from our complete list of Depoe Bay oceanfront and ocean view rentals.