Overview
Depoe Bay is a town on the Central Oregon Coast, famous as the smallest navigable harbor in the world, and as the "whale watching capital of the world." Lots of research goes on, mostly connected to Oregon State University's oceanography department.
4 sights · 4 things to do · 8 places to eat · 5 bars & cafés · 10 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Depoe Bay
Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
See the rugged bay from the parking/ picnic area on the rocky cliffs. The bay is named for a 1910 shipwreck, and the ships boiler can be seen at extreme low tide. This is a good place to watch for resident grey whales ye…
Whale Watching Center
Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area
A cliff-rimmed beach where a creek flows into the ocean. Good place to tide pool or bird watch. There's also both wind-sheltered and covered picnic structures. Inland, wooden footbridges lead you through the Sitka spruce…
Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint
Ride Whale Research EcoExcursions
Zodiac (rigid-hull inflatable boats) tours. Run by Carrie Newell (Gray whale expert who has worked with the Cousteau family). Previous day or earlyAM if weather questionable, for schedules and dock number. Trips availabl…
Dockside Charters
Wooden boats, sightseeing, fishing, one daily (early AM) Zodiac (rubber raft) tour. Check early AM for schedules/availability (as of 07-03-09).
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 36°F. Wettest: Dec and Nov. (climate data from nearby Portland)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SLE Salem-Willamette Valley Airport/McNary Field, Salem — 52 mi away. Directions
- EUG Eugene Airport, Eugene — 63 mi away. Directions
- PDX Portland International Airport, Portland — 89 mi away (major hub). Directions
Depoe Bay is relatively easy to get to. If you are coming from the south on Hwy 101, continue past Newport for 27 miles. For travellers starting in Corvallis, for instance, head west on Hwy 34 and continue to Newport; turn north onto Hwy 101, again for 27 miles. Hwy 101 is renowned as the major Oregon/California coast highway.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $32–$32 a night (typical $34), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$80, mid-range ~$110, comfortable ~$200.
Options are grouped as Camping in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint, Whale Watching Center, Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint
- Lunch Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant
- Afternoon Ride Whale Research EcoExcursions, Charterboat Reel Nauti
- Dinner Chowder Bowl
- Evening Depoe Bay Winery
Day 2
- Morning Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area, Dockside Charters
- Lunch Gracie's Sea Hag Restaurant/Lounge
- Afternoon Tradewinds Charters
- Dinner Tidal Raves Seafood Grill
- Evening Java Bean Coffee
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Depoe Bay is relatively easy to get to. If you are coming from the south on Hwy 101, continue past Newport for 27 miles. For travellers starting in Corvallis, for instance, head west on Hwy 34 and continue to Newport; turn north onto Hwy 101, again for 27 miles. Hwy 101 is renowned as the major Oregon/California coast highway.
Get around
Drive (slowly) if you must, but the best way to see everything is to walk. There is plenty of parking. There's a pedestrian underpass to cross Hwy 101 at the bridge- this can be easier than trying to cross 101 between shops and the seawall /Whale Watching center on busy weekends.
See
Whale watching is a very popular thing these days with about 95 percent of Oregonians/world travellers watching whales from this town. Depoe Bay really is preferred by the grey whales for showing themselves (and showing off) more than anywhere else. For extraordinary views of the Pacific Ocean in general, there are several other lookout points in town as well. Many miles of accessible beach at Depoe Bay; check the weather for suitable activities.
See Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
See the rugged bay from the parking/ picnic area on the rocky cliffs. The bay is named for a 1910 shipwreck, and the ships boiler can be seen at extreme low tide. This is a good place to watch for resident grey whales year round, as well as ocean-going birds.
See Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area
A cliff-rimmed beach where a creek flows into the ocean. Good place to tide pool or bird watch. There's also both wind-sheltered and covered picnic structures. Inland, wooden footbridges lead you through the Sitka spruce, western hemlock, shore pine and alder forest.
Do
Head to the beach, after checking the wave/weather situation. The Chamber of Commerce has the latest information on whom to contact, businesses, phone numbers, etc. (Located: 70 N. Hwy 101; phone: +1 541-765-2889)(as of 07-03-09). Watch the waves crash into the rocks from lookout points, most on Hwy 101.
Do Ride Whale Research EcoExcursions
Zodiac (rigid-hull inflatable boats) tours. Run by Carrie Newell (Gray whale expert who has worked with the Cousteau family). Previous day or earlyAM if weather questionable, for schedules and dock number. Trips available throughout the day during the season (through mid-October.)
Fishing
Bay entry is at the north end of the bridge for all ocean-going.
Do Charterboat Reel Nauti
Buy
There are numerous stores in Depoe Bay, especially lining Hwy 101. Retailers offer country decor, surfing items, coffee drinks, restaurant/cafe specialities, etc.; other small private venues showcase the local craftspersons, with many unique items available.
Shop Depoe Bay Candy Shop
Shop Fuddy Duddy Fudge
Eat
Eat Italian Riviera Restaurant/piano bar
Drink
Sleep
Stay Whale Watch at North Pointe
Stay Worldmark at Depoe Bay
Stay Harbor Lights Inn
Camping
Nearby
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My experience
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