With warm weather on the horizon I can't think of a better way to spend a weekend than with a trip to the gorgeous Oregon coast. Summer is the perfect time to relax and get back to nature alongside old growth forests and wide open beaches. One of our favorite spots to make lasting memories with family and friends is Gleneden Beach because of all the things there are to do in the area. From the best hiking trails and beaches, to where to stay during your trip, this is your ultimate guide to a warm weather getaway in Gleneden Beach.
Where To Stay In Gleneden Beach Oregon
Going to Salishan Coastal Lodge is like going home. This is one of our favorite places to stay on the coast.
Salishan Coastal Lodge blends rustic charm with stunning surroundings and has a lot to offer those looking for relaxation, adventure, and time with family.
This iconic lodge is nestled between gorgeous coastal forests and the Pacific Ocean on the Siletz Bay and has over 200 acres of outdoor space to explore, as well as tranquil guest rooms.
One of our favorite things to do at Salishan is explore the Aerial Park, with 15 aerial platforms and 21 elements in the trees. You don't have to be a guest at Salishan to find adventure at the Aerial park.
Another of our favorites is the soothing spa at Salishan. At the spa you can get a relaxing Himalayan Salt Stone Massage, facials, or any number of rejuvenating treatments, and then relax in the infinity jacuzzi.
The view of the bay from the spa at Salishan will make you want to return again and again.
Salishan also offers an all-seasons pool, golf, tennis and pickleball courts, outdoor firepits, and a mountain bike skills course, so there's plenty to do for the whole family.
Outdoor firepits at Salishan Oregon Resort are the perfect way to end a day of fun and relaxation on the Oregon coast.
Each room at Salishan Coastal Lodge has a cozy fireplace and relaxing atmosphere.
One of the things that makes Salishan so well loved is that every stay supports WE Well-Being, Miracles for Kids, and One Tree Planted through the Every Stay Does Good Program.
Hike, Paddle And Relax On The Oregon Coast
m00npixx / Flickr
The area surrounding Gleneden Beach is crisscrossed with miles of gorgeous hiking trails, perfect for seasoned explorers and casual wanderers alike.
Cascade Head. Photo by Jeremiah Leslie via Flickr CC2.
If you're looking for stunning views, we highly recommend the hike to God's Thumb, which you can read about in our full guide here.
Salishan Spit. Photo by Bonnie Moreland via Flickr CC2.
Cascade Head, Drift Creek Falls, and the Salishan Spit Trail are also great options to explore.
Drift Creek Falls Suspension Bridge. Photo by Danielle Denham (thePDXphotographer).
We also recommend checking out Gleneden Beach State Recreation Site.
Gleneden Beach State Recreation Site. Photo by Jasperdo via Flickr CC2.
This spot is open for day use year round, and can be accessed via a short paved trail that goes down through a shore pine forest to a soft sand beach. It's a gorgeous spot for a picnic!
If you'd like to explore the area's waterways, check out our four favorite places to paddle near Gleneden Beach and Lincoln City here.
Sunset at Siletz Bay. Photo by USFWS - Pacific Region via Flickr CC2.
Whale Watching On The Oregon Coast
A Gray Whale breaches off the Oregon coast. Photo / Courtesy of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Every year between March and June thousands of gray whales migrate between Oregon and Alaska. This means spring break is the perfect time to head to the coast to go whale watching. After the spring migration, about 40 whales hang out to feed between Lincoln City and Newport every summer, making the many miles of sandy beaches in the area a great place for spotting them.
Sample Oregon Coast Flavors
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The Oregon coast is known for excellent fresh seafood. When traveling, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in local culture and community is through food.
One of our favorite local spots is Provisions Market, which has casual food and delicious coffee. Another local favorite is The Attic, where you can sip on craft cocktails and try elevated entrees. Side Door Cafe also has delicious soups, salads and other entrees like Wild Mushroom Ravioli and Parmesan Panko Crusted Fresh Halibut.
If you're looking for local brews, Beachcrest Brewery And Taproom has a cool vibe and fun atmosphere, not to mention good beer.
Other Things To Do In Gleneden Beach Oregon
One of the best things about visiting the Oregon coast is checking out all the cool gift shops an viewing local art.
One of the best spots to do this is at Alderhouse (open May 1st to November 1st), where you can watch local artisans blow glass and pick up some unique pieces to take home with you.
Photo via the Alderhouse Facebook page.
This is not a 'blow-your-own' glass experience, but it's so interesting to see experts crafting glass into beautiful pieces of sculptural art.
Photo via the Alderhouse website.
Visitors will also want to look along specific beaches in Lincoln City (a few minutes North of Gleneden Beach) for hand crafted glass floats they can take home and keep.
Nearly 3,000 colorful glass floats are hidden every year along seven miles of the Oregon Coast, between Roads End and Siletz Bay, as part of the Finders Keepers treasure hunt. (Photo courtesy of the Lincoln City Visitor and Convention Bureau)
These pretty floats are placed along the beach during certain weeks as part of the Finders Keepers Event that happens throughout the year.
Related: Things To Do In Lincoln City Oregon
What's your favorite thing to do in Gleneden Beach? Have you been to Salishan Coastal Lodge yet? Share your photos with us and tag the friends and family you want to go with this year!
