For millions of people who grew up in the 1990s, Free Willy was more than just a movie. It was emotional, unforgettable, and for many kids, it was the very first time they questioned whether wild animals truly belonged in captivity. At the center of that movement was...
Oregon Coast
That Oregon Life invites you to discover the stunning ruggedness and breathtaking coastal vistas of the Oregon Coast. From dramatic cliffs to sandy beaches, charming lighthouses to quaint seaside towns, the Oregon Coast is a must-visit destination for any Pacific Northwest adventurer. Get inspired by our guides to the region’s top attractions, uncover hidden gems, and plan your next coastal adventure. Join us as we explore the best of what the Oregon Coast has to offer, exclusively on That Oregon Life.
Where To Find Perfect Sand Dollars On The Oregon Coast Before Everyone Else Does
There’s something oddly magical about walking an Oregon beach at low tide, scanning the sand for that perfect, pale disc tucked just beneath the surface. Sand dollar hunting isn’t just a coastal pastime here. It’s practically a rite of passage. If you’ve ever come...
This Oregon Coast Inn Has a Star Trek Room, Tiki Escape, and Five Themed Stays Full of Personality
In 2022, the world still felt a little strange. Masks were common, travel still carried that odd post-pandemic energy, and many people were trying to figure out what “normal” even looked like again. My wife Danielle and I, who run That Oregon Life together, decided to...
Police Say Oregon Woman Used Driftwood As Weapon In Fight Over Glass Float
What started as a peaceful morning treasure hunt on the Oregon coast reportedly turned into something a lot more chaotic. A Corvallis woman is now facing assault charges after police say she struck a man multiple times with a piece of driftwood during a dispute over a...
The 42 Best Oregon Mom & Pop Restaurants to Eat At in 2026
We're going a bit out on a limb here at That Oregon Life. This story began as a sort of "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" compilation, but after a giant list of my own and a slew of recommendations from friends all over the state, we realized that wasn't going to work....
Tufted Puffins Are Back in Oregon and Haystack Rock Is the Place to Spot Them
Spring on the Oregon coast brings more than just sunshine and wildflowers. It also marks the return of one of the region’s most beloved seabirds. Tufted puffins have begun arriving once again along the shoreline, drawing attention from visitors eager to catch a...
This Surreal Blue Glow On Oregon Beaches Looks Like Something From Another Planet
There are moments along the Oregon coast that don’t feel real. Not the kind you photograph and move on from. The kind that stop you mid-step, make you question what you’re seeing, and stick with you long after you’ve left the shoreline. This is one of those moments....
Oregon’s Astoria Column Turns 100 and It’s Still One of the Coolest Views on the Coast
A couple summers ago, we were already a few days into a laid-back stay in Astoria, soaking in the kind of slow coastal rhythm that makes you forget what day it is. That particular morning, we had a loose plan to show the kids a couple of The Goonies spots—the house...
The Best Tide Pools on the Oregon Coast and the Exact Dates You Should Go in 2026
There are few experiences on the Oregon Coast that rival the quiet thrill of tide pooling. Give me a stretch of rocky shoreline and I’ll spend more time crouched down than actually walking, scanning every crevice for movement, color, and life. Beachcombing has its...
Oregon’s Whale Watch Week Returns March 21–29 With Stunning Gray Whale Migration Along The Coast
There’s something unforgettable about standing on the Oregon coast, scanning the horizon, and suddenly spotting that telltale puff of mist rising from the ocean. For a moment, everything slows down. The wind, the waves, the noise of the world. And then you realize...
This Old-School Dinosaur Trail in Oregon Is Pure Retro Family Road Trip Nostalgia
There’s a stretch of Highway 101 on the southern Oregon coast where time does something a little strange. You’re cruising along, ocean on one side, thick forest on the other, maybe a little road-weary, maybe thinking about your next coffee stop… and then suddenly —...
This Old School Astoria Gem Has Been Dishing Out Rich Frozen Custard For Decades
There are certain places on the Oregon Coast that feel stitched into your memory. For me, one of those places is Custard King. Every time I find myself in Astoria, whether it is a windy spring afternoon or one of those golden summer evenings when the river glows, I...











