Oregon Coast at Easter

[Hannah Payne]

This site is really great, so I thought I would give it a try. This coming weekend, Thursday, we are taking a short road trip from Vancouver down the Oregon Coast. We are leaving Thursday after work, and we have to be back Monday night, so I'm not sure how far we will get.
I would love to hear about interesting places along the way, since we have no specific itinerary.
Restaurant ideas would be great, although we will be on a budget. Is there anything on the coast that we absolutely MUST see?
I'd love to hear your advice,
Thanks,
Hannah

[PNW Judy]

I'm no help with restaurant recommendations since spending extra money eating out is the least of my interests when traveling. However, if you get as far as Tillamook a stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory for their ice cream is a must-stop!

Non-food ideas:

Cape Disappointment's Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center (just over the Columbia River from Astoria, OR, in Washignton)

Fort Clatsop (just west of Astoria) where Lewis & Clark spent the winter

Cannon Beach...just a really neat beach town

Lincoln City - the casino (and they do have a great buffet)

Depoe Bay - the smallest harbor in the world with great whale-watching trips

Newport - the aquarium, Ripley's Believe it or Not, Undersea Gardens (kinda tacky but fun)

There are wonderful lookout points, lighthouses, and antique shops dotting the entire coast. All are worthy of a stop, IMHO.

Sea Lion Caves

Hope you have a great time!

[Road Rebel]

You MUST visit the Tillamook Dairy and pick up some cheese curds (aka squeeky cheese)! There are other wine and cheese tasting places in that area, Blue Heron is one, I'm sure there are others. Also, around Depoe Bay ask around for Mo's - it's right on the beach and have fabulous clam chowder!

It's the BEST New England style clam chowder I've ever had. But I am one of those queer folks that prefers the red!