Accommodations

Lodgings in popular Depoe Bay [1] require advance reservations on most weekends and holidays.

The Surfrider Resort (3115 NW U.S. 101, 541/764-2311, www.surfriderresort.com [2], $119 and up) is a few miles north of town on picturesque Fogarty Creek’s rockbound coast. While it has been around for a while and is not too elaborate, its setting and other appeals mandate a mention. Oceanfront suites and rooms have decks; some feature whirlpool tubs, kitchens, and fireplaces. A good restaurant, an indoor pool, and midweek specials are also noteworthy.

The Inn at Arch Rock (70 NW Sunset St., 541/765-2560 or 800/767-1835, www.innatarchrock.com [3], $119 and up) is a cluster of white clapboard buildings that overlook the bay from their cliff-top perch at the north end of town. In addition to 13 oceanfront rooms, there are two-bedroom condo units next door that sleep six or seven ($249 and up). A non–ocean-view room goes for $79.

Located about three miles south of Depoe Bay [1], at one of the most scenic spots on the central coast, is the Inn at Otter Crest (301 Otter Crest Loop, Otter Rock, 541/765-2111 or 800/452-2101, www.innatottercrest.com [4], hotel rooms $89 and up, studios $149 and up), a condo resort perched near the sandstone bluffs at the ocean’s edge. Hotel rooms have two queen-size beds, a refrigerator, a coffeemaker, and a private deck with picture windows, while studios have a queen-size Murphy bed (or a regular bed), a full kitchen, a fireplace, and a dining area.

Harbor Lights Inn (235 SE Bay View Ave., 541/765-2322 or 800/228-0448, www.theharborlightsinn.com [5], $139–229), a small inn overlooking the harbor, has the distinct advantage of being distant from U.S. 101. This homey inn affords views of sea otters, ducks, and geese while the whale-watching and fishing boats come and go. All rooms have a harbor view; rates include a hot breakfast. Small pets are allowed with prior approval.

The Channel House (35 Ellingson St., 541/765-2140 or 800/447-2140, www.channelhouse.com [6], rooms $100 and up, suites $295 and up) features both standard B&B rooms and spacious suites boasting expansive dramatic views of the ocean, private decks with outdoor whirlpool tubs (in the majority of rooms), fireplaces, plush robes, and other amenities. This bluff-top B&B (there isn’t a beach below, just miles of ocean and surrounding cliffs) may not look prepossessing from the outside, but inside the place is all windows and angles. Imagine Architectural Digest in a nautical theme. This is the best place on the Oregon coast to commune with whales, passing boats, winter storms, and the setting sun. A continental breakfast with tasty baked goods in an ocean-side dining area is included in the rates.

About a mile south of town, perched above scenic Whale Cove [7], find the boxy new Whale Cove Inn (2345 S. U.S. 101, 541/765-4300 or 800/628-3409, www.whalecoveinn.net [8], $395 and up), a small boutique hotel that’s a sister hotel to the Channel House. Here you can lounge in the hot tub on your private deck or on the Tempur-Pedic mattress in your bedroom alcove (all accommodations are in spacious suites). Fine dining is available in the hotel restaurant, Restaurant Beck. This is as high-end as the Oregon coast gets; don’t show up with kids and dogs.