Home Travel Fun Things to Do in Yachats, Oregon

Fun Things to Do in Yachats, Oregon

Fun Things to Do in Yachats, Oregon

At a glance, Yachats, Oregon is a peaceful hamlet on the Central Oregon coast nestled on a length of breathtakingly craggy shoreline and bordered by the Siuslaw National Forest. You won’t find sandy beaches here like some of the more northern coastal cities.

Instead you’ll witness waves breaking against rough black basalt rock. In reality, the word Yachats (pronounced “yachts”… yes, I was saying it wrong too!) Originates from the Siletz language meaning “dark water at the foot of the mountain.”

This seaside town shows its residential numbers at under 700 residents while its central core curves into several short thoroughfares. Although it covers a small space the town makes up for it through its endearing qualities.

We certainly aren't alone in this opinion about Yachats. Budget Travel magazine included Yachats as one of the “Ten Coolest Small Towns of the U.S.A.” simultaneously with Arthur Former’s (leading Frommer’s Travel Guides) selection of Yachats Oregon as one of his top 10 sites worldwide.

Top Things To Do In Yachats

We’ve collected together some of the greatest things to do in Yachats - from outdoor excursions surrounded by nature to offbeat things to do in town. Plus, we’ve provided some insider insights from our personal experience.

1. Stroll Near The Seashore And Take In The Beauty

Things To Do In Yachats

The spectacular coastal appeal is what draws most visitors to visit Yachats. Enjoy a leisurely walk on the 804 Trail, which hugs the coastline through town offering public access and perspectives of the stormy coastal seas.

Stop along the road and take in the sights or capture the sunset. The route continues as the Oregon Coast route to the north via 7 miles of sandy beach, and to the south it links to Amanda’s Trail which leads to Cape Perpetua (more on that below).

2. Go Tide Pooling At Smelt & Sands State Park

Approximately halfway down the 804 Trail is the Smelt & Sands State Recreation Site which is a modest yet magnificent state park. Despite its name, there is a significant absence of sand in this park.

In reality, the greatest attractions here are the tide pools that are filled with sea life and the seagulls hovering over the driftwood strew beach. This is an excellent site for exploring the tidal pools, hunting for agates, and capturing the sunset.

3. Wander Downtown And Visit The Stores

Browse among handmade items, art and outdoor gear at the stores and galleries. Don’t miss my personal favourite, Planet Yachats, the rock shop! This charming small boutique offering rocks, fossils and diamonds offers decent prices, and if you’re a rock fanatic (like me!), you’ll probably discover a few keepsakes. (Note this shop is only open Friday – Monday.)

If the weather is in your favour, walk the Yachats Commons Park (maybe even pack a picnic) and Gerdemann Botanic Preserve, a 3.5-acre collection of exotic plants and trees utilized for research. Just be sure to make an appointment before your visit!

If you’re feeling inclined to indoor activities, travel through the historic Little Log Church Museum and check out the Greenhouse Marketplace, a collection of art galleries in a business park on the 101.

The most prominent include Earthworks Gallery whose reputation precedes them as one of the best show locations on the coast, Touchstone Gallery, for Oregon artworks, and Wave Gallery for unique photographic exhibitions.

4. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

There are a variety of fantastic businesses to fulfil your sweet taste in Yachats.

Topper’s Ice Cream & Candy: Homemade fudges and chocolates alongside scoops of ice cream and espresso shots for dessert
Bread & Roses Bakery: A local favourite and not-so-secret hangout. They are only open on weekends, Thursday – Sunday, and you’ll want to get there early to avoid the queues that ultimately develop out the door.

5. Enjoy Live Music And Seafood At Luna Sea Fish House

Things To Do In Yachats

This informal town favourite is recognized for its scratch-made cuisine including only the freshest seafood. Sit down in the 18-seater café for a basket of fish and chips and catch some live music, or pick up a couple pounds of fresh fish to-go at the market. Check the whiteboard to discover which fish are caught locally by fishermen owner Robert Anthony.

Read Also: Top 5 Activities To Do In Napa Valley

6. Cheers With A Local Artisan Brew At Yachats

On a coast rich with artisan beers, Yachats Brewing and Farmhouse flies under the radar as an undervalued gem. What started as a little company has developed into a community mainstay.

The taproom has 30 taps with their award-winning beers and house-made probiotic drinks (Kombucha, Jun, and Kefir soda). With a menu focusing on farm-to-table meals and a welcoming setting (reclaimed furniture pieces and loads of plants!), this is a fantastic visit for both beer and food.

7. Trek Through The Forest On The New Ya’xaik Trail

Surrounded by the towering pines of the Siuslaw National Forest, the Ya’Xaik (pronounced Yah-Hike in the original Alseas’ language) is a new route near Yachats off the side of Hwy 101. Begin at the trailhead behind the Fisterra Gardens apartment complex near the Gerdemann Botanic Preserve.

Alternatively, you can begin at the Smelt Sands Trailhard and walk part of the 804 Trail on the coast before branching off into the Ya’Xaik.


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