Some trips feel big, like you’ve been planning them for months, waiting for them to finally happen. This was not one of those trips. It was one of those throw everything in a weekender bag, grab some road trip snacks, and just go kind of trips. And honestly? That type of getaway always ends up being the best!
Spring break hit, and we found ourselves craving ocean air, misty mornings, and that laid-back, sleepy beach town energy. The Oregon coast is one of those places that just works—it’s close enough to feel easy, but far enough to feel like a reset.
So, we packed up (minus one—our college senior, who understandably had plans with his friends), and hit the road for Neskowin. If you haven’t been, it’s a tiny, tucked-away Oregon coastal town that somehow still feels like a secret. No crowds; just endless beach, cozy rental homes, and the kind of places that make you want to move in and never leave.
Where We Stayed
Our spontaneous little trip started at the cutest Airbnb — you can check it out here. Our Plaace is the kind of spot where you wake up to ocean views, sip coffee in a chunky sweater, and immediately start googling “how to move to a small beach town.”
The house itself was charming and sleeps up to 10, which makes it perfect for a small group getaway or family trip. And, speaking of sleep … I have to mention the pillows! They were insanely dreamy—like, I genuinely checked the tag before we left because I’ve never slept so well. Totally influenced. These are the ones—we’re officially pillow people now.
Oregon Coast, Our Way
The usual, but in the best way possible. Long beach walks, slow mornings, lots of layering and de-layering (Oregon spring is unpredictable, to say the least), cozy coffee stops, and a mission to find the best clam chowder. Spoiler: we might have found it 😉
This trip was exactly what we needed, and because we always do our due diligence (aka stalking menus, reading reviews, and asking locals for their best recommendations), we’re sharing everything we did, loved, and would do again for anyone planning their own Oregon coast getaway.
Let’s get into it 🌊✨
Restaurants + Coffee Shops
Neskowin Provisions
Hawk Creek Cafe
Pelican Brewery
Meridian
Wildflower Cafe
1. Neskowin Provisions
The Trading Company’s cozy market has a small but mighty kitchen turning out gourmet eats all day long. Everything is made to order, but you can also call ahead for easy pickup. Their in-house baker makes fresh muffins, quiche, cookies, bagels—you name it—every single morning.
Perfect for a quick breakfast or lunch on the go. Derrick would run over here in the mornings to grab us breakfast—such a charming little spot to start the day.
Insider tip: Get the cinnamon roll. Trust me.
2. Hawk Creek Café
It’s said to be home to some of the best pizza on the Oregon Coast—and we agree. Totally worth the short drive. Derrick is a big pizza guy, and this one was a crowd-pleaser. They offer tons of variety beyond pizza too, so it’s great for groups or families looking for something casual but delicious (one of the few restaurants actually in Neskowin).
3. Pelican Brewery (Pacific City)
A coastal classic and one of our go-to spots anytime we’re nearby. Great for a casual sit-down brunch or lunch, and their beers are a must-try. I always go for the clam chowder in a bread bowl (you just have to), and it never disappoints. The view from their Pacific City location makes it even better.
4. Meridian Restaurant & Bar (Pacific City)
If you’re looking for something a bit more elevated, Meridian at the Headlands Hotel is a great option. Their menu is built around seasonal, local ingredients—think coastal culinary craftsmanship with a casually elegant twist. They source from nearby farms, the ocean, and even their own herb garden.
We didn’t make it this time around, but Derrick and I have stayed at the hotel before and absolutely loved dining here. It’s perfect for a special occasion, or if you’re just in the mood for something a little different from the usual casual spots.
5. Wildflower Grill + Cafe
We stopped here in Lincoln City for a sit-down breakfast on the way out of town, and it was such a sweet little find! Tucked inside a charming cottage, it’s easy and unpretentious, with a menu full of hearty favorites. The benedicts and scrambles were a hit. A great way to close out the getaway with one last cozy, coastal meal.
What We Did
We were pretty much met with a major wind and rain storm the entire trip—so a hike wasn’t in the cards this time. Womp womp. But, I had a few trail recs saved from friends who highly recommended them, and from the looks of Google (lol), the views are stunning 😂 I’ll drop the list below in case you get better weather!
Hikes
Proposal Rock Trail
Cape Kiwanda Trail
Cape Lookout
Instead of hiking, we leaned into the cozy vibes: lots of games, snacks, and slow mornings. We played Five Crowns and Quiplash. Both are easy, crowd-friendly games that always get everyone laughing. Sometimes rainy getaway weekends are the ones you remember most. ☁️🤍
And the Packing List, of course
