Peaceful Getaway in Neskowin, Oregon
A relaxing coastal getaway filled with scenic hikes, local art, fresh seafood, and hidden natural wonders along Oregon’s rugged shoreline.
We recently enjoyed a relaxing stay in Neskowin, Oregon, a quiet little beach town that feels like a hidden gem on the Pacific coast. We flew into Portland and then drove our rental car a little over two hours to get to Neskowin. Our home base was a cozy one-bedroom short-term rental, conveniently located on the ground floor right on Neskowin Beach, in front of Proposal Rock. Waking up to that view each morning? Incredible.
Watching the sunset over the beach was an equally stunning view.
This wasn’t one of those go-go-go vacations—we intentionally kept our schedule light, aiming for rest, good food, and ocean air. Still, we found a few fun activities and some great local eats during our time in town.
Table of Contents
Our Stay
Our condo was perfectly positioned—just steps from the sand and with a front-row view of Proposal Rock, which sits in the Pacific Ocean at high tide. The ground floor made beach access super easy, and we loved being able to walk right out and explore whenever the tide was low.
We kept our meals simple: breakfast and lunch in the condo, often with the patio door open to the sound of waves. It was the perfect slow start to each day.
Dinner and Treats in Town
In the evenings, we usually wandered down to Hawk Creek Café, which was conveniently located at the end of the condo complex. It quickly became our go-to spot for dinner. The food was good—fresh, satisfying, and just the kind of comfort we were looking for after a day of beach walks and book reading.
One night, after dinner, we treated ourselves to ice cream from the little stand outside the café called The Village Scoop. It’s actually served out of a cool red and white van, and it was a fun, nostalgic way to end the evening.
Scenic Railroad Adventure
From Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach and Back Again
If you’re ever exploring the northern Oregon coast and looking for a charming, throwback adventure—the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad is a must-do. We recently hopped aboard the classic train ride from Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of our coastal road trip.
The Route & Timing
This isn’t a long-haul train—it’s more like a perfectly bite-sized journey with vintage flair. The Oregon Coastal Excursion runs between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach, and each leg of the ride takes about 30 minutes. Normally, there’s a 30-minute layover at the destination before returning—but here’s a great tip: you’re not locked into a specific return train.
We chose to extend our layover to 90 minutes, giving us time to explore, grab a bite, and enjoy the beach while the train completed another round trip. When we were ready, we simply hopped on the next available return train. It’s a fantastic option if you want to soak up more time in either town—just make sure to confirm the return schedule when you arrive.
Boarding Options
You can board the train in either Garibaldi or Rockaway Beach, depending on what works best for your plans. The train is usually pulled by a restored steam locomotive (yes, with real chuffing and whistle-blowing!) or sometimes a vintage diesel engine—each one with its own story.
There are several types of cars to ride in:
- Open-air cars for fresh sea air and unobstructed views
- Covered cars for shade and sun protection
- Enclosed cars if you prefer a little more comfort and shelter
We rode in an open-air car on the way out and moved to a covered one for the ride back—it was the perfect combo.
Experience & Scenery
The route hugs the picturesque edge of Tillamook Bay, and the scenery is simply stunning. As the train rolls along, you get front-row views of lush estuaries, working fishing docks, and unique coastal formations like the iconic Three Graces—three dramatic sea stacks that rise out of the ocean like ancient sentinels.
It’s not just about the views, though. There’s something truly magical about hearing the rhythmic clatter of the train on the tracks, catching whiffs of salty air, and watching kids wave from beach houses and docks as the train whistles by.
Railroad Tips
- Buy tickets in advance during summer—it can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Check the return train schedule if you want a longer layover—you may be able to stay longer and catch a later train.
- Bring layers—coastal weather can change quickly, even in July.
- Charge your camera—you’ll want photos of the vintage train, the bay, and the views.
- Grab a treat in Rockaway Beach—there’s a great ice cream shop near the station.
Whether you’re a train enthusiast, a family with kids, or just someone who loves stepping back in time for an hour or two, this little coastal journey between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach is absolutely worth your ticket.
Tillamook Creamery
On our way back south, we made a stop in Tillamook to visit the famous Tillamook Creamery. Their self-guided cheese factory tour was surprisingly fascinating—it’s well-designed, educational, and gives a great look at the process behind their iconic cheddar.
We especially enjoyed the free cheese samples (no surprise there) and couldn’t resist buying a few extra blocks from their shop to take home. Just one tip: try to arrive before 4 PM. That’s when they typically shut down the cheese production lines for cleaning, so if you want to see the full process in action, earlier is better.
Cape Meares Lighthouse
After enjoying our time at the Tillamook Creamery, we made a scenic detour to Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint to catch a glimpse of its historic lighthouse. Nestled on the edge of a rugged cliff overlooking the Pacific, the Cape Meares Lighthouse stands just 38 feet tall—but don’t let its height fool you. Perched 200 feet above the ocean on a dramatic bluff, the views from this spot are absolutely stunning.
We arrived just after closing time, so we weren’t able to go inside the lighthouse itself. If you want to explore the interior or learn more about its history, be sure to check their seasonal hours ahead of your visit. Even from the outside, though, the lighthouse and surrounding area made for a beautiful and peaceful stop. There are also short hiking trails nearby with panoramic ocean views and potential whale sightings if you’re lucky.
Whether you’re into photography, coastal history, or just want a breath of fresh sea air, Cape Meares is well worth the short drive from Tillamook.
Proposal Rock and the Ghost Forest
Back in Neskowin, we took advantage of the beautiful weather and low tide to explore the coastline on foot. We started with a short hike around Proposal Rock, the iconic sea stack just offshore from the beach. The tide was out far enough to circle the base, and we snapped a great photo of the keyhole formation—a natural rock arch that makes for a perfect photo-op.
With the tide still low, we set out to find one of the Oregon Coast’s most mysterious and fascinating sights: the Neskowin Ghost Forest. These fossilized Sitka spruce stumps—some over 2,000 years old—usually rise eerily out of the sand.
On this visit, though, there was quite a bit of sand buildup, so most of the stumps were only poking out a foot or two. Still, it was incredible to see these ancient trees preserved in time, and it made for a fun treasure hunt along the beach.
If you’re visiting Neskowin, be sure to check the tide charts and time your walk just right—the Ghost Forest only reveals itself when the ocean pulls back.
Hawk Creek Gallery
One of the highlights of our time in Neskowin was a visit to the Hawk Creek Gallery, located just a short walk from where we were staying. This cozy, light-filled space showcases the work of local artist Michael Schlicting, whose pieces capture the beauty and emotion of the Oregon coast and beyond.
We ended up spending quite a bit of time at the gallery, not only admiring Michael’s vibrant and expressive paintings but also enjoying a genuine conversation with him. It’s always special to connect with the artist behind the work, and Michael was incredibly warm, insightful, and generous with his time.
His artwork struck a chord with us, and we left with a beautiful original painting and a couple of prints to remind us of our trip. The gallery features a wide range of sizes and prices, making it a worthwhile stop whether you’re just browsing or looking to bring home a piece of coastal Oregon.
A Perfect Dinner
We love asking locals for dinner recommendations—it’s often how we find the hidden gems. When we asked artist Michael Schlicting at the Hawk Creek Gallery where we should eat, he didn’t hesitate or give us a list. He gave just one answer: The Side Door Café in Gleneden Beach. And wow, was he right.
It turned out to be the best meal of our trip.
I ordered the Parmesan Panko Crusted Fresh Halibut—a beautifully seared fillet served over a rich crab, champagne, corn, and tomato risotto, with grilled fresh vegetables and a finishing drizzle of herb olive oil. It was elegant and full of flavor.
My husband chose the Chargrilled Wild Salmon, which came with a savory smoked bacon and sweet potato hash, topped with a caramelized onion and fig jam, and paired with grilled vegetables.
We had planned to share both dishes evenly, but in a funny twist, we each preferred the other’s plate! It made for a perfect and memorable last night on the coast—great food, great company, and a delicious send-off before heading home.
More Coastal Adventures
If you want to do a little more exploring on your Oregon coast road trip, here are a few additional things to consider adding to your Pacific Northwest Itinerary if you have extra time.
North of Neskowin
- Cape Lookout State Park (~40 min north)
A beautiful spot for hiking and beachcombing, Cape Lookout offers forested trails that lead to breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. - Cape Falcon (~1 hr 20 min north)
Tucked into Oswald West State Park, this headland hike rewards you with sweeping coastal views and a peaceful setting away from the crowds. - Cannon Beach (~1 hr 15 min north)
This iconic coastal town offers beautiful beaches, charming shops, and stunning views of Haystack Rock rising from the surf. It’s perfect for a leisurely day of exploring. - Haystack Rock (at Cannon Beach)
A 235-foot-tall sea stack famous for its tide pools and nesting puffins in spring and summer. Visit at low tide to walk right up to its base and explore the marine life. - Ecola State Park (near Cannon Beach, ~1 hr 20 min north)
This stunning park features forested trails, dramatic cliffside viewpoints, and one of the best coastal picnic spots around. A great place to take in panoramic ocean vistas. - Astoria (~2 hr north)
A historic town where the Columbia River meets the Pacific, Astoria has a rich maritime history, vibrant arts scene, and sweeping views from the Astoria Column.
South of Neskowin
- Depoe Bay (~1 hr south)
Known for its excellent whale watching, Depoe Bay also boasts a dramatic oceanfront promenade and the world’s smallest navigable harbor. - Sea Lion Caves (~2.5 hr south)
Just north of Florence, this natural sea cave is home to hundreds of wild sea lions. You can descend by elevator to view them up close in their natural habitat—it’s a fun and unique stop. - Thor’s Well (~2.5 hr south)
Located near Yachats, this natural saltwater feature looks like a hole in the ocean. Best viewed at high tide, it’s a captivating display of nature’s power.
Whether you’re road-tripping the coast or planning a longer stay, these nearby destinations offer even more opportunities to explore the wild beauty of Oregon.
