Morning Walk:

Kilchis Point Reserve is a beautiful, protected area and neighbor to Sheltered Nook. It's an easy walking flat trail through a restored native forest with benches and interpretive signage. Enjoy a walk through the heart of a coastal forest noticing how the local critters have returned to their restored habitat.  Follow the trail through the woods and over the bridges to where you’ll be treated to an expansive view featuring Egrets and Great Blue Herons wading in the bay. Allow 60 minutes.

Breakfast:

Start your day with a great homemade breakfast. Downies Cafe right here in Bay City is a traditional second-generation breakfast diner serving the community since 1985. It’s all good, but we recommend the Cinnamon French Toast, omelets or any of the tasty Benedict dishes. Allow 75 minutes.

Hop a Train:

Just five minutes away in Garibaldi climb aboard the Oregon Scenic Railroad for a Historic Train Ride.  You can enjoy a ride behind a historic steam or vintage diesel locomotive. Enjoy the 90-minute Round-Trip between Garibaldi and Rockaway. Allow 2 hours.

A Cheesy Experience:

Tour. Taste. Take Home. Head south to Tillamook to visit the top attraction on the Oregon Coast - The Tillamook Creamery (aka Tillamook Cheese Factory). Come watch their award-winning cheeses being made, and taste and shop for all things Tillamook. Don't forget their world-famous ice cream. Allow 90 minutes.

And More Cheese:

Head a couple miles south on Hwy 101 and stop into the Blue Heron French Cheese Company for a family fun experience. Enjoy sipping local wines at the tasting bar, the cool gift shop, enjoy free food samples, and let the kids visit the petting zoo. Allow 45 minutes with drive time.

Rockaway Area Beaches:

It’s the coast after all, you just have to check out the beach and put your feet in the ocean.  We have great beaches to both the north and south of us, but Rockaway has seven miles of beautiful beach with great access along its entirety.  And, you also have the cool beach town of Rockaway to explore.  Here are spots where you can get some sand between your toes, fly a kite, or just watch the waves.

• Barview Jetty County Campground – This is the most southerly access to the beach and you reach it by going through the county campground.  This is also the access to the North Jetty of Tillamook Bay. Please note the county campground DOES charge an access fee.   

• Rockaway Beach – Located in the middle of the beach in beautiful downtown RB, this is a great beach access with ample public parking. Keep in mind it is also the most popular beach access. 

• Manhattan Beach State Park – At the north end of Rockaway you’ll find Manhattan Park.  It has a nice section of beach with a lovely creek flowing into it.  It also has ample parking with good beach access, and can be a good choice during busy weekends.  Allow 2-ish hours.  You can never be sure when you’re on beach time.

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Let’s Eat! 

One of the things we like to do best on our piece of the coast is eat well.  We are fortunate to have several great restaurants in the area with diverse menus, and all share a focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.  Here are a few of our favorites.     

• Seafood – J Andy Oyster Company – A family operation who grow their own oysters in nearby Netarts Bay and serve them up at their garden-setting restaurant just south of Tillamook.  Oysters, shrimp, clams, and the special fish of the day.  It doesn’t get any fresher.

• Barbecue – Garibaldi Bistro – That’s right BBQ on the coast and it’s done right!  Located in the picturesque Garibaldi Marina, Dennis and Amanda serve up a smoky and savory offering of beef, pork, chicken, and fish.  Of course, the brisket and ribs are fantastic but when in season, you must try the fresh- off-the-boat smoked tuna sandwich, it’s outstanding.  They also have a great bar featuring live music.   

• Northwest Cuisine – Offshore Grill – Looking for that signature northwest dining experience?  Located in Manzanita, Chef Jake and his team specialize in making the most of the best and freshest local ingredients possible.  Always consider The Special of The Day as it likely was harvested or caught earlier that day.  Specialists of combining ingredients and flavors, the Offshore team will provide a truly memorable meal.  And don’t forget dessert.  

Allow 2 hours for dinner.

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Say goodnight to the sky:

The Tillamook Coast boasts some of the most magnificent vistas and sunsets anywhere. And I’m not saying that just because I live here, sunsets can be amazing.  Favorites include Bayocean Spit, Twin Rocks (Rockaway Beach), Cape Meares Beach, the Boathouse on Tillamook Bay…  Or on any beach in the area. Allow... All night long.