Discover Things to Do in Wheeler & Oregon’s North Coast—Rain or Shine

When you stay at Wheeler on the Bay Lodge, you are perfectly positioned to experience the absolute best of Tillamook County. While our peaceful waterfront town offers a slow-paced sanctuary, you are only minutes away from dramatic state parks, pristine sandy beaches, historic train routes, and incredible local dining.

Use our curated guide below to plan your ideal North Coast itinerary, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or cozy coastal charm.

Looking for a place to eat? Find one here!

Google maps restaurants near Wheeler Oregon

Coastal Outdoor Adventures & Oregon State Parks

5 Minutes Away

Nehalem Bay State Park

Situated on a majestic spit between Nehalem Bay and the open Pacific Ocean, this park is an absolute must-visit for nature lovers.

What to Do: Walk miles of pristine, uncrowded sandy shoreline, explore rolling sand dunes, or bike the 1.8-mile paved multi-use trail.
Horseback Riding on the Beach: Want to experience the coast from a unique perspective? You can book guided horseback trail rides through the dunes and right along the ocean surf through local stables operating near the park.
Wildlife Watching: The park is a haven for coastal birds, and it’s very common to see herds of Roosevelt elk grazing in the meadows during the quiet morning hours.

10 Minutes Away

Oswald West State Park

Widely considered one of the most beautiful parks in the entire Pacific Northwest, Oswald West offers dramatic volcanic cliffs and dense old-growth rainforests.

Short Hike: Take the easy, 1/3-mile forest trail down to Short Sand Beach (a legendary local surfing cove tucked between massive headlands).
Challenging Hike: Climb the switchbacks up Cape Falcon for jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the rugged coastline looking south.

Coastal Wildlife & Sightseeing

Whale Watching & Ocean Viewpoints

The Tillamook Coast is one of the premier locations in the Pacific Northwest for spotting majestic gray whales during their annual migrations.

When to Look: High numbers of whales pass by during the winter migration (mid-December to January) and the spring migration (late March to June). However, a resident population of “summer whales” stays close to the shore from June to October, making spouts visible for much of the year!

Where to Go: Head just 10 minutes north to the elevated viewpoints at Neahkahnie Mountain pullouts or drive south to Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint. Grab our loaner binoculars from the front office, look for the telltale “spout” of water on the horizon, and you might even catch a whale breaching!

Bird Watching & Wildlife Refuges

Nehalem Bay is a vital stop along the Pacific Flyway. Right from our waterfront decks or nearby channels, birders can spot bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, egrets, pelicans, and a massive variety of migratory waterfowl.

5 Minutes Away

Manzanita

Just north of Wheeler, Manzanita perfectly blends classic beach vibes with a hip, upscale village atmosphere.

The Beach: Spend an afternoon walking seven miles of uninterrupted white sand beach beneath the dramatic shadow of Neahkahnie Mountain.

Laneda Avenue: Stroll the charming main street lined with independent bookstores, artisan boutiques, coffee shops, and excellent local eateries.

15–20 Minutes Away

Cannon Beach & Rockaway Beach

Our central location makes it easy to take quick day trips to the coast’s most iconic landmarks.

To the North: Head to Cannon Beach to view the world-famous Haystack Rock, explore marine tidepools, and browse high-end art galleries.
To the South: Visit Rockaway Beach for miles of wide ocean sandy views, classic coastal taffy shops, and old-fashioned beach-town charm.

Unique Local Experiences in Wheeler & Tillamook

Charming Antiquing & Dining in Wheeler

You don’t even have to leave town to find incredible ways to spend your day. Right within walking distance of your room, you can discover:

Vintage Treasures: Wheeler is famous for its fantastic collection of antique shops. Spend a quiet afternoon hunting for vintage treasures and coastal decor at the Wheeler Dealer Antique Mall and SeaStar.
Specialty Shops: Discover a one-of-a-kind collection of local shops filled with interesting finds.
Dining Options: For breakfast, The Roost and Handy Creek Bakery offer homemade pastries, coffee, and classic breakfast fare. Visit the Neahkahnie Smokehouse for a smoked salmon lunch with outdoor seating right on the water, or visit Single Fin North Coast Fish Shack for delicious fish sandwiches. Then finish your outing with sweet treats from Wheeler Wirl. Walk to The Salmonberry for a fresh waterfront dinner and drink. Or take a short drive into neighboring Nehalem or Manzanita for other dining options, artisanal treats, and grocery runs.

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad

Step back in time and catch a historic steam train excursion that rolls right along the edge of the bay and the ocean, connecting Wheeler to Rockaway Beach and Garibaldi. It’s a fantastic, relaxing way to see the coastline from a vintage rail car.

Tillamook Creamery (30 Minutes South)

If you fancy a short drive down the Tillamook Coast, there is a legendary stop you shouldn’t miss:

Tillamook Creamery: Stop by the world-renowned cheese factory for a self-guided tour of the production floor, a flight of famous sharp cheddars, and a scoop of fresh Oregon ice cream.

Golfing on the North Oregon Coast

If you want to hit the links during your stay, the North Coast features beautiful, scenic courses. Check out the Manzanita Links (a charming 9-hole course nestled among the shore pines) or head down to the Alderbrook Golf Course in Tillamook for classic Pacific Northwest fairways.

Experience the Water Directly From Our Dock

Don’t forget that some of the best recreation on the coast starts right outside your room! When you stay with us, you can walk out the door and immediately enjoy:

Free Kayak Rentals

Complimentary single and tandem kayak use when you book a stay of two or more consecutive nights.

On-Site Fishing & Crabbing

Drop a crab pot or cast a line right off our private dock.