The Foggy Oregon Coast's 'Sunny Little Secret' Is A Quaint City With A Charming Downtown Art Scene

The Oregon coast is characterized by its ever-present fog, sandy beaches, lighthouses, and hidden gems like Port Orford, an eclectic fishing village full of off-the-beaten-path fun. Yet, further north in the midcoast area of the state is a small city that escapes from the heavy coastal fog. This "sunny little secret" is Toledo, a quaint city with a charming downtown art scene.

Set along the Yaquina River just seven miles inland from Newport, home to one of America's best aquariums, Toledo is the perfect blend of Oregon's western woods and waters. First established in 1866, Toledo's strategic riverside location and proximity to a thriving port made it a haven for trade. Timber, boatbuilding, and the arrival of the railroad created a boom, but economic hardships brought a decline in the late 20th century. However, Toledo has bounced back and is once again a thriving city with plenty of local industry and artsy charm.

Anyone making a trip up the Oregon coast will find Toledo easily. As one of the last stops on U.S. Route 20, America's longest, coast-to-coast road, Toledo is a must for west coast road trippers. By plane, the easiest way to get to Toledo is to land in Eugene, rent a car, and head northwest for about an hour and a half. Whether you fly or drive, there is plenty to love about this charming little city. 

The Oregon coast's claim to foggy fame is due to the humid air moving in off of the Pacific meeting with the cold vapors coming off the ocean. This mixture creates a thick blanket of fog that covers swaths of the coast every morning. Toledo, however, is exempt from this thanks to its warmer microclimate. Due to its position inland from the coast, summer temperatures are often 10 to 15 degrees warmer than those in neighboring Newport. That means the sun burns off the fog long before it reaches Toledo. This is a plus because the city has a stunningly beautiful landscape. 

The Yaquina waterfront is filled with marinas, docks, and picnic areas. The Waterfront Market at the Port of Toledo Waterfront Park brings together artisans from Toledo and surrounding towns. You can find craft coffee, wooden crafts, jewelry, and local barbecues under a colorful sea of tents. It also gives you a hint of what you'll find in Toledo's historic downtown. But we'll get there in a minute. 

Toledo also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Cyclists can wind along the river on North Yaquina Bay Road, and bird watchers can sit in City Park and watch for native osprey and songbirds. The Port of Toledo Community Boathouses offers free family boating on Thursday and Sunday afternoons. This includes kayaking, sailing, canoeing, and plenty of safety courses. 

Oregon's coast is no stranger to artsy enclaves. Lincoln City is an artsy haven with breathtaking beaches. Toledo itself has a brimming arts scene. Downtown offers galleries, a glassblowing studio, and antique shops. However, the biggest cue to Toledo's artsy nature are the enormous, intricate art murals covering the brickwork of the city's streets. The "Welcome to Main Street" mural is filled with icons from Toledo's past, including the railroad, boats, and logging. The Toledo Art Walk occurs annually over Labor Day weekend and draws artists from around the region to experience Toledo's charm. 

Other fun sidetracks abound in this quaint little city. The Yaquina Pacific Railroad Historical Society's museum contains enough railroad history to satisfy any train buff. They even have a resorted caboose and mail car that act as interactive exhibits. To honor the city's building heritage, the Port of Toledo Wooden Boat Show takes place every summer, showcasing a collection of vintage wooden boats, boat-building activities, food, and music. The event culminates in a cardboard boat race during Toledo's summer.

So, if you are thinking of a getaway on the Oregon coast that packs a bunch of history, charm, and art into one setting, and doesn't come coated in fog, then you need to check out Toledo. It will be worth the effort to get there.