One mile south of Depoe Bay, Oregon—the world’s smallest harbor, The Whale Cove Inn feels like a portal to a mystical place. The luxurious inn overlooks Oregon’s only officially designated marine refuge where, if you are lucky, you can spy bald eagles soaring and the glint of an orca whale gliding into the bay.
The destination location is intimate, with only seven signature suites and one three-bedroom premier suite. A serene and elegant décor features Paloma gas fireplaces, cushy reading chairs, and artwork throughout the room. What enchants, though, is the dramatic floor-to-ceiling view of the ocean and bay. Evergreen trees wave in the coastal wind, and the glimmer of white wings rise and fall over silver-capped waves.
Whether it’s stormy or calm, the best spot to take in this voluptuous view of Pacific waves is from your Jacuzzi spa on the private (and covered) balcony. As you soak, surrounded by craggy cliffs and the roar of ocean waves, you’ll think this is as good as it gets. But it gets better.
Plan ahead for ocean-front dining at Restaurant Beck, where chef Justin Wills, a James Beard Award semi-finalist for Best Chef Northwest, elevates locally foraged and farmed ingredients into artistic and provocative fare. For example, King Salmon with popcorn, corn puree, beet top, shaved beet, sous vide beet, then sprinkled almond soil, or Rockfish with cannellini beans, bacon, grilled kale, pine nut pesto, celery leaf and a Meyer lemon gremolata.
The Whale Cove Inn || 2345 US-101, Depoe Bay, OR || whalecoveinn.com
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