Gleneden Beach is perhaps my favorite little part of the Oregon Coast. Home to Salishan Lodge and a collection of absolutely magical shops and dining options. It also has the very most special beach where I once found a 100 year old Japanese figurine.

This special trip was a year in the making. You see, I have a friend there who has the best food cart on the coast. She saw me highlight Otter Rock and Newport by showing off small businesses and hidden gems. Debbie said- you have to show off our little gem….

Truth be told, I know this area well. I lived here 8 years ago and have been visiting since I was about 5 years old. One of my earliest memories is wanting for a pair of shoes that left dino tracks in the beach sand.

When I lived here on my own, I was going through a rough patch in my life. I moved when I had nothing…and left with confidence, friends, and hope I did not have before.

I know deep in my heart this part of the coast is special, healing, magic.

Debbie set it up so that I would stay at Salishan Resort. Although I’d never stayed here before, I’d heard such good things.

This is now my number one recommendation for staying on the Oregon Coast.

Without a doubt, Salishan is a dream.

Starting with the simplest of brilliant ideas- covered walkways throughout the entire resort. The Oregon Coast is soggy and figuring out how to work WITH that experience is genius.

We checked in and headed down to The Attic. This is the resort’s dinner and drinks option. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting with a burning hearth, warm lights, and ample seating.

Gleneden Beach itself is a wonder. My old stomping grounds- I’ve never walked here and not found an agate, a fossil, or some other rare treasure.

Roses on the beach, the universe speaks in magic

This time I found a dozen long stem roses in the sand. Not the first time that my favorite flower has appeared along the surf- they also showed up in Seaside on my 38th birthday. I like to think the universe speaks in roses and discovered treasures, in squalls followed by rainbows.

After a wondrous beach walk it was time to visit Side Door Cafe. Now when I lived here I was always intrigued by the whimsical pull of this sign…I had no idea what was hiding within.

Dinner at Side Door Cafe in Gleneden Beach

Such culinary bliss just tucked away…in secret…in one of the most astoundingly gorgeous dining rooms I’ve ever seen.

When you feel the pull….don’t deny it, usually extraordinary things are just beyond the horizon of your intuition.

In this case the magic was an old Tile and Brick factory transformed- into another world- with twinkling lights, art, and some of the best scratch prepared comfort food on Earth. Seafood, cakes, hourdervous, wine and bright and flavorful cocktails.

The next morning the universe was talking loud and clear- a rainbow shone over the Salishan Mall…. when I am nervous I always ask to see a rainbow…and I always see one. Try it!

We had a big day ahead of us- tackling an aerial course 50 plus feet in the treetops. But first….coffee (as they say).

The Red Roof Munchery is home to Left Coast Coffee Co. Running from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm it is the perfect place to sit down, get some great food and plan out your beach day.

This building was once the Community Church and the philosophy still runs true- to be a place for the community to come together in spirit and pastries…

“Joy is Now” rings true, a pendant on the wall. Joy is resistance, it is power. Choosing happiness even in times of darkness creates a ripple through the world. I feel that here in Gleneden Beach.

Though it is tiny- it is mighty. The vibes here are life changing. Not to get too deep over breakfast…so, I’ll also just add that they also have a drive thru!

Next up on our list was Adventure Collective- located in Salishan Mall, this is homebase for the Aerial Park and Zipline tour.

I am loving the thrill of treetop adventure in Oregon. Last year was my first go at a zipline and I’m hooked (literally).

This course is much more than ziplines though- that’s just how the tour starts. After that you go through ground school to learn how to be safe. Then it’s a self guided tour across 18 tree top platforms over a variety of obstacles.

You can walk across a swaying log bridge, cross a single cable from tree to tree, swing on loops, or hop over barrels like Donkey Kong.

My favorite was climbing straight up a ladder to the “Crows Nest” a viewing platform some 75 feet high!

The Aerial Park operates year-round, with hours varying by day and season. Participants must be at least 8 years old, weigh between 60 and 275 pounds, and wear closed-toe shoes and full-finger gloves. The course operates rain or shine, offering a unique way to experience Oregon's natural beauty in any weather.

In addition to the Aerial Park, The Adventure Collective's shop offers eco-friendly, socially responsible, and durable gear and clothing.

After the rush of the park- it was time to walk just around the corner to my friend Debbie’s awesome and incredible Food Cart and outpost:

Squatchsami Fish and Chips!

Home of the best Clam Chowder on the coast….you can take my word on it…or go see for yourself!

There is so much love in this food. Its palpable- tangible- write home aboutable…

The Fish & Chips- made with locally sourced lingcod. The batter…light, crunchy, fresh.

Chicken and waffles- walk on the beach and get this. Go surfing and get this. Shop all day at the Lincoln City Outlets and GET THIS. It’s the refuel of the century.

The Chicken Sando- classic.

BUT THE CHOWDER: this is how I describe it (to everyone I talk to) “you can stick a spoon in it and it will stand up” It’s true. It’s delicious. It’s at Squatchsami.

Overlooking the West Salishan golf links, the Outpost provides a cozy dining room where guests can enjoy food truck fare or select from hand-crafted sandwiches, gourmet salads, and house-made treats, including ice cream.

Then it was across the mall to visit another friend I made through the ether….Jen at Searenity Boutique.

I was called here too- into the bright and cheerful space filled with uplifting and inspirational art and clothing, gifts and more.

Woman power! Saying hi at Searenity Boutique.

I’d only ever seen this store online but I like to think you can FEEL good energy through a computer screen. That’s why I do what I do after all, to shift the world for good just by telling true and good stories.

Well, internet vibes did not lie- I was so grateful to meet Jen and feel her space in person.

Full of empowerment AND peace. There was even a “stay wild” hat upon the wall…some places just speak your language, ya know what I mean?

Then it was back to Salishan, an easy walk (or stumble) across Highway 101 from the Salishan Mall.

That’s the beauty of this little oasis- its self contained, you can park your car and stay on foot for your entire vacation.

Although they do have a pretty sweet resort ride…

Salishan is a true RESORT. A place you can hang out and while away the hours. I love spots like this, where the space is designed for relaxation.

You can read a book, play chess, hang by many fireplaces or firepits. Play cornhole, have a snack or drink, do a little shopping, walk the footpaths, play golf, go to the pool, spa, hot tub…..shall I go on?

The atmosphere here is light and rejuvenating, family friendly, and spacious.

It was very easy to while away the afternoon- I actually felt refreshed after a few lazy hours in a rocking chair in the elusive (but life giving) sunshines. Sitting amongst new spring blooms filled my heart with cheer.

Time for the evenings main event, back across the street to Beachcrest Brewing for live music!

One of the most fun pubs Ive been to- I’ve always loved the vibe here and watched it transform from a little tasting room into a beautiful butterfly of a community hub. I am so proud!!

A recent expansion has brought a stage for live music to shine. Even with the extra room the house was packed- however we were welcomed right in by the nicest locals.

We listened to Jobe Woosley & Co for three hours, the night flew by. This is a family friendly establishment with some of the best pizza ever!

Friends were made that night, which seems inevitable in this little spot. Maybe its a spot for drifters like me to settle for a moment and find connection. I’ve never walked away lonely, though I’ve shown up that way.

Well, any amazing trip must come to an end. It’s rare I tear up when it’s time to go…but here, I do.

Luckily there was one more simple task….

a massage at Salishan Spa.

Ok, that’s no task….its a luxury!

I’ve been to this spa once before- in 2014, only a few weeks after my first and only surgery. I sat in this outdoor spa, looking over the Siletz Bay and had

A MOMENT. an awakening. A spiritual SHABANG. Just an aha….it became a turning point in my life.

I would move here one day, searching for myself- to start a writing porject about places on the Oregon Coast.

I would return here again, a decade later, and see how far I’ve come. Another aha? Perhaps an “AhaHAHA” moment as I didn’t ever think I’d get this far.

Oh yeah, back to the Spa. It’s gorgeous, set upon the bay with big giant windows and cozy fireside lounges. Each locker room features a sauna, steam room, showers, and hot tub.

There are communal spaces to rest and relax with tea and other healing beverages.

I love these healing spaces that incorporate different modalities of wellness: massage, reiki, meditation, creative writing, detox, cbd, facials, etc.

Physical and mental health are our wealth. The more we tap into these ancient and natural ways to help ourselves feel better the closer we get to healing THE WORLD.

It was a tremendous gift to spend a few nights reacquainting myself with this special spot I hold so dear. Not only to share this spa, resort, treetop adventure, foodie, beach, resort Aha(haha) moment with you- but to relax and remember:

The impossible can be done.

In world of chaos, pressure, and uncertainty- there is joy. There is friendship. There is connection. There is EARTH, healing, magic, wonder, and good.

You can choose to surround yourself in the wonder of it all- which persists, quietly in places like Gleneden Beach.

Thank you Debbie, Salishan, Adventure Collective, Side Door Cafe, Red Roof Munchery & Left Coast Coffee, Searenity Boutique, Beachcrest Brewing, and Squatchsami Fish & Chips for helping me to achieve my dreams of becoming a travel writer and photographer. I could not have been where I am today without the kindness of strangers and the spirit of Oregon community. All love!

Gleneden Beach & Salishan Resort

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