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With sustainable seafood, art, books and outdoor splendor, this fishing village has it all.
As summer fades into fall, there’s no shortage of fun on the Southern Oregon Coast. Historic and scenic Port Orford is the perfect spot for a getaway. This active fishing village offers authentic experiences in a postcard-perfect setting. Buy fresh seafood direct from the boat, browse cozy bookshops and art galleries, and fall asleep to the sound of the ocean. Here’s how to plan a fabulous fall stay in Port Orford.
Buy and Eat Fresh Seafood Portside
Fishing is a way of life in Port Orford, deeply woven into the community and local economy. One of the best ways to experience this deep-rooted tradition and to taste the fresh catch is with a visit to the budding Port Orford Seafood Market Co-Op, a seasonal market operating on select Fridays and Saturdays. Follow signs off Highway 101 down the winding hill to the active port, where you’ll see a fleet of family-operated fishing boats, where seafood is often harvested using the sustainable hook-and-line method. Depending on the season, you may find fresh albacore tuna, Dungeness crab, black cod, rockfish, Chinook salmon and more. Look for tables near boats with fish for sale and, for a small fee, someone will fillet your choice for you. Follow the co-op’s social media to confirm dates and to see what’s available; be sure to bring cash.
While you’re there, you can witness one of Port Orford’s most fascinating sights: huge cranes hoisting commercial fishing boats in and out of the open harbor. When not at sea, the boats rest on dollies at the Port of Port Orford dry dolly dock, one of only a handful of its kind in the world. As with any working port, visitors should be mindful of a high level of activity and construction. For the latest fisheries news, updates, and revitalization project progress, follow the Port of Port Orford’s Facebook page.
If you want fresh-caught seafood in your belly pronto, head to the Galley, a no-frills eatery open year-round Friday through Sunday and on Mondays during the summer. It’s run by Port Orford Sustainable Seafood, a community-supported fishery model that delivers seafood all across the state. The Galley offers wild-caught fish on a seasonally-changing menu, but expect dishes like a black cod miso bowl, a salmon burger or crab chowder.
Experience Maritime Life Through Art and Culture
Port Orford inspires visitors and residents with the area’s natural beauty and maritime culture, especially its artists and craft-makers. At Humble Heron Fly Fishing & Fine Art, artist James Sampsel and his wife, Kait, collaborate in a unique partnership. Kait guides fly-fishing trips on the nearby Elk, Sixes and Rogue rivers, and James sells beautiful landscape and fishing-life paintings.
Book & Tackle is a new bookshop stocking rare and used books that will appeal to adventurous readers and anglers. With family roots in the area, owners Adam and Kate Davis closed their NYC bookshop five years ago and relocated to Port Orford. Here they’ve curated a selection of titles ranging from ecology to foraging and local history. On weekends Adam’s father, Stan, ties flies and offers impromptu lessons to visitors. They also sell hand-tied flies and fly-tying materials.
Entering Sea Wolf Books & Community Writing Center is like stepping into a cozy living room. This indie bookstore is the literary heart of Port Orford, with a carefully-curated selection of new and used books including an excellent selection of books by Pacific Northwest authors, history, philosophy and children’s books. The writing center also offers workshops, weekend retreats and literary events including author visits, poetry readings and literary cocktail hours. There are comfortable couches for reading or writing on a rainy day. This bookstore is LGBTQ+ friendly and author-owned: everyone is welcome.
Pop in to the new Octopus Herb Garden, a small-batch apothecary with shelves of tinctures, herbal teas, salves, mushroom elixirs and bath goods crafted from organically grown, ethically wild-crafted or locally-sourced ingredients.
Among the many galleries featuring local artists in town, check out the large-scale abstract paintings at Hawthorne Gallery — right next to Redfish restaurant — as well as fantastical wood carvings at Tree Wizard or multimedia works at Point B Studio. Be sure to check out all the colorful murals in town. The newest by local artist and musician Dune is right across from Dragonfly Nursery.
In October 2025 visitors of all ages can get into the spirit of Halloween as the town is transformed into Port Goreford. Look out for menu specials, special events, live music and more. Embark on a treasure hunt evoking the legend of an ancient sea beast for a chance to enter to win a grand prize valued at over $1,000 that includes a two-night stay at The Cove and a whales and wildlife tour from South Coast Tours.
Kick Back at Cozy Inns and Modern Cabins
Many of the lodging options in Port Orford take advantage of the picturesque scenery, whether it’s the lush forests or stunning ocean vistas. Floor-to-ceiling windows in modern, self-contained cabins at The Point have access to a private deck with panoramic views. Take in views of Humbug Mountain and Battle Rock from the pet-friendly Castaway by the Sea, or simply relax in the ocean-view hot tub at the eco-friendly bed-and-breakfast WildSpring Guest Habitat. Campers will love the oceanside campsites, RV hook-ups and rustic cabins that provide easy access to hiking trails at Cape Blanco State Park; be sure to make a trip to the nearby historic lighthouse.
