Lodgings in popular Depoe Bay require advance reservations on most weekends and holidays.

The Surfrider Resort (3115 NW U.S. 101, 541/764-2311, www.surfriderresort.com, $119 and up) is a few miles north of town on picturesque Fogarty Creek’s rockbound coast. While it has been around for a while and is not too elaborate, its setting and other appeals mandate a mention. Oceanfront suites and rooms have decks; some feature whirlpool tubs, kitchens, and fireplaces. A good restaurant, an indoor pool, and midweek specials are also noteworthy.

The Inn at Arch Rock (70 NW Sunset St., 541/765-2560 or 800/767-1835, www.innatarchrock.com, $119 and up) is a cluster of white clapboard buildings that overlook the bay from their cliff-top perch at the north end of town. In addition to 13 oceanfront rooms, there are two-bedroom condo units next door that sleep six or seven ($249 and up). A non–ocean-view room goes for $79.

Located about three miles south of Depoe Bay, at one of the most scenic spots on the central coast, is the Inn at Otter Crest (301 Otter Crest Loop, Otter Rock, 541/765-2111 or 800/452-2101, www.innatottercrest.com, hotel rooms $89 and up, studios $149 and up), a condo resort perched near the sandstone bluffs at the ocean’s edge. Hotel rooms have two queen-size beds, a refrigerator, a coffeemaker, and a private deck with picture windows, while studios have a queen-size Murphy bed (or a regular bed), a full kitchen, a fireplace, and a dining area.

Harbor Lights Inn (235 SE Bay View Ave., 541/765-2322 or 800/228-0448, www.theharborlightsinn.com, $139–229), a small inn overlooking the harbor, has the distinct advantage of being distant from U.S. 101. This homey inn affords views of sea otters, ducks, and geese while the whale-watching and fishing boats come and go. All rooms have a harbor view; rates include a hot breakfast. Small pets are allowed with prior approval.

The Channel House (35 Ellingson St., 541/765-2140 or 800/447-2140, www.channelhouse.com, rooms $100 and up, suites $295 and up) features both standard B&B rooms and spacious suites boasting expansive dramatic views of the ocean, private decks with outdoor whirlpool tubs (in the majority of rooms), fireplaces, plush robes, and other amenities. This bluff-top B&B (there isn’t a beach below, just miles of ocean and surrounding cliffs) may not look prepossessing from the outside, but inside the place is all windows and angles. Imagine Architectural Digest in a nautical theme. This is the best place on the Oregon coast to commune with whales, passing boats, winter storms, and the setting sun. A continental breakfast with tasty baked goods in an ocean-side dining area is included in the rates.

About a mile south of town, perched above scenic Whale Cove, find the boxy new Whale Cove Inn (2345 S. U.S. 101, 541/765-4300 or 800/628-3409, www.whalecoveinn.net, $395 and up), a small boutique hotel that’s a sister hotel to the Channel House. Here you can lounge in the hot tub on your private deck or on the Tempur-Pedic mattress in your bedroom alcove (all accommodations are in spacious suites). Fine dining is available in the hotel restaurant, Restaurant Beck. This is as high-end as the Oregon coast gets; don’t show up with kids and dogs.