Postcard from Garibaldi, Oregon

 Bucket List - Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Reality List - Garibaldi, Oregon, USA 


A view of the Mediterranean Beaches from above. https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-places-to-visit-in-march/


–


Ever since watching the Summer Olympics in 1992, I have been in love with this city. I can’t put my finger on the reason why. I could say because of the beautiful architecture, but that would be too superficial of an answer. I could say it is the beaches, people, food, art, or/and entertainment, but that doesn’t explain the warm feeling in my heart I got when I first saw pictures of her.


I feel like I’ve been there before…



I know where I've seen you … Garibaldi, Oregon! 


What are you talking about? Barcelona is warm and the water is warm and the people are warm. Garibaldi is on the Northern Oregon Coast, which is none of those. Except for the people. They are really nice and there are far fewer of them. Which is the whole reason you take a vacation in the first place.  


Oh sure, you could wish you were married to Valerie Bertinelli but no, you had to go and fall in love with a woman in your hometown. You made the right choice. Why not see the beauty right in front of you and not wish something you know won’t be as good as you think it will be. 


I’ve been going to Garibaldi since I was 7 years old and didn’t love it at first, but it doesn’t take long to wish to go back there as soon as we leave. 


Garibaldi is a small port town and maritime community at the northern end of Tillamook Bay, close to where the bay flows into the Pacific Ocean. People here are close companions with the sea.


There is a warm feeling you get in your heart when you come around the bend on Highway 101 and see the “G” on the hill above this little town by the bay. I have climbed up the hill to the “G” to look down at the bay, the town, and watch the boats come in from the sea or go out to the sea. 

The “G” up on the hill.


In 1870, Daniel Bayley was appointed by President Grant as the area's first postmaster and given the duty of naming the postmark. That same year, Giuseppe Garibaldi helped unify Italy after a military career devoted to establishing democracy around the world, and Bayley was so inspired, he named the town after his hero, Garibaldi.


There is so much to do in Garibaldi for those who want to get in touch with nature. There’s whale watching tours as well as fishing and crabbing boat charters. I enjoyed the little beach on the bay. The town is picturesque and if you take the Oregon Coastal Scenic Railroad ride that runs along the bay, you'll have many chances to take pictures. 



There are two options for seating. Indoor or outdoor. It’s a nice 90 minute ride along the bay. 


When you’re visiting Garibaldi, you’ll also be able to visit nearby coastal towns such as Barview and Rockaway to the north and Bay City, home of Tillamook Smoked Jerky Factory and Pacific Seafoods oyster farm. Just 8 miles down the road is of course the Tillamook Cheese Factory in Tillamook to the south. All along U.S. Highway 101.


Garibaldi is usually shielded from the fog that hugs the coastline. That means it is mostly sunny during the summer. It is the Oregon Coast so be prepared for temperatures that can fluctuate between 40-70 degrees. A windbreaker is highly recommended because the wind is usually blowing.


 Click on the link below to see all the places to eat, sleep, drink and up and coming events:

visitgaribaldi.gov https://visitgaribaldi.gov Garibaldi, Oregon | Visit Garibaldi, Oregon


Their sunniest weather is in August and September. I like to go during fall/winter storm season November thru February when the waves are big and the crab fleet is crossing the Tillamook Bay Bar to the ocean. The best place to view this scary event is from the Barview lookout at the mouth of the bay.


Helpful crabbing tip: crabbing is best, that means crabs full of meat, in months ending with an "R."


The main goal of going to the coast, especially Garibaldi, is to take off your shoes and sit on a piece of driftwood with your bare feet dug into the warm sand, take a deep breath, and let life's stress flow through your feet into the sand. 

Sure, I could tell all the best places to eat, play, and places to go but you need to find your own adventure. 

 




At a Glance:

Where: Garibaldi, Oregon

Website: visit garibaldi.gov

Why: Rest and Relaxing close to home

When: All year long ( Train runs during the summer season)

What to do: Sightseeing, hiking, kayaking, fishing, crabbing ( from the docks or rent a boat),excellent seafood restaurants and mom-and-pop gift shops.

   

Pictures from my trip there in May of 2021.


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