Boiler Bay Beacon
BOILER BAY (HQ) — The Oregon Coast is poised for a welcome infusion of visitors and cash with the arrival of Spring Break, which typically begins the 2nd week of March and goes full speed until mid-April.
Lincoln County, with 992 square miles of outdoor adventure, 60 miles of coastline and an ocean of fun is a traditional destination for families and college students from Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Here is how Spring Break looks in 2026:
Idaho Spring Break, March 16-27
Idaho school districts typically hold their spring break in mid-to-late March, with motel and campgrounds starting to fill as early as March 12. Officially, the 2026 dates are Boise School District, Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20; Idaho Virtual Academy & Idaho Technical Career Academy: Monday, March 23-Friday, March 27, 2026.
Oregon Spring Break, March 23-27
In Oregon, most K-12 public school districts and major universities follow a synchronized schedule during the last full week of March. K-12 Public Schools are closed Monday, March 23 to Friday, March 27. This includes major districts such as Salem-Keizer Public Schools, Eugene School District 4J, Bethel School District, Woodburn School District (also closed Friday, March 20). Oregon universities including Reed College, the U of O and OSU, are closed Monday, March 23 to Friday, March 27, 2026.
Washington Spring Break, March 23-April 16
Colleges and state universities such as the University of Washington are scheduled for Monday, March 23 to Friday, March 27, 2026. Washington public school dates are more varied, often occurring a week or two after Oregon’s break. Many districts, including Washington Virtual Academies and Insight School of Washington, are scheduled for Monday, April 6-Friday, April 10. Spokane Public Schools will observe their break from Monday, April 12-Friday, April 16, 2026.
The Billion-Dollar Break
Spring Break serves as the traditional “kick-off” for the Oregon coast tourism season, bringing in about $2.4 billion in “new” money each year to support nearly 26,000 jobs. This economic miracle is made possible by tourists, who spend $259 per person, per day, on the following: Lodging, $66 per day; Restaurants and Dining, $61 per day; and Recreation, Gas and Groceries, $20-$30 each day (Oregon Dept. of Tourism). Coastal cities and counties will also get a big boost of money from Transient Lodging Taxes (TLT) collected from motels, rental houses and campsites — about $120 million annually for coast counties and towns.
Activities During Spring Break
According to chamber of commerce and state data, approximately 61% of coast visitors engage in hiking, biking, or fishing, while 75% prioritize local food and drink. Overnight stays are more lucrative, but “day-trippers” from Portland and the Willamette Valley contribute significantly to retail and dining sales. With 36 state parks and recreation areas and popular spots like Fogarty Creek and Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area, Lincoln County is the No. 1 destination for visitors. The Whalewatch Center in Depoe Bay is the most-visited state park in Oregon.
For more information, call or visit:
• Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce, located in Safeway Plaza at 4039 NW Logan Road, 541-994-3070; www.lcchamber.com
• Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, 555 SW Coast Hwy, 541-265-8801; www.newportchamber.org
