For a pastry-driven breakfast, find the homey Rockaway Beach Bakery at Beach 87th Street, where the bakery case tempts with maple-blueberry financiers, apricot croissants and mango scones.

In Rockaway Beach, you’ll find nationally recognized “best” clam chowder at Oregon Smokehouse. Sand Dollar Restaurant features local cuisine with an Eastern European flair.

The afternoon was originally supposed to be spent on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, which was offering a “spring splendor excursion” on a steam train between Rockaway Beach and Wheeler.

To see the Rockaway Big Tree, park at the trailhead parking area on U.S. 101 just north of E. Washington St. in Rockaway Beach. Follow the boardwalk to find the tree. — Jamie Hale ...