road trip on highway 101

Highway 101 Road Trip Stops 2024

We didn’t realise we were driving the epic Pacific Coast Highway 101 road trip, from Seattle to Los Angeles. After a while of being on the trip, we realised we were going to be driving Highway 101 the entire way.

We’d originally planned to take a trip along the entire West Coast of America, not realising until we saw the same sign every day – Highway 101 Southbound!

Pacific Highway 101 winds around incredible national parks, through giant redwoods , next to scenic coastline, past towns and villages, not to mention across three states on the West coast of America.

It was definitely the ultimate USA Road trip with kids . We did it over a period of nearly a month in an SUV from Rental Cars  and switched to a camper van half way through.

We picked up a car from Seattle and dropped it off in San Francisco before doing the last leg in a camper.

It cost us around 45 USD to fill the tank and it generally lasted around three days.

We could pay tolls ourselves online or we got billed at the end by the rental company.

I personally didn’t want to drive, I am not as confident as my husband with driving on the other side of the road.

However, hubby took to it like a duck to water. He has been driving a lot longer than me! Here is our summary of what we got up to on the ultimate Pacific Coast Highway 101 road trip itinerary.

Looking for more road trip inspiration? Check out  Our Favorite Road Trips Around the World!

101 Highway Road Trip

As you will see in later sections of the post, the things to check out vary by state.

From coast to coast, this post highlights the must-see attractions, landmarks, and experiences in each state.

The drive along Highway 101 is an adventure in and of itself, so here are a few top things to do and must-sees along the route that will make the trip of a lifetime even more memorable.

Table Of Contents

Table of Contents

Highway 101 Washington to California

We arrived in Seattle on the Amtrak train from Canada and collected our car straight away and began to look at the Highway 101 Washington map. Our end goal was LA, however many people continue from LA to Las Vegas .

It was a little bit of a mission on the train with all of our stuff so we were happy to be loading up into a boot again.

Whilst on Highway 101 North, in Seattle, we stayed on the outskirts of the city and visited some cool places such as the Museum of Flight and an awesome view point of the Seattle skyline from the western shore.

We also visited downtown, Pike Market and the waterfront, both are ‘must see’ places in Seattle. We didn’t have time, but there are also some great day trips from Seattle. Read a more in depth guide to the best things to do in Seattle with kids here.

Union & Olympic National Park

Next stop on our trip and our first proper encounter with Highway 101 was on route to Union. A beautiful little town based on the banks of a fjord just twenty minutes from Olympic National Park .

We visited the area predominantly to see the park and hike some trails but we ended up loving Union so much that it was hard to leave.

The fjord was full of life and had some incredible sunsets. We stayed at the cutest little cottage that had a private pontoon on the water.

The drive to Olympic National Park from Union is breathtaking and I would say don’t leave it off your Highway 101 road trip planner.

A beautiful lake with soaring pine trees and rolling mountains made for some great shots.

We loved the staircase hiking trail on our Olympic National Park itinerary . . It was nice and easy with the kids and featured a suspension bridge and the perfect river to swim in. We also saw lots of fresh bear poop, although we didn’t see one. There are so many things to see on a Highway 101 Road trip.

There are plenty of towns on the west coast . After our short time on Highway 101 Washington State, our first stop in Oregon was Portland . This cool city with eco vibes, lots of parklands and many cycling routes took us by surprise. It houses, hands down, the best museum we have ever been to with little ones.

Our daughter loved Portland’s Children’s Museum, it’s definitely worth a visit. It teaches kids about every day roles in society in such a clever and playful way. Other highlights include renting a Surrey to ride around the waterfront, taking an aerial tram and visiting nearby waterfalls.

You can find amazing places to stay in Portland , or read more about all the great things to do with kids in Portland here.

Lincoln Bay

Lincoln Bay was our second stop on the incredible Oregon coast US Highway 101. This was one of my favourite parts of West Coast Highway 101 because the road runs so close to the ocean.

The Oregon Coast is perfect for photography as the drive is so scenic along the way. We stayed in a really reasonable beachfront room . It was basic but so worth it for the views.

Just a little further along the coast is Depoe Bay. It’s famous for a pod of grey whales that have made the area their home. It was so awesome to have the chance to see them.

The whale watching centre has binoculars or it’s a good place to take a boat tour.

On our way to Bandon, we also stopped off in Florence to see the Sea Lion Caves. Although we didn’t get an up close look at the sea lions, the cave was quite impressive. It’s the largest sea cave in the world and there is an elevator that takes tourists into it.

The next stop on the Oregon coast was the beautiful Bandon, most certainly the Highway 101 scenic drive. It is named after a coastal town in the south of Ireland .

Being Irish, I could see the resemblance between the two! Bandon Town was also very cute with a number of restaurants, cafes and bars. It had an Irish feel to it, it really felt like home, which was nice.

The coast has dramatic rock formations just off the beach. It made the horizon unique from other scenic views along Highway 101. We had a walk along the beach at sunset, it was incredible.

Halfway through the California portion of the road trip, we switched to a Jucy Camper van rental. California can be an expensive destination and renting a camper van in California provided us a lot of freedom and helped us keep to our budget.

Redwood National Park

It wasn’t long before we got to experience the highway 101 attractions, California State where we spent most of our time. Our first stop was in the Redwoods National Park . It’s one of the best places to visit along the Highway 101 road trip.

We were booked to stay in Elk Meadow Cabins, Redwoods State. I hadn’t thought much of the name until we turned up to find dozens of elks hanging around our cabin.

It was so special and meant we spent the day admiring them rather than getting out and exploring. There really is so much to do off Highway 101 Northern California!

We had the cutest little two bedroom cabin, fully equipped with a kitchen and two bathrooms. We also had a patio with a BBQ where we made dinner whilst watching the herd.

It was a great location to see the Redwood National Park and there are plenty of easy trails nearby for families.

I was blown away by the redwoods. We felt dwarfed as we drove past and it was another spectacular scenic drive on the Highway 101 road trip! There are some short detours off the highway that really get amongst the forest, it’s totally worth it if the kids can hack the windy road.

We stayed at Redwoods River Resort. They are rustic cabins with log burners. Each is themed differently. We stayed in ‘Wolf’. Just about everything had a wolf on it from the wallpaper to the coffee cups.

The little cabins had a BBQ and an outdoor kitchen in this stunning state park location.

It’s the best place to stay for nature lovers. We roasted marshmallows in the evening after our hikes in the local area and our little one played in the massive onsite playground.

There was a big swimming pool too. We arrived mid-week but I can imagine it’s a popular place on the weekend with families.

There are some funny things to do nearby, like the drive-thru tree and confusion hill.

Skunk Train At Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg sits approximately ten miles (16 kilometers) north of charming downtown Mendocino. Some may find it a bit grittier than its neighbor to the south, but it’s an excellent detour and offers a lot of family-friendly things to do when catching a break during your Highway 101 road trip.

From beach walks to hiking trails , Fort Bragg offers a wide variety of activities for tourists and locals alike, making it a great spot for families looking for a lively, entertaining, and enjoyable time out with the children.

The Skunk Train at Fort Bragg is a historic railway that has been in operation since 1885. It runs along the scenic Mendocino Coast and offers a variety of activities, from train rides to hikes and camping .

Now, the Skunk Train Depot offers rail bike rides as well. Riders can enjoy a picnic or take a walk in the woods at Glen Blair Junction during the ride.

Kids from ages three and up can ride the bike; however, they need to sit either in the car seat or wear a harness that comes with the ride.

These rides provide a unique and fun way to take in the beauty and serenity of the redwood groves while biking along the historic railway, and sure an interesting way to learn about the history of the area and the unique wildlife that calls it home.

For more information on The Skunk Train .

Location : 100 W Laurel St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States

Mendocino was so different from Leggett and Redwoods. Based on the Californian coast, this very charming, pretty little town was quaint and one of the stunning highway 101 road trip attractions.

There were lots of cafes, restaurants and boutique shops. The wooden fronts of all the buildings were painted in pastille colours with a backdrop of aqua blue coastline.

There are some beautiful trails around the Mendocino cliffs and a nice beach near the town that is ideal for kids. We stayed at Little River Inn just ten minutes outside the town.

It had a classic Victorian feel to it and had stunning views from most of the rooms. We had a big deck where we spent our evening sipping on local Californian red wine when the kids were tucked into bed.

Hands-On Exhibition At Bay Area Discovery Museum

Apart from the Golden Gate Bridge views, the Bay Area Discovery Museum also offers a variety of activities for children of all ages, including art and science workshops, hands-on exhibits, and interactive play spaces.

The museum also has a café and a store, making it an ideal place for the whole family to take a break and relax.

Among the top activities for kids are Stick-lets, Imagination Playground, Hopscotch Reimagined, Instrument Walk, BADM Beach, and many seasonal activities like camping and “iceless” skating.

Check out Bay Area Discovery Museum’s website for more details and tickets ..

Timings: 10 AM to 4 PM (Wednesday to Sunday)

Location : Sausalito-Lateral, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA

San Francisco

San Francisco blew my mind, most people say it’s the best place to stay along the Highway 101 road trip!  I’ve only been to two or three places (out of 88 countries) where I left thinking that I could live there.

It was a pretty impressive entry to the city crossing the Golden Gate Bridge early morning. The cloud was low and we could only see some of the bridge but it made it quite picturesque.

There is plenty to do in San Francisco from the beaches to the waterfront and parks, it’s quite an outdoorsy city. If you are spending some time exploring it might be worth investing in a city pass. They include hop on hop off tours, bike tours and bike rentals and entry to most of the sites. You can check out prices here .

We spent some time on Pier 39 looking at the hundreds of sea lions. Man, they stink! We also had a look around some of the boutique stores in the area. There are also many unique restaurants in San Fransico too.

We had a photo shoot on Crissy Beach which is an awesome spot to get a good view of Golden Gate. It was only a few minutes drive from Hotel Zephyr where we were staying.

It’s a funky building predominantly made out of recycled materials. Featuring a van cafe, giant ‘connect four’ and a fire pit in the garden, it’s the best chill out spot after a busy day of site seeing. You can check rates and availability here .

We had been staying in self-catering places up until San Francisco, so we really missed having a kitchen.  The best thing for a young family on a  road trip in California is vacation rentals .

It makes life so much easier with the kids. Not to mention having our respective rooms so we don’t have lights out at 7 PM for everyone.

If you are doing it in an RV, check out the Santa Cruz area! We wanted to visit Burns State Park but the road was shut at the time due to a landslide on the west coast road.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is not typically one of the places to visit on a highway 101 road trip, it’s a bit of a drive inland, but worth it if you have the time. It has been high up on my travel agenda for some time.

Whether you drive through for a day or stay in a campground to fit in a Yosemite two day Itinerary – the Yosemite Glacier Point is most impressive.

I also loved the Yosemite Falls but its very busy over the weekend and best visited early morning during the week. The sheer rock face of Half Dome is jaw-dropping.

It’s such a pretty drive but also long and needs to be planned well . Especially as the weather can change easily in the park. April in Yosemite is the perfect time to see the waterfalls that the park is famous for.

We stayed at a campground inside which helped us to see lots more and keep drive times down for the kids.

For a more complete guide check out things to do in Yosemite with kids .

Visit The Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park

Pigeon Point Light Station is a lighthouse located on the coast of northern California near Pescadero.

In terms of height, it is one of the tallest lighthouses in the United States and stands at 115 feet. The lighthouse has been in operation since 1871 and is still in use today.

Its light comprises an array of Fresnel lenses that guide ships safely through treacherous coastal waters. The lighthouse is also a popular spot for whale watching and has become a California Historical Landmark.

Their former Light Station buildings are now unique hostels run by Hostelling International for guests who wish to stay the night.

Visitors can experience an unbeatable lodging experience while they explore the stunning ocean views, tidepools, and beach – all within steps of the Light Station buildings.

For more information on Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park .

Location : Pigeon Point Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060, USA

Explore Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park With Kids

A classic seaside amusement park, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk dates back to 1907 and is one of California’s oldest surviving amusement parks.

It is home to numerous rides, games, and attractions, including the famous 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and the carousel installed in 1911.

With all the beaches and rides, it’s easy to spend an entire day enjoying the activities that this beach boardwalk has to offer.

Remember to take a moment to appreciate the historic beauty of the Amusement Park that is responsible for fun and memories for generations.

For more information and tickets .

Location : 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

After an amazing few days inland at Yosemite , we were ready to head back to the Californian coast and get back on our Highway 101 road trip. We left on a whim not really sure where we were heading.

So many of our followers suggested Monterey as another one of the Highway 101 road trip sights so we decided to go. If you are an ocean lover the beaches are some of the best places to stop on Highway 101. There are also amazing whale watching opportunities in Monterey .

The Aquarium seemed to be a big hit with most so we brought the kids. They loved it! Even the 4 month old was stimulated by the surroundings. They have an ingenuous kids’ area, tidal pools and some incredible species. It was expensive but totally worth it.

Monarch Butterfly Grove At Pismo Beach

A slight detour off Highway 101 is the most amazing place to stop on the Central Coast, The Monarch Butterfly Grove .

As one of the best and the most enchanting places to visit for free during a Highway 101 road trip, it allows visitors to observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

Imagine hundreds or thousands of orange and black-striped butterflies fluttering in a series of waves encircling eucalyptus trees.

Among the five butterfly groves in every state of California, the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is the only one with an annual count of more than 10,000 butterflies.

It is a destination essential to Monarch Butterflies’ successful migration, sheltering them from the freezing northern winters (October to February).

The staff at the zoo are friendly and knowledgeable and are ready to assist visitors from all over the world with tours and talks on a daily basis.

Location : 400 S Dolliver St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, United States

Carpinteria

Just after Santa Barbara, Carpinteria is another cute coastal Californian town, a little similar to Mendocino. They had a farmers’ market going on, lots of independent shops and a camp site with beachfront views.

There were hundreds of dolphins in the water swimming past where we had parked up on the state beach campsite. We just spent one night, but it was really relaxing place to respite from traveling Highway 101.

If you are looking for one more town that comes recommended in California,  San Luis Obispo is a place many suggested just off the highway road.

Take A Break And Beachcomb Arroyo Burro Beach

Arroyo Burro Beach also known as “Hendry’s Beach” by the locals is a pristine stretch of coastline in Santa Barbara, California.

It is a popular destination for swimming, surfing, fishing, whale watching, and picnics. Plus, it is also a great spot for families, as it is dog-friendly and offers beachfront restaurants and stunning views of the ocean.

The city maintains the beach well and offers a variety of amenities for visitors. Multiple access points for the beach make it easy for everyone to access the area.

Additionally, the beach is surrounded by picturesque cliffs and lush vegetation, making it a stunning and tranquil spot for visitors to enjoy all year round.

Location : 2981 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, United States

Los Angeles

Our last and final stop was in LA . There are loads of things to do so be sure to check out this list of some of the best family days out in Los Angeles . We stayed in downtown Hollywood at the Hilton Gardens Inn . We were predominantly relaxing after a busy few weeks of driving but we did manage to see Hollywood Boulevard and the views of the city from the heights.

I found it quite full on after being out in the wilderness for a while. It’s quite a crazy place in a good kind of way. If you plan on spending time in LA seeing the sites, it can be expensive so we highly recommend investing in a city pass – you can check out what the city pass includes he r e . You can also pick up theme park tickets here .

Some people continue onto San Diego to complete the Highway 101 road trip in its entirety. We ran out of time before needing to move on to our next destination! However next time we will be sure to check out some of the best beaches in San Diego .

Santa Monica Pier

Highway 101’s iconic Santa Monica Pier remains a road trip necessity, offering an abundance of restaurants and seaside views.

By detouring a little from Highway 101, travelers can find this charming pier just a short distance from Ocean Avenue.

In the early days of the West Coast, the Santa Monica Pier was a pioneering structure on the West Coast, built in 1909.

The pier began attracting people because it offered the unique experience of being able to sail and fish so close to the shore.

It also provided a great view of the ocean, unlike anything they had seen before.

As word spread, more and more people started to visit the pier, and it quickly became a popular attraction.

Today, from carnival rides and street vendors to the iconic carousel, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The pier also hosts special events such as fireworks, classic car shows , and concerts, making it a perfect destination for family fun.

Amid waves crashing on the shore, the South Bay and Malibu receive a luminous glow by evening.

Santa Monica Pier is the perfect place for fun in the sun. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day at the beach or a bustling day of amusement rides and carnival games, the pier has something for everyone.

Location : 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

Underwater Exploration At The Aquarium Of The Pacific

Are you looking to add excitement to your already fantastic Highway 101 road trip?

Experience the Pacific Ocean in its natural habitat at Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific .

Children will have the opportunity to interact closely with a variety of sea creatures. From sharks in a kid friendly touch tank to listening to the eerie melodies of an underwater whale song, the experience is sure to be out of this world.

Families can also take advantage of the warm Californian weather by exploring the outdoor Harbor Terrace overlooking the Shoreline Village, which has two popular exhibits: the Moon Jelly Touch Lab and an exhibit featuring two species of amphibious mudskippers.

Other exhibits include coral reefs, Sea Otter habitat, Lorikeet forests, June Keyes Penguin habitat, the Tropical Pacific gallery, and much more.

For bookings at the Aquarium Of The Pacific .

Location : 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802, United States

Highway 101 Road Trip Stops – Map

Highway 101 Self-Driving Audio Tour (Pacific Coast Highway)

Highway 101 self driving audio tour is a convenient and affordable way to explore the stunning California coastline.

Families can drive their car or RV at their own pace unfolding the beauty and history of Highway 101 without the need for a guide.

The app guides your entourage from San Francisco to Los Angeles by featuring an audio narration. It shares facts and stories about the cities and landmarks you visit along the way.

And the best bit is that the GPS functionality of the app is also available offline.

Undoubtedly, this is an excellent way to discover one of the spectacular driving routes in the United States.

Secure your Highway 101 self driving audio tour here .

Highway 101 Road Trip – Mode Of Travel

We used a few different options on our Highway 101 Road Trip! For the most part, we used a rental car and we also used a mini campervan .

No matter where you start your journey along Highway 101, you are bound to find rental cars along the way. We have always used “Kayak”, a travel search engine when travelling and always find them an incredibly reliable mode of transport.

They are a broker which is great for finding the best deals. Of course, you will have the added cost of accommodation or camping so it’s worth figuring out the costs all things considered. Click here to see a range of rentals!

Rent A Mini Camper

We also rented one of the bright green and purple Jucy Camper vans that are a popular and cost effective choice for people travelling along Highway 101. There are different options depending on your requirements.

These camper vans manage to fit all of the essentials for a fun filled trip including a kitchen, beds, table and fridge. It can be quite cramped depending on how much luggage you bring with you and is more suited to the adventurous traveller at heart. Check out our review of the Jucy Camper Van rental here!

An RV would be our most favourite way to travel on a Highway 101 Road Trip. It’s so nice to have the space and all you need in one space. in my opinion, it is a luxurious way to travel whilst soaking up what nature offers!

For renting an RV I recommend checking out “Outdoorsy”. It is a great place to search for an RV!

Highway 101 Road Trip Essentials

I am a big fan of bringing my sat nav as it saves the battery on my phone. Most car and RV rental companies charge top money for one so it’s definitely better to bring your own. I highly recommend the Garmin Sat Nav.

Click here to check out the prices of this Garmin Sat Nav!

• Bright, high-resolution 5” glass capacitive touchscreen display lets you easily view your route
• Get more situational awareness with alerts for school zones, speed changes, sharp curves and more
• View food, fuel and rest areas along your active route, and see upcoming cities and milestones

Another awesome top tip is to bring mobile WIFI console. I have the NETGEAR one and we take it everywhere! We don’t even have the internet at home because it’s that good! All you need is a SIM card with internet minutes.

Click here to check out this awesome NETGEAR mobile router.

• Share WiFi internet access with up to 20 devices
• Connect to your existing home router using the Gigabit Ethernet port for fast, reliable primary or backup…
• Avoid the risks of public WiFi and travel with your own portable, secure Wireless Network anywhere

On a long road trip without constant access to plug items into main power, these Solar Powered Battery banks come in super handy for recharging phones, cameras etc.

The battery bank can be recharged using the built in solar panel meaning you can be travelling off the grid for that much longer.

Click here to check out these portable Solar Powered battery banks.

Frequently Asked Questions Highway 101 Road Trip

What is the length of highway 101.

The length of Highway 101 differs depending on the route you plan to take and your destination.

This 1,540 mile (2,478 kilometers) route passes through the states of Washington , Oregon and California , providing travelers with breathtaking views of rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and towering redwoods .

Along the way, travelers can explore a variety of attractions, including the Columbia River Gorge, the San Juan Islands, the Lost Coast, and the world famous Big Sur.

What are the other names of Highway 101 in the United States?

US Highway 101 is also known as the Oregon Coast Highway in Oregon and as the Pacific Coast Highway in parts of California. 

Most people in Southern California refer to this road as “The 101”, whereas people in Northern California, Oregon, and Washington know it as “101”.

How long does it take to traverse the entire Highway 101?

As there are so many exciting things to see and do along Highway 101, we suggest you set aside at least five days for the experience. Taking a road trip like this is one you should put on your bucket list.

If you were to drive Highway 101 non-stop, it would take 30 hours to go the total distance of almost 1,540 miles (2,478 kilometers).

To Sum Up Highway 101 Road Trip

Are you hoping to drive the length of Highway 101? Be sure to Pin this article for later!

I love to hear your thoughts, leave a comment and I will get back to you.

Ready to book? Find great deals on flights , travel insurance , hotels , reliable internet , and rental cars !

Disclaimer: We worked in partnership with a number of clients throughout this trip. In particular, Visit California and RentalCars.com. As always all views expressed are entirely our own and have not been influenced in any way. 

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

• Best Pumpkin Farms In California
• Guide to pumpkin picking in Florida
• Our Favorite Road Trips Around the World
• Canada Road Trip: Calgary to Vancouver
• Top tips for taking a road trip with kids
• A road trip around Florida
• The Best Things to do in the Everglades with Kids
• An Olympic National Park Itinerary
• Christmas In Yosemite
• Campervanning In Switzerland
• Pumpkin Farms in Maryland

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Freddie McCown

Saturday 26th of October 2019

I am confused by this trip. When I travelled US HWY 101 I started on the southside of Olympia, Washington. I never went to Seattle or Portland on US 101. Also where is Lincoln Bay? Is it in Oregon, Washington, or California? I do know of Lincoln City and Depot Bay which are both in Oregon.

Sunday 27th of October 2019

Seattle and Portland are small detours from the highway that many people stop at along the way. It is in Oregon.

Tuesday 6th of March 2018

I really enjoyed reading about your exploits. My wife and I live in Las Vegas, and are ourselves planning a road trip. Our intentions are to drive north to Lake Tahoe, sightsee around that area, then head up to Reno. We are then heading up and over to Portland, spend two nights, and then up to Seattle, spending two nights there. My wife is excited about visiting Pikes market. We are then planning to head home from Seattle via the 101, which is why your blog caught my attention. May I ask a question? What is a reasonable driving distance on the 101? That is probably a subjective question, sorry. You didn’t mention how long this journey of yours took. We don’t have an “extended” time frame, but we’re thinking two days of travel on the 101. How far might that get us? Any “insight” would be very much appreciated!

Tuesday 14th of November 2017

We did this drive from Seattle down to Ventura just north of LA (yes dibbed inland to Yosemite and back out to Monterey as well) before heading inland to Vegas and skirting back inside Arizona before back to fly home from San Diego. OK so I confess I was mid 50's and just hubby and me so no kids but it was just as magical. Thanks so much for sharing your adventures, may there be many more!

theadventuresof2oddsocks

Saturday 14th of October 2017

Just driven the 101 myself. It's amazing! Left Yosemite last week to head to Bishop. Agree with all but you missed a treat when you went inland to Portland --- Tillamook Ice Cream on the North 101 in Oregan is incredible with portion sizes as big as your head and the flavour range is INSANE!!!! If you ever head back, don't miss it again ;) Enjoy the next leg your adventures x

The best Highway 101 road trip route

Planning the perfect west coast road trip start here..

A west coast road trip is one of the great American vacations. Our Los Angeles to Seattle Highway 101 road trip will take you through striking landscapes, fascinating places, and diverse histories over its 1,540 mile span.

Unlike a PCH road trip, you can cover a lot of ground on a Highway 101 road trip without a huge investment of time. We’ll be starting our trip at the beginning of Highway 101 in Los Angeles, and driving 165 miles to our first stop on California’s Central Coast. Of course, you don’t have to start where we did—and feel free to go off-course to where your interest takes you.

So no matter if you’re looking into road trips from Los Angeles in summer or dreaming of a Highway 101 road trip from Washington to California, use this guide as a source of inspiration. And who knows? Maybe you’ll discover your new favorite vacation spot along the way.

California’s Central Coast

California road trips often start in the southland and opt to take the fast lane to the Bay area via the I-5. But staying on Highway 101 means you get to explore California’s serene Central Coast, a route that’s certainly worth the extra time.

Road trip activities on California’s Central Coast

• Visit quirky Solvang , a classic California destination overflowing with old-world charm
• Experience the extravagant luxury of Hearst Castle in San Simeon (the gold swimming pool is jaw-dropping)
• See trees filled with migrating butterflies in Pismo’s Monarch Butterfly Grove during the winter months

Places to stay on the Central California Coast

Redwood Coast, California

After all that sunbathing and sipping, it’s time to reconnect with nature. And what better place than the humbling California redwoods, where getting lost in the thousand-year-old trees feels more like finding yourself? The offbeat beach towns peppering Northern California’s coastline are the perfect spot to pull over for a night or two.

Road trip activities on the Redwood Coast

• Visit some of the world’s biggest trees at Redwood National Park
• Hike the ruggedly beautiful Lost Coast in Humboldt County
• See some of America’s finest examples of Victorian architecture in Eureka

Places to stay on the Redwood Coast

Astoria, Oregon

Jump back on the 101 for about 450 miles and find yourself in Astoria. Once projected to be a major west coast city, fate had other plans for this sleepy, picturesque coastal town. Close to beaches, forests, and great restaurants, Astoria is the perfect spot to catch your breath for a few days and soak in the beauty of the Oregon Coast.

Road trip activities in Astoria

• Climb the Astoria Column for panoramic views of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean
• Drive to Cannon Beach to see the famous Haystack Rock (and its resident Puffins), then check out a hiking trail or two
• Grab a brew at Pelican Brewing and watch the Bar Pilots navigate one of the world’s most treacherous bodies of water

Places to stay near Astoria

The Olympic Peninsula, Washington

The northern end of the 101 wraps around the Olympic Peninsula, a natural wonderland brimming with otherworldly forests, challenging peaks, striking Pacific vistas, and even some unique vacation homes, too.

Road trip activities on the Olympic Peninsula

• Wander the enchanting Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park
• Explore the vibrant tidepools at Rialto Beach
• Forage for Hamma Hamma’s famous oysters in the Hood Canal

Places to stay on the Olympic Peninsula

Seattle, WA

While it’s not technically on the 101, Seattle is only an hour away from Tumwater (where the highway ends), and is the perfect place to end your adventure. A bustling big city with stunning natural features, Seattle has something for every visitor (just be sure to bring your rain jacket).

Road trip activities in Seattle

• Grab tickets to one of the city’s many professional sports teams to get a taste of real Seattle culture
• Visit the Museum of Pop Culture (formerly known as the Experience Music Project) and unleash your inner geek
• Grab lunch and picnic at Gasworks Park for unbelievable city views

Places to stay in Seattle

Highway 101 road trip FAQ

Is pacific coast highway (pch) the same as the 101.

The Pacific Coast Highway (otherwise known as Highway 1 or PCH) is not the same as Highway 101. Although they meet briefly in Central California, Highway 101 and PCH combine for good in Northern California and continue up through Oregon and Washington as Highway 101.

How long does it take to drive Highway 101?

It depends on how many stops you’ll be making, and what adventures you’ll get up to. If you were to drive non-stop, the total time it would take to drive Highway 101 is 30 hours, or about 1,600 miles. When planning a road trip up Highway 101, budget at least five days to get from one end to another (though a week or more is better for sightseeing and exploring).

If you’re driving for speed, not scenery, it’s better to stick to I-5.

What is there to do on Highway 101 in Washington?

The Washington stretch of Highway 101 is one of the most beautiful—and exciting—parts of the road.

Things to do on Highway 101 in Washington include:

• Hike to the North Head Lighthouse in Cape Disappointment State Park (just don’t let the name turn you off from this stunning place)
• Explore otherworldly mountains and temperate rain forests in Olympic National Park
• Break out the binoculars and see some amazing birds (and, occasionally, whales) at the Salt Creek Recreation Area in Port Angeles
• Visit the Washington State Capitol building in Olympia

Check a Highway 101 road trip off your bucket list

You might also like....

Sign up for emails

Curated tips & inspiration for your next vacation.

• WORK WITH US

Photo Presets

The Mandagies

The Perfect Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary (25 Stops + 3 Itineraries!)

Post Summary: The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary + All The Stops Along The Way

The Pacific Coast Highway is easily considered to be one of the most iconic road trip routes in the world !

It’s not hard to believe either. From the moody beaches in Washington to the spectacular natural bridges in Southern Oregon to the winding roads of Big Sur, California , there is something new to see around every bend.

Berty and I drove the entire route back in 2017, and have returned to deeply explore sections every year since then!

Because we know this route so well, we wanted to create this comprehensive guide for iconic stops and places to see along the entire length of the Pacific Coast Highway, all 1,700-ish miles between Seattle, Washington and Orange County, California !

In this power, we’ll share the best PCH stops in Washington, Oregon, and California to make your Pacific Coast Highway road trip your most epic trip yet.

Let’s get planning!

Step By Step Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Directions (Download)

Where is the pacific coast highway how long is it.

The Pacific Coast Highway has many names.

You can also recognize it by its abbreviation (PCH), and referred to as the California Coast road trip , Pacific Coast Highway road trip, Route 1, Highway 101 (through Washington and Oregon), or even just Highway 1 (in California).

All names aside, they all lead you down the same road, which is the route that parallels the Pacific Ocean and the western border of the contiguous United States.

The traditional Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1) is 655 miles long. The full Pacific Coast Highway (Orange County to Seattle) is just over 1,700 miles.

We’ll be talking about the entire Pacific Coast Highway itinerary in this blog post. (Seattle to Orange County)

Pacific Coast Highway Map, Directions, & Best Times

Which direction to drive the pacific coast highway.

Where should you begin your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary? Northbound or Southbound?

There are two directions to do a Pacific Coast Highway road trip – driving south or driving north! Honestly, both are great options but being from Washington, Berty and I began in Seattle and made our way south.

If you are searching for the best weather conditions, here are pros of each direction:

• Southbound (Seattle to Orange County): Driven during spring break, you can escape the Pacific Northwest rain and enjoy the warmth of Southern California.
• Nortbound (Orange County to Seattle): Driving north will help you escape California’s hot weather in late summer and fall.

Pacific Coast Highway Start and End Points

Traditionally, the Pacific Coast Highway is considered to be the entire Highway 1 of the California Coast. This spans between Capistrano Beach is Orange County to Legget in Nortoerhn California. Highway 1 is 655.84 miles.

However, we like to think of this drive spanning three Pacific Coast states: Washington, Oregon, and California.

The traditional starting point in Washington is Seattle (with a detour through the Olympic National Park). The traditional starting point in California is San Diego .

When To Drive The Pacific Coast Highway

We also began our trip in June, but this trip is good to take any time of year.

If you decided on making it a winter road trip route , that means you’ll have a lot fewer crowds to deal with! Driving along the coast, the weather is more temperate and usually doesn’t get cold enough for snow, so you won’t run into many driving issues.

However, if you’re looking for the “windows-down, sunsets every night” kind of trip, we recommend taking this drive any time between June-September for the best chance of good weather.

Pacific Coast Highway Map

Top Tips For Driving The Pacific Coast Highway

So, how can you plan a Pacific Coast Highway road trip? Here are our suggestions of things to do before your trip:

Plan Your Stops Carefully: Carefully creating an itinerary will help make reserving hotels and activies a LOT easier. However, make sure to leave just a little wiggle room for surprises! Book Accommodations In Advance: The Pacific Coast Highway is a popular road trip route. Once you know your trip dates, plan to book hotels and campgrounds ASAP. We like to split accommodations between car camping and hotels for a good mix. On a budget? Here are 20 car camping hacks to consider. Check Road Closures: Check you route for any major road closures. This actually happens a lot more often than you might think Big Sur often has landslides. Rent a Great Car (or RV!): You can rent a car and book hotels, OR you can rent a campervan and book campgrounds for a budget-friendly trip. Outdoorsy has cool recreation vehicles vans to rent – it’s like Airbnb but for RVs! Decide When To Embark: Determine when to plan your PCH trip and how many days you have. Keep scrolling to the bottom of the post for PCH itinerary examples. Use a Good Navigation App : Good navigation apps make a huge difference. Read our favorite road trip planner apps here. Get a Convertible…or a Harley! If you are driving only a small section of the PCH, rent a fun vehicle! This isn’t mandatory, but it sure is iconic to drive on the highway in one of these cool rides. Ask Great Questions: You’re in the car for a long time. Make sure to have these road trip questions ready to brighten those dull moments. Download Podcasts + Playlists : Download these road trip podcasts and personalized playlists when you have wifi. You’ll thank me later. Pack Your Car With The Essentials: Here’s a list of road trip essentials you need to be packing. Prepare To Stop Frequently: The whole point of driving the Pacific Coast Highway is to take in the sights!

How To Choose a Car For The Pacific Coast Highway

Choosing the right vehicle for your Pacific Coast Highway road trip is probably THE most important decision you will make.

Option 1: Drive Your Own Car Make sure your car has had a tune-up, and its oil changed. It’s worth it to get checked out now, than risk something going wrong mid-way through your trip.

Option 2: Rent a Regular Car Renting a car is a great option for a reliable drive down the Pacific Coast Highway. Personally, we like Avis becuase they have a great rewards program. You can find cheap options

Option 3: Rent a Campervan or RV Renting a campervan is an awesome way to experience a little bit of vanlife. Search for the best campervans at Outdoorsy . Just note, it may be a little tricky to drive a campervan one-way. You may have to return it at your starting point via I-5!

Option 4: Take The Public us (Kind of possible, but not recommended) Yes, it’s possible to cobble together transportation on local transit. You’ll find that you can get around easiest in Southern California and the central Oregon Coast. However, there will be stretches of road with no transporation avaiable, or you may have to leave the coast and venture inland to find a route. It’s cheap yes, but takes quite a bit of pre-planning.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip On A Budget

Are you hoping to plan a Pacific Coast Highway road trip route on a budget ? Here are some budgeting hacks we like to use to plan a budget PCH trip:

Use The Dyrt To Find Campgrounds: The Dyrt is the largest online campground database. We use the offline campground search feature to find spots on the go (no service needed!). The Dyrt gave us a code for you, our epic reader, to try the pro membership for 30 days free!   Click here to unlock your 30-day free trial . Find Free Campsites: Road tripping around the west coast for years, we’ve learned a thing or two about finding free campsites in the USA . Our guide includes campground searching hacks, backcountry packing guides, and tips on how to find the best camping spots on the PCH. Cook Your Own Meals: Save money on the road by making your own quick & easy camping meals . Manage Money On The Road: Learn how we travel on a budget in the Pacific Northwest .

What To Pack For A Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

A good Pacific Coast Highway road trip will take you through the rainy gloom of Washington, as well as the sunny beaches of California. This makes packing slighly more challenging – you’ll have to account for tons of variable weather!

Rain Jacket: You’ll need one in Washington and Oregon, especially during winter and spring. Here are our favorite rain jackets to wear in the Pacific Northwest . Light Layers: Once you reach California, it’s nice to have light, packable layers to bring on your day adventures. We like this windbreaker and this colorful fleece for easy layering. Down Jacket: Down jackets are an excellent option for extra warmth, especially when paired with a rain jacket. Get this packable one to save space in your suitcase. Sunglasses: You’ll need some, since you’ll be watchin the sunset every night! Grab this pair of inexpensive but HIGHLY rated sunglasses to knock around on your adventures. Hiking Shoes: Hiking in the PNW for over a decade, we know a thing or two about boots! Read our list on the best hiking boots , to pick the right ones for you. Walking Sandals : From walking around Huntington Pier to strolling around your campsite, walking sandals are essential to your Pacific Coast Highway packing list. Portable Phone Charger: This Goal Zero 24 is the perfect companion to charge your phone on a day trip. Camera: Here’s our guide on how to take smartphone landscape photography, or you can check out the travel photography gear as media professionals. Hiking Clothes: You’ll want to bring these highly-coveted hiking shorts , a day pack , and the 10 hiking essentials .

Here are some posts we’ve written about what to pack for certain parts of the Pacific Coast Highway:

• 5 Essentials to Bring On The Washington Coast
• The Ultimate Packing List For San Francisco
• What To Pack For A Weekend in Los Angeles

The Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops (State By State)

If you’re planning to experience the entire Pacific Coast Highway (including extending it to Oregon and Washington), you probably know that there is an insane amount of beautiful stops to take.

We’re going to break locations down state by state, to give you bite-sized chunks of information for each place.

Each state provides something unique and exciting for your Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary, so read below for location inspiration in Washington, Oregon, and California!

Pacific Coast Highway Stops In Washington

Washington is not all rain and gloom!

While the movies portray this evergreen state in a constant shroud of clouds and moodiness (Thanks, Twilight) , its nothing farther from the truth.

Here, you can find powerful waterfalls, secret coves, and lush green forest, and amazing hikes in every corner of this beautiful state.

Keep on reading to read about some highlights along the Pacific Coast Highway in Washington!

Seattle, Washington

This is where we suggest starting your Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Seattle is a great place to stock up on all the road trip essentials , grab rental cars, and arrive by plane to stay on your journey on the Pacific Coast Highway. If you’re flying in to begin your journey, you’ll fly into Sattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

Have a little bit more time on your hands? Stick around for a few days and try these unique things to do in Seattle , or take these incredible day trips from Seattle .

Fun things to do in Seattle, Washington:

• Visit Pike Place Market
• Go to the first-ever Starbucks Coffee store
• Visit The Museum of Pop Culture
• Watch the sunset at Jose Rizal Park
• See the Space Needle up close at Kerry Park
• Have a bonfire with friends at Golden Gardens Park
• Go to A Husky Football game in the University District

Read More: What To Pack For The Pacific Northwest

Port Angeles

If you are starting in Seattle or Vancouver, chances are you’ll need to take a ferry across the Puget Sound to reach the Olympic Peninsula . It’s also possible to drive around through Olympia, if you don’t want to put your car on the ferry.

From here, you will pass the cities of Sequim and Port Angeles. Before hitting to Pacific Coast Highway, we recommend taking a stop by Lake Crescent for some classic PNW vibes and maybe a quick lunch break too.

If you want to see what the lake looks like from above, test your limits and hike Mount Storm King . The 4.7-mile round trip hike gains over 2,000 feet in elevation, including scrambling up the side of a cliff with the help of a few installed ropes.

This hike isn’t for the faint of heart, but your attempts will be rewarded with experiencing one of the most spectacular places to see in the Olympic Peninsula .

Stay Overnight: Book a stay at The Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles . It’s right in town, and central to other adventures like Hurricane Ridge, Salt Creek, and Lake Crescent.

Sol Duc Falls

Sol Duc Falls is located in the Olympic National Park , and along Highway 101 on your way towards the coast.

It’s a small detour before heading to the ocean. However, the detour is worth every minute! The short trail to Sol Duc Falls leads to one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Washington state.

If you are wanting a unique place to stay in the Olympic National Park, consider staying at the Sol Duc Hot Springs, a natural pool resort in the park.

Doing this, you can wake up early to visit the falls and beat the crowds!

Cape Flattery

If you’re looking for the most northwest location in the lower 48 United States, you’ve found it at Cape Flattery !

This jaw-dropping piece of coastline is owned by the Makah Tribe. It includes beautiful sea stacks just offshore and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

If you are planning your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary for epic photo spots, don’t miss this place! You’ll need an entry pass ($10 per vehicle) and you can pick it up at the gas station or grocery store at Neah Bay.

Forks, Washington

La Push Beaches (First, Second, and Third)

You may know these beaches from the movie Twilight but rest assured there are no vampires in sight. (Partly because it’s werewolf territory anyway, DUH) In fact, we’ve seen some of the most incredible sunsets right here on Second Beach.

When visiting, it’s important to note that there are three beaches to choose from. First Beach provides easy and instant beach access, so it’s a popular choice for families.

Second Beach requires a hike on a short trail to reach the beach, and you can also camp on this beach. Second Beach is also the most popular option for its beautiful rock formations and vast shoreline.

Third Beach requires a longer hike and is the least visited of all the beaches.

Any of these Washington beaches you choose, don’t forget to pack these 5 beach essentials!

Read More: La Push Beach + and Beach Camping Tips

Ocean Shores, Washington

Ocean Shores is a quaint little town on the Washington Coast, just north of Grays Harbor.

Here, you will find tons of vacation rental homes, small seafood restaurants, and tons of beach activities. Berty and I came with our friends last summer and opted to rent motorbikes on the beach, eat our weight in crab, and explore the jetty!

Restaurants to try in Ocean Shores:

• Murphy’s Candy & Ice Cream Shop
• Galway Bay Irish Pub
• Ocean Beach Roasters and Bistro
• Oyhut Bay Bistro

Want more beach fun on the Washington Coast? Check out Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach !

Read More: 7 Fun Things To Do In Ocean Shores, Washington

Pierce County Area (Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and Puyallup)

If you’re looking to spend a little extra for a comfortable room and some great food, spend some time exploring Gig Harbor and boating around the South Puget Sound . You will be able to spot wildlife all around you, whether it’s jellyfish or a pod of orcas!

Some of our favorite cities in Pierce County to explore: Puyallup (Washington State Fair), Tacoma, and Gig Harbor!

Mount Rainier National Park

Take your journey slightly inland to explore Mount Rainier National Park. Here, you can test your limits and backpack up to the summit (training required!) or simply take a nice stroll at the base of the mountain like on Nisqually Loop Trail .

Mount Rainier is best explored if you spend 2-3 days in the park! There are so many different areas to cover (Paradise Area and Sunrise Area are the most popular), so give yourself time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors here in the Pacific Northwest.

Most Popular Activities To Do At Mount Rainier:

• Hike the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail
• See Silver Falls
• Hike the Skyline Divide Trail
• Visit the Longmire Museum

Cape Disappointment State Park

Cape Disappointment is located in the far southwestern corner of Washington State. Here, you can discover miles of trails, play on the beaches, and maybe even spot an orca offshore!

For a memorable photo opportunity on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, take the trail down to Deadman’s Cove and capture this hidden beach at sunset!

Read More: Cape Disappointment + Deadman’s Cove

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stops In Oregon

The Oregon Coast itself is worthy of its own road trip but lucky you – you get to see it all and more!

We’re sharing all the best stops along this part of the Pacific Coast Highway and what you can expect in this beautiful state.

Not enough time for the whole thing? Take an Oregon Coast Road Trip instead!

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a family and dog-friendly beach located 1.5 hours west of Portland. Here, you can explore the many quaint seaside shops, take a walk on the beach, and explore the many tide pools.

There are many services available here, so it’s a great stop for camping, resting, or even getting a seaside Airbnb! (By the way, y ou can get $40 off your first reservation at this link! )

Read More: Spending The Day At Cannon Beach

Cape Kiwanda

Cape Kiwanda  is a popular beach on the Oregon Coast. Here, you can walk along the beach and enjoy Pacific City’s own “Haystack Rock”, or climb the nearby sand dunes to discover incredible views, coves, and rock formations!

Too busy for you? Venture just a 5-minute drive south to Bob Straub State Park, where you can walk along the less-traveled and peaceful beachfront.

The area of Oregon can be rainy and cloudy year-round, but if you’re lucky you can experience one of its gorgeous sunsets (that is if the weather cooperates!). Make sure to pack a rain jacket!

Read More:  10 Epic Adventures To Take Aroun Cape Kiwanda

God’s Thumb Hike, Lincoln City

The hike to God’s Thumb is a moderately difficult hike along the Oregon Coast. A 4.6-mile round trip hike will bring you to a curved landscape on an oceanside cliff. 

It gets its name “God’s Thumb” because it slightly resembles a thumb… but we think it kind of looks like a soft-serve ice cream swirl!

Located in Lincoln City, Oregon , this is a perfect place to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and see a beautiful area of the Oregon Coast.

Read More: Hike To God’s Thumb in Lincoln City On The Oregon Coast

Devil’s Punchbowl

Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area is a perfect stop on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Here, you can experience the power of the ocean slamming and swirling into a carved-out bowl.

From the top, you can see down inside the “punchbowl”. During high tide, the waves swirl and crash around inside, but during low tide, you can walk down on the beach and explore inside.

Stay a while for a roadside picnic, to explore tide pools, or climb around on the rocks on the shore.

Thor’s Well

Thor’s Well in another one of the Oregon Coast’s amazing natural phenomena. You can experience the most dramatic sights at high tide, but beware – it’s the most dangerous time to visit too.

Similar to the Spouting Horn in Kauai , this sinkhole looks like water is just draining into a huge abyss, but it’s actually a natural rock tube that sucks and shoots water our according to the adjacent waves.

Don’t get too close to it though, it pushes and pulls water with a powerful force , meaning if you get too close you risk being swept off your feet into the hole!

This area is located just south of the Cape Perpetua Visitor’s Cente r, with lots of wheelchair accessible walkways AND walk-at-your-own-risk paths too.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is an amazing spot on the Pacific Coast Highway, and probably home to one of the best photo spots on the PCH!

For a quick side trip, take the drive up to Cape Perpetua Lookout , where you can see the Oregon Coast meet the winding highway below. It’s an incredible view – make sure to bring your camera!

This is also a great stop for some camping on the Oregon Coast, as well as exploring the many ocean features and scenic trails in the area.

Read More: 10 Epic Things To Do In Cape Perpetua Area Of The Oregon Coast

(Bonus Side Trip!) Umpqua Hot Springs + Toketee Falls

Got an extra day to spare?

Since you’re already in Oregon, consider taking a side trip east to the Cascade Mountains. The Umpqua National Forest has a lot to see, but it’s shining stars have got to be Toketee Falls and the Umpqua Hot Springs.

Both of the trails to Toketee Falls and Umpqua Hot Springs are nearby one another, short, and easy to follow.

They can be accomplished in a morning or afternoon trip. If you haven’t visited a Pacific Northwest hot springs  yet, this is the perfect chance to do it!

We would suggest that you Visit Toketee Falls first, so you can save your soak for last!

Read More: 5 Essential Tips For Soaking at Upmqua Hot Springs

Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor

Of all the stops on the Oregon Coast, Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor is a MUST visit. Offshore rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and crashing waves make this place a magical stop on the Pacific Coast Highway.

To fully experience this area, we suggest scheduling your visit for sunset. The sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, and on a clear day the skies light up with beautiful colors. Don’t forget to stop at other iconic spots in the park including Secret Beach, Natural Bridges, Arch Rock, and Indian Sands Trail!

Located on the Southern Oregon Coast , Samuel H Boardman spans around 10-miles of rugged, scenic coastline. There are many hikes to choose from around Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor . Take some time to explore a few (many trails are short) , and pick your favorite spots for sunset.

Pacific Coast Highway Stops In California

Congratulations! You’ve made it to California!

This is technically the beginning of the official Pacific Coast Highway (also called Highway 1) , but we all know you’ve put in too many miles on your car and see too much epic-ness for it to be just starting.

While you’ll be encountering a lot more sunshine in this section of the road trip, the Northern California coast can be a little temperamental! Don’t put away your rain coast just yet.

California road trip stops on the Pacific Coast Highway are some of the most breathtaking and beautiful areas of the whole trip. Read on to discover where to go and what to see below in the sunshine state.

Redwood National and State Parks

If your Pacific Coast Highway road rrip is taking you southbound, your first California stop will be at the Redwood National and State Parks.

The Redwoods are known for their spectacularly tall and beautiful trees. Furthermore, this area is home to some of the tallest trees on earth!

There are several scenic drives to take here, but the prettiest Northern California drives are through the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (the scenic route) and the Avenue of The Giants at Humbolt Redwoods State Park. For a lot of stops and viewpoints of the ocean, consider stopping at Patrick’s Point State Park !

Read More: 10 Things To Do In The Redwood National Park

Fern Canyon

Wait, did we just travel through time? You’re not far off if you felt like you just stepped foot into Jurassic Park. In fact, scenes from the movie were filmed right here in Fern Canyon!

Fern Canyon Trail in the Redwoods is a very short route – just 1.1-miles to revel in the 50-foot tall fern-covered walls and lush surrounding forest. The hike is easy, but getting there is a different story. The trip requires a few creek crossings and winding, narrow dirt roads to reach the trailhead. We’ve got everything you need to know about Fern Canyon right here !

Black Sand Beach

Have you been looking at thos e famous black sand beaches in Iceland ? Get a taste of the beauty (without the price of a plane ticket) and come visit a look-alike on the California Coast.

Shelter Cove is a little town located in the King Range National Conversation Area. Here, there are craggy coastlines, dramatic scenery, and a black sand beach. The waves are tall and powerful here.

Warning: The road is winding and treacherous, which can be dangerous in bad weather.

This is also an extremely out-of-the-way detour, with one route going in and out from the beach. Make sure to have a full tank of gas, and be prepared to drive on narrow roads and near tall cliff edges!

Read More:   How To Get To California’s Iconic Black Sands Beach

Point Reyes National Seashore

Love the California beach? Explore the Point Reyes National Seashore , a protected coastline of rolling pastures, historic landmarks, and even a secret docked ship!

Start your journey in the town of Inverness, where you can stock up on food, gas, and even camping gear if you choose to spend the night in one of their many campgrounds .

Some of the best things to do in Point Reyes National Seashore are visiting the historic lighthouse (make sure to pay attention to its hours of operation! ), driving down the canopy of Cypress trees , and even whale watching if you come at the right time of year!

Read More: Spending The Day At Point Reyes National Seashore

Bolinas Ridge

If you have a scheduled stop in San Francisco on your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary, make sure to make a sunset stop just north of the city , on Bolinas Ridge .

This area of golden, glimmering rolling hills is located on the edge of Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County, California.

Our favorite scenic road to drive is Ridgecrest Boulevard , which includes pullouts ever so often to quickly park your car and enjoy the beautiful and consistent sunsets on this piece of the California coast.

Read More: A Golden Sunset At Bolinas Ridge

Mount Tamalpais

Keep the spirit of adventure alive , even in a bustling city like San Francisco !

If you’ve got a pit stop in the Golden City, journey just north of the Golden Gate Bridge and experience Mount Tamalpais State Park for a quick break from city life.

Here, you can take many amazing trails with stunning views of big city buildings across the bay. Some of our favorite trails for city views are the East Peak Hike  (to a stone lookout tower) and the Verna Dunshee Trail. 

Going when it’s cold outside? Read our San Francisco Winter Packing List .

Read More: 10 Adventurous Things To Do Outside of San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge

No trip along the Pacific Coast Highway is complete without seeing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge!

On either side of the bridge, there are several incredible viewpoints to check out. Some of the best places to view the Golden Gate Bridge are from Battery Spencer, Kirby Cove, and the North Vista Point.

Remember: The Golden Gate Bridge is a toll bridge . Motorcycles and regular cars will get through and be billed $8.00 to the address your car is registered at.

San Francisco, California

If you’ve been driving southbound on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, San Francisco will be the first large city you will encounter. 

Here, you can experience many iconic and famous landmarks. Here are some places to see while in San Francisco :

• See the sunrise at the Golden Gate Bridge
• Visit Fisherman’s Wharf
• Stop By The Painted Ladies
• Wander through the neighborhoods and see the beautiful Victorian-era houses

Need a place to stay in San Francisco? Click here and get $40 off your first booking on Airbnb!

Shark Fin Cove

Click here to see more amazing pictures from our visit to Shark Fin Cove.

Shark Fin Cove is a beautiful California coast beach located south of San Francisco – in Davenport, California. It’s named for its rock formation just off the shore that resembling a shark’s top fin. 

You aren’t able to see this cove from the road, which makes finding access a little difficult . There are no signs indicating the location, so you must rely on Google Maps to help guide to you the parking lot off the California Coast Highway 1.

This place provides absolutely stunning views from above AND below. Start your visit at the top and walk along the trails near the cliffs (but be careful!). Finally, climb down into the cove via a steep trail to find beach access.

On a weekday, it’s very likely you will get this beach all to yourself! 

Read More: What To Expect At California’s Shark Fin Cove

Big Sur State Park

When you think of driving down the California Coast , Big Sur is what Pacific Coast Highway dreams are made of. Sunny coastline, winding roads, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful bridges are scattered along 90 miles of this beautiful West Coast drive.

Some of the highlights on this part of the PCH include:

• Pfeiffer Beach
• McWay Falls
• Bixby Creek Bridge
• Pebble Beach
• 17-Mile Drive (Monterey/Pacific Grove)

Pro Tip: A day trip to Big Sur, California is absolutely the most quintessential activity  of any good Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Don’t miss this.

Read More: How To Pull Off A Day Trip To Big Sur, California

(Detour Off Highway 1) Yosemite National Park

While you’re in the area, might as well take a little detour to one of the greatest national parks in America!

Yosemite is home to the tallest waterfall in North America, home to giant Sequoia trees, and has more than 800 miles of trails for hikers to enjoy.

Only have 24 extra hours to spare for Yosemite? Click here for our 24-hour guide to Yosemite National Park.

Pro Tip: If you are hoping to spend a few days in the park, make camping reservations extremely early in advance.

Camping spots generally get full six months before the reservation date. A trip to Yosemite National Park requires a lot of pre-planning.

Los Angeles, California

Another major city on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip will be Los Angeles California. For many going northbound, this is a common starting point (as well as San Diego).

If you’re like us and coming to LA on a southbound Pacific Coast Highway trip, this is a fun pit stop to take a few days and recharge from all that driving.

Again, if you are looking to book a place on Airbnb, click here to get $40 off your first booking!

Here are some fun things to do in Los Angeles:

• Santa Monica Pier + the Amusement Park on the boardwalk.
• Venice Beach
• Griffith Observatory
• The Getty Museum
• Hollywood Boulevard
• Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Read More: How To Spend a Fun Weekend in West Hollywood, California

Orange County, California

Orange County California is just south of the city of Los Angeles. With a slower lifestyle, less traffic, and a lot more beach space, this place is a perfect getaway for sunshine lovers and surfers alike.

There are a few opportunities to camp on the coast, like RV sites in Huntington Beach and tent sites at Crystal Cove State Park. Either way, it’s definitely worth it to spend a few days in Orange County and experience all it has to offer!

Must-see spots to visit in Orange County:

• La Tour (Secret Oceanside Castle in the cliff)
• Huntington Beach (Sur City, USA)
• Newport Beach Harbor and Balboa Island
• Laguna Beach
• Here are our favorite restaurants in Orange County to try!

Looking to travel to the OC on a budget? Check out our list of free things to do in Orange County to have maximum fun, with money still left in your pocket!

Read More: 10 Amazing Outdoor Activities in Orange County, California

San Diego, California

You did it!

San Diego will be the likely the end (or the beginning!) to your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary.

However, it’s still worth visiting for a few days. There are so many amazing things to do in San Diego that this city is an excellent way to kick off or wrap up any Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Don’t miss out of Torrey Pines State Reserve! This network of outdoor trails have some of the best views in the entire city. Spend some time exploring the trails during sunset for a magical stay in San Diego.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary Examples

Wondering if you can see all these iconic landmarks in one trip?

To accommodate different trip lengths, we’re sharing some example itineraries for a five-day trip , one-week trip , and two-week trip down the Pacific Coast Highway.

Read below to find your perfect one!

5 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

Five days to drive down the Pacific Coast is absolutely doable! During these days, you have time to experience the highlights of the coast, and whet your appetite for another future trip!

• Day 1: Seattle, WA to Coos Bay, OR
• Day 2: Coos Bay OR, to Redwood National Park, CA
• Day 3: Redwood National Park, CA to San Francisco, CA
• Day 4: San Francisco, CA to Los Angeles, CA
• Day 5: Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA

7 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

One week on the Pacific Coast Highway will allow you to see the most iconic locations. One week is great for travelers who want to fit in the entire trip during a school break, or only have so many days to take off of work.

A one-week Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary will allow you to see the highlights without feeling rushed. Here’s an example PCH itinerary:

• Day 1: Seattle WA, to Forks, WA
• Day 2: Forks, WA to Cape Kiwanda, OR
• Day 3: Cape Kiwanda, OR to Redwood State Park, CA
• Day 4: Redwood State Park, CA to San Francisco, CA
• Day 5: San Francisco CA, to Big Sur, CA
• Day 6: Big Sur, CA, to Orange County, CA
• Day 7: Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA

10 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

Two-week pacific coast highway road trip itinerary.

If you have two weeks to spare, this is the ideal amount of time for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip!

Two weeks gives you ample time to see all the highlights, take some day hikes, and even some off-coast detours like Yosemite or Toketee Falls! You will be able to see everything you want and more, and not feel rushed in your process.

• Day 1: Seattle, WA to Port Angeles, WA
• Day 2: Port Angeles, to Forks, WA
• Day 3: Forks, WA to Astoria, OR
• Day 4: Astoria OR, to Cape Kiwanda, OR
• Day 5:  Cape Kiwanda OR , to Brookings, OR
• Day 6: Brooking OR, to Redwood State Park, CA
• Day 7:  Redwood State Park, CA to Mendocino, CA
• Day 8: Mendocino, CA to San Francisco, CA
• Day 9:  San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
• Day 10: Santa Cruz, CA to Big Sur, CA
• Day 11:  Big Sur, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
• Day 12: Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA
• Day 13: Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA
• Day 14: End in San Diego

Some of our Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Inspiration

Creating this Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary was quite the workload! Lucky for us, this is the kind of work we live for, and it was fun, inspiring, and most of all helpful!

We hope this helps in your own Pacific Coast Highway road trip and makes planning a little bit easier for you.

Here are some of the pins we’ve created to share with our followers on Pinterest. Feel free to save some too for your own inspirational road trip!

Pinterest ( Find us at @themandagies )

Have you taken a pacific coast highway road trip what were some of your favorite stops, ready to plan your own pacific coast highway road trip read these helpful posts:.

8 Steps For Planning A Flawless Weekend Trip

2o Energizing Hikes In The PN W

The Essential 2017 PNW Bucket List

Want more Pacific Coast Highway road trip inspiration? Follow our curated board on Pinterest!

So excited for you guys! My hubby and I did a similar (but quicker, so we didn’t see everything) trip in the summer of 2010 (a LONG time ago!). It was amazing. There is an amazing hike in Redwood National Park (Gold Bluffs Beach Section) that leads down to this secret beach. Even in summer (August) there wasn’t anyone on the trail. We were pretty new to the “planning” travel business so didn’t really plan anything when we went, but this hike was a highlight of our trip. I’m dying to go to the Painted Hills and Hot springs so excited to see what you guys think. Have so much fun!!! We’re secretly living through both of your photographs and blogs dreaming of our move one day back to this beautiful region of the world. We love Ireland, but the PNW truly can’t be beat.

Hi Danielle! I’m so glad you like our photographs and blog! That means so much to us 🙂 I’m so intrigued about the Gold Bluffs Beach Hike in the Redwoods. Now we need to go back and do that one!!!

The Perfect 5-Day Road Trip on Oregon Coast Highway 101

By Author Tara Schatz

Posted on Published: April 18, 2024

Categories Destinations , Pacific Northwest United States , United States

The Pacific Coast in Oregon is known for its wild shoreline, gravity-defying cliffs, and quirky coastal towns.

A meandering road trip on Highway 101 is the best way to discover its charms. In fact, five days on the Oregon Coast Highway may convince you that it’s one of the most beautiful road trips in the entire world.

I’m an East Coast girl at heart, but I’ve never been in love with East Coast beaches—all that sun and sand and all those people trying to inch onto your blanket space. I may have enjoyed it when I was in high school, but those days are long gone.

Fortunately, we had a chance to take a magical Oregon Coast road trip not too long ago, and that changed everything.

The hardest part about this enchanting road trip is deciding where to stop because every mile or so, there’s an awesome beach, hiking trail, or vista to get lost in.

Fortunately, we’ve explored quite a bit of this beautiful coast, and we’ve rounded up the best spots for you to explore.

We’ve taken our undying love for the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway and turned it into a five-day road trip itinerary so you can submit to the charms of the Oregon Coast.

Discover sea caves, tide pools, lighthouses, and deserted beaches on your journey.

This is the perfect road trip for outdoor lovers, as there are ample spots to stop along the route for hiking and camping. Kids and dogs will love it, too!

We recommend flying into Portland International Airport (PDX), renting a car, and driving down the coast from north to south.

While we almost always choose to camp when we’re road-tripping, we’ll include a few lodging choices along the way for those who don’t want to rough it.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Day 1: Astoria

Today, you’ll be driving from the airport north through the Columbia River Valley and into the coastal town of Astoria, Oregon.

Driving time: about two hours

The case could be made for taking your time and exploring the region between Portland and Astoria, but as this is a coastal road trip, we’re going to recommend hopping right on the Interstate and following the sea breezes northwest into the beautiful port city of Astoria, Oregon.

If you have more days built into your schedule, by all means, explore the Portland area at either end of your trip. It’s delightfully weird, with great restaurants, quirky side streets, and lots of art, music, and culture.

Three rivers converge with the Pacific Ocean in Astoria, which is the oldest settlement west of the Rocky Mountains.

This is where Lewis and Clark ended their famous westward expedition more than 200 years ago, where hundreds of Victorian homes were built on the hillside and then lovingly restored, and where craft breweries grow like flowers for all to enjoy.

Here are a few gems in Astoria to help you kick off your Oregon Coast road trip.

Lewis and Clark National Historic Park

What do you know about Lewis and Clark’s perilous trek across the West from 1804 to 1806?

The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park in Oregon celebrates the end of Lewis and Clark’s tumultuous journey across the fledgling country. How exciting it must have been for them to catch their first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean after two years of roughing it in the Wild West.

Learn more about Lewis and Clark at Fort Clatsop , a replica of the winter encampment built by the Corps of Discovery in 1805. If you visit in the summer, costumed rangers will answer your questions and teach you historical games and crafts from the 1800s.

Tips for Visiting the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park: The park is open every day except Christmas Day, but you’ll only find costumed reenactors during the summer months. The entrance fee is $10 for adults. Children under 15 are admitted free.

Visit Oregon Film Museum: Goonies Fans Take Note

Much of the 1980s cult classic The Goonies was filmed in Astoria. Buildings and locations featured in the film still exist and are visited by fans from across the globe.

I will admit to watching The Goonies dozens of times as a kid, and I immediately recognized some of the film locations during our visit.

Most notable is the jail cell from the first scene of the movie, which you can visit at the Oregon Film Museum, housed in the old Clatsop County Jail. Be sure and get your own souvenir mugshot so you never forget your visit!

Check out The Astoria Column on Coxcomb Hill

For amazing views of Astoria and beyond, head up to Coxcomb Hill and the 126-foot-tall Astoria Column that pays tribute to the first settlers in the region. The column was built in 1926 by the Great Northern Railway and features a mural detailing the area’s settlement up until the arrival of the railroad.

The Astoria Column is open daily from dawn until dusk. Parking is $5 per vehicle, but climbing the 164 steps to the top is free.

Take a Brewery Tour in Downtown Astoria

Beer lovers take note — Astoria, Oregon, has more than its fair share of craft breweries, so make time to indulge while you’re here. Here are some of the fantastic Astoria Breweries that you won’t want to miss before heading south.

• Buoy Beer Company: A waterfront restaurant and taproom with indoor and outdoor seating. Numerous beers on tap and a limited food menu.
• Fort George Brewery & Public House: More than a dozen beers, live music, and wood-fired pizza in a spacious building with indoor and outdoor seating.
• Reach Break Brewing: A continuously evolving tap list (the Reach Break IPA is a local favorite) and local food carts make for a satisfying experience.
• Astoria Brewing Company: Astoria’s first commercial brewing company, serving a nice variety of beers and a casual menu.

Where to Stay in Astoria, Oregon

There are lots of lodging choices in Astoria. Choose from a posh hotel, a Victorian B & B, or your own tent. Here’s what we’d recommend.

• Camping: Fort Stevens State Park is just north of Fort Clatsop, right off of Oregon Coast Highway 101. It’s a massive park with 170 campsites, yurts, cabins, bike rentals, and freshwater swimming. A highlight was visiting the wreckage of the Peter Iredale, a steel ship that went down off the coast in 1906. If I could go back and do this trip again, I would spend two or three nights in the park. There’s so much to explore.
• Downtown hotel: Norbland Hotel is within walking distance of Astoria’s best restaurants, breweries, and attractions and is housed in a beautiful historic building. The hotel is independently owned and pet-friendly.
• Victorian B & B: Clementine’s Bed & Breakfast is an 1888 restored Italianate home that is now a well-appointed European-style bed and breakfast within walking distance of the downtown area. It is family and pet-friendly and has beautiful rooms and common areas.

Day 2: Astoria to Manzanita

Time to head south! Today you’ll discover beautiful beaches, view a lonely lighthouse, and take your first coastal hike.

Feed the Seals at Seaside Aquarium

Founded in 1937, Seaside Aquarium is one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast. This small aquarium is home to a family of famous harbor seals, as well as a touch tank with native sea critters and several underwater tanks. beachfront aquarium and

Grab breakfast at Osprey Cafe before heading to the shore. At Seaside Aquarium you can feed the seals and learn about the animals that call the Pacific Ocean home.

Before hopping back in the car, we recommend a stop at Funland Arcade in Seaside, where you can play Fascination Ball against everyone in the room for just a quarter. This cool parlor game is addictive and will remind you what it was like to be a kid in an arcade!

Take a Hike at Ecola State Park

Now for a little exercise! The nine miles of coastline between Seaside and Cannon Beach is part of Ecola State Park, where there are trails suitable for every type of hiker, tidepools to explore, and incredible views in every direction.

Explore Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a popular spot for tourists who come to view the impressive Haystack Rock and other sea stacks along this stretch of the Pacific Coast. Not only is Haystack Rock the very spot where One-Eyed Willie set sail in the Goonies , it’s also a haven for tufted puffins, so bring your binoculars.

After meandering along the shore at Cannon Beach, head into town to browse the galleries and enjoy a relaxing lunch.

We recommend Public Coast Brewing, and not just because we fancy ourselves beer connoisseurs. The root beer floats here actually rival the best beers, but use your judgment. The fish tacos and the onion rings will make you smile, too.

Devil’s Cauldron

After those amazing root beer floats, you’re going to need a little walk.

Take the half-mile hike to Devil’s Cauldron and treat yourself to gorgeous views, as well as the thundering sound of the crashing waves pounding against the cliffs more than 800 feet below. Yes, the devil has been at it again!

The parking area for Devil’s Cauldron is just south of the turn-off for Short Sands Beach, so be on the lookout.

Manzanita, Oregon

Your last stop for day two of your Oregon Coast road trip is the small but vibrant community of Manzanita. This small beach town is such a gem. There are numerous galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants to check out, and hidden gardens all over town.

If you happen to be visiting Manzanita on a Friday evening between June and September, be sure to visit the Manzanita Farmers Market, where you can chat with the locals, listen to live music, and indulge in all kinds of farm-fresh goodies.

For dinner, we recommend Big Wave Cafe for the freshest seafood around.

Where to Stay in Manzanita

There are few hotels in Manzanita, but plenty of adorable vacation rentals. If you have extra time, this would be a good spot to book a few nights so you can explore more of the area.

• Lil’ Love Shack Cottage : This adorable cottage is perfect for a couple or a small family. It features a bright and cheerful interior, a cozy deck with an outdoor dining area, and it’s just a block from the beach!
• The Yellow Abode: A downtown cottage that sleeps seven comfortably, the Yellow Abode is pet-friendly with beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces.

Day 3: Manzanita to Cape Lookout

Another day of coastal explorations, cheese tasting, and beautiful scenery. We could get used to this!

Rockaway Big Tree Boardwalk

Start the morning off with an easy walk into a beautiful old-growth cedar grove. The Rockaway Big Tree Boardwalk circles around the namesake tree, and yes, it’s big! The trail totals 1.2 miles and is a boardwalk the whole way. Give yourself at least an hour to explore this primordial forest.

Tillamook Creamery

Is that your belly I hear growling? It must be time for a self-guided tour of Tillamook Creamery. Learn about what it takes to make the West Coast’s most famous cheese and ice cream.

At Tillamook Creamery, not only will you learn about the 100-year-old tradition of crafting delicious dairy products, but you’ll get to do a lot of tasting. When you’re finished with your tour, be sure to pop into the shop for some ice cream!

Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint

From Tillamook Creamery, you’ll be hopping off 101 to drive around Tillamook Bay and check out Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint . This popular spot is known for Oregon’s shortest lighthouse, coastal views, and the beautiful forest of Sitka spruce.

If you happen to visit during the spring or fall whale migration, bring your binoculars so you can peer out to sea and scope the waters for grey whales.

A .25-mile spur trail will bring you to the largest Sitka spruce tree in Oregon, and you can tour the Cape Meares Lighthouse to get a close-up view of the Fresnal lens (closed in 2022 due to the pandemic).

Cape Lookout State Park

If you are camping on your road trip down the Oregon Coast Highway, we recommend spending the night at Cape Lookout State Park. If you prefer more luxurious amenities, choose from the yurts or deluxe cabins available in the park.

Cape Lookout State Park is located on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the ocean. This is a fabulous destination for coastal views, beachcombing, and hiking. We loved the five-mile Cape Trail that follows the ridge of the peninsula with sweeping views of the ocean with more opportunities to see whales.

This makes a great sunset hike — just bring a headlamp with you for the return journey back to your tent, cabin, or yurt.

Day 4: Cape Lookout to Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Today the landscapes make a notable shift from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs until you get to the dunes, that is.

Driving time: approximately 3.5 hours

Road’s End State Recreation Site

Located near Lincoln City, it’s time to explore the hidden cove and headlands of Road’s End State Park. Before heading to the beach, pick up breakfast in Pacific City. We love the Grateful Bread Bakery for indulgent pastries and great coffee.

Continue south to the beach at Road’s End State Park . This lovely secluded beach is located between Logan Creek and Roads End Point at the north end of Lincoln City is great for a meandering morning walk. Coastal views are a given, but you can also explore the tide pools and find a secret beach if you visit during low tide.

Devil’s Punchbowl

The devil seems to have its hands in all kinds of natural features on the Oregon Coast.

Devil’s Punchbowl is a cool natural attraction where, during low tide, you can hop right underground and explore. During high tide, the waves come crashing in, so be sure you’re always aware of your surroundings!

This small park is also a great spot to explore tide pools and watch for whales.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

The tallest lighthouse in Oregon is surrounded by protected public land where you can hike several beautiful trails, go tidepooling, on the beach, and learn about local wildlife.

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The area extends out from the Oregon coast, one mile into the Pacific Ocean. Standing 93 feet tall at the westernmost point of the basalt headland, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse was first lit on August 20, 1873.

From the lighthouse parking area, hike up to Salal Hill with your binoculars and look out to the ocean for shorebirds, whales, and seals. Next, head down to Cobble Beach to look for critters in the tide pools. If the wind isn’t too strong, this is a great spot for a picnic.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Welcome to one of the largest expanses of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area encompasses a 31,500-acre portion of the Siuslaw National Forest.

These massive and sprawling dunes are home to an ever-changing landscape over miles of mountains of sand as far as you can see. Designated trails are non-existent, and the wind will quickly sweep away your footprints making it tricky to know exactly where you are.

We saw plenty of off-road vehicles during our stay, as well as kids and adults sandboarding on the dunes. We were content just playing in the sand, but you can rent sandboards and take lessons in nearby Florence.

There are several great campgrounds in Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Many are busy with OHV traffic. If you want a quiet camping experience, reserve a spot at Eel Creek Campground, which maintains a trail to the beach.

If you don’t want to pitch a tent, check into the Landmark Inn , which is located in Florence, within walking distance of Old Town and eight minutes from the dunes.

Day 5: Florence to Brookings

As you drive farther south, the climate becomes warmer, but the views are still incredible. This is the last day of your road trip on the Oregon Coast Highway.

Driving time: about 3.5 hours

Coos Bay is the largest city on the Oregon Coast with just under 17,000 residents.

This is a peaceful, protected bay with lots of amenities, perfect if you need to do laundry, buy groceries, or get your oil changed (road trip necessities).

Here are some things to do in Coos Bay:

• Shore Acres State Park : Perched on craggy sandstone cliffs high above the ocean, Shore Acres State Park features a Japanese-style garden with a lily pond, and two carefully curated rose gardens that include All-American Rose Selections. From the garden, a trail leads to a secluded ocean cove at Simpson Beach.
• Cape Arago Lighthouse Viewpoint: Built in 1907, Cape Arago Lighthouse can be viewed from a pullout near Sunset Bay State Park.
• 7 Devil’s Brewery: There’s that devil again! 7 Devil’s features northwest-style ales in two locations. The menu features typical pub fare and, of course, seafood entrees.

Cape Blanco State Park and Lighthouse

Cape Blanco State Park is located on the Pacific Ocean near Port Orford. Explore eight miles of hiking trails, a 19th century lighthouse, and beautiful views.

The hike out to the Cape Blanco Lighthouse is less than a half-mile. Cape Blanco Heritage Society opens the lighthouse for tours from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Wednesday through Monday starting on April 1 and running through October.

From the lighthouse, take the beach trail another mile down to the ocean.

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

You’ve already experienced some of the best Pacific Coast views, but as you head south toward Brookings, you will be treated to 12 miles of exquisite beauty as the road hugs the coast. The Samual H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor has lots of cool natural features, hiking trails, and views, so spend some time exploring if you can.

There are numerous trailheads along the route, but you can also simply drive, stop at pull-offs and take in the views. Here are a few we’d recommend.

• Arch Rock : An overlook where you can view a series of offshore sea stacks and islands.
• Natural Bridge : A short trail leads to views of the seven iconic arch rocks and blowholes known as Natural Bridges.
• Whaleshead Beach Picnic Area : Yes, it’s a great spot for a picnic. The trail to the beach is level and the views are lovely.
• House Rock Viewpoint : The 4-mile trail between Cape Ferrelo and House Rock offers many side trails to secluded beaches and views.
• Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint : A mile-long hike leads to far-reaching views of the coastline and opportunities to see whales in spring and fall. Watch the sunset here before heading into Brookings for your last night.

Where to Stay near Brookings, Oregon

For simple lodging near the beach, check into Westward Inn in Brookings. The rooms are not fancy, but they are clean and comfortable.

From Brookings, we recommend driving to Grant Pass and picking up Interstate 5 north to Portland to catch a flight back home.

Oregon Coast Highway FAQs

Do you have a burning question about driving the Oregon Coast Highway? Drop us a comment! Here are the questions we are asked the most.

When should I take an Oregon Coast Highway Road Trip?

A summer road trip on the Oregon Coast Highway is classic and not to be missed. There are numerous options for camping and hiking, but don’t be fooled into thinking you can sunbathe on the beach or swim in the ocean off the Oregon Coast. The water never gets warmer than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

While summer is the most pleasant time to embark on this journey, it’s also the most popular. If you want a less crowded experience, opt for mid-September, when the kids are back in school. Campgrounds will still be open, the weather will be cooler, and you won’t have to deal with as much traffic.

Should I drive the Oregon Coast Highway from south to north or north to south?

We recommend flying into Portland International Airport (PDX), renting a car, and then driving approximately two hours north to the coastal city of Astoria before heading south down the Oregon Coast Highway. The trip down the coast is about 340 miles, which we’re doing in five days.

You can certainly tack on days for a more leisurely road trip, but give yourself at least a full day to drive from the Oregon-California border back to PDX, which is about six hours.

Besides the obvious, what should I pack for my Oregon Coast road trip?

Even in the summer, it will be chillier than you think. Pack your merino wool base layers, a good raincoat, and sturdy footwear. A lightweight pair of binoculars are fabulous for whale watching!

Can I swim in the Pacific Ocean in Oregon?

What are you crazy? It’s too darn cold for swimming and rip currents make it dangerous. But, if you have a death wish and a wet suit, be my guest…

Are there guidebooks or maps that you recommend?

I’m so glad you asked! If you love to hike, this day-hiking guide has lots of trail ideas so that you can extend your trip. There’s a paperback and Kindle version available. We also found the Moon Guide to Coastal Oregon useful when planning our own trip.

The Pacific Northwest is definitely one of our favorite places in the world. Here are a few more PNW spots that we love:

• North Cascades National Park
• The Quinault Rainforest
• Sol Duc Valley in Olympic National Park
• Port Townsend, Washington

And if you’re visiting Oregon with kids, Portland is a fabulous destination. Check out Things to Do in Portland, Oregon with Kids by our friends, Photo Jeepers.

Have you ever taken an Oregon Coast road trip? What are your favorite spots? We’d love for you to share them with our readers!

Follow us on social media for more road trip ideas!

Tara is a freelance writer and travel blogger with a passion for outdoor adventures. She is the co-author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont and currently blogs at Back Road Ramblers and Vermont Explored , where she shares travel tips, adventure destinations, and vacation ideas for the wanderer in everyone.

Greg McCauley

Tuesday 24th of January 2023

Thank you for the article. Lots of good info here. I do have a question though. I am planning on doing this trip this year, but I am struggling on figuring out the best route to take. I see you suggest flying into Portland, but I was curious on what your suggestion would be on flying back out. Right now I think it may be best to drive back to Portland to fly out.

Tara Schatz

Hi Greg, When we did this trip we took the coastal route as far south as Crescent City (we stayed at Jedediah Smith State Park) on our final night, which isn't in our Oregon itinerary. We spent about a week doing the coastal route and then took a full day to drive back to Portland on Interstate 5. I belive it's a little over 300 miles.

Score massive deals on the best outdoor gear    Get on the GEAR DEALS list    sent weekly to your inbox

Outdoor blueprint.

• Gear Guides
• Ask Me Anything
• National Park Info
• Ask me Anything

Oregon Highway 101 Road Trip Guide

The Oregon coastline is arguably the best stretch of road along the Pacific Coast - there is no other section of Highway 101 or 1 that stays so consistently close to the ocean. Rugged headlands, large rivers, and quiet beach towns are found throughout the entire coast. There is so much to explore with very few population centers close by, which means everything feels relaxed and local.

Along this stretch of Highway 101 you can expect to find delicious cheese factories, amazing microbreweries, scrumptious seafood, and plenty of charmingly quirky motels and bed & breakfasts.

Here's what you'll find in the Oregon Highway 101 Road Trip Guide

• Graphic Guides To...
• Three Capes Scenic Route
• Oregon Sand Dunes
• Rogue River
• Trip Planning Advice, including...
• A suggested itinerary
• The highest rated lodging & camping by area

The Mighty Columbia River

The Columbia is the fourth largest river by volume in North America, and the largest by volume to enter the Pacific. Over the course of 1243 miles this river drops 2690 feet from Columbia Lake, British Columbia to Astoria, Oregon. For over 15,000 years native tribes fished, traveled, and traded along the Columbia River. Salmon served as both a major source of food and also as a focal point of their religious beliefs. Many historic fishing sites, such as Celilo Falls, were submerged when hydroelectric dams were built.

In the area known as Columbia Bar , where the river meets the ocean, conditions change from calm to life-threatening in a matter of minutes. Over 2000 ships and 700 live have been lost in this one area alone, giving it the nickname Graveyard of the Pacific (1) .

5 Absolutely Cannot Pass-Up Destinations

Local advice from skyler lanning.

• 1) Ecola State Park is a great hiking destination, with old growth rain forest and fantastic trails hugging the cape. The trails also offer great views of the crashing surf below, with numerous vantage points looking directly onto the famous Haystack Rock.
• 2) Neahkahnie Overlook is the highest viewpoint along the Oregon Coast and uses this to full effect - it offers visitors enormous 180 degree views of the coastline. On a clear day, common sights are the town of Manzanita, Nehalem Bay, Tillamook Bay and the Three Arch Rocks.
• 3) Manzanita which mean “Little Apple,” is a very cute and quaint coastal town that makes for a great stop. They have a cool coffee shop, aptly named Manzanita Coffee Shop, a number of confectionary shops, and a very stroll-able main street.
• 4) The Tillamook Cheese Factory is a great stop for locals and tourists alike. It is a cooperative-owned cheese maker that produces 40 million pounds of cheese annually. They offer self-guided tours of their production lines, complimentary cheese tastings, and amazing ice cream for purchase.
• 5) Whale watching is always in season along the Oregon Coast, due to a permanent whale population numbering around 40. Peak viewing is usually in June and December, with whale watchers trying to catch glimpses of the thousands of whales on their annual migration. Regardless of the time of year, Depot Bay and their whale-watching center is a fantastic stop to catch sightings. Interesting side note - the city also has the world's smallest harbor.

Skyler Lanning and his wife Maria operate Wildwood Adventures, a day tour company out of Portland, OR. They offer public and customized tours to some of Oregon’s greatest natural treasures. For more information visit www.WildwoodTours.com

Key HOW TO READ THESE MAPS

** MOBILE USERS - Zoom in for more detail **

On Social Media

On your website, 6) three capes scenic route, the three capes, local advice from jeremy strober.

The best stop along Highway 101 in Oregon requires that you veer off of Highway 101 by just 3 miles. The Three Capes Scenic Route begins just south of Cloverdale and takes you to Pacific City where you’ll find Cape Kiwanda, the southernmost Cape along the Three Capes Route.

In Pacific City, you will find the lesser-known Haystack Rock, towering 357 feet above the water. Adjacent to the Cape, it makes for beautiful eye-candy as you stare west.

Photo by Jeremy Strober

Sitting right on the beach at Cape Kiwanda is the Pelican Pub & Brewery, one of the state’s award-winning breweries. The Pelican offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner on an outdoor patio so you can enjoy the beach al fresco.

The Cape provides for some of the most diverse activities along the coast. It is the Home of the Dory Fleet, a flat-bottom fishing boat that launches off the sand into the surf and has done so from this spot for over 100 years. It is one of the best surfing spots along the coast, providing perfect breakers courtesy of the sandbar that stretches from the Rock to the Cape. Kayakers launch here to fish or ride the waves. The marine garden provides tidepooling galore. And the 18 story sand dune creates a mecca for climbing, running, jumping, and sand boarding.

You can reconnect to Highway 101 as you travel north, after visiting Cape Lookout and Cape Meares.

As the operator of three local lodging establishments, Jeremy Stober often gets asked about the unique places to eat, drink, and visit. Being able to recommend the perfect match to a guest’s desire is his favorite part of the hospitality business! Find out more at www.yourlittlebeachtown.com

Conde McCullough - Bridge Builder

In the early 20th century, towns along the rugged Oregon coast were practically unreachable. By the 1920s, rapidly growing interest in coastal tourism prompted the funding of a highway that would span the entire length (2) . Over the course of five years, from 1921 to 1926, section by section of Highway 101 was completed. Among the many challenges the engineers faced were the many rivers that ran from the Coastal Range Mountains to the ocean. Ferries were commonly used to transport cars and good across the rivers, but they couldn’t keep up with the increasing demands the highway brought. Instead, it was decided that bridges must connect each section of road.

Conde McCullough, the Oregon state bridge engineer at the time, was presented with the opportunity to design and build the infrastructure for these key links to the highway. McCullough wasn’t just interested in making the bridges structurally sound, but also architecturally beautiful. Over the course of fifteen years, McCullough designed a total of fourteen bridges along Highway 101. These bridges are constructed in a variety of styles and materials. You will find them adorned with Gothic spires, art deco obelisks, and Romanesque arches (3) .

Some notable bridges include the Yaquina Bay Bridge (Newport), the Siuslaw River Bridge (Florence), and the Old Youngs Bay Bridge (Astoria).

McCullough went on to help design over 600 bridges in his lifetime.

Loving This Guide? Get your own copy for upcoming trips

• Hundreds of the best places to eat, sight see, and stay along the Pacific Coast Highway from Port Angeles WA to San Diego CA.
• 26 beautifully drawn sections of the coast. Each section highlights a mix of over 20 eateries, breweries, hikes, bed & breakfasts, camping, viewpoints, local wildlife, and much more!
• Local insights, fun facts, and beautiful pictures accompany each graphic section to provide you with just the right amount of information for an unforgettable road trip.
• BONUS CONTENT!
• Three additional sections in Washington to extend the route all the way into Canada- San Juan archipelago, Port Townsend, & Vancouver, BC.
• Additional content, including our budgeting & mileage calculators, example itineraries, and exclusive planning tips for your Pacific Coast Highway trip.
• Purchase a copy of the Pacific Coast Highway Graphical Guide now and we’ll add an article listing our favorite Must-Have Travel Apps that will help you save money and travel stress-free.

8) Oregon Sand Dunes

Local advice from stephen hoshaw.

Nestled along Highway 101, Florence is well suited for all types of adventure. With long sandy beaches and dunes, scenic viewpoints, and rocky coastal panoramas, this might be one of the best places to experience the Oregon Coast.

Photo by Josh Alder

Search for coastal wildlife while whale watching from Heceta Head Lighthouse scenic viewpoint. Or venture underground at the Sea Lion Caves to hear the echo of barking sea lions.

At the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Sand Master Park thrill-seeking adventurers can choose between sandboarding or riding in dune buggies between the massive hills of sand.

Josh Tenge back flips in Sand Master Park

Florence’s Old Town district offers boutique shopping experiences and cozy coastal meals at local hotspots like Bridgewater Ocean Fresh Fish House and Waterfront Depot.

Stephen grew up in the Northwest and has fond memories of both week-long family reunions at the Coast, and quick day trips from Eugene with friends. Whether storm watching from the Heceta Head Lighthouse in winter months, or walking through the warm sand at Sand Master Park during breezy coastal summers, the Oregon Coast has always provided a relaxing escape. Learn more at www.eugenecascadescoast.org

Formation of Sand Dunes

The combination of desert sands, old growth forests, lakes, and ocean found at Oregon Sand Dunes is unique to the southern Oregon coast. By why is it here?

12 million years ago, uplifting layers of sedimentary rock formed what is now the Oregon Coastal Range mountains. As these mountains eroded, the soft rocks traveled downstream and were broken into small granular pieces. These sediments were then deposited at the mouth of the rivers along a gently sloping marine layer called the Coos Bay Dune Sheet. Unlike the headlands found to the north and south, this flat sandstone bottom allows for sands to be picked up and deposited by waves along the shorelines. Finally, these sands were picked up by the wind and dropped over 2.5 miles inland to form the dunes (4) .

Over thousands of year, the dunes have been shaped by wind and water into a vast array of shapes and sizes.

The Legend of Face Rock

By Visitor7 [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Many years ago, the great chief Siskiyou of the mountain tribes planned a visit to four coastal tribes. His daughter Ewauna was to accompany him, which was a great honor. Chief Necomah, being the strongest of the four coastal Chiefs, decided that as a group they would host the greatest potlatch as a show of respect and of their own prosperity.

The days leading up to the potlatch were full of preparation. Necomah ordered massive amounts of clams and mussels to be harvested and stored for the meal. The Elks tribe brought a hundred salmon, cleaned and ready to be roasted. The Sixes brought meat from a dozen elks. The Rogues carried in twenty horses loaded with deer meat. Armed warriors stood guard on the bluff watching for Seatka, the evil spirit of the sea.

Chief Siskiyou arrived with his daughter, who had never before seen the sea. She was enthralled by its beauty despite being warned not to wander near it for fear Seatka would snatch her. With her was her loyal dog Komax and her cat with kittens.

On the morning of the second day, everyone convened in beautiful regalia and commenced the feast. They celebrated this unique visit while eating until they were too tired, at which point they proceeded to sleep in place. Ewauna, wishing to see more of the sea, slipped away from the sleeping camp. A full moon shown down on her as she played at the edge of the ocean.

Finally, she set her basket of kittens down and told Komax to keep watch. Ewauna ran out into the ocean and dove in the crashing surf. She swam for a long time and was slowly pulled away from shore. She was so enraptured that she was unable to hear Komax barking a warning.

Suddenly, the moon became blocked by a dark hand as the fearsome creature Seatka emerged from the water. Komax grabbed the basket of kittens and swam out to help Ewauna. He sunk his sharp teeth into Seatka but was swatted away, along with the basket. Seatka tried to make Ewauna look at him, for his power lived in his gaze, but she stubbornly look straight up at the moon.

Chief Siskiyou rose at sunrise, alarmed to find his daughter missing. Everyone rushed to the sea, only to find Ewauna stubbornly staring up towards the moon with Seatka still trying to meet her gaze. Eventually she turned into stone and you can still see her face gazing up toward the moon to this day (5) .

10) Rogue River

Wild and scenic rivers.

The Rogue River travels 215 miles and over 1 mile in elevation from its source in Crater Lake National Park to the Pacific Ocean at Gold Beach. This river is famous for its stellar whitewater rafting, salmon runs, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Rogue was one of the original eight river listed under the 1968 National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (6) . This act focuses on the need to protect our rivers as pristine and scenic areas. Since the inception of the act, over 203 rivers have been granted this status.

Dams have been a controversial topic along the Rogue for over a hundred years. Many dams were originally built to provide hydroelectric power and prevent flooding. However, even with fish ladders designed into the dams, salmon populations dropped dramatically. Numerous dams have been constructed and then demolished -- one was even dynamited by a group of angry commercial fishermen! Now only the William L. Jess Dam remains, which is located 157 miles from the mouth of the river.

Are you planning a trip here?

Here's one way to do it.

• Spend the morning exploring the marina and shops along the Riverwalk in Astoria, give yourself plenty of time to check out the Columbia River Maritime Museum.
• Stop at Buoy Beer Company for lunch and an afternoon brew then head to the Astoria Column for a relaxing walk and excellent views.
• Grab dinner at Northwest Wild and stay at either the Norblad Hotel or camp in nearby Fort Stevens State Park.
• Head out to the beach at sunrise and grab some pictures of the Peter Iredale shipwreck.
• Continue south and stop at either the Seaside Turnaround to check out the shops or hike at Ecola State Park.
• Pull over at Neahkahnie Viewpoint (highest along the Oregon coast) on the way to the Tillamook Cheese Factory (free samples!).
• Grab lunch at Blue Heron Cheese Company then jump on the Three Capes Scenic Route.
• Check out the lighthouse and Octopus Tree at Cape Meares and stop at Lex’s Cool Stuff for brownies and 2nd hand shopping.
• Hike the 4.8 mile Cape Trail then head into Pacific City for dinner at the Pelican Pub.
• Stay at Pacific City or camp to the north at Cape Lookout.
• Grab breakfast at Cafe on Hawk Creek on the way down to Jennifer Sears Glass Art Studio.
• Check out glass art being made or maybe make your own, then continue south to watch for ocean birds at Boiler Bay Scenic Viewpoint.
• Head out on a whale watching tour out of Depoe Bay. Afterwards taste some salt water taffy at Ainslee’s and get lunch at Gracie’s Sea Hag.
• As you continue south turn off onto Otter Crest Scenic Loop where you can taste some wine while watching surf crash at the Devil’s Punchbowl.
• Tour Yaquina Lighthouse or spend some time walking the beach at South Beach State Park.
• Enjoy a hot bowl of slumgullion at Luna Sea.
• Stay at the Fireside Motel or camp at Cape Perpetua State Park.
• Take a morning stroll down the Hobbit Trail to the beach, then stop at the Sea Lion Caves on your way to Florence.
• Spend the late morning exploring the sand dunes either by renting an ATV or taking a hike.
• Grab lunch at Harbor Light Restaurant or the Fishermen’s Seafood Market. In the afternoon take the Cape Arago scenic loop, stopping to enjoy the parks along the way.
• Explore the town of Bandon and eat dinner at the Bandon Fish Market.
• Stay at the Bandon Beach Motel or camp at Bullards Beach State Park.
• Spend the morning stopping at sights like Face Rock, Cape Blanco Lighthouse, and Battle Rock Park.
• Eat lunch at the Crazy Norwegian's Fish & Chips then hike up the Humbug Mountain Trail.
• Check in to the Gold Beach Inn then drive down to Myer’s Creek Beach for the sunset.
• Enjoy dinner at the Barnacle Bistro.
• Continue your journey to California, stopping at the Natural Bridges Viewpoint on the way.

Top Rated Places to Stay

• Norblad Hotel
• Cannery Pier Hotel
• Astoria Crest Motel
• Fort Stevens State Park
• Astoria/Warrenton KOA
• Kampers West
• Inn of the Four Winds
• Inn at Seaside
• The Gilbert Inn
• Bud's RV and Campground

Cannon Beach

• Stephanie Inn
• Sea Breeze Court
• Inn at Cannon Beach
• Wright's for Camping
• RV Resort at Cannon Beach
• Sea Haven Motel
• Coast Cabins
• Ocean Inn at Manzanita
• Nehalem Bay State Park
• Kelly's Brighton Marina

Rockaway Beach

• Garibaldi House Inn & Suites
• Surfside Resort
• Tradewinds Motel
• Shorewood RV Park
• Rockaway Beach RV Park
• The Ashley Inn at Tillamook
• Shilo Inn Suites Hotel
• Thyme and Tide B&B
• Terimore Lodging by the Sea
• Three Arch Inn
• Cape Lookout State Park
• Netarts Bay RV Resort

Pacific City

• Inn at Cape Kiwanda
• Cottages at Cape Kiwanda
• Surf & Sand Inn
• Cape Kiwanda RV Park

Lincoln City

• Looking Glass Inn
• Baywood Shores B&B
• Pelican Shores Inn
• Devil's Lake State Recreation Area
• Devil's Lake RV Park
• Inn at Arch Rock
• Whale Cove Inn
• Depoe Bay Inn
• Sylvia Beach Hotel
• Moolack Shores Motel
• Agate Beach Motel
• South Beach State Park
• Beverly Beach State Park
• Whaler's Rest RV Park
• Cliff House B&B
• Terry-A-While
• Waldport/Newport KOA
• Beachside State Recreation Site
• Fireside Motel
• Deane's Oceanfront Lodge
• SeaQuest Inn B&B
• Tillicum Beach Campground
• Cape Perpetua Campground
• Old Town Inn
• Heceta Head Lighthouse
• Jessie M. Honeyman State Park
• Carl G. Washburne State Park
• Port of Siuslaw Campground & Marina
• Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
• Winchester Bay RV Resort
• William M. Tugman State Park
• Umpqua Sand Camping
• Osprey Point RV Resort
• Itty Bitty Inn
• Old Tower House B&B
• Sunset Bay State Park
• Oregon Dunes KOA
• Bandon Beach Motel
• Table Rock Motel
• Bullards Beach State Park
• Bandon RV Park

Port Orford

• WildSpring Guest Habitat
• The Compass Rose B&B
• Shoreline Motel
• Humbug Mountain State Park
• Bandon/Port Orford KOA
• Cape Blanco State Park
• Gold Beach Inn
• Tu Tu Tun Lodge
• Pacific Reef Hotel
• Secret Camp RV Park
• Ocean Suites
• Best Western Plus Beachfront Inn
• Mount Emily Ranch
• Harris Beach State Park
• Driftwood RV Park

Or stay at one of the many amazing Airbnb properties the Oregon coast has to offer. ** Get $35 off your first night if you sign up with this link **

Special Thanks to: Sarah J Eagen ( www.sarahjeagen.com )

• 1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_Bar
• 2) http://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/highway_101_oregon_coast_highway_/#.VwRNmxMrJ_U
• 3) http://bluebook.state.or.us/notable/notmccullough.htm
• 4) http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/siuslaw/learning/nature-science/?cid=fsbdev7_007155
• 5) http://thebandonguide.com/the-legend-of-face-rock
• 6) http://www.rivers.gov/wsr-act.php

Have you explored this stretch of road? Leave your recommendations below!

Ultimate Highway 101 Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Welcome to our Oregon Pacific Coast Highway 101 road trip planner!

Oregon has one of the most stunning stretches of the Pacific Coast, USA. Here you will find stunning natural attractions including sea stacks and sea arches, a rocky coastline often covered in fog, sand dunes that rise high into the air, pretty coastal towns, and historic lighthouses.

The coast is divided into three parts: northern Oregon coast, central Oregon, and southern Oregon. The drive the total length of the coastline from Astoria to Brookings along the Highway 101 takes 8 hours without stopping. Add in the many attractions and scenic spots, and we recommend devoting 5 to 7 days for this road trip.   

Fun fact: it’s time to hit the Oregon coast! Did you know that Oregon has nearly 362 miles of coastline? 

Or you can also split this road trip into small trips and see a section of the coast over a long weekend. It is really hard to pick the best area of the Oregon Coast, rest assured, whichever part you visit you are certain to fall in love with the amazing scenery here. 

If you plan to visit other Oregon attractions including Crater Lake, Columbia River Gorge area, Mount Hood, and the Cascades, then read our Best of Oregon Road Trip Planner which takes you through central and southern Oregon.

To explore all the attractions in the Beaver State, read Best Places to Visit in Oregon . 

Ultimate Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Oregon Coast means endless adventure. Whether you want to go sea kayaking or horseback riding on the beach or ATV riding up and down the sand dunes, Oregon Coast has it all. From fishing to crabbing and clamming and from hiking to birding and biking, there are plenty of fun things to do along the Oregon Coast. 

Here are our favorite spots along the coast of Oregon that you must visit on the ultimate Highway 101 road trip. 

Northern Oregon Coast Attractions

The North Coast of Oregon is considered to extend from Astoria to Neskowin. Here you will find lots of history and architecture. It is also the most popular part of the coast, easily accessible from Portland and its suburbs. 

While Portland is not located on the coast, it is a great starting point for your Coastal Oregon road trip since it is easy to fly to Portland and rent a car. 

Portland is also an amazing city to visit. It is famous for its hipster vibe and millennial population. The city has everything from museums, parks and gardens, eclectic shopping, vibrant neighborhoods, and a legendary culinary scene. If you do happen to fly into Portland, we recommend spending at least a day or two here to experience its unique culture. 

Related: Best Things to do in Portland, Oregon

Astoria was the first American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. It is also the oldest city in the state of Oregon and has plenty of historical attractions. Astoria is also popular among the movie buffs. The town was the main setting for the 1985’s cult classic, The Goonies. 

Located at the mouth of the Columbia River, this port city provides ample opportunities for fishing, sailing, kayaking, and more. Make sure to climb up the Astoria Column for a panoramic view encompassing the city, rivers, the Pacific Ocean, and several Cascade Mountain peaks. Drive through the 4-mile Megler Bridge, North America’s longest truss bridge. 

A great way to explore the town is to hop on Astoria’s Riverfront Trolley tour. This 3-mile heritage streetcar line runs all along the waterfront full of restaurants, docks, and piers. The trolley operates every day between March and September and costs $1 for a round-trip, or $2 for all-day on/off. 

After a day of exploration and water activities, enjoy fresh seafood at the cannery boatyard on the Astoria riverfront, Bridgewater Bistro. 

Lewis and Clark National Historic Park

Live an adventure in history as you navigate through the pine forests and coastal vistas at Lewis and Clark National Historic Park. The historic park was established to commemorate the completion of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. 

On the expedition, the explorers were tasked with exploring and surveying the land that the United States had recently acquired through Louisiana Purchase. The park encompasses a total of 12 sites along 40 miles of the Pacific coast.

At the park, visitors can follow in the footsteps of the voyagers. Commence your journey at Fort Clatsop, a replica of the fort where the Corps of Discovery found shelter in the winter of 1805-1806. Continue by hiking the 6.5-mile one-way Fort to Sea Trail, and visit the Salt Works, the site where the Lewis and Clark expedition set up a camp to obtain salt for use at Fort Clatsop. 

During the peak season, summer, you may be lucky enough to witness some costumed demonstrations such as muzzleloading and shooting, hide tanning and candle making. Good news for those traveling with children – the park organizes various activities to keep the little ones engaged.

Fort Stevens State Park

Fort Stevens State Park is a 4,300-acre park along the Oregon Coast. Originally a historic military defense installation on the shores of the Columbia River, Fort Stevens, is the main highlight of the park. 

Fort Stevens was in use for 84 years, from the Civil War Era to World War II. While Fort Stevens is what makes this park unique, it is not the only attraction to see.

Visit the Peter Iredale shipwreck, the little that remains of a 275-foot-long sailing vessel that ran ashore in 1906. The shipwreck can be accessed via hiking the 0.4 miles moderately trafficked Peter Iredale Trail. Or swim in Coffenbury Lake, which can be accessed through 2.5 miles Coffenbury Lake Loop Hike. 

The other smaller lakes in the park are popular for canoeing and fishing. In total, the park has 6 paved trails suitable for biking and 6 unpaved trails for hiking. There are camping and picnic areas available throughout the park.

Located on the Oregon Coast, Seaside is about one and a half-hour drive away from Portland. The resort town is highly popular among families and has multiple shops, art galleries, surf shops, and fine dining establishments for a relaxing urban beach getaway. 

Spend a day on the sandy beach or relive childhood memories by playing vintage arcade games at Funland Seaside Arcade. The entertainment center has been part of Seaside’s history since 1929 and is a favorite with locals.

Seaside’s 1.5-mile oceanfront promenade, popularly called the Prom, is a must-visit for those visiting the town for the first time. This historic promenade was built in the 1920s and is a great way to enjoy the coast. Take a romantic walk along the promenade at night. 

In the summer season, it’s common to find weekly farmer’s market, art gallery walks, seasonal holiday celebrations and fireworks on Memorial Day and the 4th of July, vintage car shows, and sandcastle competitions happening in Seaside.

Tillamook Head Trail & Tillamook Rock Lighthouse

At the south end of Seaside, at the end of Sunset Boulevard, visitors will find the Tillamook Head Trailhead. The hike is about 6-miles long through beautiful muddy forests with some ocean views along the way. 

Wear comfortable boots and take your time exploring and admiring the coast on the trail. You can even see the WWII era bunkers in the area while hiking. Stop for lunch in one of the picnic areas to admire the scenery and recharge by spending time in nature. 

On approaching the Hikers Camp at the end of this trail, visitors are greeted with an epic view of the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. The light was called ‘Terrible Tilly’ by locals due to extreme weather conditions near the light and the dangerous path traversed by the lighthouse keepers to reach it. 

The light sits on top of a sea stack of basalt called the Tillamook Rock. It rises nearly 100 feet from the sea. The lighthouse was operational from 1881 to 1957 and was deactivated due to damage and erosion during severe storms.

Ecola State Park

Cannon beach.

Cannon Beach is one of the most romantic destinations in the country. This popular tourist resort is located on the Pacific Northwest Coast of Oregon. Cannon Beach is 80 miles west of Portland and 25 miles south of Astoria. 

It is home to 4 miles of pristine beach and the famous Haystack Rock, as well as beautiful parks, including the Ecola State Park. Everything in Cannon Beach is pretty close, given the small size of the town. Therefore, the downtown and surrounding area are perfect to explore on foot. 

Enjoy a quality cup of coffee accompanied by a pastry at Sleepy Monk Roasters. Visit the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum for an educational afternoon and see the cannon that gave this sleepy coastal town its name. 

Spend a romantic evening on the beach as you watch a glorious Pacific Northwest sunset. On weekends, there are live glass blowing demonstrations taking place at the Icefire Glassworks using the well-known technique invented during the 1st century BC.

Hug Point State Recreation Site

Your next stop on the Oregon Coast Road Trip is located just 5 miles south of Cannon Beach. Here travelers can find another wonderful beach hugging the cape and the coast. Visitors often think that this beautiful setting earns the area its name, Hug Point. 

However, there is a far more interesting story behind the name. Before the Pacific Coast Highway – Oregon Highway 101 was built – the stagecoach was the only way to travel via the coast. The pioneers had to travel on the beach in their stagecoaches and hug the point sticking out on the coast to get around it safely. Hence, the name. 

There are many hikes in the recreation area and visitors can even see the historic stagecoach ruts in the park. At low tide, you can get behind the point to a small waterfall as well as explore sea caves. Another popular low tide activity is tide-pooling. To find the times of high and low tides, check here .

Oswald West State Park

Over overshadowed by the more popular Ecola State Park and the scenic Three Capes area, Oswald West State Park is a spectacular 2,484-acre park along the Oregon Coast. The park comprises 4 miles of coastline as well as a temperate rainforest. 

Its highlight is the secluded Short Sand Beach, popularly called Shorty. The trail is just half a mile long and takes visitors through a rainforest, under Highway 101, along stunning coastal views to the beach. 

The state park also has several other trails including the Oregon Coast Trail which stretches through the entire park. This trail is recommended only for experienced hikers. Families prefer to spend a day at Shorty. This cove is picture-perfect for surfing, picnics, relaxation, and tide-pooling for the little sea creatures.

For those with more energy and time, points of interest include Cape Falcon and the Devil’s Cauldron. Beware that the short trail to Devil’s Cauldron gets rocky, uneven, very steep, and often muddy, though the views are totally worth it.

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad

While this is a primarily road trip itinerary along the Oregon Coast, we aren’t ones to shy away from a scenic railroad ride when one beckons!

Visitors can embark on the heritage steam railroad and relive Oregon’s history while on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. The primary mission of the railroad excursions along the coast is to revive the legacy of steam railroads and teach visitors about their importance in the development of Tillamook County. 

During summer, there are regular trips between Rockaway Beach and Garibaldi. This relaxing trip winds through Tillamook Bay and the Oregon Coast. The track winds up through thick forests along the Nehalem River and offers amazing views of the Pacific Coast. The beautiful views from the train are enjoyed by adults and children alike.

The prices are $22 for adults and $15 for children (3-12 years old) for a round trip. Feel free to explore Garibaldi once you get off the train – just ensure you don’t miss the last train back to Rockaway Beach. The railroad also offers occasional special event trains throughout the year.

The attraction is most enjoyable when it is warm and sunny outside, although there is a choice of an enclosed car to ride in too. In summer the tickets sell out fast, so we recommend booking online well in advance of your trip.

Rockaway Beach

The city of Rockaway Beach is a great place to check out on the Oregon Coast. The namesake Rockaway Beach is the most famous area attraction. This long sandy beach between the Coast Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean is as close as travelers can get to Twin Rocks without stepping off the land. Bring a camera to capture these unique and massive geological wonders. 

The Twin Rocks are one of the most well-known Oregon Coast rock outcroppings after Haystack Rock. The rocks are over 100 feet high and look spectacular at sunset. While it is hard to imagine now, the two rocks were formed 20 to 30 million years ago as one huge ridge structure. 

Over time, erosion separated the two rocks and also created the 35 feet arch in the leftmost rock. The rocks are incredibly romantic at sunset certainly and you can often see couples walking hand in hand and lovers professing their love as they gaze at the horizon.

There are many options for accommodations, restaurants, and shopping along the 7-mile shoreline of Rockaway Beach. Rockaway Beach City also hosts many events and festivals, including the annual July 4th celebration, the Pirate Festival early in the summer, and Kite and Art Festival in August. 

Another cozy town sitting at the northern end of Tillamook Bay, Garibaldi, is home to 760-feet-long Pier’s End. This is the longest pier in Oregon and a beautiful dock to enjoy the Oregon Coast. 

Garibaldi treats its visitors with a relaxed beachy vibe and beautiful views. And don’t forget the fresh seafood! You can either dine out at a restaurant – try the famous ‘Fish Peddler @ Pacific Oyster’ in nearby Bay City or SOURCE Oyster and Wine Bar in garibaldi. Or visit the local seafood market, the Garibaldi Cannery, located in the port to buy fresh seafood to cook for yourself.

While many visitors are drawn to this town for fishing, crabbing, and clamming, Garibaldi is also home to the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad depot and the Garibaldi Maritime Museum, where you can learn the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest. 

There is a little motel and RV park right on the port of Garibaldi, Harborview Inn & RV Park. An overnight stay here is a good opportunity to unwind and relax before continuing the journey.

Tillamook Creamery

It would be a crime to not pass by the Tillamook Creamery once you’re in the Tillamook area. The Tillamook Creamery is an essential Coastal Oregon road trip stop for foodies! This coop dairy is one of the largest in the country and the famous Tillamook Cheese is a household name. Apart from cheese, the dairy also produces yogurt, butter, and ice-creams. 

This dairy lovers’ paradise offers an opportunity for self-guided interactive tours with educational videos and multiple kiosks. Best part? The tours are free! There are viewing windows from where visitors can directly observe the art of cheese making.

On a visit to the creamery, you can sample the world-famous cheese. There is also a café selling creamy Tillamook ice cream and other snacks such as grilled cheese sandwich, mac n cheese, artisan pizzas, salads, as well as Northwest brews and wine. 

Have long been waiting to spoil yourself with a wine and cheese session? This is a perfect chance!

Three Capes Scenic Loop

Oregon’s Three Capes Scenic Loop is one of the reasons you go on this road trip, one of the reasons you take a detour from the famous Highway 101. Located on the Tillamook Coast of Central Oregon, the scenic drive is all about slow travel, about savoring the views.

From downtown Tillamook, visitors can follow an epic 40-mile route northwest along the shoreline. You can enjoy many highlights and hidden attractions along the way as you drive around the 3 capes: Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda.

Cape Meares Lighthouse and State Scenic Viewpoint

Your first stop, the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, rests over 200 feet above the ocean. From here, visitors can enjoy great views of the largest colony of nesting common murres. Bring along a pair of binoculars to see them up close. You might also spot other seabirds and even bald eagles. 

The Cape Meares area also has several hiking trails. The trails will take you along vertical sea cliffs, perched high above the ocean, and through forests of giant Sitka spruce and hemlock trees.

Drive over to the 38 feet tall Cape Meares Lighthouse. Built-in 1889 on the steep cliff, the short light is charming and open to visitors for a free tour from April to October. Next to the parking lot, you will find the famous Octopus tree with its tentacle-like branches. The tree is over 200 years old, 50 feet wide, and a historic landmark. Cape Meares is also home to the National Wildlife Refuge, definitely worth visiting if time permits.

Cape Lookout State Park

Cape Lookout State Park, a nearly two-mile oceanfront promontory that juts out into the Pacific, is your next stop. At the park, you will find spectacular geological formations, Oregon Coast native flora and fauna, and impressive views of the Pacific Ocean. 

Spend a day at the beach or hike to a waterfall. Fish along the Wilson River or walk on the sandspit in Netarts Bay. Camp in the state park or rent one of the yurts. Go beachcombing for glass floats or hike through old-growth forests. The opportunities at Cape Lookout State Park are too many to count. 

Hike the easy 2.5-mile Cape Lookout Trail. This trail is popular with visitors – it winds through the Sitka spruce forest and takes you to the Cape Lookout headland. From here you can spot whales, see sunsets, and enjoy views of Neahkahnie Mountain. You can also spot Cape Kiwanda in the distance.

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area 

The southernmost of the three capes and also the smallest, Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area doesn’t have many hiking trails. Most visitors hike the 2.2 miles Cape Kiwanda Loop for a walk along the coast. However, it does have a huge sand dune, which makes it no less unique than the other two capes. 

With a little bit of effort, visitors can climb up the 250 feet high Cape Kiwanda dune to observe miles of the ocean and even Cape Lookout in the north. Make sure to stay within fenced areas as it can be really dangerous.

Cape Kiwanda is also famous for its huge crashing waves that pound the sandstone escarpment. From the cape, you can spot Oregon’s second Haystack Rock, located close to Pacific City. It is said that the rock has protected the cape from erosion by the waves and helped retain its shape. 

We also recommend spending time at the beach in Cape Kiwanda. You can watch the unique dory boats being launched into the ocean. 

Pacific City

Pacific City is a sleepy beachfront town that is perfect for outdoor adventures. The shore near Pacific City in Tillamook County is lined by capes, sandy spits, and rivers flowing into protected bays. The Oregon Coast here has a wild feel. Even the Oregon Pacific Coast Highway 101 curves inland here.From the beach, you have great views of Oregon’s second haystack rock.

Visitors can enjoy exploring tide pools, hiking along the coast, whaling, and birding at the Bob Straub State Park. For a unique experience, go horse riding on the beach or ATV riding at Sand Lake Recreation Area. The Nestucca Bay Refuge, located just off Highway 101, is another popular destination to spot wildlife. 

Even if you don’t like spending much time outdoors, Pacific City makes a great road trip stop. This is the perfect family beach vacation destination. You can go shopping, dining, check out the local Pelican Brewery, and other bars and grills.

Central Oregon Coast Attractions

The area of Oregon Coast from Lincoln City to Florence is considered as the Central Coast. Here the coastline turns quite rocky and wild compared to the north coast. This area is known for its stunning natural rock formations and natural phenomenon such as Thor’s Well and Spouting Horn. Because of its rocky shape, this area also has some of the most historic and powerful lighthouses along the coast. 

God’s Thumb

Located near Lincoln City, God’s Thumb is a unique shoreline formation. The coast here is shaped like a giant thumbs up sign. This is still one of Oregon’s coastal secrets and not known by many people. Hiking to the basalt peak for sweeping views of Lincoln City, Cascade Head, and the Pacific Ocean is popular with the locals.

There are two routes up God’s Thumb: both start at Road’s End State Recreation Area and are unmarked. On both you will encounter dramatic views, rocky cliffs, beaches, and wildflowers. The more popular and scenic option is the 4.4-mile Knoll loop. It takes visitors over forested lands and grassy meadows before suddenly following the ridgeline to the peak. 

The shorter alternative is the 3.4 miles out-and-back trail. This trail is less challenging, has gradual inclines and is good for families with kids. The best time to hike to God’s Thumb is from March through September.

Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area

Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area has an intriguing geology. The Devil’s Punch Bowl is a large hollow rock formation that was probably created from the collapse of roofs of two sea caves due to wave action. Here you can watch waves from the Pacific Ocean waves swirl and froth as it bellows inside the punchbowl.

There are many things to do in the natural area. Visitors come to spot the wave action, birdwatch, whale watch, tidepool, and even surf. Many picnic tables are located here with a beautiful view of the shore.

To reach the punchbowl, hike the 1.8-mile trail from the parking lot. It is not safe to go inside the punchbowl except at low tide and generally, we recommend viewing the wave action from a safe distance. 

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

A must stop for bird watching and tide pooling, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is one of the best places to visit on the Oregon Coast. The rocky basalt beaches like Cobble Beach are perfect to spot sea stars, crabs, sea urchins, sea anemones, and other colorful intertidal life at low tide.

A highlight of the natural area is the 92-feet tall Yaquina Head Lighthouse, the tallest in Oregon. The charming lighthouse was built in 1873 and is still operational. Visitors can climb up the 114 steps to the top on a self-guided tour. 

At the Yaquina Head Interpretive Center, you can learn about the cultural history and marine life along this part of Oregon. There are several informative displays at the center. Other attractions include hiking, spotting nesting colonies of seabirds, and watching the gray whales migrating to Alaska.

Your next stop south on your Oregon coast road trip should be Newport. This charming coastal city has everything from museums, the Yaquina lighthouses, aquariums, eclectic shopping, and eateries serving delicious seafood. Newport is home to numerous attractions and outdoor activities.

Begin your visit at the Newport Historic Bayfront. While it is smelly and loud, it does have stunning views of the Yaquina Bay. Another must is the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Here kids can see sea turtles, sharks, sea lions, and other marine life of the Pacific Northwest.

See the weird museums in town including Ripley’s Believe It or Not or the Wax Works museum. Seafood lovers must visit Chowder Bowl located at Nye Beach. This eatery is famous for its award-winning chowder and local cuisine.

The Hatfield Marine Science Centre is a favorite of ocean enthusiasts. To enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and kayaking, visit South Beach State Park. The Newport Farmer’s Market that takes place on Saturdays is a great place to shop local produce and artisan goods.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Located within Siuslaw National Forest, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area protects a large part of Oregon Coast. Here you will find abundant marine life, a rainforest, miles of hiking trails, pretty beaches, sea caves, rock formations, and tide pools.

Stop at the Visitor Centre deck to enjoy postcard perfect views of the surrounding rainforest, rocky coastline, and turbulent waves of the Pacific Ocean. Drive up to the Cape Perpetua Lookout and enjoy the vistas. 

Cape Perpetua is also home to the famous Thor’s Well. This is a sinkhole on the coast which appears to engulf waves. It looks most spectacular at high tide when the waves disappear down the formation. Another interesting geological formation is the Spouting Horn at Cook’s Chasm. This looks eerily like a whale spouting water at high tide. 

To make the most of your trip to Cape Perpetua, visit at low tide since most formations and trails are dangerous and often inaccessible at high tide. 

Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint

A half mile trail to the top of Heceta Head leads visitors to the iconic Heceta Head Lighthouse, the most beautiful lighthouse in Oregon. It also bears the distinction of being the most photographed lighthouse in Oregon.

Visitors can tour the lighthouse including the ground floor with a park ranger. While visitors are not allowed on upper levels, a hiking trail near the lighthouse leads you to a good viewpoint of the lens. For a romantic option, experience the life of a lightkeeper by booking a night stay at the Light Keeper’s House. This has stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the beach.

Wildlife watching is one of the highlights of Heceta Head. Here you can not only spot migrating whales and sea lions but also land birds, nesting seabirds, and the magnificent Roosevelt Elk. You can also take the mile long trail to Hobbit Beach, a nice sheltered beach with pretty views. 

Located just off Pacific Coast Highway 101, Florence is a must visit on a Coastal Oregon road trip. The city is located at the mouth of Siuslaw River and has a plethora of natural attractions including lakes, coastal bluffs, beaches, and sand dunes.

The Oregon Coast Military Museum is located in Florence. Here visitors can learn about American contributions to WWI, WWII, and also know more about the Vietnam War, Korea War, and the work of the Coast Guards. You can see actual war items donated by Oregon veterans including guns, swords, documents, photographs, and more. 

Take a photo of the historical Siuslaw River Bridge located right on Oregon Highway 101. The bridge has beautiful Art Deco style architecture and Gothic arches. It is one of the iconic bridges on the Oregon Coast. 

After checking out the bridge, venture into Historic Old Town Florence. Visit the art galleries and unique shops. Don’t forget to watch the sea lions lounging around at the Sea Lion Cave, the largest sea cave in America.

Southern Oregon Coast Attractions

The southern coast of Oregon extends all the way from the Oregon dunes to Brookings in the south. Here the water looks turquoise more frequently than in other parts and teh landscapes are just striking and dramatic. All the way south near the California border, you will also find the largest stands of coastal redwoods in Oregon. 

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, located in the Siuslaw Forest, is one of the best places to visit in Oregon. The sand dunes are sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and a temperate forest. They look magical and enchanting as they easily tower about 500 feet above sea level. 

The sand dunes were formed by the blowing winds and continue to be sculpted every year. The dunes stretch for a very long part of the coast and the most popular areas for road trippers include the South Jetty Area or Oregon Dunes Day Use Area.  

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Popular activities here ATV riding, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, sand boarding, and camping. There are enough activities to keep visitors of all ages happy.

Popular hiking trails include the Lagoon Loop Trail and the Oregon Dunes Overlook Trail. Along with ATVs, you can also rent dirt bikes, sand buggies, or go horse riding to explore the majestic sand dunes. 

As you head south from the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Your next stop should be Coos Bay. Coos Bay is one of our favorite destinations on the Oregon Coast road trip primarily because of the beautiful sunsets and scenic beauty that it offers. 

This outdoor paradise is close to the southern entrance to the dunes but is also adorned by beautiful beaches, rocky cliffs, and a stunning wilderness. From the coast of Coos Bay, you can see views of the Capo Arago Lighthouse. Coos Bay is also the perfect place to explore 3 state parks along the Cape Arago Highway.

Coos Bay is also the largest city on the Oregon Coast and offers plenty of city attractions. Enjoy the interpretative displays, fish market, the Koos #2 tugboat, and many seafood restaurants along the Coos Bay Boardwalk. The views of the bay are beautiful from here.

Art lovers can visit the Coos Art Museum and admire its collection of Northwestern and contemporary art. The gallery exhibit dedicated to the runner Steve Prefontaine, who is a Coos Bay native, is loved by tourists and locals alike. Other attractions worth seeing include the Egyptian Theatre, Coos Bay Maritime Center, etc.

Cape Arago Lighthouse

The Cape Arago Lighthouse, located in Charleston, stands at Gregory Point on the detached Chief’s Island near the coast off Coos Bay. The lighthouse, while decommissioned and closed to the public, is popular with photographers. 

The lonely lighthouse perched on the rocky island looks romantic and mysterious. It was built in 1866 to aid ships carrying lumber to Coos Bay. The best views of the lighthouse can be seen along the Cape Arago Beach Loop. Try the pretty views from the Sunset Bay State Park or hike to Lighthouse Beach. 

Cape Arago Beach Highway

The detour to Cape Arago Beach Loop is a must on a Pacific Coast Highway 101 road trip in Oregon. Along the highway you can spot sea lions and seals, seabirds, and migrating whales. You will also find exceptional views along the coastline.

Cape Arago Highway runs parallel to Pacific Coast Highway 101 and provides access to 3 state parks in Oregon. From north to south you will find Shore Acres State Park, Sunset Bay State Park, and Cape Arago State Park. 

Shore Acres has a formal rose garden and Japanese lily pond and is great to visit. All three state parks have beach access, amazing scenery, and miles of hiking trails. Visit the Bastendorff Beach to enjoy flying kites, surfing the waves, or beachcombing for shells and even fossils. This is one of the most popular beaches to visit in southern Oregon. You can also go hiking along the 1.2 mile long Cape Arago Loop Trail. 

Bandon Beach Loop Drive

Just off Highway 101, further south, is the Bandon Beach Loop Drive. This 5 mile long scenic drive provides access to one of southern Oregon’s most dramatic stretches. Along the loop, you will find secluded beaches and stunning viewpoints. Visitors can tide pool and bird watch while they enjoy the coastal scenery. 

The drive begins in the city at the Bandon Historical Society Museum. Here you can understand the town’s history. Past the city, the loop turns west towards the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. 

Here you will find the first famous viewpoint, Coquille Point. The view here is magical: foaming waves, sea stack, offshore rock islands, and seabirds nesting colonies look stunning at sunrise or sunset. The views of Elephant Rock are pretty clear. 

The drive south to the Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint. The interpretive trail here does a great job of explaining the Ntaive American legend behind the face on the rock. The last stop is Bandon State Natural Area. Devil’s Kitchen, next along the loop, provides easy access to a pretty beach area. You will find plenty of interesting rock formations here.

Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor

The last stop on your Coastal Oregon road trip! Located between Brookings and Gold Beach parallel to Highway 101, the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor is a must visit. The byway stretches for 12 miles and provides access to coastal bluffs, secluded beaches, offshore rock formations, and hiking trails.

At the northern end you will find the Arch Rock Viewpoint. Arch Rock is a famous sea arch in southern Oregon. This area also has picnic tables and is perfect to enjoy an outdoors lunch. Then drive down to the Natural Bridges Viewpoint. It is a famous point to spot two arched rocks and blowholes. 

Visit the dunes at Indian Sands or enjoy the quiet China Beach. Last but not the least, hike the stunning trail to Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint. The mile-long trail has breathtaking views of the coastline, marine life, and gorgeous evening sky at sunset.

Other useful posts to plan your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner Pacific Coast Highway 4 day Itinerary Pacific Coast Highway 5 day itinerary Pacific Coast Highway 7 day itinerary Pacific Coast Highway 10 Day itinerary All PCH Itineraries Best Places to Stay along the Pacific Coast Highway Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Highway 101

min read-  October 11

General , USA , West Coast

Generic selectors Exact matches only Search in title Search in content Post Type Selectors

Highway 101 – A Road Trip Down the U.S. West Coast

How long has an awesome US road trip, jam-packed with dream beaches, enchanting forests, and bustling cities, been on your bucket list? Highway 101 – also known as the Pacific Coast Highway – stretches from Seattle, Washington, right along the Oregon coast and all the way to San Francisco and beyond, hugging the Pacific coastline for 790 miles (2,478 km) right down to San Diego.

This epic road trip down Highway 101 is the ultimate U.S. tour, taking you through three states and some of the most magnificent landscapes in the U.S., including dense rainforests and beautiful beaches. To make the most of the stunning sea views, we recommend starting your road trip in Seattle – this way, you’ll always be on the side of the road that’s closest to the ocean. If taking the trip the other way is more convenient for you, don’t worry – you’ll still get to enjoy plenty of amazing landscapes!

Tips for the Perfect Highway 101 Road Trip

Whether this is your first road trip or just the next one in a long list, you should always take some time to prepare your journey. So, you’ve picked your dream vehicle – be it rental car, RV, or even a camper van – and plotted out your ideal itinerary? Now take a look at our top recommendations to make sure you won’t have any unpleasant surprises during your trip.

Preparing Your Trip

Any road trip through the U.S. involves some preparation beforehand. For example, some states require you to have an international driving permit. One of these states is Washington, where your trip starts, so don’t forget to bring both your regular and your international driving licence – one won’t be valid without the other.

Insurance is another thing that is best to get sorted before your trip. In the U.S., most car rental places don’t automatically include any insurance in their offers. Therefore, it might be a good idea to shop around and get some insurance of your own, just to be on the safe side. The U.S. is also famous for its expensive health care system, so we would recommend getting some travel insurance, in case you require medical care during your trip.

Another thing you should always be carrying with you is cash. U.S. toll stations usually only take small change, so make sure you always have enough small bills to get you through your road trip. If you plan on staying overnight at a National Park, don’t forget to book your spot well in advance, as they tend to sell out pretty quickly. 

During Your Trip

One of the big decisions you’ll have to make is when to take your trip. The two most important factors at play here are your destination’s climate and the kind of activities you want to do while you’re there. Don’t let hot summer days ruin your plans! We recommend exploring Highway 101 in fall. This way, you also get to see all three states at their prettiest. Always keep an eye on the weather forecast, though. Thanks to climate change, the West Coast is at an increased risk of wildfires, even in the fall.

Once you’re on the road, make sure you don’t speed and remember to stick to all other driving regulations – it’s best to read up on them before you start your trip. As you’re going to spend a lot of time on the road, remember to take regular breaks to avoid tiredness. You also want to always keep an eye on how much gas you have left, as there are some parts of Highway 101 without any gas stations for many miles.

Finally, of course, look out for yourself, others, and the environment. You’re probably aware of the fact that taking a road trip isn’t exactly the most environmentally friendly way of travelling. It could be worth brainstorming how you can make your trip as sustainable as possible. If you have the means, why not donate some money to an environmental organization? But of course, you can also protect ecosystems without spending any money. Volunteering at a charity event or helping to collect some litter are great ways to do your part for the environment.

Washington – Let the Highway 101 Adventure Begin

Seattle is the perfect place to start your road trip down Highway 101. The city is perhaps most famous for its Space Needle. If you’ve got enough time, we highly recommend spending a few days here before hitting the road. Afterwards, it’s only a short drive until you hit Highway 101.

Once you’re on the highway, just follow it southwards towards Olympia. Port Angeles is a great option for spending your first night. This coastal town is located north of the Olympic National Park, which is also well worth a stop. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some truly spectacular landscapes. The abundance of trails is a must for explorers who want to experience the awe-inspiring mountains of Hurricane Ridge in the north of the park.

Hoh Rainforest

A few miles further south, you’ll encounter the large trees of the remarkable Hoh Rainforest, one of very few rainforests left in the temperate climate zone. A biosphere reserve and one of four rainforests in Olympic National Park, Hoh is a great hiking place for beginners. Its trails aren’t too long, but still lead you past some impressive views. One of our favourite hikes is the Hall of Mosses Trail. It takes into the heart of the dense forest with its thousands of green mosses and ferns. If you want to keep going, why not explore the Spruce Nature Trail afterwards? It’s only a little longer than the first hike. If you’ve still got time left, we also recommend exploring Sol Duc Falls. This waterfall is surrounded by the rich emerald colours of Hoh Rainforest, a perfect photo opportunity.

Rugged Coastlines

Olympic National Park has another spectacular type of landscape to offer – a dramatic coastline. The area is also home to some charming rock pools, which only fill up with water when the tide is high. If you’re in the mood for a walk along the sea, check out Ruby Beach! Covered in driftwood, it offers a refreshing contrast to the sandy beaches you usually see on vacation. 

Another wonderful beach is Rialto Beach in La Push, a town on the Quileute Indian Reservation. Recognize the town’s name? You might know it from the  Twilight  series. Bella’s hometown of Forks is also located nearby. It’s definitely worth a visit for fans of the saga. You don’t have to worry about being attacked by a vampire or werewolf, though – they haven’t been seen here in years!

Next Stop on Highway 101: Oregon

After a few days in the beautiful Olympic National Park, it’s time to head on to your next destination. But before you cross the border into Oregon, we have to mention one more staple of any road trip – the perfect playlist. Your ultimate U.S. road trip would be incomplete without it! For this trip, it should definitely include some Nirvana songs.  Come As You Are  and  Smells Like Teen Spirit  are some classics to start you off as you take a detour to Kurt Cobain’s hometown of Aberdeen!

With this last stop in Washington under your belt, you’ll finally cross state lines into Oregon. On this stretch of the trip, Highway 101 follows the coastline pretty closely. If you have some time to spare, we highly recommend exploring Oregon’s largest city, Portland, for a few days. If you’d rather avoid the large crowds, don’t worry – there are plenty of other quirky towns and wonderful beaches waiting for you. One of our favourite places in the area is Seaside!

Impressive Beaches

After spending a lot of time in the car, you’re probably eager to stretch your legs. Why not take the chance to explore one of Oregon’s most popular sand beaches, Cannon Beach? It’s located south of Seaside and is home to the famous 235-feet-tall Haystack Rock. The nearby Ecola State Park offers not only plenty of hiking trails, but also a wonderful view of the incredible rock and the surrounding coastline.

Don’t miss your chance to discover a true hidden gem while you’re in the area! The small town of Neskowin has one of the most captivating beaches of the entire West Coast. The low tide exposes 2,000-year-old tree trunks that are stuck in the sand. The beach used to be covered by a forest before it got flooded. Now, it has earned the nickname of Ghost Forest.

You’ve got to check out and admire the Proposal Rock while you’re here, too. The gigantic rock got its romantic name in the 1800s when a sea captain rowed his beloved out there to ask for her hand in marriage. It sits high above the water and is covered in flora – a truly stunning sight!

The Devil’s Punch Bowl

Another interesting place to stop at on your way down Highway 101 is Devil’s Punch Bowl near the town of Newport. Not only is this beach home to many rock pools, but there’s also a lovely picnic area available. The beach’s main attraction is, of course, Devil’s Punch Bowl. This cave is open at the top and on one side, meaning it’s also filled with water from the ocean.

Your experience of Devil’s Punch Bowl will depend on the tide. At high tide, we recommend following one of the small trails to the viewpoint above the cave. From up there, you can watch the imposing waves crash against the walls. Their thundering sound is where the cave got its name. If you’re visiting Devil’s Punch Bowl at low tide, on the other hand, you can climb into the cave. Be careful, though, and make sure you’re back outside before the tide changes – the water will be there quicker than you think!

Northern California

Welcome to California! One of the northernmost stops in this state is the cool town of Crescent City. It’s famous for its beautiful beaches, where you can spend your time surfing and kayaking. If you’re an animal lover, we highly recommend visiting the nearby Castle Rock Wildlife Refuge, a great place to see hundreds of water birds, seals, sea lions, and sometimes even sharks.

Where the Giants Live: Redwood National Park

Northern California is also home to Redwood National Park, which stretches along Highway 101 for around 60 miles. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises several state parks and is famous for its ancient giant sequoias, or giant redwoods as they’re also called. At more than 300 feet tall, these trees are some of the largest in the world. Redwood National Park is also home to giant ferns, beautiful hiking trails, and fascinating wildlife.

If you’re still not sure which state park to visit, we recommend exploring Humboldt State Park. It boasts the largest number of redwoods and includes Rockefeller Forest, among other sights, which served as a shooting location for the  Star Wars  movies. Another wonderful forest in Humboldt State Park is Founder’s Grove. Here, you can see the Dyerville Giant, which was once the park’s largest tree before it was felled in 1991.

If you’d rather go exploring without leaving your car, why not take a drive down the Avenue of the Giants? This 30-mile stretch of the historic Highway 101 runs parallel to the modern road. Prepare to be blown away (and feel completely dwarfed!) as you make your way through the thicket of giant trees.

Now that you’ve crossed one more national park off your bucket list, where are you headed next? Once you’re south of Redwood National Park, we would recommend leaving Highway 101 behind and following California Highway 1 instead. This way, you get to follow the Californian coastline for a little while longer until you hit the hills of San Francisco! From here, you can decide what’s next for you – maybe you want to take some time to explore the Bay Area? Or do you want to continue southwards and discover SoCal and Los Angeles? Whatever you decide, we’re sure you’ll have an unforgettable time! 

Related  Posts

Why Is Travel Insurance Important?

04 min read, - 30-nov-22.

Things to Do for a Spectacular Christmas in London

England | europe | northern europe | uk, 06 min read.

The Berlin High Trail – Conquering the Mighty Zillertal Alps

07 min read.

The Best Time to Travel to South Africa:  A Climate Guide

Africa | south africa.

Disney Inspiration Spots in Europe

Central europe | england | europe | france | germany | northern europe | norway | scandinavia | schottland | uk, 08 min read, - 29-nov-22.

The Florida Keys – Unlocking Holiday Bliss

Caribbean | east coast | north america | usa, - 28-nov-22.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

Enjoy the Quiet Side of Highway 101 on a Road Trip Down the Oregon Coast

With small towns, craft breweries, and quiet beaches, the Oregon Coast is tailor-made for road-tripping.

Writer Johannes Lichtman was born in Stockholm and raised in California. He was named a "5 Under 35" recipient by the National Book Foundation in 2019. His work has appeared in Travel + Leisure , Los Angeles Review of Books , Oxford American , and elsewhere.

The Nestucca River was quiet except for a great blue heron that unfurled its massive wings and flapped away disgruntled every time our kayaks approached. On one side of me was Mike, my best friend and travel companion on my trip down the Oregon Coast. On the other side was Ryan Fox, our eminently personable guide, who, bearded and rugged, looked as you would expect an adventurer to look—except for his toenails, which were painted orange. "My wife did it once, like, three years ago as a joke," he said. "But I liked how it looked. I guess it stuck."

As we paddled along in the cool air—despite being early August, it was a pleasant 65 degrees—we watched Fox chase down a renegade beer bottle someone had thrown in the water. We listened as he told us about Bayocean, an early-20th-century "Atlantic City of the West" that fell into the sea after developers failed to account for the erosive effect their work would have on the land.

The breeze picked up; paddling got harder. Fox pointed to a van parked by a modest waterfront house. "That belongs to one of the foremost Bigfoot experts," he said, before qualifying, "in Oregon."

Just as the headwind was starting to wear out my arms, the river bent under a bridge and we came out into a patch of windless, glassy water. Wordlessly, all of us stopped paddling, put our feet up, and drifted back toward the dock where we'd rented the kayaks. The birds broke the quiet with happy calls, and for a few minutes, I forgot that there was anything wrong in the world. When we reached the dock, an annoyed teenager pulled our boats in and informed us that they had already closed for the day. His tone suggested: "I have been standing here for fifteen minutes waiting for you—and then you just stop paddling."

Oregon's 362 miles of publicly accessible coastline offer one of the most scenic drives in America . Weaving through one-light beach towns and mountainous conifer forests, past sky-high dunes and rugged sea cliffs, this stretch of U.S. Highway 101 is the state's less crowded answer to California's famous Pacific Coast Highway . Oregon is also more affordable than its southern neighbor, which has given rise to a vibe that's at once inviting and refreshingly offbeat.

Our first stop on the weeklong trip was the northernmost city on the coast, Astoria. Founded as a fur-trading outpost in 1811 by John Jacob Astor—then the richest man in the country—Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. Nicknamed Little San Francisco for its steep hills, fog, and Victorian houses, this port of just 10,000 people has the feel of a much bigger city.

Weaving through one-light beach towns and mountainous conifer forests, past sky-high dunes and rugged sea cliffs, this stretch of U.S. Highway 101 is the state's less crowded answer to California's famous Pacific Coast Highway

Sitting at the edge of a dock jutting 600 feet into the Columbia River, the Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa was once the site of a fish-packing plant, like many buildings on the waterfront. Astoria was a hub for fishing and canning until the 1970s, and the pier was home to the Union Fishermen's Co-Operative Packing Co., which was organized by a group of the city's fishermen, most of them foreign-born, in 1897. From the guest rooms, you can see what those men a century earlier would have seen: boats humming along the busy Columbia, morning mist floating above the water, and the evergreen coast of Washington in the distance. You can also see one big thing they wouldn't have: the behemoth Astoria-Megler Bridge, completed in 1966, which seems as if it's crossing right overhead.

For dinner, we took a short walk to Bridgewater Bistro , a former cannery reimagined as an airy loft with wooden beams and big windows facing the river. I have long held that at restaurants with water views, you can predict the quality of the meal based on how well the staff manages the blinds. Neglect can leave a blinding glare; draw them too readily, and the view might as well be of a parking lot. At Bridgewater, the hostess managed the blinds like a post-op IV drip, carefully calibrating our view of a ship several stories tall making its way down the river as the sunset turned the water orange.

Sure enough, the food was equally thoughtful, with original takes on local favorites, like zesty avocado toast piled with freshly caught Dungeness crab, spritzed with lemon, and served on house-baked French bread. I gloated that my hypothesis had held up, but Mike was not impressed. He suggested that there were more obvious indicators that our meal would be good—like the menu.

In the morning, we borrowed a pair of the hotel's bikes and rolled down the boardwalk, which runs alongside the trolley tracks into the city center. Like San Francisco's cable car, the Astoria trolley is today used more for touristing than for transportation. Another similarity to San Francisco : a devastating fire in 1922 forced Astorians to rebuild the city. As we explored, we noticed that much of modern Astoria's architecture can be traced to that period, with former banks, department stores, and hotels from the 20s and 30s filling up with microbreweries, restaurants, and cafés to feed the burgeoning tourism industry.

Oregon is arguably the craft-beer capital of the United States: the fertile Willamette Valley grows a sixth of the nation's hops, and the state is home to more than 300 breweries.

The tallest among them is the eight-story, Gothic Revival Astor Building, built in 1924; following a 2015 renovation, it's now home to apartments and shops, including the Naked Lemon bakery . When we pulled up, owner Aleesha Serrita Nedd welcomed us with lemon-curd vanilla cupcakes, decadently loaded with buttercream and packing an explosive, citrusy punch. "I have to warn people they're not like grocery-store cupcakes," Nedd explained with a smile.

We tried (but failed) to pace ourselves as Nedd, a native Astorian, told us about starting the bakery as a pop-up in 2016. Demand grew so quickly that she quit her day job and moved into a storefront, where she serves classics alongside a rotation of originals that play on the Oregonian culinary tradition of weird new combinations. The "gas station French macaron" is perhaps the only gourmet pastry around made from Flamin' Hot Cheetos and cheddar powder filling.

Like New Yorkers with pizza and Texans with barbecue, Oregonians can be snobs when it comes to beer. That's because Oregon is arguably the craft-beer capital of the United States: the fertile Willamette Valley grows a sixth of the nation's hops, and the state is home to more than 300 breweries.

One could build a trip entirely around the superb breweries that populate the coast, but the crown jewel of the regional beer scene, the one that attracts visitors from around the globe, is De Garde Brewing, which, despite its size—the whole operation is only seven people—is frequently ranked among the best in the world.

To visit, we took a windy stretch of Highway 101 an hour and a half south from Astoria. Just after Cannon Beach —which, as the closest seaside town to Portland, is usually the most packed—the day-tripper crowd thinned out, the traffic evaporated, and staggering views of the water popped up at nearly every turn in the cliff-top road. We cut inland to the dairy-farming town of Tillamook, where De Garde's tasting room is housed in a former Napa Auto Parts store. It seemed like a pedestrian site for a pilgrimage—until we sampled the Broken Truck wild ale, which was unlike any beer I've had. Super dry but noticeably hoppy, it tasted like a crisp ale crossed with a white wine.

Head brewer and owner Trevor Rogers explained that he and his wife and co-owner, Linsey Rogers, had backgrounds in wine and decided to bring their knowledge of viticulture to beer. They chose Tillamook because of its climate, which is especially well-suited to spontaneous fermentation, as well as its proximity to the hops and high-end Pinot grapes of the Willamette Valley.

De Garde's beer is made in wine barrels using native yeast, a painstakingly slow process that takes one to five years to produce a tiny batch. To taste it, you have to come to Tillamook. The result is, as Rogers puts it, "a pretty unique representation of place."

"This," Mike said as he wrapped some gauze around his bleeding hand, "is a great hotel." Shortly after we'd checked in to Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa , in the fishing town of Pacific City, Mike had cut himself on his razor while rifling around in his suitcase. We called the front desk for some bandages, and the attendant was at our door seemingly a minute later. She was kind and attentive, and appeared deeply concerned about Mike's hand (far more than I was, having had 20 years of experience watching him injure himself and quickly recover). Her care was indicative of the attention to detail we'd enjoy during our stay.

Our trip led us past too many stunning overlooks and blissfully open state parks to count.

Headlands, a 33-room resort that opened in 2018, sits right on Cape Kiwanda, a state natural area featuring a 240-foot-high sand dune, lots of tide pools, and a public but relatively quiet beach, which after nightfall lights up with campfires. We admired how so many hotel details—locally sourced Douglas fir wood in the lobby, shower curtains that pull back to reveal ocean views, in-room wall racks for bikes and surfboards—served to highlight the landscape.

We took an invigorating ride down the beach on fat-tire bikes we borrowed from the hotel, then met up with the aforementioned Ryan Fox, who leads adventures for Headlands guests. After kayaking, we hiked up the Great Dune at Cape Kiwanda. ("At least that's what people call it," Fox said. "It doesn't really have a name.") The sandy crests had the wind-smoothed texture of, as Mike put it, the planet Tatooine, "where the Jawas sell the droids to Luke Skywalker." (You never know when a working knowledge of the topography of Star Wars planets will come in handy.)

From the peak, we took in a dizzying panorama of cliffs, ocean, and forest. Teenagers hurtled down the dune while their friends took pictures. A flock of pelicans—"the hound dogs of the sea," Fox called them—sat on the water, mirroring a pack of surfers waiting 20 yards away.

After sleeping to the sound of the lapping sea, Mike and I headed out for an early hike at Cape Lookout. A morning drizzle pitter-pattered against the Douglas fir and Sitka spruce overhead, but the canopy was so thick that we barely felt the water. We were told that the loop was sometimes crowded with tourists, but the only sound that morning was our own footsteps, and the lightly falling rain.

Our trip was filled with small towns like Depoe Bay, a whale-watching destination where we spent a night nestled between the woods and a Big Sur–like cove. But the tiniest was the village of Yachats (ya- hots ), a quaint mile-long strip bisected by Highway 101. We spent an afternoon perusing the shops and lunched at Yachats Brewing , where we ate chicken-salad sandwiches and drank Thor's Well IPA, the Yachats take on the unofficial state beverage.

It made sense to follow the beer up with a stop at the actual Thor's Well, a nearby rock formation where waves spout out like a geyser. We visited around high tide, when the water puts on quite a show, yet had no trouble finding a good vantage point—in part because this corner of Oregon has no shortage of natural attractions. Our trip led us past too many stunning overlooks and blissfully open state parks to count, including the Devil's Punchbowl, Devil's Churn, and Devil's Elbow, which suggest that Satan is a surprisingly big part of coastal geography.

As we approached our final stop, the landscape changed again. Miles and miles of sandy ridges lined the horizon; roadside signs offered ATV rentals to explore the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

The economy of Coos Bay, the most populous city on the coast, has long revolved around logging, but visitors are now arriving in increasing numbers for four-wheeling, hiking, and clamming, and to escape to new accommodations such as Bay Point Landing , a modern camping resort with Airstream suites, RV spaces, and tiny-house lodgings. Our cabin was designed in a chic Scandinavian style, with a private firepit from which to watch the sun set over the bay.

Fifteen minutes south of Bay Point lie three of oceanside state parks, crowned by the storybook Shore Acres. Lumber tycoon Louis J. Simpson built Shore Acres in the early 20th century as a private estate, and its botanical gardens are full of flowers and trees that he collected on his travels around the world. As we walked the well-manicured paths, the tranquil Japanese pond was a calming contrast to the untamed forest and cliffs that flanked the grounds.

That night, back at the cabin, we built a fire, popped open a bottle of De Garde, and toasted our luck at getting the chance to spend so much time together. We sat watching the fire crackle in the pit, the water flowing down the bay, and the seagulls gliding in the wind, all by ourselves.

The Best of Coastal Oregon

Where to stay.

Bay Point Landing : A fun, modern camping resort in Coos Bay. Doubles from $224.

Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa : Set on a dock, this Astoria hotel has stunning views of the Columbia River. Doubles from $299.

Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa : This 33-room Pacific City resort is one of Oregon's standouts. Doubles from $500.

Whale Cove Inn : At this boutique property in Depoe Bay, each of the seven rooms has a balcony Jacuzzi overlooking the cove. Doubles from $520.

Where to Eat

Bridgewater Bistro : An airy riverfront restaurant in Astoria that hits the sweet spot between elegant and casual. Entrées $17–$31.

Epilogue Kitchen : En route back to Portland, take the scenic Umpqua Byway to this innovative Appalachian inspired spot in Salem. Entrées $10–$20.

Monkey Business : An unassuming food shack near Coos Bay beloved for its clam chowder. Entrées $7–$18.

Naked Lemon : This tiny downtown bakery is an Astoria favorite for treats such as scones, cupcakes, and macarons.

Restaurant Beck : Whale Cove Inn's acclaimed fine dining venue offers breathtaking views of waves crashing on the rocks. Entrées $28–$32.

Wayfarer : Try the hot crab sandwich, made with locally caught Dungeness, at this woodsy bungalow in Cannon Beach. Entrées $29–$42.

What to See

Visit one (or two!) coastal brewpubs, such as Astoria's Fort George ; De Garde in Tillamook; Pelican Brewing ; or Yachats Brewing .

Then stroll through some of Oregon's most scenic landscapes. From the beaches at Ecola to the gardens at Shore Acres, the parks along U.S. 101 have something for everyone.

A version of this story first appeared in the June 2021 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline Between the Pines and the Pacific.

No videos yet!

Click on "Watch later" to put videos here

Highway 101 Road Trip: Oregon & Washington Coast 4 Day Itinerary & Stops

The Oregon and Washington coastlines are a few of the most beautiful places in the entire United States to explore. Along the more than 500 miles of road sits waterfalls, beaches, history, vistas and food that will keep you coming back again and again for more. This guide is merely here to help you enjoy your time to the fullest with a four-day itinerary and a lot of recommendations for how to make the most of your time. I also wrote about driving the coast of California here if you want to make your journey longer. Enjoy your drive and let me know what I left off in the comments.

• Length: 500+ Miles
• Recommend at least 4 days

Four Day Road Trip Guide

Here is my recommended itinerary for each day on this drive.

• Read about Day 1 from Brookings, OR to Newport, OR here .
• Read about Day 2 from Newport, OR to Astoria, OR here .
• Read about Day 3 from Astoria, OR to Forks, WA here .
• Read about Day 4 from Forks, WA to Seattle, WA here .

24 Best Stops on the Oregon / Washington Coastlines

Here are my 24 favorite stops along the Oregon and Washington coastlines.

Natural Bridges

Located in the Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor, the Natural Bridges are large rocks in the ocean with arches in the base.

Meyers Beach

Meyers Beach is the first part of the coast you will get to that will take your breath away. There are many large rocks in the water here with a North and South Beach.

Wreck of the Mary Hume

This wreck in the northern part of Gold’s Beach is not to be missed. With the green moss growing on it, it is a great spot for photography.

Prehistoric Gardens

I love fun roadside attractions and this is one of the best along this drive. The Prehistoric Gardens are like walking through the Jurrasic Period where dinosaurs walked the Earth.

Cape Blanco State Park

Whether you come for the coastal views of the lighthouse, Cape Blanco State Park is a little off the highway but it is not to be missed.

Oregon Dunes Overlook

The Oregon dunes are one of the largest in the USA. There are many places to check them out at, but I recommend the Oregon Dunes Overlook at the end. There are trails and viewpoints within walking distance of the parking lot.

Sea Lion Caves

Another popular roadside attraction, the Sea Lion Caves are one of the largest coastal caves in the USA. Accessed via an elevator you can take it down into the cave itself.

Thor’s Well

One of my favorite stops on the entire drive, Thor’s Well is a majestic blowhole right on the beach that sends gigantic plumes of water into the air. Don’t get too close but be sure to check it out.

Yaquina Head Light

The second lighthouse on this drive, Yaquina Head also has amazing coastal views and history. Be sure to head down to the beach and check out the tide pools as well.

Devil’s Punchbowl State Park

Devil’s Punchbowl State Park is basically a large sea cave. You can park and view it from above or you can walk down to the beach and see it from below as well. I recommend both.

Tillamook Cheese Factory

No trip up the Oregon coast is complete without visiting the Tillamook Cheese Factory. This spot has tons of free cheese tastings, a museum, and a full restaurant.

Hug Point State Park

Just south of Cannon Beach, Hug Point State Park is a less-trafficked and beautiful beach with a hidden sea cave and waterfall.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is the Oregon coast’s most popular attraction. A visit to the famous Haystack Rock is a must on your road trip.

Fort Clatsop

This national park is located to be near the endpoint of the Lewis and Clark trail and it features a full replica of Fort Clatsop, the fort they built at the end of their journey.

The Wreck of the Peter Iredale

At over a century old, The Wreck of the Peter Iredale is located inside a state park on the tip of Oregon. The remains are situated on the beach and you can walk out and explore them during low tide.

Astoria Film Museum – Goonies

In Astoria, explore Goonies history at the Astoria Film Museum. This museum is located in the Astoria Jail and even though it is small, it has a lot of charm.

Astoria Tower

At the top of the hill in the middle of Astoria, there is a large tower that you can pay to climb. From the top of the tower, you have an amazing view of the coastline and the city below you.

Kurt Cobain Park

Crossing over into Washington and driving for a while will take you to Aberdeen which was the home of Kurt Cobain. There is not much here to see related to him but this small park.

• Lake Quinault Lodge

Lake Quinault is a beautiful body of water right off the highway. Lake Quinault Lodge is a famous and historic hotel that sits right on the water. Even if you are not staying here you should still go check it out.

In the heart of Olympic National Park, Ruby Beach is one of my favorite stops. The beach is littered with driftwood and it is majestic to see as the fog rolls in.

Rialto Beach

Rialto Beach on the outskirts of Forks, WA is an amazing spot to catch a sunrise or sunset. It is never very crowded so you can enjoy a quiet morning at a beautiful place.

John’s Beachcombing Museum

John’s Beachcombing Museum is a labor of love from one man who has spent the last 35 years collecting the things that wash up on the beach. You will be amazed by what you see here.

Marymere Falls

On a little bit off the highway, this short .25 mile trail takes you to a beautiful 40-foot waterfall.

Olympic Game Farm

Olympic Game Farm is a drive-through animal preserve which rehabilitates and provides a retirement home for old circus animals. It is home to the popular waving bears.

Here is a video I made of the 4 days I spent driving up the coast.

Hotel Recommendations

There are lots of great places to stay on the road trip, but here are a few of my recommendations.

• Best Western Plus Beachfront Inn
• Pacific Reef Hotel
• The Old Tower House Bed & Breakfast 
• Riverhouse Inn
• Elizabeth Street Inn
• The Ashley Inn of Tillamook
• Inn at Haystack Rock
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Astoria 

Lake Quinault

• Miller Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast
• Too many great spots to recommend in Seattle, pick your favorite from this list

What would you recommend? Be sure to leave it in the comments.

You may also like

16 Things to do in Salem

22 Things to do in Portland, Oregon

3 Days in Oregon’s Tualatin Valley: Where to Eat, Drink and Explore

DISCOVER CALIFORNIA

© 2024 California.com All Rights Reserved

RECOMMENDED BUSINESSES

Highway 101 Attractions to Visit for Your Best Road Trip Yet

Leading from L.A. through NorCal, the 101 is an important route. These are the best Highway 101 attractions to visit along the way.

March 06, 2021

The winding Oceanside coastline connects to the charming towns of San Diego through the U.S. Highway 101 —a panoramic drive for the ages. As salty air dances along the open road, you’ll find yourself enchanted by the glory that is the Golden State.

From roaring shorelines to mountainous wilderness, the sweeping curves of Highway 101 hug a handful of attractions along the way. Next time you’re on the road, make your journey as marvelous as your destination by checking out the best Highway 101 attractions .

The Top Places to Stop Off Highway 101

Santa Monica Pier

Packed with an abundance of restaurants and bewitching seaside views, the iconic Santa Monica Pier remains a Highway 101 road trip necessity. Take a slight detour from the 101 and make your way through the Ocean Avenue neighborhood to find the charming pier in all its inviting glory. 

Built in 1909, the Santa Monica Pier was a pioneer along the West Coast. Locals quickly caught on to its sailing and fishing potential —the latter is a popular US 101 activity to this day.

Now, you can find the pier overflowing with family-friendly activities. Marvel at the street performers and explore the historic Looff Hippodrome while munching on delicious cotton candy. By the time evening rolls around, the South Bay and Malibu inherit a magnetic glow, perfected by the sound of waves crashing in the distance.

Does your business rank among the best in California?

Recomended businesses

Show me california.com recommended businesses near.

Learn more about our selection criteria and vetting process.

Madonna Inn

Located in the charming city of San Luis Obispo , this quirky Highway 101 attraction invites you to uncover your inner eccentricity. Take your pick among 110 distinct rooms—all adorned in picture-perfect whimsy. A room called “Caveman” features solid rock walls and animal prints; “Just Heaven” is ethereal with golden cherubs and a spiral stairway; and the “Fox and Hound” suite transports you to an English summerhouse. 

Besides an unforgettable stay, the Madonna Inn offers trails both guided and unguided—perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Dine at the inn’s quality restaurants, then unwind at the on-site spa before heading out to continue your Highway 101 road trip .

Cerro Alto Trail

The 2,624-foot Cerro Alto Peak is the perfect place to break up your road trip along the Pacific Coast . Hop on the 41 in Atascadero for a short 15-minute drive and indulge yourself in mesmerizing scenery while making your way through a willow-tree wonderland. 

Located on the northern tip of Los Padres National Forest—one of the highest points in San Luis Obispo County—this five-mile loop trail is rated moderate. Despite the route you take, the first half a mile or so will prove uncomplicated, with a flat trail bordering the rugged coastline. As the hike turns steeper, you’ll have to put in more effort. Luckily, gorgeous volcanic peaks stretching between Morro Bay and Edna Valley serve as your lofty reward.

If your 101 road trip cannot be complete without your four-legged friend, don’t worry—the three-hour Cerro Alto Trail allows dogs to tag along if they’re on-leash.

Monarch Butterfly Grove

Located just off the 101 and the PCH in Pismo Beach, the Monarch Butterfly Grove is a can't-miss thing to do on the Central Coast and one of Highway 101 ’s most enchanting stops . Picture 100,000 butterflies marked with orange and black stripes circling the lush eucalyptus trees in a shingle effect. Visitors from all over are greeted by friendly and knowledgeable staff who offer tours and daily talks.

Every winter, these butterflies migrate from the frigid north and cluster in Pismo Beach to enjoy warmer weather—a much-needed shelter for their survival. Due to the seasonal migration, the Monarch Butterfly Grove operates from late October to February.

Palace of Fine Arts

1915 marked a rebirth for San Francisco with the installation of the Palace of Fine Arts, which remains one of the best highway 101 stops today . Surrounded by an idyllic lagoon, this extravagant palace celebrates architecture through its Roman columns and pale-pink hues. Unsurprisingly, this Beaux-Arts marvel has been featured in a number of films, including Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo .

Upon arrival, Australian eucalyptus trees mark your way through lagoons full of swans, turtles, and geese. Meander through the inviting greenery to find spectacular sculptures at the top of the colonnades. The man-made lagoon is gorgeously reflected both at sunset and sunrise, so don’t miss your chance to snap a shot. When you’ve finished taking in this stunning destination, climb back in the car, jump on the 101 and prepare to sail across the iconic Golden Gate bridge. 

Trees of Mystery

Mythical air sways through the fallen trees as woodland creatures swarm the area in large numbers. From hiking trails to canopy rides, the Trees of Mystery are home to all sorts of outdoorsy activities. Prepare to be amazed by the 60-foot logger and his 30-foot ox surrounded by towering redwoods. 

When the initial intimidation fades, you’ll find that the grounds ahead hold many more mysteries worth exploring. Pay a visit to the Native American Art Museum, make homemade fudge, and purchase some trinkets at the gift shop before you leave.

Need help with a home improvement project? Get a free quote today!

Enter your zip code.

Inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.

Awesome thank you for subscribing to our newsletter..

When you provide your email address, you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy , and you are giving your consent to receive email communications from California.com regarding updates, happenings, special offers, and promotions from our partners.

RELATED Articles

RELATED CITIES

Discover More

5 Tips for an Eco-Friendly California Road Trip

Wherever you plan on going next in California, there’s still time to make your road trip more eco-friendly. Here are our best tips.

California's 7 Most Instagrammable Spring Photoshoot Locations

Explore California's top 7 spring photoshoot spots for Instagram-worthy snaps, from poppy fields to coastal cliffs.

The 7 Most Iconic California Sports Moments

Relive unforgettable California sports moments and memories that have left a lasting impression on fans and inspired future generations.

Best First Date Ideas in Los Angeles

Impress your date and allow the City of Angels to be the perfect backdrop for your romance with these first-date ideas.

• North America
• 10 Best Stops Along Californias...

10 Stops To Make While Driving on California's Highway 101

Driving on the open road is an American tradition. For those looking to travel through California on the US-101, here are 10 stops that can make your all-American road trip an unforgettable experience.

The coastal US Highway 101 (or “the 101”) runs the length of the entire West Coast, spanning 1,540 miles of open road from the southernmost part in East Los Angeles to the northernmost part in Tumwater, Washington. The highway cuts through most of the state of California and at times merges with the Pacific Coast Highway . Although the highway isn’t the best option if you’re crunched for time (Interstate 5 runs parallel through farmland further inland, which can shave off a few hours of driving depending on your route), Highway 101 is a beautiful way to see beaches, coastal towns and unique attractions, ten of which are featured on this list.

1. Tour the opulent Hearst Castle

2. Take a dip at the Arroyo Burro Beach

Whether you’d like to stop off to catch some waves on a surfboard or want to take a picnic break, Santa Barbara ’s Arroyo Burro Beach is a great place for the entire family (dogs included). The beach, called Hendry’s Beach by locals, also features beachfront restaurants and a more relaxing alternative to the roadside diner. Enjoy a morning whale watch or sunset cocktail year-round at this local California haven.

4. Stroll Through the Palace of Fine Arts

5. Experience the ornate Madonna Inn

6. Immerse yourself in the natural wonder of Monarch Butterfly Grove

Botanical Garden, Natural Feature

It is not uncommon to spot the beautiful Monarch butterfly (orange with black stripes) in California. But at the Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo Beach, visitors have a chance to see thousands. Collecting to cluster on Pismo Beach’s eucalyptus trees, the butterflies draw visitors to the park to celebrate their natural wonder. Because these butterflies cluster seasonally, the park is only open from late October until February. Historic counts show that more than 100,000 butterflies at a time have made their way to the grove.

7. Drink your way through the Eberle Winery

Known for its award-winning wine and olive groves, the Central Coast city of Paso Robles features more than a dozen wineries. Over the 40,000 vineyard acres in the city, Eberle Winery is one of the vineyard estates that features educational tours, tastings, and events. The 38-acre estate also features sweeping views of the Santa Lucia Mountains – a perfect background to enjoy a glass of Central California red. The winery produces a diverse selection of varietals including Sauvignon and Zinfandel.

8. Learn California's history at San Miguel Mission

California officially became a state in 1850, but the history of the land spans centuries prior. A historic preservation project that hopes to promote ancestral education, the San Miguel Mission has become a popular place for tourists to visit. The foundation for the San Miguel Mission was laid over two centuries ago, built by the Spanish in order to convert Salinan Native Americans. Since then, the Mission has withstood earthquakes and a fire that burned a church. A visit to the adobe Mission, which features a church and a museum, is a great way to learn about California’s varied past.

9. Hike through the Cerro Alto Trail

Hiking Trail

There’s nothing better to break up a long road trip than an outdoor hike and time spent in nature. The Cerro Alto Trail, located on the Northern tip of the Los Padres National Forest, is a five-mile loop trail that is considered moderately difficult by hikers. The trail takes about three hours total and features a summit with broad views of greenery, taking you through a variety of plant life, including oak, sycamore and willow trees. Keep your eyes peeled for views of the ocean in the distance.

10. Pet some giant birds at Ostrichland USA

Amusement Park

Road trips are synonymous for fast food stops and license plate games. Yet, a road trip down the 101 can be defined by stopping to pet nine-foot-tall ostriches. Definitely not the most conventional roadside stop that drivers can make, Ostrichland USA is a farm in Buellton that welcomes visitors to see ostriches up close. An ideal stop for families, Ostrichland USA gives people of all ages the chance to feed one of the most rarely seen birds in the world. No stop to Ostrichland is complete with purchasing an ostrich egg or ostrich feather duster, just a few of the items available at the farm’s gift shop.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Places to Stay

The best vacation villas to rent in california.

The Best Beach Hotels to Book in California, USA

Guides & Tips

The solo traveler’s guide to lake tahoe.

The Best Hotels to Book in Santa Ana, California

The Best Accessible and Wheelchair-Friendly Hotels to Book in California

The Best Hotels With Suites to Book in San Francisco

A Solo Traveler's Guide to California

Not-to-miss activities in San Luis Obispo County

The Best Family-Friendly Hotels to Book in San Diego, California

The Best Hotels to Book in Calistoga, California

See & Do

Off-the-grid travel destinations for your new year digital detox .

The Best Hotels in Santa Maria, California

Culture trip spring sale, save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 1000483411
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

Take In The Beautiful Pacific Northwest Coastline On This Road Trip Route

When it comes to scenic road trip routes, the U.S. is overflowing with possibilities, and one of the most beautiful routes you'll encounter is the one along U.S. Highway 101. Also known as U.S. Route 101 or just U.S. 101, this highway stretches from the city of Tumwater, Washington, all the way down to Los Angeles, California. It crosses San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and covers over 1,500 miles across three states. That includes Oregon and its entire coastline, which is all owned by the state. This means the beaches are open to the public, and you can take in some incredible views of the Pacific Ocean along the way.

Tumwater neighbors Olympia, the capital of Washington state, and it's only about an hour's drive south of Seattle. If you want to keep from putting too much mileage on your car, flying into Seattle and picking up a rental car there might be a good place to start. You can visit the Space Needle, plus the benefit of driving north to south is that it will put you in the outer lane. Since 101 is mostly a two-lane highway, you'll have a better view on that side, without as many cars crossing between you and the Pacific Coast.

When you get down to California, Highway 101 becomes the famous Pacific Coast Highway. While they may be slightly less well-known, however, the parts of 101 that wind through the Pacific Northwest still offer an abundance of sights worth checking out.

From Washington to Oregon

Highway 101 begins by looping around the Olympic National Forest on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. This is where Cape Flava, the westernmost point in the contiguous U.S., is located. It's also part of Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the country's longest stretch of wilderness coastline this side of Alaska. The park also contains several landmarks in the National Register of Historic Places, including the Enchanted Valley Chalet. The visitor center is in Port Angeles, which the highway passes through en route to Lake Crescent.

If you have time, you can detour south 17 miles from Port Angeles to catch a sweeping view of mountain glaciers at Hurricane Ridge. Back on the highway, "Twilight" fans will likely want to stop in the rainy little lumber town of Forks. Here, you can follow the "Twilight" map to see locations, costumes, and props featured in the popular vampire movie series. Other places of interest along 101 in Washington include the mossy Quinault Rain Forest and Aberdeen, the birthplace of grunge music, where you can tour sites associated with Nirvana's late frontman Kurt Cobain.

Chinook Point is the notable campsite where early American explorers on the Lewis and Clark expedition first saw the Pacific Ocean in 1805. Not far from there is the Astoria-Megler Bridge, the longest continuous truss bridge in North America. It will carry you across the river to Oregon and the town of Astoria, another Pacific Northwest location made famous by Hollywood.

From Oregon to Northern California

Astoria served as the setting for "The Goonies," and it was later a shooting location for films like "Kindergarten Cop" and "Free Willy," which The Oregon Film Museum spotlights. First founded as a fort in 1811, Astoria is also historically significant as Oregon's oldest city, as well as the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. And just outside the city is Lewis and Clark National Historical Park.

From Astoria, you can continue along Highway 101 to Cannon Beach, which is arguably  the best budget-friendly beach in the Pacific Northwest . Another possible detour, just 90 minutes or so from there, is Portland, Oregon, where you can get drinks at a theater pub or visit Powell's City of Books. With about a million books on its shelves, Powell's takes up a whole city block and markets itself as the world's largest new and used bookstore.

Once you rejoin the highway, you'll be able to enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean as it runs south from Newport along the Siuslaw National Forest. In Florence, the drive begins to incorporate oceanfront sand dunes, where the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area provides one of the world's biggest temperate expanses. The stretch of coastal highway between Port Orford and Brookings is known for its sea cliffs. And, as you cross over into California, you can see the Battery Point Lighthouse in Crescent City, driving down through Redwood National Park and other parts of the Golden State.

Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

Cannon Beach and Ecola State Park

Home / Pacific Coast / Oregon / Cannon Beach and Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park

Just north of Cannon Beach, a mile south of the junction between US-101 and US-26 from Portland, the rainforested access road through Ecola State Park (503/436-2844, day use only, $5 per car) leads to one of the most photographed views on the coast: Looking south you can see Haystack Rock and Cannon Beach with Neahkahnie Mountain looming above them. Out to sea, the sight of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse to the northwest is also striking. Operational from 1881 to 1957, the lighthouse is now used as a repository for the ashes of people who’ve been cremated.

The rest of Ecola State Park protects a series of rugged headlands stretching for nine miles along the coast, with many forested hiking trails, including some of the most scenic portions of the Oregon Coast Trail system. The park also marks the southernmost extent of Lewis and Clark’s cross-country expedition. Clark and a few other members of the Corps of Discovery expedition traversed the area in search of supplements to their diet of hardtack and dried salmon. The word ecola means “whale” in the Chinookan tongue and was affixed to this region by the Lewis and Clark expedition, who found one of these leviathans washed up on a beach. They happily bought 300 pounds of tangy whale blubber from local Native Americans, but these days you’d better bring your own lunch to picnic atop bluffs with sweeping views of the rock-strewn Pacific.

At the heart of the park, Tillamook Head rises 1,200 feet above the sea, offering a view that explorer William Clark as “the grandest and most pleasing prospect” he had ever beheld.

Cannon Beach Travel Map

Cannon Beach

Unlike many Oregon coast towns, Cannon Beach (pop. 1,728) is hidden from the highway, but it’s one place you won’t want to miss. Though it’s little more than a stone’s throw south of boisterous Seaside, Cannon Beach has long been known as an artists’ colony, and while it has grown considerably in recent years thanks to its popularity as a weekend escape from Portland, it retains a peaceful, rustic atmosphere.

Every summer, Cannon Beach hosts one of the largest and most enjoyable sand castle competitions on the West Coast, with some 10,000 spectators and as many as 1,000 participants turning out with their buckets and spades. In terms of traditional tourist attractions, there’s not a lot to do, but Cannon Beach is an unbeatable place in which to stop and unwind, or to take long walks along the nine-mile strand and then retreat indoors to the many good galleries, cafés, and restaurants.

For breakfast or brunch, fill up on eggs Benedict at The Lazy Susan Café (126 N. Hemlock St., 503/436-2816, Wed.-Mon.); it also serves a stupendous array of ice cream at its “scoop shop” up the street. Another great casual gourmet place to eat is Ecola Seafoods (208 N. Spruce St., 503/436-9130), a market and restaurant selling and serving locally caught fish and shellfish—including tempura-battered chinook salmon, grilled halibut, smoked mussels, and an excellent $5 chowder.

Reasonably priced rooms near the beach and town can be found at the oceanfront Sea Sprite at Haystack Rock (280 S. Nebesna St., 503/436-2266, $159 and up).

South of Cannon Beach, the beach loop runs along a spectacular grouping of volcanic basalt plugs, notably 235-foot-high Haystack Rock. Elsewhere along the Oregon coast, there are at least two more geological outcrops called Haystack Rock, a bigger one off Cape Kiwanda and another down near Bandon.

Neahkahnie Mountain and Oswald West State Park

Leaving Cannon Beach southbound, US-101 rises high above the Pacific. Nowhere else along the Oregon coast does the roadbed offer such a sweeping ocean view. Soaring another thousand feet above the highway is Neahkahnie Mountain, which offers unsurpassed views up and down the coast.

About 10 miles south of Cannon Beach at Oswald West State Park (503/368-3575), a half-mile trail winds beneath the highway through an ancient forest to driftwood-laden (and surfer-friendly) Short Sands Beach and the tide pools of Smuggler Cove. Named for an early governor of Oregon who successfully proposed preserving and protecting the beaches of Oregon as state (rather than private) property, Oswald West State Park is a good start for longer hikes, to weather-beaten Cape Falcon or across US-101 to the summit of Neahkahnie Mountain.

South of Neahkahnie Mountain, and thus spared much of the stormy coastal weather (annual rainfall hereabouts averages more than 80 inches), is the upscale resort town of Manzanita. Nearby Nehalem Bay State Park (503/368-5154) has a large campground with hundreds of sites and plenty of hot showers. US-101 continues through a series of small towns before winding inland past the sloughs and dairy country along Tillamook Bay.

Related Travel Guides

• Barnes & Noble
• Books-A-Million
• Indigo (Canada)
• Powell's Books
• Apple Books

Home » Washington Highway 101 Road Trip

Washington Highway 101 Road Trip

Begin your journey with an appetite, heading north from Olympia toward Shelton. Taylor Shellfish Farms in Shelton is a prime place to pull over for a snack of oysters, clams, mussels or geoduck (pronounced “gooey duck”), a regional specialty.

Heartier eaters may want to detour east on SR 106 to Union, where the Restaurant at Alderbrook offers locally harvested seafood; menu items include Bluenose bass in bacon-blood orange sauce and creamy Dungeness crab mac and cheese under a blanket of butter-roasted bread crumbs and stunning views of Hood Canal’s calm waters.

Head back to SR 101 and drive north, passing through charming small towns until you reach the foot of Discovery Bay. Here, you’ll take a right on SR 20 to head to Port Townsend. The city’s roots as a Victorian seaport still shine through today, with beautiful old houses and preserved period architecture.

Wander the appropriately named main thoroughfare Water Street, with sound views and plenty of small shops, galleries, and eateries to duck into. Don’t miss Elevated Ice Cream, an old-school ice cream parlor founded in 1977, where all of the good stuff is made on-site and sold by the ounce. Nearby Fort Worden State Park is filled with bunkers to explore and military history.

Head back to SR 101 and veer west, where you’ll come to lavender-laden Sequim (pronounced “skwim”) and a respite from wet weather. The town sits in a rain shadow and typically boasts a sunny, dry climate. Adventure seekers can take a one-hour drive through the Olympic Game Farm to see and feed (wheat bread only) llamas, yaks, bears and more. Chances are a bison will slobber on your car window, hungry for another slice.

Next, continue about 30 minutes west to Port Angeles, nestled between the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. This is a great stopping point for the day. Unwind with a glass of vino at Olympic Cellars Winery , a woman-run operation set in a whimsically restored 1890s barn, before sitting down for dinner at Bella Italia, Sabai Thai or any of the wide number of dining options.

If you have an extra day, use Port Angeles as a jumping-off point for explorations of Olympic National Park—a World Heritage site—and spectacular Hurricane Ridge before heading back onto the highway.

From Port Angeles, the road soon passes by brilliantly blue Lake Crescent on the way to Forks, known for its connection to the popular Twilight franchise. The sleepy timber town offers visitors the chance to join themed tours and enjoy other series-related paraphernalia.

The city, however, is rooted in lumber, which you’ll see at the Forks Timber Museum . For more trees—fully intact ones—take a detour off 101 along Upper Hoh Road to one of four temperate rain forests on the peninsula: Hoh Rain Forest , a lush, canopied wonderland of mosses, ferns and trees. From the visitor center, the Hall of Mosses Trail and Spruce Nature Trail are each about a mile and ideal for a relaxed stroll.

Continue south on Highway 101 to reach Hoquiam, where, if you time your trip around Loggers Playday , you can enjoy a pancake feed, fair, grand parade and logging show complete with ax throwing and tree climbing.

Detour west along SR 109 about 21 miles to Ocean Shores for miles of sand, family-friendly accommodations, and beachy activities. Putt your way to victory on one of two well-maintained mini golf courses at Pacific Paradise, knock down some pins at Shores Bowl and fill up on sweet treats at Murphy’s Candy and Ice Cream.

For outdoor pursuits, horseback riding along the beach is particularly popular, as are kite flying, moped driving, and cycling. For shopping, souvenir-selling Sharky’s is a must, if only to get your picture taken walking into the massive shark jaws around the entrance. Just don’t forget a sweatshirt or jacket—even when the sun is shining, the ocean winds can make it chilly on the beach.

Back on SR 101, roll into Aberdeen, the hometown of late grunge icon Kurt Cobain, where a welcome sign encourages you to “Come As You Are,” and a statue of the Nirvana frontman’s Fender Jag-Stang electric guitar sits near Young Street Bridge. For sightseeing, take a self-guided walking tour past homes of timber barons from a bygone era (maps are available at the Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce) , or step aboard Lady Washington, a replica of the first ship to come to the area back in the 1700s. She’s another star in these parts, having been featured in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.

After resting your head at one of Aberdeen’s cute B&Bs, head south to Raymond, which welcomes visitors with steel statues scattered along both sides of the road. Stop into the Northwest Carriage Museum to explore the extensive collection of horse-drawn vehicles.

Continue your way along Willapa Bay to arrive at Long Beach Peninsula. In the summer, the small towns here buzz with beachgoers and boaters, while winter is perfect for storm-watching. In the fall, see the cranberry bogs being harvested and hit the beach for clam digging. Or partake in the bounty of fresh foods: Breakfast at the 42nd Street Cafe & Bistro in Seaview, brunch at Jimella and Nanci’s Market Cafe in Ocean Park, lunch at the Shelburne Inn Pub in Seaview, dinner at The Depot Restaurant in Seaview and a nightcap at Pickled Fish in Long Beach are all quality bets.

If you’ve promised souvenirs to friends back home, Marsh’s Free Museum in Long Beach provides seashells, logoed beach wear and saltwater taffy (in 45 delicious flavors)—not to mention a two-headed calf and Jake the Alligator Man (he has the upper body of a human and a reptilian lower half).

Guide to Whale Watching in Washington

From the Olympic Coast to the Salish Sea, here are some of the best places to spot whales.

Washington Food Trails: Self-Guided Tours for a Culinary Adventure

Discover the state’s fresh seafood and farm-to-table restaurants along one of Washington's food trails.

Sip Local at These Craft Distilleries

Visit stylish tasting rooms and sample top-notch spirits at these craft distilleries.

Sponsored Content

Hit Multiple National Parks With These 7 Road Trip Itineraries

Love national parks? Consider taking one of these national park road trip routes, featuring multiple national parks and dramatic natural scenery.

• There are many US national park road trips that have multiple national parks on one trip, featuring routes all across the country.
• The Great Northern Road Trip visits 4 national parks on a single road trip, covering around 2,000 miles and taking about two to three weeks to complete.
• Highway 89 covers seven national parks on a single road trip itinerary, from Glacier National Park in Montana to Saguaro National Park in Arizona.

National parks protect some of the most objectively gorgeous scenery in the United States. Beaches, forests, endangered wildlife, historic buildings, and more are preserved in these unique locations.

With so much natural and historical beauty to enjoy, it's no wonder national parks are bucket list items for many people. Visiting all of them can prove tricky, however, particularly given the remote location of so many national park sites.

Thankfully, there are a number of bucket-list-worthy national park road trip routes throughout the US. A national park road trip is a great way to visit multiple national park sites in one go, all while enjoying scenic drives and unusual side attractions.

These national park road trip itineraries all have at least four national park sites on their route, ideal for those passionate about visiting these federally protected lands.

One of the best ways to save money ahead of a national park road trip is to invest in an America the Beautiful Pass . These passes cost $80 and cover all national park site entrance fees for the pass holder's vehicle or group for an entire year. Considering most national parks average $20-$35 per vehicle, an America the Beautiful Pass can pay for itself in a single road trip.

10 US National Park Road Trips With Scenic Stops

7 the great northern road trip, national parks visited: 4.

There are epic road trips, and then there is the international Great Northern Road Trip. Following Highway 2 across the northern border of the US, the 2,000-mile Great Northern road trip route has numerous scenic stops and happens to start and end with some of the most popular national parks in the US - Olympic National Park in Washington and Acadia National Park in Maine.

In addition to bookending the trip with national parks, additional stops at Glacier National Park in Montana make this a great road trip itinerary for those hoping to visit multiple national parks in one go.

This national park road trip does enter Canada for those sticking strictly to Highway 2. Those without a passport can stay in the States by looping below the Great Lakes and meeting up with Highway 2 on the other side.

• National Park Road Trip Route: Olympic National Park, Washington → Glacier National Park, Montana → Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota → Duluth, Minnesota → Mackinac Island, Michigan (ferry required) → Ottowa, Canada OR Chicago, Illinois (shown below) → Burlington, Vermont → Acadia National Park, Maine
• Recommended Time: 2-3 weeks

While Glacier National Park does not have a reservation system for the entire park, Going-to-the-Sun road, the most popular scenic drive in the park, does require separate timed entry reservations. Similarly, Cadillac Summit Road in Acadia National Park is using a timed entry system during its peak season this year. Read up on all the details about national park reservation systems for 2024 , including reservations within national parks and how to make them.

6 New Mexico & Texas Road Trip

Despite the massive size of the US and the national park system, a surprising number of national parks are surprisingly close to one another, which makes it easy to plot a national park road trip that visits multiple national park sites in one vacation. Such is the case in New Mexico and Texas, whose combined four national parks are less than 500 miles apart.

White Sands National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and Big Bend National Park explore a huge variety of America's landscapes. From underground tunnels to some of the best hikes in Texas (according to AllTrails) , these neighboring national parks have countless opportunities to explore the great outdoors.

• National Park Road Trip Route: Albuquerque, New Mexico → White Sands National Park, New Mexico → Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas → Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico → Big Bend National Park, Texas
• Recommended Time: 4–6 days

These southwestern national parks are prone to extreme temperatures, with Big Bend National Park reaching over 90 degrees as early as April. Pack plenty of water in the car, and be aware of signs of overheating (both for the passengers and for the vehicles themselves).

5 Highway 1 & 101 Road Trip

National parks visited: 5.

Highway 1, better known as the Pacific Coast Highway, has always been a classic road trip route. By connecting California's Highway 1 to Highway 101, which runs along the coast of Oregon and Washington, travelers can also turn this coastal escape into a multi-national park road trip.

Starting in Los Angeles, travelers can almost immediately ditch the car and take a ferry to Channel Islands National Park, which sits off the coast of Southern California. Moving north, multiple national shorelines provide access points to explore California's beaches. In San Francisco, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Muir Woods National Monument are the perfect way to enjoy the variety of coastal landscapes.

Further north, Redwoods National and State Parks in California and Olympic National Park in Washington continue the trend of forest-framed beaches, and turn this drive into one of the best national park road trips in the country.

• National Park Road Trip Route: Los Angeles, California → Channel Islands National Park, California (ferry required) → Pfieffer Big Sur State Park, California (if accessible) → Muir Woods National Monument, California → Point Reyes National Shoreline, California → Redwoods National and State Parks, California → Astoria, Oregon → Olympic National Park, Washington → Seattle, Washington

Several stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway are closed indefinitely due to severe road damage, particularly around Big Sur. Check for postings on Big Sur's website about the progress of road reconstruction , and be flexible about moving inland to avoid these inaccessible areas.

7 Quick State & National Park Road Trips From Seattle

4 the mighty five.

Utah's five national parks were made for a national park road trip. All five major parks are located in the southern half of the state. Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park are less than two hours apart, and Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are just 30 minutes from each other.

This proximity means there is plenty of time to enjoy the parks themselves, which is much needed considering how many one-of-a-kind formations are in each park. From the scenic drives past a hoodoo-filled amphitheater in Bryce Canyon National Park to the iconic Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, the Mighty Five Utah road trip is one of the best national park road trips in the US.

• National Park Road Trip Route: Salt Lake City → Arches National Park → Canyonlands National Park → Capitol Reef National Park → Bryce Canyon National Park → Zion National Park → Las Vegas, Nevada or back to Salt Lake City
• Recommended Time: 5-8 days

Five national parks in one road trip not enough? Turn a Mighty 5 road trip into a Grand Circle road trip by adding these national parks (in this order) to the end of the above road trip itinerary: Grand Junction, Colorado, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, and Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona.

7 Amazing One-Day Road Trips In Utah

3 great plains national park road trip.

Yellowstone National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the US and ranks as one of the most-visited national park sites each year as well. It's so popular, in fact, that travelers may not realize how many other amazing national parks are right around the corner.

Driving around the Great Plains region of Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota, road trippers can experience some of the most underrated and lesser-known national parks in the US , including Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the only national park named after a person.

The sparsely populated roads along this national park road trip route are perfect for enjoying the wide open spaces or this unique region of the US, all while visiting multiple national parks on a single road trip.

• National Park Road Trip Route: Jackson Hole, Wyoming → Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming → Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming → Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota → Badlands National Park, South Dakota → Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
• Recommended Time: 6–8 days

2 America's Mother Road - Route 66

Route 66 is the original US road trip. There are plenty of can't-miss stops along Route 66 , which passes through eight states - Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Route 66 is also a great road trip for those looking to visit multiple national parks, and pass through or near a number of iconic locations.

Some national park sites, like Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona and Mojave National Preserve, are right along the historic route. Others, like Grand Canyon National Park, require a short (but utterly worthwhile) detour. At nearly 2,500 miles from end to end, a 50-mile detour to the largest canyon in the US is a must-add to this national park road trip.

• National Park Road Trip Route: Chicago, Illinois → Springfield, Illinois → Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis, Missouri → Oklahoma City, Oklahoma → Amarillo, Texas → Albuquerque, New Mexico → Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona → Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona → Mojave National Preserve, California → Angeles National Forest/San Bernardino National Forest → Los Angeles, California
• Recommended Time: ~2 weeks

Don't have time for the full Route 66 road trip? If national park visits are the priority, consider focusing on the stretch of Route 66 that runs from Arizona to California, where national parks and national park sites are more concentrated along the route.

1 Highway 89

National parks visited: 7.

Highway 89 is often considered America's most scenic road trip , largely because of the number of national parks it passes along the route. Seven national parks sit on or near the classic route, and a total of 14 national parks or heritage sites can be found along this epic drive.

While all of the national parks are beautiful in their own way, the Highway 89 National Park road trip is one of the best routes to see America's most popular national parks, including Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Zion National Park. Running through a huge range of landscapes, Route 89 is a classic scenic driving experience.

• National Park Road Trip Route: Glacier National Park, Montana → Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming → Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming → Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah → Zion National Park, Utah → Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona → Saguaro National Park, Arizona

National parks aren't the only attractions along Highway 89. Small stops, like the eerie ghost town of Thistle, Utah that only pictures can truly describe , are common along this historic highway.

9 of the best road trips in the USA

US road trips remain ever-present on travel bucket lists the world over.

A true pillar of American folklore, their routes are steeped in history and paint a picture of the USA through the ages, from the Gold Rush to the Cold War.

In the modern day, these routes remain on the travel lists of Americans and tourists alike, all longing to head out on the open road to discover vibrant cities, desert plains, attractive coastlines and enormous mountain ranges.

In a nation that stretches over 3,000 miles from east to west, there are hundreds of routes to take you across the country, whether you want to follow the coast north from California or take a more remote route in Alaska.

Lesser known odysseys such as Route 101 or the Lincoln Highway quickly capture the imagination, while famed highways such as Route 66 dominate the dreams of would-be road trippers. To help you decide which route suits you, we’ve rounded up a list of the best trips across the country.

Chicago to Santa Monica

The USA’s most famous route has been immortalised via a combination of pop culture and nostalgia, despite no longer officially being classified as highway. Today, it remains the holy grail of US road trips.

Stretching for around 2,500 miles from Chicago to the beachfront of Santa Monica (just next to Los Angeles), it provides a taste of times gone by in the US, from kitsch gas stations to the Wild West-like emptiness of the Arizona and New Mexico desert.

This retro feeling is lost at either end of the ‘Mother Road’, especially when arriving into LA, but the marked contrast means that those travelling the route get to experience a quintessential slice of the States, including beautiful desert landscapes, the vintage Americana of Texas and two of the country’s foremost modern cities.

Read more on North America travel :

• The best time to visit Hawaii for a holiday – and how to avoid the rain
• Affordable New York: How to do the notoriously expensive city on a budget
• Canada travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go

The Great River Road

Minnesota to louisiana.

This winding route follows the equally serpentine Mississippi River for a total of over 2,300 miles through 10 states. It starts (or ends) in Louisiana, near the Gulf of Mexico, before coursing through Mississippi, Tennessee and ending up in Minnesota, near the Canadian border.

At its start, the route takes travellers across two of of the US’s most famous cities. It begins in New Orleans , the centre of Cajun and Creole culture, and shortly after passes through the capital of blues, soul and rock’n’roll: Memphis , Tennessee.

The rest of the route is renowned for showcasing an abundance of different natural landscapes that only a country as geographically diverse as the US could provide. The wetlands and bayous of Mississipi and Louisiana, including the Atchafalaya Basin, will be the most alien environment to many visitors, with a distinctly eerie, almost rainforest-like feel.

Following along the Mississippi, drivers will see flat plains, mountains and extensive woodland as the route crosses Arkansas, Kentucky, Iowa and Wisconsin, before finishing in Minnesota, “the Land of 10,000 Lakes”.

Lincoln Highway

New york to san francisco.

Though no longer in existence as a single route, a little research will help you take on a section – or all – of the 3,389-mile long transcontinental route that was originally conceived in the 1910s. The route started in New York City and extended all the way to Lincoln Park in San Francisco , taking in 14 states including Ohio, Illinois, Nebraska, Utah and Nevada. Today, much of the road is now Route 30, from Pennsylvania to Wyoming – avoid the freeways of the I-80 for a trip with less motorway and more character.

Today, driving the route is easier in some states than others due to different standards in maintaining the route’s heritage, but this highway will take you across roughly 700 cities and towns, from small-time American settlements to big-hitters like Chicago and Pittsburgh. Along the way, you can learn about the history of both the highway and early America, visit 19th-century mining towns and see some delightful nature, including parts of Lake Tahoe and the Utah desert.

Los Angeles to Olympia, Washington

Route 101 traces the US’s Pacific Coast from California up into Washington, offering some of the best coastal views in the country. Though it technically starts in Los Angeles , you can begin the route from near the Mexican border, close to San Diego, all the way up to the border with Canada.

The route is split into different sections of road in each state. The first section is California State Route 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, which offers the first uninterrupted sightings of the turquoise waters of the Pacific. It carries on through San Francisco and across the Golden Gate Bridge, passing through the famous wine regions of the Napa Valley and Sonoma County, before picking up the Oregon 101.

Oregon’s coast is home to raw natural beauty, captured in the rugged, unspoilt coastline of areas like Cannon Beach and the valleys of the Columbia River. You continue along the river as you enter Washington, eventually circling the Olympic Peninsula and its mountains before finishing near Olympia’s State Capitol Building.

Richardson Highway

Valdez to fairbanks.

Shorter than many US trips, but certainly no less scenic, the Richardson Highway extends for “just” 364 miles between the cities of Valdez and Fairbank. Alaska offers some of the wildest natural landscapes in America, perhaps best compared to parts of Iceland when viewing its large glaciers, towering peaks, dramatic gorges, steep waterfalls and the Valdez glacier lake.

Various locations offer a host of activities such as white water rafting, hiking, fishing and even ice climbing (as well as views of the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline). Both Valdez and Fairbanks have a range of things to keep you busy too, from lake cruises and whale watching to skiing and Northern Lights spotting.

The Atlantic Coast

New york to florida keys.

Another road trip that gets to roughly 2,000 miles but can easily be split up into manageable sections, a trip down the Atlantic Coast is a worthy alternative to its Pacific counterpart. There is no defined route, with some beginning as far north as Bar Harbor in Maine, and others starting in NYC . If you do start in Maine, you’ll have the option to explore Boston, Rhode Island and the Hamptons, as well as the Big Apple.

Continuing south towards Miami , you can travel through Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Atlantic City, the East’s answer to Las Vegas. If you stick to the coast rather than heading to the capital, you’ll go through Delaware before crossing a tiny section of the Atlantic over into Virginia Beach.

Carrying on through North and South Carolina, you’ll eventually reach Florida , first via Jacksonville and then Orlando if you fancy a small detour. From Miami you’re on the home stretch, but not before you cross arguably the highlight of the entire trip – the 113-mile Overseas Highway, which extends over the Atlantic between Miami and Key West, the final stop.

Road to Hana

Hana to kahului.

Hawaii may not be the first destination that comes to mind when thinking of road trips, with the Polynesian-influenced State home to a fascinating local culture, laid-back towns and coastline so picturesque it’s scarcely believable. But one small route stands out on Maui that’s as beautiful as those famed beaches – the Hana Highway, which links the towns of Hana and Kahului.

Running for just 64 miles, this coastal route usually takes around three hours to drive due to speed limitations and around 600 bends, winding through dense jungle and passing over imposing cliffs while tantalisingly close to the emerald waters of the Pacific.

Western Highlights

San francisco to las vegas.

This trip takes in some of the US’s most famous landmarks and cities, passing through California , Nevada and Arizona.

Begin in charming San Francisco, where innovation, forward-thinking and counterculture have combined to form a bohemian city backed by national landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. The first stop on your route will be Yosemite National Park, a land of surreal landscapes including giant sequoias, the 914-metre vertical rock face of El Capitan and North America’s tallest waterfall, Yosemite Falls.

Continue on a slightly longer drive southeast towards Los Angeles, where you’ll need a few days to take in the sights of Hollywood, Santa Monica, Malibu and the rest, before continuing on to the Grand Canyon via the I-10 or I-40 freeways.

Red rock hills and desert plains will quickly come into sight before you reach what is undeniably one of America’s most famous, and impressive, natural sites. Explore, hike and marvel at the vast sandstone cliffs and winding waterways, before spending the night in a rustic mountain cabin. This grandiose trip finishes in equally extravagant Las Vegas , the US’s undisputed home of hedonism.

Read our reviews of the best USA hotels

From news to politics, travel to sport, culture to climate – The Independent has a host of free newsletters to suit your interests. To find the stories you want to read, and more, in your inbox, click here .