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363 miles of possibilities

You may have heard of our rugged stretch of the left coast. There are a lot of unique and memorable experiences to be had here. But picking the best time and place is half the adventure. Allow us to lend a hand...

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Oregon's edge: the creative south coast.

Three Unique Regions

North Coast

Distinctive coastlines, historic towns, old folk tales, and thriving, eclectic communities. Where the Columbia River meets the swells of the Pacific Ocean, the North Coast is the convergence of the past and the present, the old and the new.

Explore North Coast Region

Central Coast

Lighthouses, coastal towns, and roads that hug the ocean. From the beach community of Lincoln City to the adventure-seeker’s dream at Florence, the Central Coast is defined by its relationship with the sea. This is the heart of the Oregon Coast.

Explore Central Coast Region

South Coast

Further out from large population centers, the Southern Coast revels in being off the beaten path. Set out into the wild, where coastal forest trails, stunning sand dunes, and secluded beaches await, anchored by the artistic and animated port of Coos Bay.

Explore South Coast Region

Astoria to Neskowin

Lincoln City to Florence

Reedsport to Brookings-Harbor

Experience This

Layers of landscapes.

Where the mountains meet the sea and inspire the soul. Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach, OR

Yeah, we’re that close - The Mill Casino

Enjoy access to dunes, waterfalls, hiking and other recreational activities. We’re more than just a casino on the coast.

Wildlife Viewing

Educational activities, explore towns & cities, cape meares.

Travel Stories

Fun Family-Friendly Stays on the Oregon Coast

The science of sand, where to eat pizza on the oregon coast, how to buy and eat oregon dungeness crab, oregon dungeness crab commission advocates for heritage fishery, get to know the oregon dungeness crab, how do you do the oregon coast.

Our experince finder tool will help you plan a trip that’s all you. Pick the mood that suits you best to get started.

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Code of the Coast

Visit Responsibly

When you come to the Oregon Coast, you’re entering a region with local residents, natural resources, and visitors from all around the world. The Code of the Coast is everyone’s social contract to respect each other and the People’s Coast.

Photo: Manuela Durson

Live Shots Of The Oregon Coast

@thepeoplescoast

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Exactly How to Plan an Incredible Oregon Coast Road Trip

Looking to plan a road trip down the Oregon Coast? You’re in the right place! We’ve done this drive three or four times now (Matt’s family lives in Seattle, Alysha’s lives in California, and we drive the coast to avoid the snow in the Siskyous), and seem to discover something new on each foray down the wild stretch of coast that calls Oregon home. And we’re here to do our best to help you plan an amazing Oregon Coast road trip!

The Oregon Coast is one of the most gorgeous pieces of the Pacific Northwest, and that’s saying something considering the Northwest is full of incredible natural beauty. Huge groves of towering sitka spruce trees, a coastline of beaches that oscillate between wide and sandy and rocky and full of sea stacks, and plenty of great food and hiking along the way.

Basically, a drive down the Oregon Coast has everything we love on a road trip. 

Despite being sandwiched between our two home states of Washington and California, Oregon was a place that largely remained a mystery to us outside of Portland, which has been in the pantheon of our favorite cities in the world for many years now.

That is, until we had to reevaluate our travel plans in early 2020 (when we had concocted an entire year of international travel that we got six weeks into before having to cancel everything). 

The Oregon Coast was our first destination on our on-and-off two year US road trip, and we ended up spending a leisurely two weeks in the early summer camping our way up the Oregon Coast from the south end, which we absolutely fell in love with, all the way up to Astoria at the northern tip of Oregon.

Over the past few years, we’ve also made an annual Seattle to San Francisco road trip to get between our families, and we drive some portion of the Oregon Coast to do it.

On our last trip – right before we made the move to Oregon – we spent another two weeks on the Oregon Coast, this time in the winter, making our way north to south. 

In this (very long) guide, we’re going to do our best to give you everything – and we do mean everything – we think you’ll need to plan an amazing Oregon Coast road trip. From the best stops to make and what to do and see at each stop, to where to stay and how to put it all together, we’ve compiled everything we know about driving the Oregon Coast in this guide. 

Ready to get planning? Let’s do it!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel and vacation rental links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would absolutely never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

How Many Days Do You Need / Have on the Oregon Coast?

On both of our trips up and down the Oregon Coast, we’ve spent more than 10 days, taking it slow and soaking it all in.

However, we recognize that not everyone has the luxury of time, which is why we’re going to give you a day-by-day itinerary for different shorter time frames below the main guide to help you plan out a shorter trip if you have less time. 

Here’s a high-level overview of what we’d do with three, five, and seven days or more on the Oregon Coast. For more detail, scroll down to the section below the best stops to see exactly how we’d plan a trip of various lengths. 

With 3 Days

With three days, you really don’t have the time to drive the Oregon Coast in its entirety. 

HOWEVER, you can do a pretty sweet road trip starting and ending in Portland that heads out to the northern Oregon Coast and takes in Astoria, Cannon Beach, and Tillamook before making your way back to Portland. 

That’s how we’d spend your time, and you have the luxury of either choosing one home base (if you go that route, we’d stay in Astoria or Cannon Beach ) or making your way from town to town. 

With 5 Days

With five days, you really still only have time for the northern half of the Oregon Coast. Keep in mind, the drive from Brookings, the last town at the southern end of the coast, back to Portland will take you about six hours, give or take a half hour.

However, we think you have enough time to do the stretch from Astoria down to Newport, though it won’t be as slow-going as if you had more time. 

If you’re looking for a slower pace, stake a home base in Cannon Beach or Tillamook and explore the stretch from Astoria to Lincoln City from there. 

With 7 Days or More

If you have a week or more, you can probably do the whole coast (though with seven days, you’ll have to do some picking and choosing what exactly you want to see).

Start in Astoria and make your way all the way to Brookings, but make sure to plan for an extra day to get back to Portland from there!

In general, the northern Oregon Coast (roughly Astoria to Newport) is more developed and, for lack of a better word, “touristy,” while the southern Oregon Coast is more wild and rugged. 

Where to Start and End Your Road Trip

The answer to this question depends on where you’re coming from, but for most people the answer is Portland, Oregon . 

Portland is by far the easiest city to fly into in Oregon – Portland International Airport (PDX) is also known for being one of the most pleasant airports in the country – has the best rental car options and prices, and is a lovey place to spend some time on either end of your road trip (read our guide to a weekend in Portland , or one day in Portland for our take on the best way to spend your time). 

Now, Portland isn’t technically on the Oregon Coast – it’s about two hours away. The Oregon Coast runs from Astoria at the northwestern tip of Oregon just across the Columbia River from my home state of Washington, down to Brookings at the California border (Alysha’s home state).

Tips for Driving the Oregon Coast

Here are a few things to know about the Oregon Coast before we get into the specifics. 

There’s No Doubt About it – You Need a Car

Spoiler: you’ll need a car to do this road trip. If you’re flying in, you’ll have to rent a car in Portland when you arrive. 

There’s no great way to use public transportation to get from the airport to the Oregon Coast, and there’s even fewer options connecting the various towns and parks once you’re actually on the coast. 

You need to rent a car (or bring your own). The end. 

Do Your Oregon Coast Road Trip North to South (If You Have the Choice)

We’ve done this road trip from north to south and south to north, and starting at the northern end and making your way south is undoubtedly easier because all of the coastal stops will be on the right hand side of the road, which means you don’t have to cross traffic to get to them. 

That being said, it’s not a deal breaker – we went in the opposite direction on our first trip and it was barely noticeable. However, it is a consideration, and it’s why we organized this Oregon Coast itinerary from north to south. 

Try to Stay in Places for Multiple Nights (If You Can)

We think you should – as much as your itinerary allows it – choose a home base for a few days and use it to explore a part of the coast rather than trying to stay in a different place each night, which is exhausting. 

Plus, it’s easier to not have to juggle check-in times. 

For example, on the northern Oregon Coast we’d recommend spending two nights in Cannon Beach and using them to visit Cannon Beach, Oswald West State Park, Ecola State Park, and even Astoria before moving south. 

Passes and Permits for Driving the Oregon Coast

There are a couple of passes and permits you’ll need to park at various spots on the coast. 

If you’re not an Oregon or Washington resident, then the best bet is to grab an Oregon Pacific Coast Passport , which covers a bunch of the stops on this list (you can see what is included on this page ). It’s $10 for a 5 day pass, or $35 for an annual pass (if you’re going to be on the coast for more than 5 days, buy the annual pass). 

You can purchase them at all Oregon State Parks and National Forest Service offices on the coast. 

If you’re an Oregon resident, an Oregon State Parks Pass and a Northwest Forest Pass (or an America the Beautiful Pass ) will get you into most of the spots here, and are good for the rest of the state / region too. 

We have an Oregon State Parks Pass and have an America the Beautiful Interagency Pass, and those were perfect. 

Prepare for Picnic Lunches with Staggering Ocean Views

We like the flexibility of packing a picnic lunch for the road and finding a random beach or scenic pullout to stop at and enjoy a sandwich with a view.

That way, you can spend more time exploring, and less time wondering where you’re going to eat lunch. 

The Best Stops to Make on an Oregon Coast Road Trip

We’re going to organize this from north to south, because if you follow our advice and start and end in Portland, then that’s the easiest way to do it. 

Doing it that way means you’ll have a short drive at the beginning to get to the starting point, but it also means that you’ll have a hefty drive back to Portland on your hands at the end if you do the entire thing. 

We’d recommend heading out to the I-5 corridor from the southern coast and spending the night in Ashland or Eugene on the way back. 

In the guide below, we’ll give you our favorite stops from north to south. Some of those stops – like Astoria and Newport – are worth at least one overnight depending on the amount of time you have. For those, you’ll find two subsections – what to do and where to stay. 

Some stops are more of a stopover on the way to your next stop, and for those you’ll just find a section on things to do. 

Anyway, here is our take on the best stops to make when you’re driving the Oregon Coast, from north to south. 

Astoria is a charming, somewhat sleepy little town at the northwestern corner of the state of Oregon. A surprising amount of history – both American and Oregonian – happened here, including the end of the Lewis and Clark expedition and the only attack on a mainland US military base since the war of 1812. 

At one point, the Astor family (who named Astoria, clearly) had big, big plans for Astoria. Originally, because of its location at the mouth of the Columbia River where it meets the Pacific Ocean, it was thought that Astoria might become the New York City of the west. Which, obviously, didn’t quite come to be. 

Today, Astoria is a great place to begin your journey down the Oregon Coast. There are a couple of wonderful parks, a stunning view from the Astoria Column, and some of the best breweries in Oregon. 

Things to Do in Astoria

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Astoria , whether you’re planning on spending a couple of hours, or a couple of days in town. 

The Astoria Column: The Astoria Column is perched up on the hill above Astoria, and has sweeping views of the town, the river, and the Astoria-Megler Bridge from the top. On the outside, there is a continuous mural depicting major events in the history of Oregon, which is pretty cool but hard to really take in without getting dizzy. Lucky for you, you can see it online here , complete with helpful historical context about what the images mean. Climbing the column is free, but it does cost $5 to park in the lot at the base of the column. 

The Astoria Riverfront Walk: The riverfront in Astoria is full of history, and the official trail stretches 6.4 miles from the trailhead on the eastern end ( here on Google Maps), heads under the Astoria-Megler Bridge, and ends at a point on the other side of town. Keep in mind that it’s nearly 13 miles to do it out-and-back. Our recommendation would be to do a portion of it – the portion from the Columbia River Maritime Museum out to the Astoria-Megler Bridge . It’s a nice walk past old cannery buildings, Buoy Beer, and out to a pretty stellar view of the bridge. Along the way, you’re likely to see (or at the very least, hear) sea lions!

Breweries Galore: Most people talk about San Diego and Portland as the places with the most breweries per capita, but given Astoria’s small population and relatively large number of breweries, I feel like it has to be up there. Here are a few of them: 

• Fort George , which has a huge taproom taking up most of an entire city block with multiple levels – including an open-air rooftop – is our top pick. They have a rotating selection of their beers on tap, along with a cider or two and (usually) gluten free beer in cans (which I very much appreciate, as someone with Celiac Disease who can’t have regular beer).
• Buoy Beer is the other popular spot right on the water, though they were closed when we were in town last and have a more underwhelming non-beer selection.
• The OG brewery in Astoria is Astoria Brewing Company , who started brewing beer in 1997 and has a nice industrial space on the riverfront walk. 

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park: Astoria was first put on a map (by the United States government, anyway) by the famous explorers Lewis and Clark, who were commissioned by Thomas Jefferson to find the Northwest Passage that would connect them to the Pacific Ocean for direct trading routes. At the time, it wasn’t called Astoria, but Fort Clatsop, and it was about five miles southwest of the city as we know it today where the expedition spent three (miserable, it sounds like) months experiencing a very wet Pacific Northwest winter in 1806 before triumphantly returning to St. Louis, their mission complete. We’d focus your time on two pieces of living history: Fort Clatsop and the Fort-to-Sea Trail . It’s $10, or free if you have an America the Beautiful Pass or an Oregon Pacific Coast Passport. 

Fort Stevens State Park: Fort Stevens State Park occupies some prime real estate at the northwestern corner of Oregon, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. The fort was constructed at the tail end of the Civil War to prevent enemy ships from gaining access to the Columbia River, and remained in operation until the 1940’s. There are two places in particular that we’d encourage you to visit as you do some exploring. 

• The Peter Iredale Shipwreck : Probably the most famous piece of the park, the Peter Iredale ran ashore in 1906 as it was trying to navigate the famously treacherous waters of the mouth of the Columbia River and has been there since. It’s right on a long, sandy stretch of beach – which is a welcome change from the rocky beaches we have up in Washington – and it’s a lovely place to spend a sunset.
• The Northwest Corner of Oregon : Up to the north, you’ll find Clatsop Spit, which marks the northwestern-most point in the state of Oregon. There are a couple of parking areas up on the spit, and we thought parking lot C ( here on Google Maps) was the best because of the view of the beach and coast to the south from the tower near the parking lot. 

For more on what to do and see in Astoria, make sure to read our more detailed guide to the best things to do in Astoria !

Places to Stay in Astoria

Astoria has a surprising number of cool places to stay. We’re going to break them down into two categories. These categories aren’t really that mutually exclusive – you’ll be able to walk downtown from the waterfront hotels, and vice versa – but we think they’re a useful way to decide where to stay. 

First are the waterfront hotels where you’ll be perched on the shore of the Columbia River as it flows west towards the Pacific Ocean. If that sounds like something you’re into, stay at the Bowline Hotel . We spent one afternoon strolling the path that the Astoria Riverfront Trolley (which was sadly closed when we were there) would take and were enamored with the Bowline when we walked by it. 

It’s right on the water, next door to Buoy Beer Company, and about five minutes from most things in Astoria. Sure enough, I looked it up when we got back to our hotel (we’ll get to that) and it looks exactly like the kind of place we’d like.

It’s modern, stylish, the rooms are big and comfortable, and if you book a riverview room, you’ll have a nice patio looking out at the river where you can relax with a beer and watch the huge container ships float by. 

The second category are the hotels in the center of town , where you’ll be walkable to the food, drinks, and shops of downtown Astoria.  

We stayed at the Norblad Hotel , which is a hip hotel with super friendly staff in a perfect location and has rooms for a variety of budgets.

We knew we’d be doing some work from the hotel, so we chose a Queen Suite (which was perfect!), but they also have smaller rooms with shared bathrooms (single occupancy) that are perfect if you’re on a budget. 

The last option is camping at Fort Stevens State Park . We have tried to get a reservation here and failed in the past. It’s competitive, so you’ll want to book early, particularly if you happen to be on the coast over a weekend. 

Ecola State Park

We had never been to Ecola State Park until our fifth trip out to the coast – though we’d wanted to each of the four previous times.

The reason? Storm damage has had it closed since early 2020! 

But if that road out to the park is open for your trip, you definitely should for the incredible views out over Cannon Beach, with its crashing waves and towering sea stacks. 

The park covers the area around Tillamook Head, which the Lewis and Clark expedition famously climbed, later writing about the panoramic coastal views (and the really, really hard climb).

Here are Clark’s words about the views, in case you’re not sure if you should make the stop or not: “… the grandest and most pleasing prospects which my eyes ever surveyed.”

We love Indian Beach, and have spent a sunny day there escaping the 100+ heat in Portland with friends. Highly recommended if it’s brutally hot in the city – it’s a solid 20+ degrees cooler near the ocean!

There are a couple of notable hikes to tackle while you’re here.

Clatsop Loop and Indian Beach : First is the Clatsop Loop Trail , which leaves from Indian Beach (another spot worth exploring) and heads north along the coast towards Tillamook Head with some nice views along the way. 

Crescent Beach : Accessible via a mile-long trail (one way) from the main parking lot ( here on Google Maps), this hike takes you down to a nice, secluded beach on the south end of the park. 

You can check the current park conditions here .

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is perhaps the most famous of the northern Oregon Coast towns, primarily for two reasons. Its proximity to Portland is the first. At just over 90 minutes away, it’s a perfect day trip from Portland if you’re looking for some beach action.

Second is Haystack Rock, which is featured prominently in every Pacific Northwest photographer’s Instagram and portfolio. 

The town of Cannon Beach is charming and a little bit cheesy, but is an excellent stop on your road trip as a home base for exploring the state parks immediately north and south of town. 

If you’re familiar with the Oregon Coast at all, you’ll notice that we completely skipped Seaside . After poking around Seaside for an afternoon, we decided that basically anything you can find in Seaside you can find in other places on this itinerary. And by and large, whatever “things” we’re talking about are generally done better elsewhere on the coast. 

For example, the aquarium. The Seaside Aquarium is tiny. If you’re in the mood for an aquarium and you’re making it down to Newport, hold out for the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, which rivals the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California for the best we’ve ever been to. 

We do like the idea of the Funland Arcade and the bumper cars across the street, though. But overall, we think your precious time is better spent elsewhere. Some people probably love Seaside (especially if you have kids), but it wasn’t our thing. 

Anyway, back to Cannon Beach, which is a similar idea to Seaside in that it’s a coastal resort town whose population balloons in the summer as people escape to the coast, but is much, much more inviting and charming. 

Things to Do in Cannon Beach

Here’s what we’d do in and around Cannon Beach.

Public Coast Brewing : Local beer, and gluten free fish and chips (though you’d never know it!) at the northern end of town near the entrance for Ecola State Park. A perfect post-hike refuel stop!

Haystack Rock : Perhaps the most famous scenery on the entire Oregon Coast, Haystack Rock is a giant sea stack just off of the coast on Cannon Beach that towers over the surrounding area. It’s an excellent sunset location! There’s also a puffin colony that calls the rock home, which is fun to learn about from the rangers on the beach.

Good Coffee : If you’re in the mood for some good coffee, head to either Insomnia Coffee Co. or Sea Level Bakery + Coffee . Insomnia is right in town, Sea Level is about ten minutes south on the way to Oswald West State Park.

Hug Point : First of all, this is only a low tide place to visit, because when the tide is out, this is a huge stretch of beach with all sorts of fun tide pools that is really only accessible at low tide. Check tides here . The parking lot is small, which means you’ll want to either get here early in the morning (again, depending on tides!) or be prepared to wait for a parking spot if you’re here on the weekend.

Places to Stay in Cannon Beach

We stayed at the Inn at Haystack Rock , and realized that we had unintentionally booked a stay in the perfect location. It’s walkable to the main downtown area of Cannon Beach, and it’s a block away from the beach itself, and a 10-15 minute walk away from Haystack Rock.

The rooms could use a few updates, but they have rooms with kitchens, which is something we wanted, and our particular cottage was nice and cozy, with an electric fireplace in the bedroom. 

If you want to actually stay on the beach, which is something we wanted but couldn’t find a place with kitchen facilities (Matt has Celiac Disease, which means he has to eat 100% gluten free and we generally cook a lot on the road). 

If that hadn’t been a consideration, we’d have stayed at either the Schooner’s Cove Inn , which is right in the middle of the action on the downtown strip, or Surfsand Resort , which is right on the beach and has rooms with views of Haystack Rock. 

Oswald West State Park

Short Sand Beach: Heaven for surfers, this beach is super popular with the surfing community in Oregon, and even on a rainy, stormy day you’re bound to find at least a couple of dedicated surfers sitting in the water. 

The Cape Falcon Trail: The muddiest hike we’ve ever done, this hike takes you out around the cape on the right side of Short Sand Beach to a great view. It’s relatively easy, but I’m not joking when I say that it’s one of the muddiest hikes we’ve ever had the privilege of doing. Be prepared. More trail information here . 

The Neahkahnie Mountain Trail: This is probably our favorite of the hikes in Oswald West State Park. And it’s really just because of the vista at the top, which includes a view of Manzanita Beach stretching endlessly south. There are multiple ways to do this hike, and the most popular version is to start from the northern trailhead , which is right off of 101. This is also the longer, harder version of the hike. The alternate option is to go from the south trailhead , which is a half mile off of 101 up a narrow forest road, which cuts the distance to 2.6 miles and 850 feet of elevation gain. 

The town of Tillamook itself is fine, but the real beauty of Tillamook is the wealth of incredible nature that is accessible within 30 minutes or so. If you’re short on time, driving the Three Capes Scenic Route is a must-do (and you could do it as a one-way drive on your way south). 

Oh, and the cheese. There’s not one but TWO places to get amazing cheese in Tillamook (more on that in a second). 

Things to Do in Tillamook

Here are a few things to do in Tillamook that should keep you busy for a day or two.

Devour Delicious Cheese! There are two great places to get farm-fresh cheese in Tillamook. The most famous (and our personal preference) is Tillamook . Whether or not you’re familiar with the Pacific Northwest, you’ve likely had Tillamook cheese before. But I’m not sure how many people have had the pleasure of tasting their ice cream, which is some of the creamiest ice cream we’ve ever had. It’s not gluten free, but Alysha loves it (their chocolate peanut butter ice cream is legendary). At their factory, they have an ice cream bar with all sorts of different unique flavors, along with some unique cheeses that you can’t really find elsewhere. Plus, cheese curds! Blue Heron is just down the road, and specializes in French cheeses (think Brie) – we loved their herb brie. 

Drive the Three Capes Scenic Route: This drive takes in, you guessed it, three different capes. You’ll start at Cape Meares, make your way south to Cape Lookout, and then head down to Cape Kiwanda. Here are more details on those stops.

• Cape Meares : You’re mostly here for the lighthouse, which is hard to photograph, but the walk up to the so-called “Octopus Tree” is also worth the quick detour. Throughout the park you have really nice rugged coastal views.
• Cape Lookout : Probably our favorite of the three capes, there are two main things to check out here. First is the beach, which is accessed by parking at the lot here . Second is the Cape Lookout Trail , which takes you out to the end of the Cape (through a nice temperate rainforest, I might add) where amazing coastal views are waiting for you.  
• Cape Kiwanda : Furthest south, Cape Kiwanda is another great surfing spot, and you’ll routinely find many, many surfers out in the water. You can also drive out onto the beach here, which is fun (though we didn’t dare in our minivan). The highlight here is the hike up on the sandy headland on the right (that’s north) side of the beach. There are great views of Cape Kiwanda from the top, but there are also some nice views back to the north on the other side. It’s also worth stopping for food or coffee at Stimulus Coffee & Bakery , which is across the street from the main parking lot. The coffee is excellent, and though I can’t speak to the baked goods (I have Celiac Disease), the line tells me they’re probably pretty good. 

Places to Stay near Tillamook

We stayed at Sheltered Nook , which is a little collection of tiny houses just north of town. We really enjoyed it, and they’re small, but surprisingly comfortable!

There’s an electric fireplace, a nice kitchen with everything you need to cook a meal (or just seven bags of cheese curds, your choice, I guess), and it’s dark and quiet so you’ll get a great night of sleep. Plus a nice common area in between the houses with fire pits, picnic tables, and barbecues. 

We have also camped at Cape Lookout State Park , which is a super nice campground right on the beach at Cape Lookout. If you’re up for camping, you can’t go wrong there. 

Lincoln City

Lincoln City is on this list because it’s home to not one, but TWO of our favorite hikes on the Oregon Coast .

It’s a sleepy resort town about 45 minutes south of Tillamook, and other than these two hikes there’s not really that much to do or see nearby. There’s a wide, sandy beach, which is nice, but to be honest, there’s a lot of those on the Oregon Coast. 

For us, it’s all about the hikes. And it would make a fantastic stop to break up the drive between Tillamook and Newport, your next main stop. 

Option 1: Cascade Head: The first is Cascade Head (from the lower trailhead), which takes you up a steep set of stairs and through a dense forest before emerging onto a headland with spectacular coastal views. Continue climbing past a lower viewpoint up the ridge to the upper viewpoint for even better views, which you might not believe is even possible. We did this hike on a very stormy, windy day in February, and we still enjoyed it! There are a couple of ways to do this hike, and the easiest and most direct is to drive most of the way up to the upper trailhead , which results in a shorter, easier hike .

Option 2: God’s Thumb: The second hike here is God’s Thumb , which takes you out to a cool, for lack of a better word, natural terrace with great ocean views. The last part of this trail gets a little sketchy, as you’re climbing on a narrow trail with steep drop offs to reach God’s Thumb. Only do what you’re comfortable with, and be careful when it has been raining and this part of the trail is muddy. From the top of the Thumb, you have pretty spectacular coastal views awaiting you. This would be an excellent sunset hike, where you’ll be awash in a soft golden glow as the sun sets over the Pacific to the west. 

To us, Newport very much feels like a midpoint on the Oregon Coast. Both in terms of geography – it’s right around the middle of the trip down the coast – but also in terms of vibes.

It’s the last bigger city (town?) on the coast if you’re heading south, and there’s a surprising amount of bars, restaurants, shops, and other amenities that you might find in a city. 

But you get outside of town to the south and it very quickly becomes the rugged, wild southern Oregon coast as you make your way towards Cape Perpetua. 

Newport is worth an overnight stop, since you’ll have a drive of a couple of hours coming from Tillamook, and another couple of hours before you reach your next stop after you pass through Newport. Plus, it’s a nice place to hang out, and it’s worth spending an afternoon and evening exploring the Bayfront, where you’ll find a fun stretch of bars, breweries, and restaurants to peruse. 

Things to Do in Newport

Newport is one of the biggest towns / cities on the Oregon Coast, so it has a lot going on.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse: A must-stop just north of Newport, this is a beautiful lighthouse perched on a head at the northern mouth of Yaquina Bay. It’s a short walk out to the lighthouse from the parking area, but you should also try to walk down to the beach on the north side (both Cobble Beach and Quarry Cove). There’s an extensive visitor center here too.

Nye Beach: The best beach in Newport! Splurge on a dinner at Zach’s Bistro if you have the chance (they have plenty of gluten free options!). Agate Beach – which Matt learned is not pronounced “Ah-gah-tay” but “Agitt” – is another good one, just north of town. 

The Oregon Coast Aquarium: This is probably the best aquarium on the west coast aside from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We had every single intention of going here. Until, that is, we showed up on a weekend afternoon and realized that it was the busiest time possible, with hordes of screaming kids making their way towards the entrance. So we decided to skip it. But that doesn’t mean you should! It’s a little expensive at $25 per adult, but if you’re interested in the marine life on the coast, it’s worth it. If you want to see what you’re getting yourself into, they have a bunch of live cams where you can see the enclosures for the otters, sea lions, etc. More information here .

Food and Drinks in Newport: A couple of notable spots are Mo’s Seafood and Chowder (for the, well, seafood and chowder), Clearwater (for a nice dinner with views of the Yaquina Bay Bridge), and if you’re looking for a drink, Newport Brewing Co .

Places to Stay in Newport

There is exactly one place we wanted to stay in Newport, and it didn’t quite work out on our latest trip because it was a weekend and we were booking relatively late. Bummer. So we actually continued on south all the way to Coos Bay for the night. 

That place is the Inn at Nye Beach . 

It’s right on the beach, the rooms are gigantic – for hotel room standards – and you can choose between a city and ocean view. The gas fireplaces are a nice touch for winter and spring trips. 

Cape Perpetua & Heceta Head Lighthouse

The stretch from Cape Perpetua to Heceta Head Lighthouse is probably our favorite part of the Oregon Coast, and reminds us of the drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles through Big Sur.

It’s a big bluff that rises almost 1,000 feet out of the ocean below, which means from the scenic viewpoint at the top, you have an incredible view of the never ending coast to the south. 

While technically Cape Perpetua Scenic Area refers to a relatively small piece of the coast south of Yachats, we’re going to include the entire stretch of coast between Cape Perpetua and Heceta Head Lighthouse in this section. 

It’s worth stopping by the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center ( here on Google Maps) to get your bearings, check out some maps, and talk to a ranger to see what’s happening at the moment. 

Here are some must-stop places along this stretch of the Oregon Coast, from north to south. 

Devil’s Churn: A short stop where you’ll hike down to an overlook with a view of an inlet that is partially covered at the end. Which means at high tide, if you’re lucky, the waves coming in will meet the waves going out and create an explosion of water.  

Cape Perpetua Lookout: This lookout ( here on Google Maps, pictured above) is the best view on the Oregon Coast. In our opinion, anyway. For some reason, the first time we drove the Oregon Coast, we thought you had to hike here to get this view via the Saint Perpetua Trail . Imagine our disappointment when we realized upon arrival at the top that you could just drive here (the trail is still a good workout, though we’d probably just drive next time). Anyway, from the top, you get a nice view of the rolling waves and coastline below, and we definitely think it’s worth the stop. 

Thor’s Well: This is a cool spot just south of the access road up to the viewpoint. You’ll take a short walk out to the shore, where you’ll find Thor’s Well. What, exactly, is Thor’s Well? The current thinking is that it’s a collapsed sea cave, but nobody really knows. What we do know is that it’s worth the short detour to see the “well” fill up as the waves come crashing over the shore, and then slowly drain through a hole in the sea-facing wall. You should know that there’s really nothing to see here at low tide – we’re speaking from experience – the best time to visit is right before or after high tide, when the water comes up over the edge of the well and drains when the tide recedes. Check tides here . For photography purposes, you’ll need very specific conditions to get the perfect shot – I liked this guide , though sadly we didn’t get a good shot of our own because of the tides.

Heceta Head Lighthouse: We’ve now officially left Cape Perpetua, and are now about 15 minutes south. This is one of the best lighthouses on the Oregon Coast (it’s about even with Yaquina Head in Newport, we think), sitting hundreds of feet above the ocean looking out from its perch on Heceta Head. It was built in 1894, and still operates today (though it’s automated). You’ll need to either pay $5 or have an Oregon State Parks Pass to park at the lot, then it’s a nice walk up to the lighthouse’s perch. Today, there’s even a bed and breakfast at the historic keeper’s quarters! You can also hike from the lighthouse to Hobbit Beach – more information here . 

Sea Lion Caves: Look, we drove past this place on our first trip, saw a line out the door of a tiny little touristy-looking hut, and said “look at those suckers!” Then we learned what it actually was later on, and were at least a little bit disappointed that we didn’t stop in. If you want to see sea lions, this is the place to do it. That hut sits over an elevator that takes you down hundreds of feet to the water level, where there’s a sea cave – America’s largest, in fact – filled to the brim with barking sea lions. Skeptical? Here’s the webcam where you can see for yourself. They’re open 9:00 am – 4:00 pm 363 days a year, and it costs $16 for adults, $10 for kids (under 4 are free!), making it a little bit pricey. 

The Oregon Dunes

Continuing south from the sea lion caves, you’ll pass through the small town of Florence before hitting the most unique stretch of the Oregon Coast, the Oregon Dunes. Stop by River Roasters for some good coffee in town, and then head out to the dunes. 

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a huge stretch of coast covering 31,500 acres along the coast between Florence and North Bend. 

Driving along the road is a weird experience, because for large stretches you actually can’t see the dunes. You might start to notice the sand along the sides of the road, but you’ll essentially have forest on one side, and a string of lakes on the other, with exactly zero dunes in sight. 

What you can’t see is on the other side of that forest, there’s a huge swath of land that is basically just a bunch of rolling hills of sand that take you all the way to the ocean. 

You should know that OHVs are legal on the dunes, which means you’re very likely to hear the humming of engines revving as you try to enjoy your peace and solitude.  

There is one place we think you shouldn’t miss – though there are obviously tons and tons of things to do and see here. We’re not into OHVs, so it’s not really our thing. But if you are, then you can rent one or join a guided tour at Spinreel in North Bend. 

The John Dellenback Dunes Trail (5.5 miles RT)

This is the best hike to experience the dunes, we think. You’ll start in the forest, though you’re walking on sand as you make your way to the edge of the trees, where you’ll come face-to-face with the sprawling dunes stretching out for miles.

The coolest part is the islands of trees that somehow exist smack dab in the middle of the dunes.

You’ll snake your way across the dunes – remember, hiking on sand is HARD – before briefly re-entering a different forest and emerging out onto a neverending wide sandy beach, where you’re likely to be one of just a few people out there.

Bring plenty of water and snacks – this hike is probably going to take you longer than you think.

More trail information, including recent trail reports, here . 

The Tahkenitch Dunes Trail is a good alternative, but we prefer the John Dellenback version. 

Coos Bay & Bandon

The towns of Coos Bay and Bandon, which are about 30 minutes apart, form a nice stretch of coast ranging from rocky and rugged places like Cape Arago, to wide sandy beaches like the ones near Bandon. 

The town of Coos Bay isn’t really worthy of too much of your time – but the stretch of state parks to the west between Sunset Bay State Park and Cape Arago is great – and Bandon is definitely worth a stop. B

andon is a sleepy little beach town, with a brewery and cidery, and two pretty spectacular beaches that have to be among the best on the entire coast. 

Things to Do in Coos Bay and Bandon

Here are a few things to add to your itinerary between Coos Bay and Bandon.

Sunset Bay State Park : The beach is the highlight here, and it’s a nice protected cove safe from the crashing waves that exist just outside the walls of the cove. This is also the starting point of an 8.5 mile hike along the coast (part of the Oregon Coast Trail) connecting Sunset Bay with Shore Acres and Cape Arago – more information here . 

Shore Acres State Park: The highlight here is the garden, which includes an impressive rose garden.

Cape Arago State Park : Another cape? How many capes are there on the Oregon Coast? Apparently there are 11 named capes , and probably countless unnamed ones. Anyway, Cape Arago State Park is the end of the road out here west of Coos Bay, and is a place to see sea lions and other sea life from an overlook that sits above a particular set of rocks that they seem to love. It’s rugged and rocky, and on stormy days it’s a cool place to go watch the huge waves crashing onto the rocks below. 

Bandon Beach & Bullards Beach : Bandon’s two main beaches are on either side of the inlet of the Coquille River. As you come to the beach, you’ll notice the sandy beaches of the northern and central coast are starting to give way to the rocky, rugged beaches with picturesque sea stacks that you’ll find on the southern coast, particularly in the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor (your next stop). Because they’re separated by the river, it’s actually not that easy to get from one to the other – it takes 15 minutes to drive between them. If we have to choose, we choose Bandon. Don’t miss Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint (and Devil’s Kitchen , which is 5-7 minutes south by car). 

Bandon Rain: Bandon Rain is the local cider company in Bandon! Their cider is good, and you can only get it on tap at their taproom or on tap at a very select few places in Oregon. 

Places to Stay near Coos Bay

We absolutely love the modern cabins at Bay Point Landing , where we spent a few nights of stormy winter weather on our latest drive down the Oregon Coast. They’re a little on the pricey side, but we think the waterfront views, comfortable beds, and modern amenities (they have a bocce ball court!) make it worth it. 

They also have Airstreams and RV sites, though we can’t imagine the RV sites are particularly nice given that it was constantly windy. Like, really windy. 

It’s just outside of Coos Bay, along the same road that takes you to Sunset Bay State Park. 

If you’re not into that idea, then you should stay in Bandon. There are a bunch of highly rated hotels in Bandon , but we think the Lamplighter Inn looks really nice. The Table Rock Motel also looks great, and it’s walkable to Bandon Beach. 

Port Orford to Gold Beach

For this stretch, we’re going to cover a huge swath of coastline in one section. Sure, we could break it up and make each town into its own section, but there would only be a couple of sentences on each place, which doesn’t feel like the right way to do it.

Instead, we’re going to give you our favorite stops from Cape Blanco State Park to the northern end of Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, in the order in which you’ll encounter them on your road trip. 

Blacklock Point: It might feel like you’re not going the right way at the beginning of his hike, as you’re walking along a barbed wire fence next to an airport, but as soon as you get out to Blacklock Point and you find the stunning rocky beach that you have all to yourself, you’ll understand why we included this stop. You can continue on to Floras Lake , but we think the best part is the beach at Blacklock Point. More trail information, including recent trail reports, here . 

Cape Blanco State Park: Just south of the trailhead for Blacklock Point you’ll find Cape Blanco State Park . This is another of the Oregon Coast’s best lighthouses. You can drive basically right up to the parking lot, so there’s not a whole lot of hiking or exploring to do here, but it’s worth a stop. If you want to get out to the beach on the south end of the lighthouse, there’s a short trail that leaves from the parking lot heading south. 

Port Orford Heads State Park: Worth a quick stop in Port Orford to walk the short trail with great coastal views. 

Humbug Mountain State Park: Another amazing Oregon State Park! Two things here. First is the tough climb up to the summit of Humbug Mountain (trail guide here ), which is hard but worth it for the views at the top. After your hike, head under the highway to the other side to get out to this beach (we can’t find a name for it!), which is accessible from a trail at the western end of the campground. It’s a great beach! We camped at Humbug Mountain on our first trip up the coast, and spent a beautiful sunset out there.

The Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor

This is, without a doubt, our favorite stretch on the entire Oregon Coast. At least when it’s not stormy and quite literally raining sideways with thick coastal fog, which were the conditions on our latest trip in the dead of winter (cool in a different way, I guess). 

The Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor runs from the town of Gold Beach at the north end to the town of Brookings, which is essentially on Oregon’s southern border with California.

It’s named after the first superintendent of the Oregon State Parks system – Samuel H. Boardman – who was almost single handedly responsible for acquiring the land for this stretch of protected coast. 

His pitch for a national park on the Oregon Coast was shot down by the powers that be, but he got a deal done for this piece under the state parks system. 

It’s everything we like about the southern Oregon coast (and the northern California coast, for that matter) encapsulated in one hour-long stretch of driving. Not including stops, and there will be a bunch!

Here are our favorite stops, again organized from north to south. Most of these are either very, very short hikes, or hikes that are three miles or less. You can easily get a few of them under your belt without doing too much hiking. Here’s a nice map and brochure with more information. 

Cape Sebastian: This was the first hike we ever did on the Oregon Coast, and what an introduction it was! This hike has everything that we love about the Oregon Coast – huge groves of sitka spruce trees, rugged, rocky coastline, and fresh sea air. It’s an easy 2.7 mile hike , but you hike downhill on the way out, which means an uphill climb on the way back (which includes a not insignificant number of switchbacks). 

Secret Beach: The best beach on the Oregon Coast? But it’s not quite those big sandy beaches you find at places like Cannon Beach and Fort Stevens State Park. Instead, it’s a short little hike off the side of the highway that takes you down to a, well, secret beach that is best explored at low tide (check them here ). 

Natural Bridges: Not very far down the road is another great viewpoint. We’ve seen people hike all the way down to stand out on the natural bridge, which is insane and you definitely shouldn’t do that. Instead, admire the view from the viewpoint, and if you’re feeling adventurous, take the established trail down and to the right from the parking lot, which takes you down to a great view of the rock formations. It’s a little slick after rain, so make sure you have proper footwear. 

Indian Sands: A short and sweet loop that includes some climbing on sand, cool coastal views, and should only take about half an hour or so. 

Whaleshead Beach: Just south of the Indian Sands trailhead, this beach has a rough road leading to it, so if you’re concerned about clearance, you can walk down in 10-15 minutes. At low tide, there are some cool tidepools that form in the rocks with all sorts of sea life. 

Cape Ferrelo: The end of this hike , which takes you out to the tip of Cape Ferrelo, is pretty cool. It’s short, and well worth the stop for, you guessed it, more amazing coastal views out over Lone Ranch Beach. You can also hike up to the head from the beach, which is actually what we did. Park here and walk up the trail on the hill to the right (or to the north). 

What to Do with Even More Time on Your Oregon Coast Itinerary

But Matt and Alysha, I have than seven days, what should I do?

First, lucky you! Second, great question! With more than a week, we’d add time in places you’re already staying, and use that as a home base for exploring (rather than adding brand new places to stay).

We have some ideas because of course we do. Here are three places we’d add more time. 

Cannon Beach : There are so many great hikes around Cannon Beach that we, being big hikers, would be happy with 2-3 days around Cannon Beach. If you’re not into hiking, then 1-2 is probably enough. 

Newport : Newport is the biggest town on the central / southern Oregon Coast, and has some great breweries, restaurants, and stuff like that to occupy your time. Plus, the entire stretch of coast from Depoe Bay down to Cape Perpetua is downright gorgeous, and deserves more than just a drive by. Don’t miss the Hobbit Trail and Heceta Head Lighthouse just south of Newport!

Gold Beach / Port Orford : The southern coast is amazing, with sunny skies (or, more accurately, sunnier skies) and warmer temperatures than the northern part of the coast, but it’s a little harder logistically. It’s worth a solid 2-3 days if you have it to do some of the great hikes, drive Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor (more than once, if possible), and let yourself be lulled into the slower pace of life down south. 

It’s also worth spending the night in Brookings or across the California border in Crescent City to set yourself up for the big drive the next day.

The easiest way to get back to, well, anywhere really, is to head out to I-5 from the coast on 199, which takes you to Grants Pass. 

The Best Time to Take an Oregon Coast Road Trip

The Oregon Coast is accessible year round, but your experience is going to vary wildly across the different seasons. 

It’s also worth considering that the southern Oregon coast, known as the banana belt, is going to be significantly warmer and drier than the northern coast, which gets up into temperate rainforest territory. 

We’ve been in the summer and the dead of winter, and they were both enjoyable, but different. 

Summer brings the best weather on the coast. It will be sunny and warm compared to other parts of the year, but you may run into thick coastal fog in the earlier summer, which is pretty typical.

The downside of summer is the crowds – everyone and their mother comes to the Oregon Coast from all over to experience its beauty, and as a result trailheads are packed, campgrounds are competitive, and you’ll want to book accommodations well in advance. 

Spring and fall are fairly similar. They’re going to be a little cooler and grayer than summer, and the weather will be more unpredictable.

Expect some days of sun and blue skies, and some days of driving rain and wind. Crowds are thinner, camping is less competitive (also less enjoyable), and it’s a little cheaper. 

Winter is all about the stormy vibes, perfect for sitting next to a fireplace and listening to the rain careen off the roof.

You’ll get some nice sunny days, but they’ll be biting cold (it was below freezing last time we were on the coast, but the sun was out!).

The majority of the time, though, it will be gray and drizzly. Sometimes, it will be windy and raining sideways, which is by far our least favorite form of weather. Plan to be wet when you’re hiking, and expect deep mud on basically every trail. 

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Oregon Coast

A drive along Oregon's coast is a scenic adventure any time of year. Rocky headlands loom high above the ocean, providing astounding vistas, while craggy rocks lie scattered along the shoreline like oceanic sentinels. The Coast Range is deeply etched by great rivers and patched with forests, offering outdoor enthusiasts excellent boating, fishing and hiking. The Oregon Dunes – among the largest coastal dunes in the world – stretch for more than 50 miles and, just offshore, gray whales migrate from Alaska to Mexico and back.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Northern Oregon Coast

Located 3 miles south of Yachats, this volcanic remnant was sighted and named by England's Captain James Cook in 1778. Famous for dramatic rock formations…

Oregon Coast Aquarium

The region's top attraction, this cutting-edge aquarium is especially fun if you have kids along. Marine celebrities include seals, sea otters and a giant…

Haystack Rock

Haystack Rock is Cannon Beach's iconic symbol, a beautiful hulking monolith that rises 235ft and has had cameos in several movies. It's part of the Oregon…

Ecola State Park

Located just north of town, Ecola State Park offers seclusion, various hikes and great picnicking. Short paths at Ecola Point lead over the headland to…

Shore Acres State Park

Southern Oregon Coast

Beautiful rehabilitated gardens are the highlight of this unusual state park, 4 miles southwest of Charleston. Louis Simpson, a shipping and lumber…

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

Stretching a mile out to sea is the popular Yaquina Head, a grassy headland just north of Newport. Short trails lead to viewing areas for shorebirds,…

Samuel H Boardman State Park

Four miles north of Brookings, US 101 winds over 11 miles of headlands through Boardman State Park, which contains some of Oregon's most beautiful…

Cape Blanco State Park

Nine miles north of Port Orford, this rugged promontory is the second-most-westerly point of the continental US and host to a fine state park with hiking…

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Oregon Coast and beyond

Oregon Coast Road Trip: Most Beautiful Oregon Beaches and Lighthouses

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on Published: March 16, 2021  - Last updated: April 13, 2022

There is nothing like an Oregon Coast road trip. With beautiful sights, unique things to do and epic views, the drive along the Oregon Coast highway from Portland to Brookings (nearly California) is an unforgettable adventure, perfect for families, couples or to do on your own.

Have you done the Oregon Coast Highway 101 with kids? How about a solo road trip to visit lighthouses and sand dunes? Here’s how you do an Oregon Coast road trip that everyone will enjoy no matter the season.

Complete Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Like with any itinerary, take this one with a grain of salt and update it for your own travel style. We like to visit the Oregon beaches, breweries and lighthouses, so this Oregon Coast road trip itinerary has a healthy mixture of nature and culture.

And like any jaunt through small town America, you’ll be tempted to stop in places we don’t mention and to find your own foodie spots. Go for it! Road tripping is all about fun and new experiences and the Oregon Coast is no exception! You’ll find the the Oregon Coast highway goes through many small towns and communities, so build time into your daily drive to enjoy unplanned stops and epic views.

We recommend the Oregon Coast road trip down highway 101 to be a 3 day itinerary, but if you don’t go all the way or only make some stops, it could be done in 2 days. If you’re into slower travel, make all of the stops on our Oregon Coast road trip map for a 7 day itinerary from tip to tip.

Portland, Oregon to start the road trip

In the last few years Portland, Oregon has really grown in popularity. Is it the food or the beer or the wine or the hipsters?  I don’t know, but we love it for lots of reasons. Portland is an ideal place to start your Oregon Coast road trip. Before you head out to the beaches, spend a day or two exploring the city and enjoying Portland’s food scene. FYI, there’s more to Portland than Voodoo Doughnuts.

If you’re all about the city, Portland’s downtown has a nice shopping core and lots of great dining ( loved Bamboo Sushi ), but the neighborhoods is where it’s at! Check out northeast Portland for more great food, neighborhoods you can stroll through and even book a spa day at the local Finnish spa (without kids though).

Find a Portland hotel here!

Family friendly Portland activities include the Oregon Zoo and Portland Children’s Museum (right next to each other), exploring the Pearl District and markets in Old Town, and hiking in MacLeahey Park.  

Hiking idea :  The Witch’s Castle hike is really fun and beautiful and it’s just outside of downtown.  Easy 1.5 miles round trip and full of moss, streams and the ruins of what looks like a forgotten fortress.  Trail-head is in Macleay Park from the UPPER trail area. Hiking in Portland is a great start to your road trip, and actually one of our favorite things to do in there.

Note : you don’t see us recommend a lot of zoos because many are not up to date and have exhibits that don’t give the animals much space. The Oregon Zoo has made many improvements over the years, including a lot of construction right now, and boasts some of the best habitats we’ve seen in any zoo.  Also, the Oregon Zoo is a part of several conservation programs, including the California Condor breeding program and the Pond Turtle release program, both of which are a huge part of re-establishing species back into their native territory.

There’s more to Portland, but these ideas will get your Oregon Coast road trip off to a great start!

Find a great short term rental in Portland!

Bonus plan :  for some extra time and beauty in the Portland area, do the Columbia Gorge Waterfall Area . This mini-road trip takes you along historic Route 30 and and is full of waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls, and lots of great hikes.

Exploring the Northern Oregon Coast

For this Oregon Coast road trip itinerary we’re cutting over to the northernmost tip where you join highway 101, but you can also alter our route and head directly west to Cannon Beach through the Willamette Valley wine country instead of visiting Astoria , Lewis and Clark National Historic Park or Seaside, Oregon . We prefer to hit the Oregon Coast highway from Astoria for a great reason: there are some great spots to stop for getting your  Goonies fix and enjoying the sleepy side of the coast.

Astoria: Goonies, shipwrecks and Oregon beaches

Leaving Portland, you’ll come to Astoria and it’ll look really familiar.  Goonies, Kindergarten Cop and other films have used the town as their backdrop. A combination of shipping and timber history means there are some gorgeous Victorian homes and a fun feel to the town. Highlights in Astoria include the Oregon Film Museum, Flavel House, and having a seafood lunch on the Astoria riverfront.

From there, hit up Fort Stevens State Park and Fort Clatsop in Lewis and Clark National Park to add an extra dash of history (and costumes at Fort Clatsop). Fort Stevens has some wonderful dunes to hike and it’s also got one of the Oregon beaches you can drive on.  Check out our full article about Oregon Coast camping at KOA Astoria !

Day in Seaside, Oregon: the Coney Island of the west

Continuing the Oregon Coast road trip down highway 101, the town of Seaside is just what you’d expect of a west coast beach town: lots of seafood, pizza, carnival games and expansive Oregon beaches for relaxing. Parking can be a bit tight in Seaside, Oregon so plan to either park a ways away from the beach or get there early.

Highlights in Seaside include the best Bloody Mary in Oregon at Big Kahuna Pub and Grill, the Fascination ball game shop (one of the best things to do on the Oregon Coast!), and of course the beach. The town of Seaside reminds me of Ocean Shores or Westport, WA , but it’s got its own flare.

Famous Views in Cannon Beach, Oregon

We always think of Cannon Beach as the place where One Eyed Willy’s boat set sail at the end of the Goonies , so naturally that’s where we started.   Ecola State Park is just north of downtown Cannon Beach. It’s a must-visit.  

In addition to the beautiful view of the sea stacks off Cannon Beach and beyond (epic sea mist for photos), there are some awesome hikes and beautiful beaches. While the weather erosion on the point at Ecola State Park has damaged many of the trails to the end, there are still hiking opportunities out of the Indian Beach area. And Indian Beach is actually our first beach stop on our Oregon Coast road trip.

Beach stop :  Indian Beach at Ecola State Park in Cannon Beach is at the end of a two mile winding road through the coastal forest. You can hike the trails to other beaches or just head down the boardwalk trail to the beach. It’s full of driftwood, shells and a few streams, so it’s beautiful and perfect Oregon Coast. The sand is gorgeous and the cove makes for a great kid-friendly beach.

Indian Beach is a ways off the Oregon Coast Highway, but it’s worth the winding drive. A visit here is one of the best things to do in Cannon Beach, particularly because there are fewer people here.-

Note :  if you see what looks like thousands of plastic pieces on the beaches of Oregon and Washington, know that they are actually dead jellyfish, not trash. They will sometimes swarm and get washed ashore, drying up and dying. It’s gross and cool at the same time.

We recommend staying in Cannon Beach or Seaside for your first night on the Oregon Coast. If you’re doing the 3 day itinerary, you’ll be staying here, Florence, and Bandon. With Cannon Beach being your first over-night, you’ll be perfectly paced for the rest of your road trip down Highway 101.

Views not to miss :  from the main viewpoint area at Ecola State Park watch the sunset facing south to see the shadows the sea stacks cast. Also from the same area, veer to the north a few hundred yards and sneak a view of the Tillamook Head Lighthouse 1.2 miles off shore (sorry, you can’t visit it).

Public Coast Brewing in Cannon Beach

Every town in Oregon has a brewery, I swear, and some have ten.  Our pick for great micro brews in Cannon Beach is Public Coast Brewing . It’s just outside of the main touristy area of Cannon Beach, but not too far. Walk the block and a half to enjoy their IPAs and burgers.

FYI, dining in Cannon Beach is more expensive than you expect because it’s the closest beach town to Portland, but most places will make sure the value matches the cost.  At Public Coast Brewing we had $13 hamburgers that came with nothing but the burger on its own was worth every penny.

Recommendation :  the Sitka Burger and an Imperial IPA. Delicious combo and a perfect example of Oregon Coast brew houses.

Visit the Cape Meares Lighthouse

Heading south out of Cannon Beach on our Oregon Coast road trip, our next stop is the Cape Meares Lighthouse .  If you’re looking at lighthouse stats and features comparing them all around the USA, you’ll not think twice about visiting Cape Meares Lighthouse.  

Here’s why you need to make the stop: you can get right up close to the beautiful, intricate first order Fresnel lens. It’s awesome, especially with kids that like to see how things work. And the view of the Oregon beaches from the lighthouse is awesome. Getting to visit lighthouses on the Oregon Coast is one of the best things to do and it gives such a wonderful insight into local history.

Also to check out : the tiny town of Garibaldi has some great little seafood shops and places for nautical knickknacks.

Local activity :  whale watching out of Garibaldi is ideal in the spring and fall when the grey whales are going past. If you’re lucky, you might get to see minke whales, transient orcas or even the random blue whale (with crazy good luck!).

Stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory

Find me somebody that grew up on the West Coast and you can bet they’ve been to the Tillamook Cheese Factory . Tillamook Cheese and ice cream and butter and everything else are staples in West Coast homes. They are delicious and pretty darn wholesome.  And you can visit the factory for bottomless samples! This is one of the best things to do (and eat) on the Oregon Coast!

Our favorite thing to try and buy (every time) are the cheddar cheese curds.  When we went to Wisconsin the cheese curds were always fried and served with dipping sauces. On the Oregon Coast (and up in Washington too) we like our curds fresh, squeaky and cold. Delicious.  On our most recent trip we got to try a new cheese, the first new cheese offering from Tillamook in many years: Cape Meares Cheddar. It was like a tangy Gruyere and for a cheese lover, it was to die for.

Note : there is an updated visitors center at the Tillamook Cheese Factory. You NEED TO VISIT to see how it all works and… because cheese.

Pacific City: the gem of the Oregon Coast road trip

Once upon a time in my teens I thought it would be cool to take a little detour on my own crazy Oregon Coast road trip and drive on the beach when I got to Pacific City. It was perfect! Designated areas for driving, very flat beach area, gorgeous view to enjoy… and then the tide came in and I sank and had to wait, full of anxiety, as the winch truck drove from an hour away to rescue me… as the waves lapped at my Blazer’s tires. Everything turned out okay, but I ended up staying in Pacific City.

That’s how I first fell in love with Pacific City, Oregon!

Fast forward twenty years and Pacific City is the perfect Oregon Coast destination with kids! Since highway 101 goes through the town and it’s full of things to do, Pacific City is a great place to stay the night. We like to break up our road trips with downtime and having a home base, so Pacific City served for that on our most recent Oregon Coast road trip. We rented a VRBO right downtown and enjoyed beach time, tide pools, kite flying, and sunsets.

Cape Kiwanda and picturesque Oregon Coast views

Pacific City is located just to the south of Cape Kiwanda, a breathtaking cape jutting out into the Pacific Ocean. It is a protected area, but you can climb its dunes, hike its trails and explore the tide pools all around the base.   These are some of the first dunes you can access along highway 101.

The best time to sit and appreciate this perfect site is at sunrise. With the sun coming up behind you, Cape Kiwanda glows orange unlike any other piece of coast we’ve seen. It’s beautiful and romantic (if you’re into that). And flying a kite here is one of the best things to do on the Oregon Coast. Visit the kite shop across the highway to get outfitted if you don’t have your own just yet!

Craft Brews at the Beach in Pacific City

Of course we’ve enjoyed the local brewery in Pacific City (many times!). Our favorite vacation rental was less than a block from the Pelican Brewery so we take full advantage of it for our weekends of relaxation. With more than 15 beers under their label, Pelican Brewing Co has some great standards and seasonal options at all times.  The Umbrella IPA is our standard favorite.

Tip :  if you stop at a brewery you love, get a growler of your favorite beer on tap to enjoy at your place or the beach (confirm open container laws before drinking in public).  You can reuse your growler as you continue on your Oregon Coast road trip! NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE .

Central Oregon Coast Road Trip highlights

You’re now at what we think of as Oregon’s Central Coast. Here is a perfect mix of lighthouses, Oregon beaches, hiking and fishing villages. If you’re flying into Eugene, OR, this is the part of the coast that’s easiest to get to and also makes for a great home base if you want to stay one place for several days.

Climb the Yaquina Head Lighthouse

As you leave Pacific City you start to head down into the more rugged parts of the Oregon Coast.  The Yaquina Head Lighthouse is a state protected area inclusive of hiking trails, cliffs, tide pools, an interpretive center and, of course, the tallest lighthouse in Oregon.

A stop into the visitors center is required to get the lowdown on Oregon’s lighthouse history as well as to learn about the wildlife of the area, including the migrating whales.

Tip :  you MUST stop into the visitors center if you want to get onto one of the lighthouse tours. The Yaquina Head Lighthouse is only open to the public via tour . They do have a height restriction of 42” to participate (small kids can’t go up). This is common with tall lighthouses (check out our visit to the St Augustine Lighthouse ).

Even without going up into the lighthouse, stopping at Yaquina Head is a really interesting thing to do. Watching for whales, visiting the tide pools and observing the harbor seal colony below all make it a great stop with kids. Make sure you bring your binoculars to spy whales both up close and on the horizon.

One Day in Newport, Oregon

Newport is one of the largest towns along the Oregon Coast highway 101. Newport has a cute bayfront area to explore and great nearby beaches. It’s another great option for a homebase on your Oregon Coast road trip (but we prefer Florence, see below) as it’s close to beaches, shopping, lots of dining, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Undersea Gardens, a few tourist traps (Hello, Ripley’s…), and it’s own lighthouse.

If you’re into festivals, Seafood Fest takes place in February each year and is the place to experience Oregon Coastal Cuisine, Oregon wine, and more.  Newport also tends to have a bit better weather than some of its northern neighbors, so plan on hitting the beach and festivals with your classiest Oregon summer fashion (aka socks and sandals) and sunblock .

Stop at the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse

It’s easy to miss the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse if you’re just driving right through Newport on your Oregon Coast road trip, but stopping is actually a great use of time. Built in 1871, the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is cute, wheelchair accessible (around the grounds) and not far off your course.  It is open to the public most days, but you’ll want to confirm online or locally before making it a part of your primary road trip plan.

Oregon’s Epic Coastline: Cape Perpetua, Thor’s Well and Devil’s Churn

After leaving Newport on the Highway 101 drive, the Oregon coastline gets pretty rugged. There are many things to do in this natural area, so be ready with some good hiking shoes!

Rock formations and crashing waves are a big part of what an Oregon Coast road trip is all about. Driving south on Highway 101 from Newport you’ll notice that the road starts to swerve and wind.  That’s because the coastline went from jagged mixed with sandy beaches, to rocky and untamed. If you’re easily distracted have somebody else drive so you can enjoy the views.

THE stop you have to make in this stretch of the drive is at Cape Perpetua . Part of Oregon State Parks, you have a few ways to enjoy the area. If you head up the hill you have several hiking options to get breathtaking views up and down the coast. Pulling into the Devil’s Churn area, you can see some intense coastal water features including the churn, more tide pools, Thor’s Well (a hike around two points) and even a spout/blowhole.

Tip :  to see the spout you don’t have to do the big hike to Thor’s Well, but can simply head down the trail to the tide pool area and watch across the cove. A big wave will make a burst of water across the way just like a whale spout.

Haceta Head and the best view on the Oregon Coast

We’re suckers for beautiful views. I mean, who isn’t? Just past Cape Perpetua there are several pull out areas to admire the picturesque Haceta Head Lighthouse and beach below. Really, it’s the most beautiful view on the whole Oregon Coast and one of the best things to do.  Be sure to stop along highway 101 and enjoy the crashing waves and sea lions below. Whether you enjoy from above or head down to sea level, you’ll enjoy your time in this magical spot!

Enjoying the Haceta Head Lighthouse

There are two ways to enjoy a stop at the Haceta Head Lighthouse : 1.) relax in the beautiful cove area and have a beach/tide pool day OR 2.) do the ~0.5 mile hike up the hill to the actual Haceta Head Lighthouse and check it out up close. You can even stay in the keepers quarters at the lighthouse. This is one of the most beautiful Oregon beaches on a sunny day!

Tip : if you do want to stay in the keepers quarters at the Haceta Head Lighthouse , be sure to make the inquiry and reserve it the second you know you’re interested. Such cool and unusual accommodations book very far in advance.

Florence: perfect Central Oregon Coast Getaway

Upon first approach or even driving through, Florence doesn’t seem like the dream Oregon Coast road trip stop or home base. Rethink that right now!

The town of Florence is set directly between the most jagged and beautiful parts of the Oregon Coast. It’s directly adjacent to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Florence has an adorable Old Town area that has lots of cute shops and some great dining options.

We stayed at the Old Town Inn just off Highway 101 and it was great for our family of four. It was clean and quiet and located right next to the Old Town area and riverfront. Really, staying someplace small and unique made for a different travel experience and it felt good to support a small business.

Tip : the Oregon Coast, including Florence, doesn’t have many well known or top rated hotel brands. That said, “Inns” and seaside motels are actually quite nice sometimes and most are family run. READ REVIEWS of lodging before booking, but feel confident going off-brand for your road trip.

And like every tourist area along the Oregon Coast, Florence is starting to get some wonderful vacation rentals and AirBNBs.

Easy road trip stop : going between Florence and the southern beaches off the Oregon Coast highway 101, make a stop in Reedsport and check out the U mpqua River Lighthouse . It’s your stereotypical lighthouse, set nicely at the mouth of the Umpqua River and looks both charming and extra historic when it’s the afternoon golden hour (perfect for photo ops).

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area Near Florence

We really had a great time all around Florence, Oregon. We took advantage of the town’s close proximity to beaches for fun relaxation in the sun paired with beach combing. We also had a great time kayaking the freshwater lakes and hiking the dunes at Honeyman State Park … and then the dune buggies! There are several tour operators around Florence to take guests out on the epic sand dunes (we had a great time with Sand Dunes Frontier ).

And if dune buggies aren’t your thing, there is also the option to ride horses through the dunes and to the beach. Due to weather and our littlest’s age, we just stuck around C&M Stables for a fun cow poke ride but there was another crew totally excited to head out for a full ride, no matter the weather. The Oregon Dunes stretch for 50 miles or so, so you’ll no doubt find yourself enjoying them at some point!

Visiting Sea Lion Cave

One last spot that’s pretty cool and worth checking out if you’re interested is Sea Lion Caves . The largest sea cave in North America, it’s the go-to spot to observe hundreds of sea lions and beautiful sea birds. There is an admission fee per person, so families will have to fork out around $50 or so (depending on group size) and it really is pretty neat, but if you are doing your Oregon Coast road trip on a budget, you can observe sea lions lots of other places along the coast.

Southern Oregon Coast Road Trip: quiet towns, jagged cliffs

This part of the Oregon Coast is really special, and it seems to be the least well known or visited. Since highway 101 stays inland for a good portion of this stretch of the drive, you’ll find that some of the best things to do are off the beaten path.

Over the years the Southern Oregon Coast has seen industry come and go, so what’s left behind are some awesome quiet towns full of personality. And some FAR OUT THERE gorgeous Oregon beaches. This part of the road trip is where you get to experience enormous crashing waves and then chill out with some fish ‘n chips.

Coos Bay for epic coastlines and Lighthouse views

If you’re driving Highway 101 down the Oregon Coast you’ll have to go through Coos Bay. Upon first look, it might seem like a quiet logging town without much going on, but it’s actually a bustling place. Between some of the cool art deco buildings and the coastal themed street art, Coos Bay is a great stop for lunch or dinner as you continue on your road trip.

Coos Bay is also the gateway to some of the most aggressive waves and breathtaking strips of coast.

Trek to Cape Arago and Shore Acres State Park

To get to Sunset Bay and Shore Acres State Park, follow the signs to the Cape Arago Highway and head to the beach… or the cliffs. Sunset Bay is a great cove/beach area for picnicking and playing in the water. There’s a stream the kids can play in too, and even some tide pools at low tide. It’s quiet and beautiful, one of the best beaches to relax in the summer, for sure.

Moving along the rural coastal road, Shore Acres State Park is perhaps the most fascinating place on the coast. This is truly one of the off the beaten path things to do. The erosion of the coastline over time has formed some interesting features, not to mention that the luxury estate that was once there can still be seen falling into the sea. Also, you can visit the botanic gardens within the park, which do some really cool light displays during the holidays (or so we’re told).

Tip : due to its remote location, the State Park entrance fee machines in the area only take cash, so be prepared with some fives or ones, cuz that’s cheaper than a citation.

How to see the Cape Arago Lighthouse

The Cape Arago Lighthouse is out in the middle of the water, about three hundred yards off the shore. You cannot access it unless you’re doing something coast guard-ish, but you can see it and dream about being an old-timey lighthouse keeper (because that’s one of my three wishes in the event I meet a genie). So, how do you see the Cape Arago Lighthouse?

• At Sunset Bay, skirt along the base of the cliffs at low tide until you get to the mouth of the bay and can see the lighthouse (slippery tide pool warning)
• Pull over when driving between Sunset Beach and Shore Acres and walk down the clearly marked trail to the viewpoint

It really is a beautiful lighthouse and is my favorite to spy on the Oregon Coast road trip route, so take a few minutes to enjoy it.

Bonus Road Trip Stop: Charleston Marine Life Center

A great addition to any road trip is a good museum or science center stop, and the Oregon Coast has just that! West of Coos Bay is the small town of Charleston, OR.

Here, the University of Oregon has a research and public education facility: the Charleston Marine Life Center . This is a great spot for some hands-on learning, particularly for checking out marine specimens up close! We could’ve spent all day here.   Take a look at our full Southern Oregon Road Trip plan for more great learning opportunities.

Relax in Bandon, Oregon

Not Brandon; Bandon. Bandon, Oregon is another town that makes for a good homebase while you’re doing an Oregon Coast road trip. There are many small inns and even a couple resorts (with world class golf, if that’s your thing) that serve for an overnight or two.

Located on a small bay, Bandon has a cute little old town area similar to Florence. Restaurants, galleries and maritime shops dot the area so it’s perfect for an afternoon or evening stroll.  There are also plenty of beaches on either side of the town, so if the plan is just to relax for a few days, this is the spot.

Tip :  there are several options for whale watching out of Bandon, Oregon along the marina if you’d like to plan or go for an impromptu jaunt (depending on the season). Whale season tends to be April through September , so add that to your coastal travel plans if you can.

The southern Oregon Coast is the perfect place to rejuvenate. We loved stopping at places like Bandon and Seal Rock to explore the long beaches, tide pools, or just listen to the waves crash. I think we got the best sleep we’d had in months from the fresh air and long walks. I highly recommend finding your perfect Oregon beach, and Bandon is the place for it.

Spend an Afternoon at the Coquille River Lighthouse

A highlight for us in Bandon was the Coquille River Lighthouse . This lighthouse is particularly interesting because it’s located ON the Coquille River instead of on a head or rock.  No longer in operation, but still open for tours, the Coquille River Lighthouse is colorful and unique, surrounded by dunes and beaches. It is located within Bullards Beach State Park, so there are plenty of day use sites for picnicking or beach access.

Tip : plan a visit to Coquille River Lighthouse in the late morning so you can grab a picnic table or good beach spot for lunch. For as remote as Bandon is, this state park gets busy on weekends and during the summer.

Also, if your Oregon Coast road trip is going to be a camping trip, Bullards Beach State Park has a fair number of campsites.  This is a great way to be close to Bandon without staying directly in the town.

Gold Beach, Oregon for relaxing to the max

Gold Beach, Oregon is almost to the California border, but not quite. It’s a quiet town, very similar to Rockaway Beach, OR or Ocean Shores, WA, so its population and popularity changes with the good weather. While there isn’t a ton to do in Gold Beach specifically (except relax and fly kites), there are some cool sites to make for fun day trips. Gold Beach is one of the least crowded Oregon beaches, so it’s extra chill year round (IMO).

If you want to stay here instead of Bandon, we loved the Pacific Reef Hotel . Condo style rooms and direct beach access make it a great final night on an Oregon Coast road trip.

Cape Blanco Lighthouse is just to the north of Gold Beach. It’s a pretty tall lighthouse and there are fun beach activities nearby if you’d like to make a day of it.  Also a short drive (about 1.5 hours) from Gold Beach is Oregon Caves National Monument . It’s a really cool cave system to go through with an awesome National Park lodge, the Oregon Caves Chateau , where you can have a nice lunch or dinner in the hills.

Last Oregon Coast Road Trip Stop: Brookings, OR

I can’t believe we’re at the end!

Brookings is just north of the California border and where our road trip itinerary ends. The town itself is cute with some cool coastal tourist attractions, including the Ship Ashore Museum and Gift Shop… which is now just a roadside attraction.

The highlight of Brookings though is Harris Beach State Park . If you missed the sea stacks up in Cannon Beach you’ll find more here! The landscape at Harris Beach is what you hope for with all Oregon beaches. Perfect for having a beach day or doing some easy hiking. 

Tip : if you want to continue your Oregon Coast road trip all the way into California, check out our itinerary for a full  California Coast Road Trip  covering everything from the southern Oregon coast to San Francisco (and actually to the Mexican border).

Packing for an Oregon Coast road trip

The Oregon Coast is gorgeous… even in the foggy rain which you might experience any time of year. When you’re packing for an Oregon Coast road trip be sure to plan for hot sun as well as chilling wet.  As a rule when we’re touring around Western Washington or Oregon we always pack equally for rain or sun, erroring on the side of the time of year. This includes activities we bring with us. Here’s what our Oregon Coast road trip packing list looks like (clothing is per person).

The logical clothing packing list for the Oregon Coast year-round:

• T-shirts and tanks (3:1 ratio)
• Swim shorts and hiking shorts
• Sandals AND shoes

Equipment you need for a family Oregon Coast road trip (some affiliate links if you want to buy anything):

• Beach gear (including boogie board in summer)
• Seat back covers – kick-gaurds – WE HAVE THESE ONES
• Cribbage, dominoes and Yahtzee
• Camera gear – LOVE this waterproof camera for beach days – HAVE THIS IN YELLOW
• Polaroid or Instax Camera – perfect for making vintage memories – WE HAVE THIS IN GREEN
• Portable vacuum (the Oregon Coast is sandy and you’ll thank us later) – WE HAVE THIS ONE
• Portable outlet / power inverter – THIS ONE IS OURS

You know your own travel style and crew, but having done the Oregon Coast road trip thing eight times now, I can confidently say that this list is what will keep you happy and sane all along the coast.

Are you ready to plan and enjoy your full Oregon Coast road trip?!? We could do this route any time of year and have a blast, but late spring or September are the best times to go.

If you have any questions or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask or tell us.  Leave a comment below or email us !

Want to pin this for planning your own Oregon Coast road trip? Go for it!!!

Thursday 6th of April 2023

My mom lived in the Willamette Valley for a period of time as a kid. She loves Oregon and has gone often, but not in 30+ years. We vacationed there when I was 14 and 18, then once Mr. T. and I took my mom and grandmother when Josh was about 4 months old (he went too). The itinerary was always the same, fly into Portland, drive up to Mount Hood and see it, stay at that Dam Hotel while look at the Dalles, then through the mountains and Salem down to Eugene to cut over to the coast arriving in Florence and staying at the Driftwood Hotel. No reservations after that as we worked our way up the coast (finding hotels as we went) stopping at Newport Beach, Devil’s Punchbowl, Devil’s Elbow, etc. up to Tillamook and then back to Portland to fly home. It is beautiful. So.. now I am thinking about it. I think I would change it up to where it was primarily the coast maybe getting a vacation rental midway between Florence and Tillamook or similar or two vacation rental destinations and satellite out of those versus the find a hotel along the way concept. I need to confirm the weather for the window we are considering. Mr. T. states he knows I’d love it, he thinks if my mom could go anywhere in the world, that is where she would choose and that we can’t go without taking my parents. BUT unless things have changed in the last 30+ years, not sure it is an option as I don’t know mobility and access wise that it works for my parents. And I’d hate for her to be upset that we went without her. Thoughts on how if this would be a good or bad plan to take my parents? They are in their 80s, they can do some walking, but it would be somewhat limited. Also thoughts on a mid-point (or 2 points) to satellite out of it? Thanks so much!

Saturday 15th of April 2023

Ooh, I think there are some wonderful viewpoints and certain towns are very mobile friendly/accessible. Oregon has done a lot of work to be a more accessible state, and the Oregon Coast has been a focus of that. I think for people in their 80s it can be wonderful still, as long as their expectations aren't to be out hiking the coast trails. :)

Sunday 11th of September 2022

What is the best places to visit at night? like for example after a conference and I have a free time at night what is the best place to visit during night time?

That depends on where you conference is... Florence is great in the evening along the river in the historic area, Coos Bay is hoppin' on the weekend nights and during summer nights. Pacific City is great for sunset and beers...

Shani Stolero

Thursday 6th of May 2021

Hi! It will be my first time along Oregon coast and probably not the last (since there are too many things to do and not enough days). Thanks for the information and the love of lighthouses (I love them since I was a child).

Saturday 8th of May 2021

You'll love it! And if you love lighthouses, there are some gorgeous ones. I recommended seeing if the Haceta Head keepers quarters is available to rent for one of your nights. For being such a beautiful, unique place to stay, it's also a pretty good deal considering how special of a place it is.

Saturday 20th of March 2021

This is fabulous Rob, exactly what we were looking for in trying to narrow down stops on the Oregon leg of our US trip - and very happy you added some brewery and meal stops!

Yay!!! I'll be honest, and I said this in the article, my absolute favorite spot is Pacific City, and then the Florence area next. Really the best of the Oregon Coast!

Sunday 26th of January 2020

Thanks for the great trip report! What towns did you stop and stay overnight?

Monday 27th of January 2020

We've done the trip several times, so have stayed in Warrenton, Seaside, Tillamook, Florence, Pacific City, Gold Beach, Brookings and even Cave Junctions. Bandon has many small hotels and vacation rentals, so is actually a great home base for doing the southern half.

A Spectacular Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary

An Oregon Coast road trip is one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S and an absolutely unforgettable trip!

With so many places to hike, beachcomb, and be completely wowed by the rugged coastal scenery, it can be hard to plan your itinerary!

So, in this mega-Oregon Coast drive guide, you’ll find:

• my itinerary for driving the Oregon coast,
• a coastal map,
• planning tips,
• suggestions about where to stay along the route,
• additional itinerary ideas,
• driving tips, as well as,
• practical information about when to go and what to pack.

Ready to plan your drive down the Oregon Coast?

Oregon Coastal Road Trip Planning

As you start your Oregon trip planning, there are a few things you need to decide first.

• How many days do you have for the road trip?
• Which airport(s) are you flying in and out of?
• Do you have any activities, like a full-day hike that will use up a big chunk of time, on your to-do list?

A 1-week Oregon coast road trip is the sweet spot. This gives you a lot of flexibility. You can decide to spend the entire week on the Oregon Coast. There’s plenty to see and do. But you can also tweak it based on what makes sense for your travel plans.

If you’re flying into the Oregon area, the airports you fly in and out of will definitely shape your itinerary. Unless you’re focusing only on northern and central Oregon, flying in and out of a city like Portland will likely cost you time on the return. After all, the Oregon Coast is a north-to-south (or vice versa) route, not a loop like a Colorado road trip.

Instead, try to fly into 1 airport and out of another based on the beginning and ending points of your Oregon Coast road trip itinerary.

Oregon Coastal Map with Towns

The Oregon Coast Highway is Route 101. This road is also part of the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway which continues north into Washington State and south into California.

Highway 101 in Oregon runs 363 miles along the coast, from Astoria to Brookings. If you were to drive this nonstop from start to finish, it would take roughly 7-8 hours.

The map of the Oregon coastline below shows some of the most popular towns along the route. If you zoom in, more Oregon coastal towns will fill in.

My Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary

First, I’ve shared this Oregon coast drive the way I did it. Down below, you’ll also find some more ideas about how you can customize this itinerary to fit your own travel plans.

You’ll notice that I began my Oregon road trip further north in Seattle. This is because of the flight deal I got to Seattle instead of Portland, and also because I liked the idea of doing a little Seattle sightseeing.

As an alternative, you could also fly into Portland, which is in Oregon already. In this case, you’d likely skip Seattle for logistical sense.

But you could also focus specifically on driving the Oregon Coast and spending more time on outdoor pursuits like hiking or boating or exploring in a place like Astoria or Brookings.

Are you ready to start planning your Oregon coast trip? Let’s go!

Days 1-2: Start in Seattle.

Seattle can be a logical and fun place to begin your Oregon coast road trip…even though the city is in Washington State!

It’s only a couple of hours’ drive from the Oregon coastline. Numerous flights arrive at Seattle’s international airport from around the country every day. American, Delta, United, Alaska, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines all operate flights to Seattle. And you can rent a car easily from the airport.

There are plenty of things to do in Seattle. But with just 1-2 days, depending on what time you arrive, you’ll want to prioritize visiting the top sights.

Pike Place Market

This market is an absolute must while in Seattle. Officially opened in 1907, it’s the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the U.S. Over the years, it’s grown from a place where farmers came to sell their goods out of the back of their wagons to an indoor/outdoor market and dining hub in a historic district of the city overlooking Puget Sound. Today, Pike’s Place Market is one of the most visited places in the world. 

The Pike Place Fish Market draws a lot of attention as the fish are tossed around to prep them for sale. But, the best part of the market is the time spent nibbling. You’re in an absolute foodie paradise, complete with everything from baked goods to the freshest fish sandwich!

You can graze independently or  go with a chef on a tasting adventure through the market.  When you can’t take another bite(!), savor the one-of-a-kind crafts in the hundreds of artist stalls.

Seattle Underground Tour

This will be one of the coolest and most interesting tours you take anywhere. Seattle’s history includes a fire at the end of the 1800s and the need to rebuild. In Pioneer Square, what was once at street level was built over with raised streets and the eventual structures on top of them. Today, the tunnels and passageways beneath the modern-day streets lead straight into a fascinating story of early Seattle.

The  Underground Walking Tour  lasts for an hour so it’s easy to include other sights and activities on your day’s itinerary. For reference, the meeting point for the tour is about a 10-minute walk from Pikes Place Market and a couple of blocks off the Seattle waterfront.

Space Needle

Seattle’s iconic Space Needle is an unmissable landmark in the city’s skyline. It stands at 605 feet tall with 360° panoramic views over the city and Puget Sound. On clear days, it’s possible to see Mount Ranier and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains in the not-too-far-off distance. The Space Needle even has a glass floor experience to see the view just below!

The Space Needle is open every day. Save time and  get your entry tickets in advance . If you purchased a  Seattle CityPASS , entry to the Space Needle is included with your bundled ticket.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

You can’t help but be in awe over artist Dale Chihuly’s designs of glass! There are 8 galleries and a gorgeous, outdoor garden displaying the artist’s colorful glass pieces and sculptures. You can also watch glass-blowing demonstrations to see how the artist worked.

The exhibition is next to the Space Needle and from inside the signature glasshouse, you can capture the bright glass designs and Seattle’s instantly-recognizable landmark, the Space Needle, towering overhead. Entry to the art exhibit and garden is included with the bundled  Seattle CityPASS .

Or you can book a combo ticket for the Space Needle and the Chihuly Gardens .

Enjoy the Pacific Northwest Outdoors

One of the biggest attractions of Seattle is its proximity to incredible natural landscapes and the outdoors lifestyle. Within 2 hours driving of Seattle, there are 3 National Parks and countless other outdoor areas where you can hike, walk, bike, and paddle.

For example, you could drive to Mount Rainier National Park or  take a guided day trip  there.

You could also get out onto  Seattle’s harbor and Elliot Bay,  which is part of Puget Sound. It’s a great way to combine Seattle history and sightseeing the beauty of the water and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains looming in the distance.

If you plan to spend 2 days in Seattle, you could plan one of these day trips. You can also enjoy a full day in Seattle and then head to the spectacular Oregon Coast.

1 Day Seattle to Cannon Beach

Make an early start and head south on I-5 from Seattle. The drive today is roughly 200 miles but nearly all of that is along this major interstate without sightseeing stops until Astoria, Oregon.

Astoria is just near the northern tip of the Oregon coast, making it a perfect spot to begin an Oregon Coast road trip. If the town of Astoria is ringing some bells in your memory, you’re probably familiar with the fan-favorite 80s movie, Goonies, which was mostly filmed in Astoria. 

Along with familiar Goonie filming locations, this small historic city blends seaside and artsy vibes for a one-of-a-kind spot for local shops, restaurants, and breweries. It’s a fun spot to get out of the car, grab a bite, and stretch your legs.

Things to Do in Astoria, Oregon

The  Astoria Column , situated on Coxcomb Hill, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Built during the mid-1920s, the paintings on the outside tell the story of Astoria and Oregon’s history.

Loosen up those road trip legs while climbing the column’s 164 steps to the observation deck. From the top, you’ll be able to see the place where the mighty Columbia River empties into the ocean.

Take a moment to enjoy the views overlooking the city and the Astoria-Megler Bridge, a giant truss bridge that spans the Columbia River and connects Washington and Oregon.

The Astoria Column itself is free to climb. There is a small fee for parking.

ProTip: From the Astoria Column parking area, you can hike the trail up to Cathedral Tree . This Sitka Spruce is thought to be 300+ years old. The hike is an out-and-back trail that takes less than an hour to complete.

If you’d like to spend more time in Astoria, here are a few more things to do in the area. Keep in mind the rest of the day’s activities. If you spend more time in Astoria, for example, you may want to make Seaside a quicker stop.

The  Astoria Riverfront Trolley  is a great way to see popular sights along the waterfront and hop-on-hop-off along the 3-mile route. It’ll also give you close-up views of the Astoria-Megler Bridge.

The Oregon Film Museum is the place to get your Goonies fix. This museum is housed in a historic landmark jail and is in honor of movies that have been filmed in Oregon. However, it’s primarily focused on the Goonies so it’s best for die-hard Goonie fans.

Fort Stevens State Park is a bit off-the-beaten-path but has no shortage of trails and sandy beaches to comb. History buffs will love knowing that Fort Stevens was a military outpost for over 80 years. There’s also the Iredale shipwreck to see, which ran aground in 1906.

Lastly, the Fort Clatsop National Memorial is the site of a replica Lewis & Clark Fort. In 1805, the pair spent the winter here as part of their historical westward trip. I highly recommend listening to one of the site’s historians tell about the site. They really know how to bring the location’s history to life!

Seaside, Oregon and Ecola State Park

When you’re ready, get back in the car and head south about 16 miles on US-101 to  Seaside, Oregon  and its  seaside  promenade. This 1.5-mile walk along a paved walkway is parallel to the Pacific Ocean.

“The Prom” for short is lined with a historic Seaside Aquarium, a Lewis and Clark statue at Turnaround Point where the 2 men completed their westward exploration, and gorgeous ocean views. It’s the kind of place just to stroll, take in the salty air, and let the ocean waves carry your worries out to sea.

If you haven’t eaten yet, there are plenty of choices along Highway-101 and in and around the streets near Broadway.

With the laid-back vibes of the Oregon Coast beginning to settle in, continue on about 8 miles south on Highway-101 to  Ecola State Park . This is where you’ll get your first true look at the stunning rocks that jut out of the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast.

The park’s entrance road is a vibrant green characteristic of the ocean forests that line the Oregon Coast. Picture tall spruce tree groves with low-lying shrubs along a winding road that rewards you with an open overlook to Cannon Beach and its iconic sea stacks that stand majestically among the ocean waves.

For the best views, follow the road to the Indian Beach parking area. Then, follow the short trail from the parking lot to the scenic point. This is also where you should park for access to Indian Beach where you can walk on the sand, explore the tide pools at low tide, and possibly even spot some wildlife like elk or whales!

If you’re up for a hike, don’t miss the park favorite,  Clatsop Loop Trail!  It’s a moderate loop hike about 2.8 miles round trip. The trailhead is accessed from the Indian Beach parking area. Depending on the time of year you visit, be prepared with hiking boots that have good traction in muddy terrain.

The ocean views along the trail’s westside are breathtaking (especially on sunny days!) and not visible from other points in the park. 

At the end of the day, make your way from Ecola State Park a couple of miles south to Cannon Beach, Oregon. The small, coastal town is the perfect spot to land, with  plenty of places to stay , eat, and refresh yourself after a fantastic first day on the Oregon Coast!

Where to stay in Cannon Beach, Oregon

The Ocean Lodge  has ocean-front real estate, with views of Haystack Rock. Free breakfast is included in the nightly rate and each room comes with a fireplace. If you’re road-tripping with a furry family member, as I sometimes do, you’ll be glad to know The Ocean Lodge is pet-friendly. 

The Inn at Cannon Beach  is tucked away, surrounded by the greenery of the Oregon Coast. The hotel’s buildings look (and feel!) more like homes, with spacious pet-friendly rooms also equipped with fireplaces. After enjoying the free breakfast, you can access the beach with just a short walk from the property.

The Hallmark Resort and Spa  sits along the beach, just steps from Haystack Rock. Choose from a range of room types that include fireplaces, kitchenettes, and jacuzzi tubs. Your fur-baby can enjoy the panoramic ocean views, not to mention beautiful ocean sunsets!

1 Day Cannon Beach to Newport

Ready for another beautiful day on the Oregon Coast? Today’s drive south on Highway-101 is half the drive from yesterday but still packed with some of the best Oregon Coast highlights!

Starting your day off in Cannon Beach, be sure to visit the beachfront in town. Haystack Rock is probably the MOST famous sea stack along the Oregon Coast. At low tide, Cannon Beach gives you the opportunity to get within steps of this 235-foot giant.

Cannon Beach has been named as one of the 100 most beautiful places on Earth by National Geographic. So, whether you arrived in town early enough yesterday to see the sunset or you spend time in the morning walking the beach to admire the sea stacks,  Cannon Beach is a can’t miss spot for all Oregon Coast road trip itineraries.

Just 5 miles south of Cannon Beach, you’ll arrive at  Hug Point State Recreation Site.  There, you’ll find the beautiful and easy Hug Point Trail.

It’s a 1.2-mile out-and-back walk that gives you the chance to walk on a cove beach, explore caves and tide pools, and savor the ocean views. Haystack Rock will be visible to the north.

The safest and best time to visit is during low tide so be sure to  check the tide tables .  It is possible to get stuck while on your walk if the tide comes in so don’t risk it if you are cutting it close to high tide. Either way, plan 30-60 minutes to explore before continuing south on the Oregon Coast.

ProTip: The Neahkahnie Beach Viewpoint in between Hug Point and Tillamook is the epitome of amazing Oregon Coast scenery. Take a moment to enjoy the spectacular views from the overlook.

There’s nothing like the salty air for stirring up an appetite. So, if you’re feeling snacky, you’re in luck because you’re about to land in Tillamook, home to the famous Tillamook Creamery . Whether you’re in the mood for ice cream or a cheesy favorite like mac and cheese, you don’t want to miss any of this creamy goodness. 

If the weather is not ideal for the outdoors, take a self-guided tour to learn more about dairy farming and watch as the workers process millions of pounds of milk every day to make blocks of cheddar, which are then aged to perfect deliciousness!

Three Capes Scenic Loop

From Tillamook, you’ll want to continue along the Three Capes Scenic Loop . It’s a 40-mile scenic drive along some of the prettiest sections of the Oregon Coast. The three capes scenic route include Cape Meares, Cape Kiawanda, and Cape Lookout.

Cape Meares State Park

From Route 131 in downtown Tillamook, you’ll actually head northwest onto Bayocean Road. The Tillamook Bay coastline will be on your right. Follow the signs for the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint and Cape Meares Lighthouse .

From the parking area, there are short paths that lead to the historic lighthouse, scenic viewpoints, and the famous Octopus Tree.

The sweeping views from the Cape Meares pathways are breathtaking. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may even get lucky and spot a whale or a napping sea lion. Don’t forget the binoculars ! 

Cape Lookout State Park

Continue south in the direction of Cape Lookout State Park, the next cape on this scenic stretch of coastline. If you’re eager to get out of the car and explore on foot, Cape Lookout is the perfect place to do so today. 

The Cape Trail is a 5-mile, moderate, round trip out and back hike that takes you into a classic Oregon Coast forest, with Sitka Spruce trees and lush, dewy ferns that blanket the forest floor.

On blue-sky days, the Cape Lookout viewpoint affords views up to 40 miles to the north and Tillamook Head to Cape Foulweather nearly 40 miles in the opposite direction. Allow about 2 hours to complete this hike.

Cape Lookout State Park also has 3 miles of easily accessed beach. So you’re in luck if you’ve been hoping to feel the sand between your toes! 

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area

Cape Kiwanda is the smallest of the 3 capes along this scenic route. There’s beach access (beware cars are no longer allowed on the beach) and scenic viewpoints.

The beach is marked with a single sea stack that juts from the ocean waves. The wind along this part of the coast brings with it fabulous waves and perfect kite-flying conditions.

Beware of any signage directing you to stay away from specific areas, like the cliffs. They can be dangerous if you get too close to the edge!

ProTip: You can also enjoy a local brew and take in the views of the sea stack at Cape Kiwanda from The Pelican Brewery and Tap Room . It is the only brewery on the Oregon Coast with beachfront seating. 

Otter Crest Loop

On the way to your final spot for the day, Newport Oregon, there are a couple of scenic spots you won’t want to miss. Drive south from Cape Kiwanda and Pacific City on U.S. Highway 101 until just past Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint.

From this point, watch for signs for the Otter Crest Loop and continue south along this road. This road is closer to the coastline than U.S. Highway 101 and gives better access to a couple of scenic stops.

At Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint , you get a sweeping vista of ocean views and coastline from 500 feet up. The view is absolutely gorgeous and offers the best spot to glimpse Cape Foulweather.

Devil’s Punchbowl

Just 15 minutes before you arrive in Newport and at the end of the Otter Crest Loop road, stop to check out the Devil’s Punchbowl. There are sea caves, 2 of which are collapsed, leaving a giant opening in the roof. During high tide, you can watch the waves fill the open cave, swirling and churning within the rock’s opening.

If you are lucky to time your arrival at low tide, you can explore the cave itself and the tide pools left behind by the crashing waters.

Finish the day’s drive and adventures in Newport, Oregon .

This classic fishing community is complete with boats bobbing in the harbor, delicious seafood spots like Local Ocean Seafood and Georgie’s Beachside Grill, and resident sea lions who lounge on the docks. (If you stay close to where they lounge, they’ll even let you know when the morning’s first light is shining!)

Where to stay in Newport, Oregon

The  Hallmark Resort  is a beautiful oceanfront property offering spacious rooms that can accommodate couples, families, and four-legged fur babies. The balcony or patio from your room is the perfect spot to watch the fishing boats move in and out of the harbor and the breathtaking sunset views over the Pacific Ocean.

The  Inn at Nye Beach  has direct beach access and gorgeous ocean views. This boutique hotel offers spa services including in-room massage. There are a variety of room types, including family suites equipped with a kitchenette. 

Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites  sit overlooking the Oregon coast and the calming waves of the Pacific Ocean. Aside from the incredible views, the hotel offers free breakfast, rooms with fireplaces and balconies, and fresh-baked cookies in the evenings.

1 Day Newport to Florence (or Coos Bay)

Before continuing your Oregon Coast road trip, take some time to explore Newport and the surrounding area.

The Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Natural Area is just 3 miles to the north of Newport. It’s the tallest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast and, at low tide, the area has some of the best tide pools on the Oregon Coast.

Be sure to walk along Newport’s Historic Bayfront . It’s a working fishing port, where sea lions laze away the day and local fisherman haul in their latest catch. Among the sights and smells of the seaport, you’ll find art galleries, restaurants, and gift shops.

The Newport Aquarium has interactive exhibits, deep-sea tunnels, and outdoor exhibits, perfect for anyone with children who needs a morning break from the car and/or the hiking trail. 

You could easily begin the day by visiting Yaquina Head. After that, circle back to Newport to explore the waterfront and enjoy a seafood sandwich before continuing south to Cape Perpetua.

Cape Perpetua

The Cape Perpetua Scenic Area , located in the Siuslaw National Forest, is the highest point on the Oregon coast and an absolute can’t-miss stop on your Oregon Coast drive!

Ascending 800 feet, Cape Perpetua affords panoramic ocean views with the ability to see for miles to the north or south, as well as an opportunity to spot whales swimming near the rocky coastline. 

This coastal region is also home to a temperate rainforest with towering spruce trees and 26 miles of hiking trails. While it’s considered to be a moderate-difficult hike, the St. Perpetua Trail is worth your time and effort!

It’s a 2.7-mile out-and-back hike so distance isn’t what adds to the difficulty. It’s the elevation climb. There are switchbacks but by the end of the hike, you’ll have climbed 700 feet.

The wildflowers and Sitka Spruce are second only to the heart-pumping exhilaration of reaching the viewpoint over the Pacific Ocean! On a blue-sky day, the ocean and horizon are only separated by a couple of shades of blue. 

Plan about 2 hours to take photos, finish the hike, and enjoy this gorgeous spot on the Oregon Coast.

ProTip:  The return trip will be entirely downhill. Your knees will thank you for bringing along trekking poles or even a sturdy walking stick. 

If the St. Perpetua trail isn’t for you, consider  another of the area’s hikes.  There’s also the Cape Perpetua Lookout close to the parking area and a perfect spot to capture some Christmas-card-worthy family photos.

Thor’s Well

The Cape Perpetua area also has a lot of scenic spots and pull-offs. If you continue south on U.S. Highway 101, a mile from Cape Perpetua, you’ll come to Thor’s Well.

It’s a popular spot to watch the salty waves crash and spill into what some have called “the drain of the Pacific.” Take extra care at high tide not to get too close.

Heceta Head Lighthouse & the Sea Lion Caves

As you drive south along the Oregon Coast towards the town of Florence, the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint and the Sea Lion Caves are fun, family-friendly stops.

Heceta Head Lighthouse is one of the most popular lighthouses on the Oregon Coast. Use the parking area within the State Park and take the 1/2 mile path from the parking area to the lighthouse and the viewpoint.

The  Sea Lion Caves  is a wildlife preserve that offers tours. Keep in mind the animals are wild and so free to come and go as they wish. The number of sea lions in the caves varies depending on the time of year.

Finish the day in Florence, Oregon. This cute coastal town has some of the better hotel accommodations than in other nearby places like Coos Bay. Florence also has plenty of delicious food choices as you settle in for a satisfying dinner and stroll through Old Town.

If you arrive in Florence before the end of the day or plan to stay in this area of the Oregon Coast for a longer time, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is only a half-hour away. Hike in the Recreation Area, get adventurous on the sand in an ATV, or plan a dune picnic!

Where to stay in Florence, Oregon

The  Old Town Inn  is near the Siuslaw River and has a fantastic location, just a few minutes walking to the shops and restaurants in Old Town. This Inn gets high praise for cleanliness. Rooms come with 1 or 2 beds, which works for both couples and families.

The  River House Inn  is also located along the Siuslaw River. Old Town is only a couple of minutes away on foot. The rooms have been recently remodeled and come with a refrigerator and microwave. The hotel offers free continental breakfast.

The  Best Western Pier Point Inn  is on the opposite side of the Siuslaw River from Florence. A walk across the bridge will bring you into Old Town Florence. This hotel comes with free breakfast and rooms can be standard or suites. As with the above hotels, beaches and the Dunes Recreation Area are within easy reach.

ProTip:  If you’re looking for a more unique stay, you might consider finishing your day in Coos Bay instead of Florence. While Florence is a more charming town, Coos Bay is home to a great glamping option at  Bay Point Landing . Choose to stay in a luxury cabin or an airstream suite in a secluded spot along a private beach area. 

1 Day Florence to Brookings, Oregon/Crescent City, CA

Today’s drive explores some of the best places on the southern Oregon coastline, and if you follow my itinerary, takes you just over the border into northern California. Although you could also choose to stop in Brookings, Oregon, at the very southern end of the coast.

From Florence to Crescent City, California is roughly 3 1/2 hours of driving, which of course will be broken up with Oregon coast stops along the way. In fact, this stretch of coastlines has some of the prettiest spots yet!

Shore Acres State Park

Coming from Florence, Shore Acres State Park is 80 minutes south. (If you stayed in Coos Bay instead, you’re just 20 minutes from this state park.)

This park has beautiful botanical gardens that are particularly vibrant in spring and summer. There’s a pretty Japanese-style garden and rose gardens where you can walk to admire the flowers in bloom. To be honest, this was an unexpected and lovely sight along the Oregon coast and in total contrast to the beach-y, coastal scenery along the drive.

Not far from the gardens, though, trails lead away from the serenity and down to Simpson Beach and along the seaside cliffs.

I highly recommend walking along the cliffs! The waves crash along the rocky coastline in dramatic fashion! These were some of the biggest waves I’d seen along the road trip and their power was thrilling.

Face Rock State Scenic Area

As you make your way south for about 40 minutes, you’ll pass through the town of Bandon before reaching Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint.

As you go through Bandon, stop in town to pick up snacks and sandwiches for a picnic at one of the next few stops.

If you time it right (I didn’t), you might want to make a quick stop at the volunteer-run Washed Ashore Gallery . They feature sculptures that have been made using trash that’s washed up from the ocean in an effort to bring awareness to the pollution in the oceans.

Face Rock is famous for its sea stacks, which you can see from up above the beach. But you can also use the staircase to see them and enjoy the spectacular scenery at beach level.

Timing is everything here, too. If it’s low tide, be sure to check out the tidepools around the beach and at the base of the sea stacks for creature sightings. Also, this is where you might come upon a Circles in the Sand Labyrinth . The artists create a labyrinth piece of art in the sand on specific days and times depending on the tides.

Unfortunately, I missed this!

Otter Point State Recreation Site

There is a beautiful overlook where you can view the curve of the coastline and the beach below. Trails lead onto the beach if you’d like to get a closer look. This pretty spot is a bit of a hidden gem. If you drive the Oregon coast in summer, the beaches here are a great way to escape the crowds.

The town of Gold Beach is less than 10 minutes from Otter Point. You’ll cross the Rogue River Bridge as you enter town. If you didn’t pick up any food for a picnic, you could do that at the market here or stop at one of the restaurants here for a quick bite.

Kissing Rock is south of the Gold Beach Visitor Center. The rock formation sits on miles of wide beach that you might just have (almost) to yourself. There are short trails that lead you to this secluded section of beach in just a few minutes’ time.

ProTip: If you’re short on time, Otter Point and Gold Beach can be at most quick stops. You want to make sure you have enough time to visit the next stop, perhaps the most beautiful spot on the entire Oregon Coast!

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

If ever a road trip had a dramatic and memorable finish, this would have to be it!

The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is an absolute must-visit on your Oregon coast road trip! Even if you have limited time and need to pick and choose your stops, this spectacular natural area should make the cut.

Situated between Gold Beach and Brookings, there are numerous scenic overlooks, pull-offs, and trails. I stopped nearly every mile with my camera in tow!

And if you wanted to make the other stops today as quick as can be so you’re able to spend as much time here as possible, no one could argue with that! There’s plenty to see, do, and savor.

Unless you’re planning to focus on a longer hike, you should stop at as many of the turnoffs as you can. Each one has its own views and trails to explore and ooh and ahh over! They also connect to an 18-mile swath of the Oregon Coast Trail.

Natural Bridge Viewpoint is the park’s most famous spot. The short trail from the parking lot brings you to the viewpoint. It’s possible to continue down the steep trail to get a closer look at the natural bridges but not necessary and can be dangerous especially if the ground is muddy.

From the Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint parking area, there’s a 1-mile grassy trail that circles around and back from the scenic overlook. Aside from the picturesque rocky coastline that spans from north to south, have your binoculars ready to look for whales! If you’re looking for a fantastic short hike, this is it!

ProTip: For a longer 4-mile hike, head north from the Cape Ferrelo area until you reach House Rock Viewpoint . Along the way, you may even discover some small beaches hidden by the old spruce trees around the path.

Hike the 3/4 mile trail to Secret Beach . Use the Thunder Rock Cove parking area to find the trailhead. You can see the cove from the viewpoint up above but trekking down leads you to a pretty tucked-away beach, best explored at low tide.

Follow the path at Arch Rock for views of a cluster of gorgeous sea stacks.

Where to stay in Crescent City, CA (or Brookings, OR)

Finish the day just over the Oregon border in Crescent City, California. You could also choose to finish your drive just before the border in Brookings, OR.

I stayed in Crescent City. There are 2 reasons for this.

First, and honestly, I didn’t like the hotel options available in Brookings for my dates. And while searching, many times I was directed to hotels 8, 10, and 20+ miles from Brookings and towards Crescent City. Here’s where I found more hotel options so that’s where I stayed.

I explain the 2nd reason in fuller detail below but Crescent City was also an ideal location for getting to the airport to return home.

The Best Western Plus Northwoods Inn is near the marina and the Crescent City waterfront. Room rates include a full free breakfast. Plus, you can earn Best Western points to redeem for a future stay or redeem previously earned points to book this as an award night.

However, I had also been looking at the Beachfront Inn in Brookings but there was no availability. This beachfront hotel is perfect if you want one last walk on the beach before returning home. It’s also ideally located to walk to nearby restaurants.

Additional Oregon Coast Itineraries

From my itinerary above, you can see that I drove the entire length of the coast. I also focused on shorter hikes and scenic overlooks, with only a few exceptions. Here are a few suggestions if you want to tweak the above itinerary.

To include more hikes and other activities, you could focus your trip solely on the Oregon coastal highway and skip Seattle. This means flying into Portland, instead.

As a result of doing this, you could potentially slow down in 2 places. Instead of going from Cannon Beach to Newport in a day, you could stop somewhere between Rockaway Beach and Pacific City. This will allow more time to hike in and explore the Cape Meares and Cape Kiawanda areas.

Another option for slowing down would be to give the area in between Bandon and Brookings its own day. The Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor is definitely worth extra time if you have it.

Lastly, and for a total curveball, you could skip Seattle, keep my itinerary the same, and use a 1-2 days to explore a bit of northern California. The Redwood National and State Park area begins just a few minutes’ drive from Crescent City, CA.

Oregon Coast 3 Day Itinerary

Sometimes time is short and/or you’re combining driving the Oregon Coast with other areas of the Pacific Northwest. If this is the case for you, I still recommend driving the entire coast! It’s too pretty to only see a small section of it.

You’ll just make fewer stops and focus on the many scenic points. Go from Astoria to Newport, Newport to Bandon, and then Bandon to Brookings. You can use the above itinerary to pick which Oregon Coast things to do most sound right for you. I would recommend definitely stopping at:

• Cannon Beach
• Ecola State Park
• Cape Meares
• Cape Kiawanda
• Cape Perpetua Lookout
• Devil’s Punchbowl
• Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor

More than 1 Week

If you have 10 days to drive the Oregon Coast, you could shorten your drives each day, as well as add multiple hikes and activities to suit your interests. Undoubtedly, you’ll soak up more of the local vibe and move at a more relaxed pace.

You could also spend 1 week driving the Oregon Coast, slowing down as I suggested above to allow more time in the central and southern areas of the coast. Then, I’d suggest using a couple of days to go just over the border into California to Redwoods National Park.

Admittedly, I’m a National Park lover and I can’t resist visiting if I’m so close. But seeing the mighty Redwoods is an unforgettable experience that would absolutely be the icing on the cake after the spectacular Oregon Coast.

Similarly, you could start in Seattle as I did, but use the extra days to explore any of the 3 National Parks not far from Seattle. They are Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades National Parks.

Oregon Coast Road Trip Airports

As mentioned earlier in this guide, the Seattle Airport makes the best starting point for this itinerary. Portland can be used as an alternative but only if you intend to skip Seattle altogether, as the airport is nearly 3 hours south of the city.

Rogue Valley International-Medford airport

At the end of your Oregon road trip, you could continue heading south down the west coast into Northern California.

But if time is short, you can circle back from Crescent City to Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport in southern Oregon. It’s a 2-hour drive from Crescent City.

In case you’re wondering why head into California at all if your road trip is ending here, it’s because the road has to cut through Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest to get to the airport in Medford.

Even if you choose to stop in Brookings, Oregon instead of Crescent City, CA, you’ll need to head south into northern California before heading northeast towards Medford Airport.

The airport in Medford has connections to major hubs in the area like Portland, Seattle, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix on the 3 domestic legacy carriers, American, United, and Delta. So, wherever home is for you, it’s possible to connect through one of these cities to reach your home airport.

Eugene Airport

As an alternative, you could also return to Eugene Airport in central Oregon. However, it means backtracking 4+ hours to Florence, before heading a bit inland to reach the airport. However, if you aren’t driving the entire Oregon coast, this airport might make a lot of logistical sense for your itinerary.

United, Delta, Southwest, American, Alaska, and Allegiant Airlines all fly domestic routes from here.

When to Do an Oregon Coast Scenic Drive

Summer is the busiest time to drive the Oregon Coast but that’s because summer brings more pleasant temperatures and dry(ish) days. If you have the flexibility to visit after Labor Day until mid-October, you’ll be rewarded with enjoyable weather and quieter roads.

What to Bring

The weather along the Oregon Coastline can be bright and sunny with blue skies but it can also be overcast, foggy, and wet. We visited at the very end of August and into September and most days had bright sunshine. However, the breeze coming off the water made it feel much cooler.

I often had a zipper hoodie ready to throw on at scenic overlooks and for walking on the beach. What to wear for hiking is different than if you’re simply enjoying the views from scenic overlooks. The Oregon State Parks along this route are well-maintained, however, you always want to be dressed right for a hike.

Oregon Coast packing essentials include:

• water-repellant or waterproof sneakers or hiking shoes
• trekking poles (if planning on a lot of hikes)
• paper map of Oregon
• battery pack
• sun protection (i.e. sunscreen, sunglasses , sun-protective clothes )

I’ve also gotten good use out of these hiking essentials for hikes on the Oregon Coast but also during many other outdoor travels.

Preparing for a road trip also includes making sure your car is ready and everyone in it is comfortable. I’ve done countless road trips in the U.S. and internationally and have made my fair share of road trip mistakes …so you don’t have to!

I’ve also put together a comprehensive road trip packing list based on things I’ve found useful in my travels.

If you’re renting a car , be sure there’s plenty of space for everyone to be comfortable, and perhaps try one of these rental car hacks to save some money. For the Oregon Coast from late spring to early fall, you won’t need anything over and above a typical vehicle.

Oregon Coast Road Tripping Tips

The great thing about road trips is you have total control over where to go, how long to stay, and what to do along the way. But there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind as you plan your Oregon coast itinerary.

1. Book hotels as far in advance as possible.

This is especially the case if you’re visiting in summer. These seaside towns are small and only have so many places to stay. Once you’ve ironed out a route and know where you’ll be landing at the end of each day, book your hotel.

2. Respect the weather.

You’re likely to encounter a little bit of everything as you travel the Oregon Coast. Sun, wind, rain, fog, mist, and everything in between are all part of the experience.

To still make the most of your trip, drive carefully, be prepared with the right clothes and gear, and above all else, remember that Mother Nature always has the right of way.

3. Add the phrase “marine layer” to your vocabulary.

This is not exactly the same thing as fog. It’s more of an air mass that can trap parcels of different temperature air creating what appears to be an ultra-thick blanket of fog. This happens typically near large bodies of water.

Although a marine layer does typically burn off or at least dissipate as the day goes on, it can last for longer amounts of time. You’ll want to take extra care driving and being on beaches since visibility can drop to 0.

4. Be ready to turn into a viewpoint parking area.

The Oregon Coast Highway-101 is a winding road with hardly any places to make a U-turn. If you see a scenic overlook or a stop that looks unmissable, don’t hesitate. Turn into the area.

Better to investigate once you’re there and decide to continue rather than trying to turn around or missing the stop altogether.

5. Cell phones are great…when they have a signal.

I made this mistake on a Utah road trip . I relied on my Google Maps app for navigation which was fine until I was in a remote corner where there was no signal.

For this reason, I always advise anyone who’s planning a road trip to get a paper map . And although driving the Oregon Coast is just straight down the coast, you don’t want to find yourself stuck without a signal and not knowing how to get to your next stop.

6. Get the right park pass for your needs.

Whenever you’re visiting National Parks or State Parks, you typically have to pay an entry and/or parking fee. This is true for places along the Oregon Coast.

The Oregon States Park Pass costs $30 and includes entry to 26 Oregon State Parks, several of which are included in this itinerary.

The America the Beautiful Pass is typically associated with National Parks. However, it also covers entry to National Forests and National Monuments, some of which are along the coast of Oregon. The pass is good for a year and can be used an unlimited number of times at more than 2,000 National Park Service sites across the U.S.

7. Know the times for high and low tides.

The Pacific Ocean and its waves are to be respected. There are many beaches and places along the Oregon coast that can’t be accessed at high tide or, even worse, can cut off the way back along a beach trail.

Look at the tide timetable and pay attention to any posted signs and their warnings.

Unforgettable Oregon Coast Road Trip

Whether you have a few days or more than a week, visit the Oregon Coast’s beaches, hike its trails, and marvel over the incredible sea stacks.

This coastal slice of the Pacific Northwest will take your breath away. It’s an absolute must-do American road trip!

What are your questions about road-tripping along the Oregon Coast?

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45 Amazing Oregon Coast Road Trip Stops (+ 4 Itineraries For You!)

Post Summary: Everything To See On An Oregon Coast Road Trip

The Oregon Coast! Famous for its stunning beaches, jaw-dropping sea stacks, and endless opportunities for coastal adventures.

From the temperate rainforests around Lincoln City to the sand dunes of the Central Oregon Coast, there seems to be an adventure fit for everyone.

There are so many things to do on the Oregon coast, and we’re here to share the best of the best in this post.

Below, you can expect a full list of the best stops on the Oregon coast, hiking suggestions, example road trip routes, helpful driving tips, and so much more.

Let’s get started!

The Ultimate Guide To The Perfect Oregon Coast Road Trip

This is a HUGE post , including everything from the best stops, accommodations, the best Oregon coast beaches , attractions, and even a packing list!

How To Get Around The Oregon Coast (Our Favorite Driving Resources)

The easiest way to get around the Oregon Coast is certainly by car. If you are flying in from outside of Oregon, we highly recommend renting a campervan from Outdoorsy ! This of it like Airbnb but for campervans. They’ve got tons to choose from – anything from vintage VW Westfalias, tricked-out sprinter vans, and even towable Airstreams!

Are you on a travel budget , looking for campgrounds along your route? Make sure to also download The Dyrt , the #1 rated camping app and website! Pro users can use their road trip planner, which allows you to route your trip with waypoints, to find the best campgrounds along the way.

This app is an absolute road trip essential for us! They gave us a discount code for you to try the pro membership – use code MANDAGIES for a 30-day free trial and to unlock all the offline features like campground searches, maps, and even gear discounts!

More Driving Resources For The Oregon Coast Highway:

• 15 Essential Road Trip Apps For Route Planning
• How To Plan A Trip To The Pacific Northwest
• 10 Insanely Easy Camping Meals To Make On The Road

Oregon Coast Destinations (From North To South)

There are so many amazing places to see on the Oregon coast! We are sharing our favorites for an Oregon coast road trip from north to south.

If you are planning an Oregon coast road trip from Seattle , read this post from top to bottom. However, if you are coming from San Francisco to the Oregon Coast , consider starting this post and the bottom and working your way back up, to plan your stops accordingly.

 North Oregon Coast Destinations

Astoria, Oregon

If you’re starting from Pacific Northwest destinations like Portland or Seattle and you want to see the entire Oregon Coast, you will likely start in Astoria for your Oregon Coast itinerary. From Seattle, Astoria is a 3-hour drive  and 181 miles. From Portland, Astoria is a 1-hour 52-minute drive and 97 miles.

Astoria, Oregon is the perfect place to begin your Oregon road trip. Here, you can experience the perfect combination of coastal vibes and eclectic city living. Astoria is known for its local brews, nearby forest hikes, and quirky culture.

We suggest taking a full day to explore this city just south of the Columbia River. Spend some time digging for treasure at antique stores like Garbo’s downtown, and finish the day off with a cold one at a Buoy Beer Company . Buoy Beer Company even has a glass floor to peek at the lazy seals below on the boardwalk!

Memorable Locations and Beautiful Hikes In Astoria:

• Hike To Cathedral Tree (1.5-mile hike, but the tree is at the .5 mile marker)
• See The Peter Iredale Shipwreck at Fort Stevens State Park
• Take a Goonies Film Location Tour
• See The Astoria Column

The Best Astoria Restaurants and Cafes To Try:

• Street 14 Cafe (city cafe vibes with casual breakfast)
• Baked Alaska (upscale restaurant with river views)
• Astoria Coffeehouse and Bistro (eclectic and local)

Fort Stevens State Park

Fort Stevens State Park is a 4,300-acre park – one of the largest in the entire state! Fort Stevens (northwest of Astoria and Warrenton) is most well known for its military displays, specifically inside the military museum and numerous buildings around the park. You are able to take a guided tour of an artillery battery , which served as a command center in World War II.

Here at Fort Stevens, you can go camping in their generously sized campgrounds (there are nearly 500 sites!), swimming in a freshwater lake (Coffenbury Lake), kayaking, wildlife viewing, and even pop into the city for a bite to eat.

During sunset, the coolest part of this park is the Peter Iredale Shipwreck . Perfectly accessible during low tide, you can get up close to this historic shipwreck! The vessel ran ashore in October 1906 and was abandoned at the stop. The crew actually had plans to pull it back out to sea, but it embedded itself in the sand too deep – perfect for you or me who want to visit it today!

Seaside, Oregon

Seaside is a can’t-miss location on your Oregon Coast road trip! This adorable town is one of the most popular oceanfront locations on the coast, and for good reason. There are so many family-friendly Oregon coast attractions here, with  activities for people of all ages .

One of the most popular attractions in Seaside, Oregon is the Seaside Aquarium . The aquarium is one of the oldest on the entire West Coast. Here, you can discover the marine life that lives on the Oregon coast, as well as feed the seals that live there!

Spend some time also walking on 1.5-mile long Ocean Promenade , which has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean the entire way. The Seaside Promenade is a popular activity for families – you can stop at any point and run to the ocean, or find a beach swing to take a break!

This is a perfect place to get out of the car on your Oregon coast road trip, stretch your legs, and soak in the liquid sunshine at Seaside!

Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park is a protected area with 9-miles of Oregon coastline between Cannon Beach and Seaside, Oregon, and a definite highlight to any Oregon coast road trip!

This state park is commonly used for sightseeing, wildlife viewing, exploring iconic coastal tide pools , and (if you dare) surfing in the cold Pacific Ocean. The best part is, you don’t have to drive very far to start getting these incredible Oregon coast views!

Immediately on the winding drive-in, you’ll pass through a thick canopy of Sitka spruce trees , covered in moss and surrounded by ferns.

The drive is half the fun – but be careful because there are some pretty gnarly potholes in the road.

One of the best views of Cannon Beach and the Oregon Coast is right off of the Indian Beach parking lot in Ecola State Park.

Park as close to the ocean as you can, and take the south trail for just a few minutes until Cannon Beach and its sea stacks come into view.

On a clear day, you are able to see the waves crash on Cannon beach, and the town shimmer on the coastline!

For hidden views of the Oregon Coast, we suggest taking Clatsop Loop Trail , a 2.8-mile moderately difficult hike that brings you to hidden beaches, stunning coastal views, and moody PNW trails.

Park Tip:  Ecola State Park requires a $5.00 day use fee , or you can purchase a one-year unlimited pass for $30.

Ecola State Park is a hidden gem on any Oregon coast road trip!

Discover Another Nearby Washington Park: Cape Disappointment State Park

• Cannon Beach

If you’re into long walks on the beach, this area of the North Oregon Coast is a must-see! Cannon Beach is one of the most popular and family-friendly beaches on the Oregon Coast . It’s also one of the best Oregon coast towns to visit if you are just coming for a day trip from Portland .

On any given day of the year, you can expect families making sandcastles, people gathered around beach bonfires in Oregon , and happy dogs playing fetch through the water.

Cannon Beach is easily recognizable by its large sea stack , with a few smaller rocks at the base. The sea stacks are very close to the beach, which means during low tide you can get pretty close to them!

Again, this is the most popular and well-known stop on any Oregon Coast road trip. While there may be crowds , don’t let that deter you from putting it on your Oregon road trip itinerary! Because of the popularity of Cannon Beach, there are quite a few amenities here to cater to everyone’s needs.

You can easily find and book Oregon coast accommodations, Airbnbs, and find everything you need for the rest of your Oregon Coast road trip.

At Cannon Beach, you can eat incredible food that’s freshly caught from local sources!  Here are some of our recommended coffee shops and restaurants to try at Cannon Beach, Oregon:

Driftwood Inn – Reasonable lunch prices and classic diner food with a seaside twist. Wayfarer Restaurant – Fresh, local cuisine, upscale eating with sea stack views. Mo’s Seafood and Chowder – Casual dining with eclectic gifts and seaside views. Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters   – Quirky, local cafe with pastries and good coffee. Insomnia Coffee Company  – Cozy place with lots of windows, great location to meet with friends.

Hug Point State Recreation Area is a 10-minute drive south from Cannon Beach , with significantly fewer crowds and tons of things to do. Hug Point is one of the most easily accessible Oregon Coast beaches , and a must-visit for your Oregon Coast road trip.

Here, there are coves to explore, and seasonal Oregon waterfalls to discover. We suggest taking the Hug Point Trail , a 1.2-mile out and back hike that wraps around the cove to reveal tide pools, caves, and beautiful coves. Come during low tide to gain full access to this beach!

Be aware: It’s possible to get stuck or stranded in certain areas of Hug Point if the tide rises while you explore! Make sure to read these tide charts before you plan your trip beyond the main parking lot area.

More PNW Beaches: Hiking At Rialto Beach In Washington State

Oswald West State Park

Oswald West State Park is the best-kept secret of any good Oregon coast road trip. With miles and miles of trail through the dense western hemlock and Sitka spruce trees, you can stay here all day and still find new trails to explore.

To reach one of many trailheads, there are a few parking lots to choose from right off of Oregon’s Highway 101. The trails intertwine with one another for endless combinations, so snap a quick picture of the map on your phone to keep track of where you are.

At the end of all the trails will be a popular surfing beach called Short Sand Beach. This area is only a half-mile walk through the woods and the perfect place to bring a picnic and watch the waves crash as you eat your lunch.

Oswald West State Park is probably the most overlooked location on any Oregon Coast road trip itinerary! Make sure to put this as an afternoon stop for yet another beautiful Oregon beach on your way down the coast.

Read More PNW Adventures: Cape Flattery (The Most NW Corner of The US!)

Tillamook Creamery

If you like ice cream and cheese, the Tillamook Creamery will probably be your favorite spot on your Oregon road trip itinerary! The Tillamook Creamery is newly renovated as of June 2018 and is well equipped to accommodate their 1.3 million annual cheese-loving visitors.

One of the most prominent parts of the creamery is the massive cheese-making process hall. There are lots of glass windows that take visitors on a self-guided tour that explains the process of how the famous cheese is made, manufactured, and shipped. In the end, you are able to taste cheese samples! (cue the applause here)

While it’s not a beautiful Oregon beach, this location is a must-see on your way down Highway 101. Make a quick stop, learn about Oregon cheese, and help yourself to their delicious ice cream cones on the way out.

The Tillamook Creamery is open year-round,  (with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas) from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm during the winter and 8:00 am to 8:00 pm during the summertime.

Three Capes Scenic Loop

If you are looking for a fun day drive with the family on the Northern Oregon coast, consider taking the Three Capes Scenic Route ! Beginning in Tillamook and going as far south as Pacific City, this short Oregon coast drive packs a whole lot of beauty into less than 50 miles!

The stars of the route are the three capes, named Cape Meares , Cape Lookout , and Cape Kiwanda (more on this one below!). Spend time scouting out the best viewpoint spots on each cape (there are a lot of them) and consider choosing a few short hikes to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery.

Along the way, you can also visit Netarts Bay for some clamming (it’s known for its shellfish), the Sandlake Dunes , and the Cape Meares Lighthouse with the Giant Octopus Tree nearby too! Finish your day at Pelican Brewery and Taproom at Pacific City , for lunch with incredible views of the sandstone cliffs and Haystack Rock just right outside the window.

Cape Kiwanda In Pacific City

Cape Kiwanda is one of the most famous beaches on the Oregon Coast . It’s famous on the Northern Oregon Coast for its singular large sea stack in the middle of the beach, and surrounding natural area of fragile sandstone cliffs.

You can drive your car on the beach of Cape Kiwanda! Be careful not to get too close to the waves, and have knowledge of the tide charts before you go. It’s also important to note that there is no Oregon coast state park camping at Cape Kiwanda – the nearest place to camp would be at Webb County Campground.

Safety Tip: If you explore up on the sandstone cliffs, take caution of the unpredictable weather up on the hills! The winds can get extremely strong on the Oregon Coast, thus creating an unpleasant combination of rain, wind, and sand. Take extreme caution on the edges of these cliffs. The sandstone is incredibly fragile, and many people have lost their lives from the ground crumbling underneath them. Don’t get too close!

Is the beach too busy for you? Consider heading just a 5-minute drive south to Bob Straub State Park . Here, you can enjoy miles of walkable beach and tall sea grass on the peninsula. You won’t find sea stacks or dunes, but the ocean breeze and expansive views make up for it.

Read More: 25 Photos To Inspire You To Visit Cape Kiwanda

Neskowin Beach

Neskowin Beach is often referred to as “The Ghost Forest” for its collection of Sitka Spruce stumps scattered across the southern part of the beach. (Accessible at low tide!) This beach often remains a lot quieter than most Oregon Coast beaches , likely because it’s not visible from the highway.

One of its most recognizable features is Proposal Rock, a giant sea stack smack in the middle of the beach, and accessible during low tide.

Love to go hiking? Some of the best Oregon coast hikes are located on the southern part of the beach’s headlands, in Cascade Head. Explore Hart’s Cove Trail (#1303) and wander through the rainforest to emerge at a prairie headland overlooking the vast ocean. Cascade Head Trail (#1310) takes you through a Sitka-Spruce tree forest that has been studied by researchers since 1934. The easiest trail to take is the Nature Conservancy Trail (#1435) for stunning views of the headlands and coast.

Spend the day here enjoying the shallow rivers that flow to the ocean with the whole family. You can grab a bite to eat at the small village ( Neskowin Trading Company has tons of great lunch options and a convenience store!) or visit the Neskowin Farmers Market, open every summer Saturday from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.

Want a little more adventure? Rent a kayak for the day and explore the Nestucca Bay Estuary, just a short drive north.

Devil’s Punchbowl (Otter Rock Community)

Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area is one of the many beautiful landscapes you will see on your Oregon coast road trip. Located in the community of Otter Rock, the biggest attraction here is a giant sea cave with a hole in the ceiling.

This particular location at Devil’s Punchbowl likely started out as two simple sea caves that were carved deeper by the churning waves of the Pacific Ocean. As the roofs of these two sea caves collapsed, the bowl shape was created!

During high tide, the waves crash and swirl and churn in the bowl, creating a violent and beautiful show to watch from the viewing platform above. You can access the inside too, but it’s only safe to explore the inside of the bowl during low tide. On the south side of the headlands is a popular place for beginner surfers – the Otter Rock Marine Reserve has consistent and mild waves!

To access the most area possible for your trip, we recommend planning your trip during low tide. You can find the Devil’s Punchbowl tide charts here to help you plan out your perfect Oregon road trip itinerary. During low tide, you can also explore the many tide pools around, Otter Crest Beach, and the Otter Rock Marine Garden all north of the cave.

Important Note: Parking is limited here and you are only allowed to park in designated areas. There are bathrooms available, as well as showers (but we just used them to rinse off our feet after exploring the Oregon Coast – the water is COLD!).

Read More: 25 Stops To Make On An Epic Pacific Coast Road Trip

Garibaldi Pier

Stretching over 700 feet, Garibaldi Public Pier is the longest pier in all of Oregon state. The Garibaldi Public Pier is open to public use year-round.  Many people come out to the pier to try their hand at crabbing, salmon fishing, and other recreational fishing.

There is even access to the beds below (via stairs) for clam digging! Garibaldi is an extremely popular Oregon coast crabbing location . You can opt to pay for a guided tour from locals with charters like Garibaldi Charters , or do your own thing by finding all the information at the O regon Fishing and Wildlife Department website .

Central Oregon Coast Stops

God’ Thumb Trail (Lincoln City)

God’s Thumb is an area just north of Lincoln City, known for its strange land formation loosely resembling a thumb.

The surrounding area includes stretching meadows (where elk like to roam!), dense Sitka spruce tree forests, and dramatic coastal cliff dropoffs.

If you’re wanting to get out of the car and stretch your legs, we suggest hiking this trail called God’s Thumb .

This 4.6-mile out-and-back trail is of moderate difficulty , and likely very muddy, so wear your raincoat and rain boots for this one! The Central Oregon coast can be very rainy, especially during the spring months.

At the very end of the trail, you will be rewarded with this amazing landscape, surrounded either by delicate meadows or the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean.

If you wish to climb to the top, take caution because the trails are slippery with very steep dropoffs. Safety first!

Beverly Beach (And Campground)

Beverly Beach State Park is one of the best Oregon coast destinations for whale watching. Come between late December and mid-March to have the best chance of spotting these majestic creatures. Stop b the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay, or visit these famous Oregon whale-watching viewpoints:

• Cape Foulweather
• Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area
• Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint
• Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
• Yaquina Head

When you are not busy whale watching or walking alongside the nearby beach, come relax in the nearby campground. There are nearly 200 campsites among the sheltered, windswept trees alongside Spencer Creek. It’s a very central locations to many other amazing Oregon coast destinations, we recommend staying here for a few days!

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is predominantly known for the famous Yaquina Head Lighthouse, but that’s not all there is to do! Here, you can discover tide pools teeming with life, stunning basalt headlands, and historic exhibits.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on the Oregon coast, standing at 93-feet tall. It was first lit in 1873, and now serves as a marker of Oregon history.Pay a visit to the interpretive center to learn about nearby marine life, how lighthouses work, and the wildlife that live on Colony Rock just offshore. Spend some time walking around Cobble Beach if you want to put your toes in the sand.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area  is an absolute must-visit location on your Oregon road trip. This amazing area of the Oregon coast is known for its violent waves, jagged coastline, beautiful ocean overlooks, and amazing trails.

This is an especially wooded area of the Oregon Coast, which makes for amazing pictures of the forest seemingly dropping straight off into the ocean.

It’s also a hub for trail hikers and campers , with tons of family-friendly trails in the Siuslaw National Forest area.

Make sure to check out the Cape Perpetua Visitors Center just two miles south of Yachats, Oregon. Here, you can find lots of information about other locations in the area, including scenic viewpoints, coastal trails, and places to camp nearby.

Some other amazing Oregon photography locations to see at Cape Perpetua Scenic Area:

• Devil’s Churn
• Spouting Horn
• Captain Cook Point
• Cook’s Chasm
• Cape Perpetua Lookout (an amazing Oregon photography location with a winding coastal road)
• Sea Lion Caves (South of Cape Perpetua)

Read More:   10 Epic Things To Do In The Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Heceta Head Lighthouse

Heceta Head Lighthouse is one of the most visited lighthouses in the United States, and one of the most photographed locations on the Oregon Coast.

It may be because of its accessibility, but we think the beauty and history of this place is the real driver of visitors! It attracts lighthouse and spooky story lovers alike, this place is commonly referred to as one of the most haunted places in Oregon !

Positioned at the mouth of Cape Creek, Heceta Head is positioned 200 feet up on a bluff with the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean below. It began working in 1894 and could shine 21 miles off the coast to help boats arrive at the shore.

The lighthouse is cared for by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and is open from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm for staff-led guided tours.

On hours when the staff is not available, you can take yourself on a self-guided tour along the trails of the lighthouse.

Want to stay overnight? The Innkeeper’s House just steps away from the lighthouse is a historic bed-and-breakfast! Take your loved one there and wake up to the crashing waves on the Oregon coast!

Read More: Stay Overnight Near Heceta Head Lighthouse!

Florence, Oregon

Florence, Oregon is located in Lane County, on the Central Oregon coast. It’s known for its quirky downtown shopping, delicious restaurants, and annual community events.

Some of our favorite restaurants include  River Roasters  for a morning coffee and a local pub called  Homegrown  for delicious and locally sourced food.

Florence is also a springboard town for surrounding outdoor activities like hitting the sand dunes, canoeing on freshwater lakes, and seeing iconic landmarks on the Oregon coast.

This is a great place to stay for a few days and take day trips to the coast AND inland. There are amenities and comforts for everyone in your caravan in Florence, Oregon.

Ready for a little city life? Take a day trip to Eugene , and see what other adventures are in the area! (Like the EPIC Diamond Creek Falls in the Cascades !)

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

With over 40 miles of coastal dunes next to the ocean, there are tons of opportunities for activities like riding dune buggies , sand-boarding , and even taking a leisurely walk on the beach .

The most thrilling way to get out on the sand is by renting an ATV, and the most convenient business being Spinreel Dune Buggies in North Bend, OR. If you care for a more casual stroll, consider the famous John Dellenback Dunes Trail by Eel Creek Campground. You can choose to talk the small loop for a quick tour or the dunes or take the trek all the way out to the ocean.

Southern Oregon Coast Stops

The Coos Bay area (Often called the Oregon Coast’s “Bay Area”) is the most populated area on the Oregon Coast . You can find a ton of general amenities here, but the real draw to the area is the sheer amount of outdoor activities to do in the area. (more on that below!)

From canoeing on Ten Mile Lake to riding dune buggies on the 40-mile stretch of coastal dunes, Coos Bay is an adventurous stop on the Oregon Coast. If you are interested in enjoying the coast in style, consider staying at the modern glamping resort, Bay Point Landing . They have RV hookup sites, airstreams & cabins for rent, and amazing amenities like an indoor pool, trails, and upscale bathrooms.

Some of our favorite things to do in Coos Bay include visiting the surrounding state parks (Sunset Bay, Cape Arago, and Shore Acres), exploring Oregon coast hikes , and visiting epic beaches like Bandon Beach!

Best Spots Around Coos Bay For Oregon Coast Photography:

• Simpson Reef Overlook (tons of sea lions and marine life!)
• The Elk Refuge in Reedsport (For wildlife viewing!)

Read More: 10 Amazing Things To Do In Coos Bay, Oregon

Shore Acres State Park + Sunset Bay State Park

Located off the Cape Arago Highway, this trifeta of state parks (Sunset Bay State Park, Shore Acres State Park, and Cape Arago State Park) can al be found within a short drive from one another. There is a lot to see between these state parks, so we’ll highlight the best activities below:

• Shore Acres – gorgeous formal Japanese-style garden, with blooms and plants in season almost any time of the year.
• Simpson Reff Overlook – loud gatherings of sea lions on the collection of offshore rocks.
• Sunset Bay State Park – Gregory Point and Cape Blanco Lighthouse views along the headlands trails.
• Cape Arago State Park – The North and South Cove trails brings visitors to exception tide pools, secluded beaches, and beachcombing opportunities in the Pacific Northwest .

Bandon, Oregon

Bandon, Oregon is one of the small southern Oregon coast towns located south of Coos Bay, sitting between several amazing Oregon coast state parks. One of the best features here is Old Town Bandon, a 10-square block section of shopping, dining, and tourist activities. Spend some time enjoying the hand-made goods by local artists, and walk the boardwalk among these historic buildings.

This is a great stop for a quick meal, before you continue on your Oregon coast road trip route.

Face Rock State Scenic Area

Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint is arguably our favorite stop on the Oregon Coast. Everywhere you turn, there are incredible sea stacks, each with their own unique story and history from the Nasomah (Coquille) tribe . Spend some time enjoying the view from above and then head down to the beach to see the sea stacks up close.

Some of the most iconic rock formations are Face Rock, Cat And Kittens Rock, Wizard’s Hat, Gravel Point, and Table Rock.

Other Things To See Near Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint:

• The Coquille Point Stairs at Bandon Beach
• Devil’s Kitchen (The Southern Oregon Coast’s “Haystack Rock”)
• The Bandon State Natural Area

Read More: 9 Stunning Sea Stacks to see at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint

Floras Lake State Park

Floras Lake State Park is a sparsely visited area of the Oregon Coast, mostly because of it’s lack of infrastructure and amenities. However, don’t let the lack of convenience deter you from visiting! The Oregon coast beach found here is one of the most beautiful and remote in the entire state!

It really feels like this beach was plucked right out of Iceland and placed on the Oregon Coast – the completely straight coastline rigth next to towering cliffs make it ones of the prettiest natural Oregon photography locations in the entire state.

For the easiest access to the beach, park at Boice-Cope Park and walk around Floras Lake to the ocean. Here, you can take a flat and very long walk all the way down the beach – you likely will have it all to yourself too!

Want to see what they views are like from the cliffs above? Follow the trail to Blacklock Point, a promontory rock that juts out far into the ocean, giving you spectacular views north and south for miles.

Cape Blanco State Park

Cape Blanco State Park is the state’s westernmost tip, teeming with rich history and rugged adventure. Stay the night in Port Orford and then wake up bright and early to walk the rugged beach trails and view the incredible solitary rock formation right offshore. Afterward, stop by the Cape Blanco Lighthouse, the oldest of the lighthouses in Oregon built in 1870.

One really cool feature of this Oregon coast beach is that it’s horse-friendly! You can bring you own horse and camp on the beach, or sign up for a guided tour for a one-of-a-kind adventure as you travel Oregon.

Gold Beach is a small town on the Oregon Coast, right at the mouth of the Rouge River. The beaches here are known for collecting treasures that float in from the sea, perfect for beachcombers!

Stop at iconic beaches like Meyers Creek Beach or Kissing Rock to put your toes in the sand. Want more things to do? Consider visiting Otter Point State Recreation Area , Humbug Mountain State Park , or even stopping at the Prehistoric Gardens. Here, you can see kitschy life-sized statues of dinosaurs, scattered within the old-growth forest.

Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor

Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor is a real treat to visit along your Oregon coast road trip route. This is a perfect stop to have a quick picnic lunch before heading on your way again. There are picnic tables, viewpoints, and short trails to keep everyone happy on this fun Oregon coast stop.

The quick turnoff on Highway 101 climbs all the way to the top of these headlands, giving views in all directions that go for nearly 50 miles in each direction! To the north, you can spot Humbug Mountain and to the south, you can see Crescent City and the Point St George Lighthouse.

On the way to the south viewpoint, you will drive through a thick, dark forest of Sitka spruce trees, which we think is the perfect place for a spooky photoshoot. If you want to stretch your legs a little longer, there is a 1.5-mile walking trail (3-miles total) down to the beach. However, no need to travel far here, the views from the top are spectacular too, and a perfect post (with binoculars) for whale watching season.

A deep forest of Sitka spruce covers most of the park and a 1.5 mile walking trail takes you out to the lower levels of the cape.  If you’re lucky, the trail will give you a chance to enjoy awe-inspiring views of the gray whales on their bi-annual migrations.

• Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor

If you think you’ve seen the best of the best during your Oregon coast road trip, the state appears to have saved Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor for the grand finale.

This area is one of the most beautiful stops on the Oregon Coast, and we really mean that!

Dramatic cliffs, impressive sea stacks, and endless photo opportunities await you at this amazing Oregon coast location! This area was named after Samuel H. Boardman, the first Oregon State Parks director.

Here is a list of the best viewpoints at Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor :

Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint : This 1-mile trail takes you through breathtaking views of amazing Oregon coast photography locations. This is a popular spot whale watching in fall and spring, and wildflower viewing in the summertime.

House Rock Viewpoint : Take a short walk to a stone Samuel H. Boardman memorial, with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the craggy cliffs. Here you can take many side trails to secret and secluded beaches.

Whaleshead Beach & Overlook : Named after the sea stack that looks like a whale’s head, this beach is flat and easy to reach. A perfect place to pull over and have a quick bite to eat.

Natural Bridges Viewpoint : This place holds one of the most iconic views in the corridor — seven arched rocks and blowholes surround a cove (pictured above) for a beautiful example of all the Oregon Coast captured in one photo.

Secret Beach: This secluded cove is home to some of the most iconic sea stacks on the Oregon coast! It’s a little tricky to find, so make sure to read our guide on directions, tips, and routes to know before you go.

Arch Rock : A convenient parking lot right off of Oregon’s Highway 101 brings you down a short trail to a viewpoint. This area includes a cluster of sea stacks, with one that has a hole right through the middle, forming an “arch”.

Other stunning Oregon Coast road trip stops at Samuel H. Boardman:

• Spruce Island From Deer Point
• Thunder Rock Cove
• North Island
• Thomas Creek Bridge
• Indian Sands
• Lone Ranch Picnic Area

Are These All The Places To See On An Oregon Coast Road Trip?

Absolutely not! We have yet to see all the amazing things the Oregon coast has to offer. That is why we will continually update this post with more information about beautiful locations as we keep returning to Oregon!

Keep updated on our whereabouts on our Instagram account, @themandagies ! You will get up to date info about our next adventures, and plans for our next Oregon road trip itinerary to share with you all!

Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary Examples

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

To accommodate different trip lengths, we’re sharing some example itineraries for a 3-day, five-day Oregon Coast trip, a one-week Oregon Coast trip, and finally 10 das on the Oregon Coast.

Consider us your own personal Oregon coast road trip planner and read below to find your perfect route!

Note: These journeys start in the north and make their way south. If you are extending a Northern California roadtrip or starting from somewhere south, just reverse the itinerary!

Oregon Coast 3 Day Itinerary

Highlights: Pull-out viewpoints, popular stops, and convenient towns.

While it’s totally possible to plan an Oregon Coast 3 day itinerary, you’ll just be covering the most popular spots! If you are planning an Oregon Coast weekend trip, here is an example itinerary for you below:

Note: These will be long driving days, so arm yourself with great road trip podcasts , fun road trip questions , and lots of snacks!

• Day 1: Astoria to Pacific City. Stop by Seaside, Cannon Beach, and watch the sunset at Cape Kiwanda.
• Day 2:  Pacific City to Coos Bay. Stop at Otter Rock (Devil’s Punchbowl), Cape Perpetua Lookout, and Heceta Head Lighthouse for quick stops.
• Day 3:  Coos Bay to Brookings. Drive up to Face Rock Lookout, lunch at Gold Beach, and explore Samuel H Boardman for sunset.

Five Day Oregon Coast Itinerary

Highlights: Pull-out viewpoints, short hikes, accessible beaches.

Five days on the Oregon Coast is a perfect way to see all the highlights on a quick Oregon road trip. With a five-day Oregon coast itinerary, you will have lots of time to explore the coast’s most easily accessible beaches and attractions.

Prepare for long days of driving , but it shouldn’t be a problem because this Oregon coast road trip route will take you to the most beautiful stops and easy hike!

• Day 1: Astoria to Cannon Beach (stops at the Promenade at Seaside and Ecola State Park)
• Day 2:  Cannon Beach to Newport (stops in Hug Point, Oswald West SP, at Cape Kiwanda)
• Day 3:  Newport to Coos Bay (stops at Cape Perpetua Lookout, Heceta Head Lighthouse)
• Day 4:   Coos Bay to Brookings (Stops at Face Rock State Park , Devil’s Kitchen , Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor)
• Day 5:  Brookings to… Northern California !

One-Week Oregon Coast Itinerary

We think one week is the ideal amount of time to spend on an Oregon coast road trip. During this time, you can do everything a 5-day trip would do, but you will have more time to take longer hikes and reach more hidden places.

This will give you a deeper look into the hidden gems of the Oregon Coast, and allow you to see places not many others get to experience!

To read this one week Oregon road trip itinerary – see the 5-day itinerary above, with these additions below:

• Day 1: Astoria to Cannon Beach
• Day 2: Cannon Beach To Rockaway Beach (hikes to Hug Point Natural Trail)
• Day 3: Rockaway Beach to Pacific City (stops in Tillamook Creamery, Garibaldi Pier, and Cape Meares )
• Day 4: Pacific City to Florence (Hike to God’s Thumb , Drift Creek Falls, and Devil’s Punchbowl)
• Day 5: Florence to Bandon (Explore The Oregon Dunes)
• Day 6: Bandon To Brookings (take Samuel H. Boardman hikes)
• Day 7: Brookings to Northern California

10-Day Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Looking to spend up to 10 days on an Oregon Coast road trip? Since there is so much to cover, we’ve actually created a free downloadable itinerary for you! Sign up below and subscribe to our email list, and you’ll get a free copy in your inbox!

Oregon Coast Attractions (Museums + Fun Stops)

You may be wondering if there’s more to the Oregon Coast besides beautiful beaches, hikes, and sea stacks (which all of this is wonderful, don’t get us wrong!).

While these things alone can make for an extraordinary trip, sometimes the weather will leave you no choice but to spend some time indoors. 

Below is a list of the best Oregon coast attractions, ranging from museums, aquariums, and other interesting coastal sites.

These are the perfect places to visit if/when the weather turns bad, or you just want a different way to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest!

Seaside Aquarium

The Seaside Aquarium is located in Seaside, Oregon, just north of Cannon Beach.

It’s one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast ( built in 1924 and opened in 1937 ) and it’s still operated by some of the younger generations of previous owners!

This Oregon Coast aquarium has many educational programs provided to guests and school-aged children.

Topics like north marine awareness, beach discovery programs, and many conservation subjects are covered during the month. Call ahead to see if you will be coming during one of these programs!

Oregon Coast Aquarium

While the Seaside Aquarium may be the oldest on the west coast, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is the largest on the Oregon Coast.

This aquarium is located in Newport, Oregon focuses on the flora and fauna of the Oregon Coast, sharing local sea plants, marine life, and other unique features of this area.

It also ranks among one of the top 10 aquariums in the entire country! If you love marine life, this is a must stop on your Oregon coast road trip.

Tillamook Creamery and Cheese Factory

If you love cheese, you must make time for this stop on your Oregon road trip itinerary!

You can read more about it above (see stop #7) to see why it’s a unique stop on Highway 101.

We wanted to mention it again here because the Tillamook Creamery is a great option for an indoor activity if the weather isn’t looking good for outdoor exploring.

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad

The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad is a stretch of track that runs 46 miles between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach .

Daily tours are conducted on steam-powered trains and you get to learn about the history of the tracks and how they changed this part of Oregon.

They also run special holiday trips! Inquire about these events and times on their website to learn more. Add this to your Oregon coast road trip if you love history!

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

Yaquina (pronounced ya-kwin-uh) Head Outstanding Natural Area is home to the tallest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast!

It stands 93 feet tall on the edge of basalt headlands, just north of Newport, Oregon.

Take a tour of the inside of Yaquina Head Lighthouse on a rainy day , or visit the inside of the interpretive center for more information about this beautiful area on your Oregon coast road trip.

Make sure to add this place to your Oregon Road trip itinerary if lighthouses are your thing!

Heceta (pronounced ha-see-ta) Head Lighthouse is located on Siuslaw tradition tribal land , where they historically hunted sea lions, gathered bird eggs, and used the dramatic cliffs as protection.

If you want to stay longer, the Innkeepers House is actually a bed and breakfast, located just steps away from Heceta Head Lighthouse.

Make your Oregon road trip memorable and stay at this historic and beautiful Oregon location!

Florence’s Historic “Old Town”

This quaint little town on the Oregon Coast is anything but quiet! With unique shops, delicious restaurants, and fun year-round events , Florence knows how to celebrate the best of the coast.

Stop by for lunch at Mo’s Chowder House for an eclectic, seaside meal and afterward wander through old town and explore the many local businesses and artists in the area.

Best Beaches On The Oregon Coast

Read The Full Post Here: The 25 Best Beaches On The Oregon Coast

It’s no secret that some of the best beaches in the Pacific Northwest are located on the Oregon Coast. The sheer diversity of the coastline is what brings people out here, and the discovered beauty is what makes the stay!

Thanks to the Oregon Beach Bill , all Oregon coast beaches from north to south are public property.

The People’s Coast recently celebrated its 50th anniversary of this bill, and to this day Oregonians from all over the state have pride of ownership to this ever-changing, beautiful oceanfront.

While there are more than 50 easily accessible Oregon beaches to enjoy, we’re sharing some of our favorites below to get you started on your epic Oregon coast road trip!

• Peter Iredale Shipwreck at Fort Stevens State Park
• Cape Kiwanda
• Hug Point Recreational Area
• Harris Beach State Park
• Rockaway Beach
• Bandon Beach (Devil’s Kitchen, Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint , Coquille Point Stairs)

Read More: The 10 Best Washington Beaches To Add To You Pacific Northwest Road Trip

Iconic Oregon Coast Hikes

Read The Full Post Here: The 26 Best Oregon Coast Hiking Trails

Craving some hikes on the Oregon Coast ? Lucky for you, there are plenty to choose from, ranging from easy walks to challenging backpacking routes. Here are some of our favorites listed below:

Easy Oregon Coast Hikes

• Samuel H Boardman Hikes – see above for a list of lookouts and short walks here.
• Ecola State Park Loop – short, paved trail with a spectacular view
• Cape Kiwanda – fun sand dunes to climb with a great perspective
• Oswald West State Park – many little trails leading to a surfing beach

Moderate / Intermediate Oregon Coast Hikes

• God’s Thumb Hike In Lincoln City
• Cathedral Tree Trail In Astoria
• Cascade Head Trail in Otis, Oregon

Challenging / Long Distance Oregon Coast Hikes

• The Oregon Coast Trail (tip to tip -382 miles long)

Best Places To Stay On The Oregon Coast

Looking for a place to stay or a city to explore? There are many Oregon Coast towns and cities to make your home base during your adventurous time here!

We’re going to share a range of budget options, everything from Oregon coast camping locations and affordable vacation homes, to luxury accommodations and dreamy stays.

Keep reading for our favorite suggestions of places to stay on the Oregon Coast!

Oregon Coast Camping Locations

Read The Full Post: 25 Oregon Coast Campgrounds to Book ASAP Oregon Coast Yurts – Yurt camping can be a fun and convenient way to see the coast and save a ton of money. Click here to see a full list of cabins and yurts on the Oregon coast. Oregon Coast Disperse Camping – Truthfully, finding free camping is very rare on the Oregon coast. However, there are some in select places, mostly in the Central and Southern oregon coast. Research “disperse camping” for your desired area of the Oregon coast, but our favorites are in the Siuslaw area . *Note: some areas require off-road vehicles to access. Make sure to fully research your disperse camping locations before your trip by reading our guide to free camping here!

Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals and Airbnbs

($) Charming Seaside Beach House (Inexpensive if split, sleeps 4) ($) Beachbunker and the Fox Hole (large house in Lincoln City. Sleeps 8) ($) Mingus Park Place (walkable to Coos Bay Downtown + food, sleeps 6)

Oregon Coast Hotels and Resorts

Wanting to splurge on your trip? Maybe it’s your honeymoon or maybe you just want to experience the best that the coast has to offer!

Here are some of the best luxury hotels and resorts on the Oregon Coast:

Heceta Head Lighthouse – A Historic Bed and Breakfast Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa – Hotel on the Boardwalk in Astoria Inn at Cannon Beach – Highly-rated, walkable to Cannon Beach Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa -Pacific City, Oregon

What To Pack For The Oregon Coast

An Oregon Coast road trip is unlike any other American road trip. You’ll have to prepare for spontaneous rain showers , muddy trails, sporadic coastal cities, and surprises around every corner (literally!).

Read below for a list of essentials everyone should have in their car for this once-in-a-lifetime trip!

Proper Rain Gear

The Oregon Coast averages about 150 rainy days per year . This means that no matter what time of year you go, there is a chance of rain!

Make sure you’re prepared for the elements by packing a lightweight raincoat , waterproof shoes , and a waterproof backpack for your gear. This can also include throwing a pair of rain boots in the back of your car for those extra muddy hikes.

Read More: What To Pack When Hiking In The Pacific Northwest

A Paper Map

It’s likely that along Highway 101 there are areas that won’t reach cell service. If you like to know where you are (or just like marking your favorite spots on a map!) a paper one is a great option. Alternatively, you can download offline maps from Google! We’ll show you how to do that and share other useful road trip planning apps here .

Emergency Road Trip Equipment

Hey, things can happen and it’s important to be prepared! Use this blog post to help yourself put together a DIY car emergency tool kit .

Any good west coast road trip requires a pair of jumper cables, extra phone chargers, a first aid kit, a flashlight, and a warm blanket to help you through sticky situations.

See More: Emergency Winter Driving Toolkit

Road Trip Snacks

During your Oregon road trip, you’ll be spending a lot of time in the car.

Make sure to pack your favorite snacks and carry plenty of water! We recommend grabbing some fresh produce from a local grocery store for a healthy and budget-friendly way to snack on the road.

Read More: 30 Road Trip Essentials You Need To Be Packing

FAQ About An Oregon Coast Road Trip Route

How long is the oregon coast highway 101.

The Oregon Coast Highway (Highway 101) is 363.2 miles long. It takes about 8 hours to drive the entire Oregon Coast highway, with minimal stops (but we don’t recommend that!).

Can I Drive On Oregon Coast Beaches?

Yes, you can drive on SOME Oregon Coast beaches.    Click here for a more detailed description of where you can drive your car on the Oregon coast.

List of Beaches That Allow Driving Cars On The Beach:

• Warrenton to Gearhart (10-mile stretch, starting at Peter Iredale Shipwreck)
• Tierra Del Mar
• Lincoln City

What Permits Do I Need To Visit Oregon’s State Park Areas?

America The Beautiful Pass: This pass will allow you to get into all the United States National Parks. It will also grant you access to Oregon national forests and grasslands. Example: Umpqua National Forest ‘s hot spring – Umpqua Hot Springs !

Oregon Pacific Coast Pass: This pass will grant you access to State and Federal parks located on the Oregon Coast. If you are planning to make many stops in these locations, a pass can save you a lot of money!

• An annual pass for the Oregon Pacific Coast Passpor t is $35 per car, or you can purchase a $10 5-day pass just for the length of your trip.

Northwest Forest Pass: The Northwest Forest Pass ( $30 annually ) will grant you entry to all Washington and Oregon day-use fee areas. This is different from the Oregon Pacific Coast Passport as it grants entry statewide rather than just on the coast.

Any Tips For An Oregon Coast Road Trip In Winter ?

The Oregon Coast does not fluctuate in temperature a lot during the year, which makes it an excellent option for a scenic road trip in the winter!  Yes, it rains more from November through March, but that also means fewer crowds and more parking spots!

A winter road trip to the Oregon Coast doesn’t change much for you, except for the type of clothing you pack. Bring warmer, more waterproof items and you’ll be a-okay!

To be extra safe, we would suggest saving this Oregon traffic updates website on your phone for up-to-date alerts.

How Much Should I Budget For An Oregon Coast Road Trip?

The cost of an Oregon Coast road trip can vary in price , depending on how much you are willing to spend on things like food, accommodations, and entry tickets to exhibits. It can be done incredibly cheap…or not! The beauty of it all is that it’s up to you.

A generous Oregon coast travel budget would come down to around $80-$100 per person per day. This covers $45 for food ($15 per meal), $30 for accommodation, and $25 for miscellaneous spendings like gas and admission fees.

More Money Tips While Traveling: 8 Clever Ways To Save Money While Traveling How To Save Money For Your Next Adventure

Not Ready For Your Oregon Road Trip Adventures To End?

Extend it Northbound: The Olympic Peninsula Road Trip Route in Washington

Extend it Southbound: The Best Northern California Road Trip Route or continue along the ocean for a California Coast road trip .

Connect It On A Bigger Trip: The Complete Pacific Coast Road Trip Route

Or better yet…take your trip inland! There are so many beautiful and hidden places in Oregon state that an extension trip is totally encouraged! Here are some of our favorite locations to extend your Oregon road trip:

• Things To Do In Eugene, Oregon (Central Oregon)
• Sahalie and Koosah Falls (Central Cascade Mountains)
• Alvord Hot Springs (Southeast Oregon)
• Painted Hills (North Central Oregon)
• The Best Eastern Oregon Road Trip Route
• Columbia River Gorge (45-minute drive east from Portland, Oregon) ** Click here to see updates on trail openings.

What are your favorite places to explore on an Oregon Coast road trip? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

Wow such detail you two are truly gifted in writing and photography. You are inspiring to all that read your blog and follow you. The amount of time you spend on writing and links. Thank you so much.

Gregory & Althea Bardon Minnesota

If you get to the east side of Oregon a visit to Succor Creek is a must-see. We’ve been half a dozen times and never tire of the scenery. Rocky spires of different colors and layers of rock are amazing. The entrance is off Oregon hwy 201/Idaho hwy 19 about 11 miles from Homedale, Idaho. There are green opaline bulges and cliffs, a few arches, a small-ish campground and Succor creek. We’ve hiked up to a few caves but didn’t venture too far in due to lack of a flashlight. At one look-out point just up from the campground the view to the creek below is dizzying. The road does lead you out close to Jordan Valley, Oregon on Hwy 95.

Hi S.Lynn! Thanks for the cool recommendations! We will for sure check that out if we are ever in the are! Have a great day and thank you!

When You Wander

Travel tips, van life, the great outdoors, the perfect oregon coast road trip itinerary, november 5, 2018 liana safian, where to stay, where to eat, and what to do on the oregon coast in a week.

After Descending on Bend with a bunch of other rad van lifers and hanging with our amazing friends and family in Portland, we ended our time in Oregon by doing something we’ve long wanted to do—going on an epic Oregon coast road trip down HWY 101.

Whether you’re a Pacific Northwest local or just visiting, a road trip down the Oregon coast is one of the best ways to take in the unique beauty and culture of the area. Rugged cliffs rise high above tumultuous waves and lush green forests meet the sandy shores of the ocean. You’ll find history, hikes, treasure hunts, shipwrecks, whales spouting, seals and sea lions singing (the “singing” part may be debatable, but you’ll certainly hear them), and of course loads of fresh seafood…and cheese (oh yes, there will be cheese).

Our original itinerary included 95 stops (not joking). That was a bit overambitious. Needless to say, we’ve trimmed this Oregon coast road trip itinerary down to the best stops, sights, sounds, and of course eats on HWY 101.

Here’s a short highlight reel of our Oregon coast road trip.

Budget Travel Tip: The Oregon Pacific Coast Passport is only $10 and gains you entry to the state parks and national lands in this itinerary for 5 days. You can buy the pass twice to visit all the parks in a week. Another budget tip is to stay at state park campgrounds the entire trip and forgo the multi-day pass completely. A state park camping receipt allows entry to all state parks until 10 pm on the departure day. Just display it on your dash like any other pass.

Top 5 Road Trip Essentials Make sure you have everything you need for your Oregon coast road trip. Here are the top 5 items we find most useful when travelling long-term (aka living) on the road. 1. Leatherman Multi-tool  We use our Leatherman for just about everything…even opening a bottle of wine in a pinch. 2. Sunglasses: If you’re lucky, you’ll need these on your Oregon coast road trip. We love budget friendly and “me proof” (aka can be dropped 10 times a day without breaking) sunglasses like these . 3. Headlamps  If you want to make it back to your campsite or hotel after the coastal sunsets, be sure to pack some headlamps. 4. First Aid Kit  Hopefully you won’t need this, but if you slip opening that bottle of wine with your Leatherman, you might need a bandage. Disclaimer: we don’t recommend using a Leatherman to open a bottle of wine (learn from our mistakes friends). 5. Emergency Kit  This is another thing you hopefully won’t need, but we all too often do. See the full Essential Road Trip Checklist here to make sure your vehicle is road trip ready.

Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: astoria > cannon beach, astoria area.

Columbia River Maritime Museum: Tour a floating lighthouse and learn about the natural and seafaring history of the area.

Lewis & Clark National and State Historical Parks (Fort Clatsop): Located in the lush PNW forest, this park has hiking and history. You can visit a replica of Fort Clatsop—where Lewis and Clark spent the winter at the end of their great voyage west.

Fort Stevens State Park: This historic fort guarded the mouth of Colombia River from the Civil War through World War II. This park is also home to the Peter Iredale shipwreck—one of the most accessible wrecks in the “Graveyard of the Pacific”.

Sunset Beach State Rec Site: This is a relatively flat sandy beach with hills in the misty distance. It’s also the west trailhead of the 6.5-mile Fort-to-Sea Trail connecting Fort Clatsop to the ocean along the route of Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery.

Where to eat in Astoria

Buoy Brewery

Seaside Area

Promenade and Downtown: Walk along the 1920’s boardwalk with the ocean on one side and coastal architecture on the other. At the Lewis and Clark statue you can veer into the downtown area where you’ll find the Funland Arcade and a plethora of shops and restaurants.

Go Fly a Kite: Unlike telling someone to “Go take a hike” saying “Go fly a kite” is perfectly acceptable in Seaside. If it’s windy out, grab some gear at one of the local kite shops and hit the beach.

Where to eat in Seaside

Dooger’s Seafood & Grill

Cannon Beach Area

Where to stay in cannon beach.

Campground: Wright’s for Camping Hotel: Surfsand Resort

Where to eat in Cannon Beach

Driftwood Restaurant and Lounge and Wayfarer Restaurant

Day 2: Cannon Beach > Tillamook

Ecola State Park: Expansive views of the shorelines and haystack rock.

Haystack Rock: At low tide this is a great spot for tidepooling. See tons of multicolored starfish, sea anemones, and other ocean critters. Park at Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site or Haystack Hill State Park and walk down the beach to the imposing formation (you can’t miss it).

Hug Point State Rec Site Hike: This was one of our favorite hikes on the entire Oregon coast road trip. It’s a short stroll along the coast to a waterfall flowing onto the beach. A little further you’ll find sea caves carved into the sandstone cliffs. If you venture around the rocky “point” you’ll see another pristine beach. Just be sure to watch the tide as you may not be able to get around the point at high tide.

Oswald West State Park: This is a park we’ve visited a few times. It has secluded ocean shores edged by the lush rainforest. The Oregon Coast Trail runs through the park for 13 miles so it’s a good place to go take a hike (not to be confused with go fly a kite).

Rockaway Beach Area

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad: Keep an eye out for the steam engine that runs along the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. You can purchase tickets to ride in the caboose from Rockaway Beach to Garibaldi in summer months.

Garibaldi Area

Pier’s End: Visit Oregon’s longest pier—all 700 feet of it. You’ll find folks fishing along the pier and a historic Coast Guard boathouse near the end. You might even spot a bald eagle diving for dinner.

Where to eat in Garibaldi

Tillamook area, where to stay in tillamook.

Campground: Cape Lookout State Park Hotel: Ashley Inn of Tillamook

Where to eat in Tillamook

Old Oregon Smokehouse and Five Rivers Coffee Roasters

Day 3: Tillamook > Lincoln City

Tillamook Creamery: I promised cheese on this Oregon coast road trip, and cheese you’ll find plenty of here! The Tillamook Creamery has free cheese tasting, a self-guided factory tour, a restaurant, and of course the ice cream counter. We recommend the Oregon Hazelnut Salted Caramel…ice cream that is, not cheese…although now I’m imagining what salted caramel nut cheese might taste like…hmmmm. Don’t judge.

Three Capes Scenic Route: Take this detour off HWY 101 following the signs for the Three Capes Scenic Route. It’s a lovely drive that weaves through dense forests and out to cliff edges with majestic coastal views. Not for those with a fear of heights or prone to car sickness though.

Cape Meares State Park: Two short strolls through this park will take you to the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon coast and the mysterious octopus tree.

Cape Lookout State Park: 8+ miles of hiking trails with expansive ocean views. The beach here is a good place to hunt for glass floats.

Pacific City Area

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area: This is the home of the second Haystack rock on the Oregon coast. It’s actually taller than the one in Cannon in Beach. This is a popular spot for surfers and the cape features sandstone cliffs and sea caves.

Where to eat in Pacific City

Pelican Brewery

Lincoln City Area

Where to stay in lincoln city.

Campground: Devil’s Lake State Rec Area Hotel: Coho Oceanfront Lodge

Where to eat in Lincoln City

Wildflower Grill and  Pig ‘N Pancake

Day 4: Lincoln City > Newport

Seven Miles of Smiles Glass Float Treasure Hunt: Start your day with a morning walk along this 7-mile stretch of beach looking for treasure. You might not find any buried chests of gold, but you could find beautiful glass floats created by local artists. New floats are placed on the beach between Roads End in the north and Siletz Bay in the south every day. Check out the Explore Lincoln City website for more details.

Barnacle Bill’s: This is a great place to pick-up some fresh or smoked seafood. If you’re wondering, smoked jerky and cheese make a delightful (albeit pungent) road trip snack. They also offer fried fish-n-chips at certain times of the year.

Depoe Bay Area

Whale watching: Our campsite host at Devil’s Lake assured us that we’d see whales here and she was right! Swing into one of the pull-offs in downtown next to HWY 101 and get out your binoculars.

Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area: Thought to be two collapsed sea caves, this is now a giant formation shaped like…can you guess? A punchbowl. The ocean water enters through an open arch, then swirls and froths over the rocky bottom.

Doctor Who TARDIS and Buoy Tree: On your way out of the park don’t miss these two road side stops. They’ll be on your left just after the park entrance.

Where to eat in Depoe Bay

Gracie’s Sea Hag

Newport Area

Yaquina Head Lighthouse: Go on the guided tour and climb the stairs of Oregon’s tallest lighthouse.

Agate Beach State Recreation Site: You can end your day with another treasure hunt—as the name implies this is one of the best beaches for finding agates. It’s also a popular spot to dig for razor clams.

Where to stay in Newport

Campground: South Beach State Park Hotel: Sylvia Beach Hotel

Where to eat in Newport

Ove Northwest and Café Mundo

Day 5: Newport > Florence

Oregon Coast Aquarium: Spend the morning learning about the marine creatures that live in the different ocean habitats. Make sure to visit the impressive aviary as it’s the largest outdoor seabird aviary in North America.

Seal Rock State Rec Site: Seals and sea lions are often hanging out in the rock formations here. Even if you don’t see seals, the walk around the beach and rock stacks is stunning.

Cape Perpetua Area

Cape Perpetua Overlook:  A good place to take in the expansive views of this beautiful Oregon coast road trip.

Devil’s Churn:  This was one of our favorite stops. Walk the half mile loop trail to get a close look (but not too close, these waves are intense) at the churning waters in the coastal crevasse and feel the thunderous explosion of waves pelting the rocky shore.

Thor’s Well: Another impressive formation, another collapsed sea cave. Déjà vu anyone? The ocean fills and drains endlessly in this cavernous hole that is a favorite of photographers.

Florence Area

Where to stay in florence.

Campground: Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park Hotel: Driftwood Shores Resort & Conference Center

Where to eat in Florence

The Waterfront Depot and Big Dog Donuts & Deli

Day 6: Florence > Bandon

Heceta Head Lighthouse: Here you can see not only the lighthouse, but the caretaker’s home from the late 1800’s which is now a Bed and Breakfast. The views from this lighthouse are particularly magnificent as it overlooks Cape Cove with the Cape Creek bridge rising high above in the misty distance.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: This site spans a large area from Florence to North Bend. It’s a surreal place where lush forests meet vast pale dunes and tumultuous ocean shores.

Sandboarding: If you’re feeling adventurous try your hand (well, feet I guess) at sandboarding. You can rent gear from the Sand Master Park in Florence and ride their course, or venture out on your own at one of the many sandboarding locations in the area including Jessie M Honeyman Memorial State Park.

Coos Bay Area

Sunset Bay State Park: Primarily a campground and day use area there is an inlet beach nestled between tree covered rocky cliffs. It’s a nice place to relax and have lunch.

Shore Acres State Park: Punctuate the natural wilderness with this stop. The former estate of a timber baron, this park features manicured grounds including Japanese and Rose gardens.

Simpson Reef Lookout: This is the best place we found to see (and hear) seals and sea lions. They were literally piled all over the rocks just off the shoreline.

Where to eat in Coos Bay

7 Devils Brewing Company

Bandon Area

Where to stay in bandon.

Campground: Bullards Beach State Park Hotel: Lamplighter Inn

Where to eat in Bandon

Edgewaters and The Rolling Pin Bake & Brew

Day 7: Bandon > Brookings

Historic Old Town Bandon: 10 blocks of shops, art galleries, and plenty of tasty eats. Spend an hour or half a day strolling around this historic district.

Devils Kitchen – Oregon State Parks Vista Point: Here you’ll find the third and last Haystack rock on your Oregon Coast road trip. Take the trail from the parking lot down to the beach and turn right. There are multiple rock stacks here. One of the unique things about this area is the accessibility of the formations. They’re just along the shoreline and you can easily walk right up to them for a closer look at the unique habitats that these rocks create for ocean life.

Cape Blanco State Park: Take a tour of the Cape Blanco Lighthouse and the historic Hughes house which used to be part of a large ranch and dairy operation. If you happened to have brought a horse with you on your road trip, this is the place to ride it. There are 7 miles of horse trails in the park as well as hiking trails.

Humbug Mountain State Park: Here you’ll find black sand beaches and views of the dark rugged cliffs that make up Humbug Mountain.

Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor: Get panoramic views of the area from the parking lots along this scenic corridor.

Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor: This is a long scenic drive with 12 miles of rock formations, bluffs, and sparkling sea. There are multiple pullouts and viewpoints with short hikes to overlooks and shore access.

Brookings Area

Harris Beach State Park: Here you’ll find the largest island off the Oregon Coast. It’s a National Wildlife Sanctuary and breeding ground for rare birds like the tufted puffin. The sunsets at Harris Beach are particularly lovely and the perfect way to end your Oregon coast road trip.

Where to stay in Brookings

Campground: Harris Beach State Park Hotel: Ocean Suites Motel

Where to eat in Brookings

Oxenfrē Public House and Mattie’s Pancake House

Oregon Coast Road Trip Map

All the places included in the Oregon coast road trip can be found this map.

Here’s a re-cap of where to stay and where to eat on your Oregon coast road trip.

Where to Stay on the Oregon Coast

If you’re camping for this trip—which we highly recommend (shocking right?)—check out our top outdoor gear guide that includes all our favorite and most indestructible outdoor equipment.

Where to Eat on the Oregon Coast

Have you ever taken a coastal road trip? Where did you go and what was your favorite thing to do? Let us know in the comments below.

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4 thoughts on “ The Perfect Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary ”

Thanks for sharing! We loved seeing the pics of what you did after Descend!

Thanks, Emma! We had a great time in Oregon. It was so great to meet you and Manny at Descend. I hope we can meet up again!!!

Would you recommend north to south or is it just as beautiful south to north. Could you do less nights and do in 2 days? Or 4 even? Or is it best to give 6 days?

Which direction you travel doesn’t really matter as the coast is stunning and you’ll get great views either way. While the drive is totally doable in 2 days, that wouldn’t give you much time to stop and see/do anything along the way. I’d recommend at least 3-4 days so you can take in a good amount of scenery, hikes, and culture. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time! The OR coast is one of my very favorite places. Enjoy!

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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.

17 BEST Oregon Coast Towns to Visit

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If you were to ask Oregonians what defines an Oregon coast town, you’d probably get a myriad of different answers.

Is it the panoramic, historical lighthouses dotting the coastline that make Oregon’s beaches so special? Or, is it the sheer cliffs and rugged landscapes that define the essence of the Oregon coast? Maybe it’s the charming towns perched along the coastline or the fresh seafood they serve up in cute cafes and breweries.

In truth, it’s all of the above. Whether it’s lighthouses or cliffs, Oregon has an incredible coastline. From the warm dunes in the south to the trendy towns further north, the array of diverse landscapes and scenery is breathtaking.

With such a great selection of beaches, it’s often difficult to figure out which one to visit.

Whether you’re an Oregon local looking for a new beach or taking a road trip along the coast , we’ve curated our favorite Oregon coast towns so you can spend more time enjoying your trip and less time figuring out where to go. With that in mind, let’s dive right in…

Table of Contents

The Best Oregon Coast Towns

Things to do in astoria, things to do in seaside, things to do in cannon beach, things to do in manzanita beach, things to do in tillamook bay, things to do in pacific city, things to do in neskowin, things to do in lincoln city:, things to do in depoe bay, things to do in newport, things to do in yachats, places to stay near yachats:, things to do in florence, things to do in coos bay, things to do in brandon, things to do in port orford, places to stay near port orford:, things to do in gold beach, things to do in brookings, final thoughts, 15 adventurous things to do in lincoln city, 11 adventurous things to do in astoria, oregon, 11 adventurous things to do in pacific city, 13 adventurous things to do around seaside, oregon, 13 adventurous things to do in newport, oregon.

We could go on and on about Oregon’s coast and the charming communities that stretch along the scenic shoreline, but for now, we’ve started off with 17 of our favorite Oregon beach towns AND the best adventures in the area.

You can trust us because not only did I personally grow up going to these coast towns all the time, but I’ve road-tripped it in my adult years countless times, too!

→ If you don’t have a lot of time, do this Oregon Coast day trip from Portland to see the best of the coast with a local.

✋ HOLD UP! Don’t Forget…

You need some wheels! It’s nearly impossible to get around the USA and check out the best adventures without a car! Here are our top recommendations…

🚗 Rent a car

If you don’t have your own, renting a car is your best bet!

👉 Find Deals on Cars and SUVs

🚐 Rent a home on wheels

For the more adventurous, rent a van or RV and ditch the hotel.

👉 Find The Best Van For Your Trip

As the oldest town in the state, Astoria is one of Oregon’s most iconic coastal towns.

The settlement was formed along the mouth of the Columbia River in 1811 and features gorgeous Victorian-era homes perched along the hillside. It’s historic, it’s scenic, but above all, Astoria holds some of the most exciting outdoor adventures along the entire Oregon Coast.

Thanks to its location near the Pacific Ocean and the border of Washington, this Oregon coast town draws visitors from near and far to hike wooded trails, discover old forts and shipwrecks, and explore the state parks that surround the city. Oh, and did we mention this town was the set for The Goonies?

• Explore the trails in Cape Disappointment State Park . The North Head Trail is particularly special, with panoramic views of the North Head Lighthouse and a long stretch through lush coastal forest.

• Wander along Astoria’s Riverwalk. The Riverwalk stretches along the coastline parallel to the downtown area. You can walk or bike, and there are plenty of fun spots to stop along the way.
• Check out Fort Stevens State Park. Fort Stevens State Park is an old military fort located about 20 minutes from Astoria. Some of the original fortifications remain to this day, and there are also hiking trails, freshwater lakes, sandy beaches, and even an old shipwreck!

• Fuel up at Coffee Girl. After a busy day of exploring this stunning Oregon coast town, you can get your caffeine fix at Coffee Girl. While you’re in the area, be sure to explore the rest of Pier 39.
• Troll for Salmon at Buoy 10 . Buoy 10 is widely known as the most productive salmon fishery in Oregon, thanks to its position near the ocean. Buoy 10 is most popular from late July through October when both chinook and coho salmon are available.

• Chase waterfalls at Youngs River Falls. The Youngs River Falls area sits about 15 minutes from Astoria and features a beautiful waterfall, easy (yet rewarding) trails, and a nice little swimming area if you happen to be lucky with the weather.

READ MORE: 11 Adventurous Things to do in Astoria

Places to Stay Near Astoria Beach:

• Shepherds Cottage Retreat
• Clementine’s Bed & Breakfast
• Norblad Hotel
• More of the best hotels in Astoria

Campgrounds: KOA Resorts | Fort Stevens State Park

Searching for the perfect beach day along the Oregon coast? Set your GPS for Seaside .

This gorgeous beach town lacks some of the cool rock formations that other Oregon coast towns offer, but the wide sandy beaches are perfect for bumming, boogie boarding, and sandcastle making.

The town is quite touristy and glitzy, but there are also plenty of uncrowded trails to hike, quiet rivers to paddle, and big waves to catch. Seaside is a paradise for those who know what to look for, and it’s one of the few Oregon coast towns that lets you have it all.

• Kayak the Necanicum River. The Necanicum River flows through Seaside directly into the ocean, offering some great kayaking and paddle boarding opportunities . There are multiple places in town to rent kayaks or paddleboards, and it’s one of the best adventures within city limits.

• Visit Del Rey Beach State Recreation Site . You can drive your car right onto the beach here (make sure you have 4WD), pitch a tent, or just enjoy a relaxing beach day in a scenic location.
• Hike the Tillamook Head Trail . Offering views of one of the most splendid lighthouses on the Oregon Coast , the Tillamook Head Trail is a must for anyone visiting Seaside. It’s wedged right between Seaside and Cannon Beach and is a great option for hikers coming from either location.

• Conquer the Saddle Mountain Hike . For more great views, tackle the Saddle Mountain hike. This 5.2-mile trek is a bit more moderate, and there is a pretty intense incline. The views here are fantastic, and on a clear day, you can see all the way from the Pacific Ocean to Mount Hood .

• Amble along the Seaside promenade walk. Feel the sea breeze in your hair as you walk along Seaside’s oceanfront promenade. There are places to access the beach on one side, and on the other you’ll find cute cottages, coffee shops, boutiques, and a brewery.

READ MORE: 13 Adventurous Things To Do Around Seaside

Places to Stay Near Seaside Beach:

• Edgewood Cove Guest House
• Cozy Pet Friendly Cottage
• Cabin at Starry Night Inn

Campgrounds: Seaside RV Resort, North Side | Seaside RV Resort

3. Cannon Beach

Often regarded as one of the best beaches in the world, Cannon Beach is an absolute must when visiting Oregon’s coast.

It’s the epitome of a classic beach town: picturesque, quaint, and memorable. Haystack Rock stands out as a coastal landmark, but almost everything about this beach begs to be admired.

What’s more, there’s a ton to do here for outdoor lovers, with scenic sites and opportunities for adventure around every turn.

• Explore Ecola State Park. Ecola State Park is a wildly popular state park located in the heart of Cannon Beach. It offers a great complex of trails and views to explore, making it a fantastic option for adventurers wanting a classic Oregon coast experience.

• Visit Hug Point State Recreation Site . This area is all about the beach, which used to be home to an old stagecoach route. Today, it’s a scenic stretch of sand with deep sea caves, a rugged coastline, and giant rock formations jutting up out of the surf.
• Hike to Neahkahnie Mountain . About thirty minutes south of Cannon Beach, Neahkahnie Mountain is one of the most beautiful hikes on the Oregon coast . The hike ends up close to 6 miles round-trip from the north trailhead, and from the south, it’ll top out right around 3 miles round-trip.

• Go Tidepooling. Cannon Beach has some great tidepooling opportunities. For your best chances of seeing marine life, head to Haystack Rock or Arcadia Beach. And remember to tidepool at low tide!
• Kayak Ecola Creek. If you’re into kayaking, don’t miss Ecola Creek. It runs straight into the Pacific Ocean, but the true kayaking action happens a little bit further upstream. The creek is small and easily navigable, with some of the most spectacular scenery of any Oregon Coast town.

• Wander around town. Cannon Beach has a super cute downtown area, so remember to spend some time wandering around after you get your fix of nature. Indulge in great seafood, visit the shops, hit up a market, or plop down for a beer at the Public Coast Brewery.
• Walk to Haystack Rock. This is Cannon Beach’s crowning glory, and it’s not hard to see why. Access the beach wherever you can (there are plenty of access points in and around town), then walk to the giant, lone rock in the ocean. It’s that simple!

READ MORE: 14 Adventurous Things To Do in Cannon Beach

Places to Stay Near Cannon Beach:

• Adorable Seaside Cottage
• Cannon Beach Tree House
• Buccaneer Bay Bungalow
• More of the best hotels in Cannon Beach

Campgrounds: Wright’s for Camping

4. Manzanita Beach

Manzanita is the definition of a quaint oceanside village, with an itty bitty population and unspoiled scenery everywhere you look.

It’s less frequented than Cannon Beach to the north, with easy access to the nearby Oswald West State Park and Nehalem Bay – both hubs for adventures of all kinds.

If you’re looking for an underrated and beautiful town on the Oregon Coast with plenty of exciting outdoor pursuits to keep you entertained, Manzanita just may be the perfect choice for you.

• Discover the town of Manzanita Beach. Spend some time wandering Main Street, where you’ll find artisan shops, upscale souvenirs, and even an acclaimed whiskey bar.
• Kayak and camp at Nehalem Bay State Park . Making its way directly into the Pacific Ocean, Nehalem Bay is more reminiscent of a river than a bay. Fairly narrow and quite shallow throughout most of its entirety, Nehalem is one of our favorite bays on the coast to camp and kayak on.

• Discover Oswald West State Park . Whether you want to hike epic trails, enjoy a scenic picnic, or even shred some waves, Oswald West State Park is one of the best Oregon Coast State Parks .
• Have a beach day at Short Sand Beach . Located at the center of Oswald West State Park, Short Sand Beach offers soft sand for bumming, great waves for surfing and paddleboarding, and trailheads to lead you to some of the best lookouts in the state.

• Attend the Friday night farmers’ market. Who doesn’t love a good farmers market? Manzanita Beach puts on a fun market every Friday evening in the summer. Browse fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and other fun stalls.
• Hike to Cape Falcon . One of the most popular trails in the area, the Cape Falcon Trail , is a 4.6-mile hike that is truly a stunner. A seasonal waterfall halfway through the hike and a meadow with a view at the end make this one of our absolute favorite hikes on the Oregon Coast.

Places to Stay Near Manzanita Beach:

• Cottage by the Sea
• Artist Cottage

Campgrounds: Nehalem Falls Campground | Jetty Fishery Marina & RV Park

5. Tillamook Bay

While it’s probably best known for its dairy industry, Tillamook Bay has a lot more on offer than just its (amazing) cheese factory.

Located on stunning Tillamook Bay (the product of more than a half dozen major rivers and tributaries), Tillamook is a unique town when it comes to adventuring and scenery.

There are hundreds of miles of trails on both the land and in the rivers, plus a gorgeous state forest that often goes undiscovered in lieu of other pursuits (remember that cheese factory we were telling you about?).

• Visit the Tillamook Creamery. You don’t visit Tillamook without stopping at the creamery, trust us. You can take a tour to see how the dairy products are manufactured, sample some cheese, or just pop in for a quick scoop of ice cream.
• Hike in Cape Lookout State Park. Great hiking trails and even better ocean views are all things you’ll be rewarded with at Cape Lookout State Park . Just south of Tillamook, it offers serene views up and down the coast, and the trails in the park are relatively short and easy.

• Tackle the Trails at Tillamook State Forest. For more scenic trails along Oregon’s coast, check out Tillamook State Forest . Over 80 miles of trails run through new and old-growth forests in this area, with options for hikers of every skill set. There are also numerous campgrounds here!

• Drive the Three Capes Scenic Loop. No need to wear your hiking boots out for this one. Hop in the car for some epic views along the Three Capes Scenic Loop , which connects Cape Meares , Cape Lookout , and Cape Kiwanda .
• Down fresh oysters at Nevør Shellfish Farm. Seafood lovers know that Oregon coast towns have some of the freshest fish around, but if you don’t want to shell out tons of cash, head to Nevør Shellfish Farm. You can get your oysters to go, or have them shuck them for you on-site.

Places to Stay Near Tillamook Bay:

• Wave Watch ‘N
• Happy Camp Beachfront Cabin
• Blue Sea Oceanfront Cottage

Campgrounds: Cape Lookout State Park Campground | Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina

RELATED: 11 Stunning Things To Do on the North Oregon Coast

6. Pacific City

For adventurers who want to do it all and see it all, there’s no better town along the Oregon coast than Pacific City. Throwback craft brews on the beach, try your hand at hang gliding, or climb up the towering sand dunes for some epic views (just not in that order, probably).

Nestled just beneath the large headland of Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City is popular with Oregon locals from all over. It offers great views, restaurants, and plenty of outdoor adventures close to the city.

• Climb the Giant Sand Dune. When you arrive at Pacific City, there will be no ambiguity as to which sand dune we’re referring to. The dune sits along the scenic Cape Kiwanda, just north of Pacific City Proper. There’s not really a designated trail to the top; rather, this one is best improvised.
• Explore Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area. After you conquer the giant sand dune, you can spend the rest of the day in Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area tidepooling, bumming on the beach, surfing, hang gliding, whale watching… the opportunities are endless!

• Go surfing. Pacific City is one of the best Oregon coast towns for surfing . The waves are especially rad after a storm or anytime in the winter.
• Rent a Paddle Board on the Nestucca River. Many Oregon coast towns are characterized by some sort of river flowing through them, and Pacific City is no exception. We recommend renting a paddleboard or kayak and exploring some of the dramatic scenery that the Nestucca has to offer.

• Cruise the beach in your car. The beaches in the Pacific City area are some of the few in Oregon where vehicles are allowed. In the town of Pacific City itself, many people will park their cars along the beach and enjoy the views from the comfort of their vehicles. 4WD is recommended!

READ MORE: 11 Adventurous Things To Do in Pacific City

Places to Stay Near Pacific City Beach:

• Mermaid Cottage
• Main Deck Cottage
• Surf & Sand Inn

Campgrounds: Sandbeach Campground | Hart’s Camp Airstream Hotel & RV Park

7. Neskowin

Offering more solitude and equally impressive views as its cousin to the north (Pacific City), Neskowin is one of the best Oregon coast towns. The town is quaint, yet it has a couple of stellar restaurants and nearly endless opportunities for adventure.

Even though the town isn’t huge and lodging options can be limited, it has a fantastic beach that often gets overlooked. Put simply, Neskowin is, without a doubt, worth your time.

• Grab picnic supplies at the Neskowin Trading Company. There’s nothing better than a picnic with a good view, and there are plenty of spots around town to do just that. If you need to stock up on supplies, head to the Neskowin Trading Company, where you’ll find fresh deli options, home-cooked baked goods, and plenty of beer and wine.
• Climb Proposal Rock. Once you’re on the beach in Neskowin, you shouldn’t have much trouble identifying Proposal Rock . Though there aren’t any officially maintained trails here, you can wander the tide pools around the rock at low tide.

• Check out the Ghost Forest . While you’re on the beach, don’t miss the Ghost Forest. Hundreds of ancient tree stumps jut out from the sand, and scientists believe these remains are the result of earthquakes and tsunamis centuries ago.
• Visit the Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge . Featuring 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, the Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Wander the trails as you search for wildlife like waterfowl, deer, and more, all protected in this stunning area.

Places to Stay Near Neskowin Beach:

• Darrs Beach Cottage
• Ocean View Oasis
• Coastal A-Frame Cabin

Campgrounds: Neskowin Creek RV Resort

8. Lincoln City

Beach bum or adrenaline seeker? Who said you can’t be a little bit of both? Lincoln City offers visitors plenty of options for chilling AND adventuring – a true ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ kind of town.

Lincoln City is a well-known destination for day trips from Portla n d and Salem. With Devil’s Lake to the north and Siletz Bay just a bit further south, its place on the map is part of what makes Lincoln City so appealing.

The town’s scenic beach, coupled with the natural features in the area, make Lincoln City one of the most loved Oregon coastal towns, and it’s certainly worth checking out on your next trip road trip through the area.

READ MORE: 15 Adventurous Things To Do in Lincoln City

• Go fat tire biking. Experience the Oregon coast in a new way. Rent a fat tire bike from Safari Town Surf Shop and glide across the sand around town. TIP: stick to the hard-packed sand along the water line for smooth sailing riding.
• Kayak Siletz Bay. One of the most drop-dead gorgeous bays on the entire Oregon Coast, Siletz Bay isn’t one to miss. An expansive beach and some oceanfront restaurants complete the overall aesthetic, and you won’t get tired of things to look at while you’re paddling. There’s a lone spot near the bay’s east end where you can rent kayaks or boats to enjoy your day out on the water.

• Hit the beach. There are plenty of spots around town for beach bumming, surfing, tidepooling, and swimming. In fact, Lincoln City has seven miles of soft sandy beach, with 17 public access points. You won’t be short on options for beach days here! You can even stick around until evening and enjoy a bonfire on the beach.
• Hike God’s Thumb. Looking north from Lincoln City Beach, you may notice a rock formation at the end. Many admire it from afar, not realizing that it’s actually one of the coolest hikes in this Oregon coast town. The God’s Thumb Hike is a 4-mile out-and-back hike that provides stunning views over Lincoln City Beach.

• Camp at Devil’s Lake. Not to be confused with the Devil’s Lake located near Bend in central Oregon, Devil’s Lake in Lincoln City is an excellent spot to camp. From hiking to fishing and kayaking, there are plenty of things to do in and around this scenic lake.

Places to Stay Near Lincoln City Beach:

• Cottage by the Beach
• Whale Watch

Campgrounds: Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area | Lincoln City KOA Journey

RELATED: 17 Cool Oregon Coast Campgrounds to Stay At

9. Depoe Bay

Of all the coastal towns in Oregon, there’s no better place for whale watching than Depoe Bay.

Don’t let the itty bitty harbor fool you. Large marine life flock here like clockwork between March and December, as do the tourists to witness the incredible events.

Once you’ve seen enough whale tails, you can park your bum on the beach, hike some scenic trails, or hit up the local winery!

• Watch for Whales at the Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint. One of the best places for whale watching in Depoe Bay is the Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint. Take in views of the ocean and scenic Cape Foulweather from over 500 feet above the sea.

• Enjoy the natural beauty of Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area . This peaceful park boasts a grassy day-use area, a long sand beach, and a series of wooden footbridges. You can spend your day hunting for washed-up driftwood on the beach, exploring tide pools, or birdwatching along one of the park’s trails.
• Explore Beverly Beach State Park. Beverly Beach State Park is the perfect spot to park your bum on sunny days. The park is also known for hosting some great waves for surfing, scenic beachside trails, and excellent wildlife-watching opportunities (yes, including whales!).

• Stop by the Depoe Bay Scenic View Area & Park. This is one of the best viewpoints in the area, and it requires zero hiking! The rest of the park stretches through the downtown area, making it a convenient spot to get those iconic coastal views.
• Visit the downtown area. Once you’re downtown, be sure to pop into some of the cute stores and cafes that line the ocean. This is a foodie’s paradise, so don’t hesitate to stuff yourself before continuing on to another Oregon coast town.

Places to Stay Near Depoe Bay:

• Whale-Come Home
• Coastal Breeze
• Suite Williams

Campgrounds: Beverly Beach State Park

10. Newport

Equal parts eclectic and iconic, Newport is often thought of as the capital of the Oregon coast.

Travelers curious about the mysteries of the Pacific Ocean will adore the sights of Newport. It’s a fantastic place to view marine life and surreal coastal formations, and the town’s scenic viewpoints help you spot migrating whales and other marine life just offshore.

This charming Oregon coastal town also has a splash of Victorian architecture, some epic engineering marvels, and plenty of spots to grab a good beer in between sightseeing.

• Visit the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. The area’s star attraction is the 93 ft Yaquina Head Lighthouse, perched on a basalt rock headland. Standing at the top of Oregon’s tallest lighthouse gives you sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, coastal landscape, and marine life like whales, waterfowl and more.

• Spend a day at South Beach State Park. This stunning 498-acre park is tucked between the Pacific Ocean and Yaquina Bay and offers tons of outdoor activities, including hiking, whale watching, and surfing.
• Discover Devil’s Punch Bowl . One of the coolest spots along the Oregon coast, the Devil’s Punch Bowl , is a geologic treasure. Shaped like a giant punch bowl carved into the rocks, the rock formation fills with water during violent storms.

• Have a pint at Rogue Brewing. One of the most famous breweries along the Oregon coast is Rogue Brewing. It’s set just along Yaquina Bay and in front of the crabbing pier, and it’s a great spot to wander, as you can literally watch beer being made while enjoying their beers and food!
• Check out the Crabbing Pier. Want to experience the thrill of catching your own crab? What better place than Newport – the self-proclaimed “Dungeness Crab Capital of the World.” It’s a fun and relatively easy activity for the day, and the best months for meaty catches are between summer and fall.

READ MORE: 13 Adventurous Things to Do in Newport

Places to Stay Near Newport:

• Cozy Nye Beach Bungalow
• Bayfront Lodge Studio with a Fireplace & Balcony
• Cozy Dog-Friendly Cottage
• More on the best hotels in Newport

Campgrounds: South Beach State Park | Beverly Beach State Park

11. Yachats

The wonders of Oregon’s coastal towns are far from a well-kept secret. But there are still a few spots that fly under the radar. Welcome to Yachats.

Situated off the scenic Highway 101, Yachats is one of Oregon’s hidden coastal gems. While you may be tempted to pass through the tiny town without stopping, those who spend some time in Yachats will find plenty of reasons to stick around for a day or two.

Yachats lays on the small-town charm thick. From local diners serving up fresh catches of the day to incredible seascapes and a plethora of outdoor offerings, Yachats is not to be missed.

• Explore Cape Perpetua. Head south to Cape Perpetua to the highest accessible viewpoint by car on the entire coast. After taking in the scenery from the viewpoint, you can hike over 26 miles of trails, drive between scenic lookout points, or explore the rich and varied tidepools.

• Wander around downtown Yachats. Although small, Yachats has plenty to keep visitors entertained. Pop into the rare gem gallery, visit the Little Log Historic Museum, or just wine and dine to your heart’s content.
• Have a pint at Yachats Brewing + Farm Store. One of the best places in town is Yachats Brewing. If you’re not into microbrews, you can always opt for kombucha or probiotic sodas! If you’re feeling hungry, you can purchase some house-fermented veggies to go with your bevvy. Note that opening times vary throughout the year.
• Visit Thors Well . One of the biggest draws to Yachats and Cape Perpetua is Thors Well . Also known as ‘the Drainpipe to the Pacific’ and ‘the Gate to Hell,’ this oceanic sinkhole has been baffling onlookers for centuries. When the waves hit the well, you can expect an epic water show, especially during high tide.

• Hike part of the Oregon Coast Trial. The 804 trail is a short and easy section of the Oregon Coast Trail that runs along Yachat’s rugged coast. This is a great hike for anyone looking to avoid the crowds that plague some of the more popular trails in the area.
• Ocean Cove Sunset
• Romantic Cottage

Campgrounds: Cape Perpetua Campground

12. Florence

Found right in the middle of the Oregon Coast, Florence is at the center of all the action. With raging waterfalls, tall dunes, and rugged cliffside trails, this Oregon coast town is the place to be if you want to get the adrenaline pumping.

The scenery here rivals some of the best on the rest of the coast, and there are plenty of things to keep you entertained as you admire the sights.

• Rent a Dune Buggy. Renting a dune buggy to roam the Oregon dunes is one of the most exhilarating adventures in Florence. You won’t find many options for this activity further north, so take advantage while you’re in the area!

• Kayak the Siltcoos River. The Siltcoos River is hands down the best kayaking spot in Florence. It’ll take you through some lush coastal forest scenery, and the current isn’t too strong. The river starts at Siltcoos Lake, which is one of the few lakes in Oregon that gets a salmon run!

• Hike the Heceta Head to Hobbit Beach Trail. The Hobbit Trail doesn’t disappoint when it comes to scenery. A gorgeous beach, a historic lighthouse, and sweeping ocean views are all in store on this trail. At just under 4 miles round-trip, this is a great side excursion for adventurers interested in a great hike that won’t take all day. Read more on how to explore Heceta Head !

• Hike to Kentucky Falls. While most Oregon coast towns are renowned for their pretty coastal views, Florence offers visitors the chance to see a different side of the state without venturing too far from Route 101. Kentucky Falls sits within the lush Siuslaw National Forest , and you’ll hike through verdant, old-growth forests before reaching the three thundering waterfalls.

• Visit the Sea Lion Caves. You know that Oregon coast towns are great for whale watching, but if you want to switch it up, go. to the Sea Lion Caves! As the name suggests, you’ll find plenty of sea lions lazing about inside the caves, and there are also some walking trails you can explore.

READ MORE: 9 Adventurous Things To Do in Florence

Places to Stay Near Florence Beach:

• Pelican’s Perch
• Huckleberry Cottage
• Fisherman’s Cottage

Campgrounds: Heceta Beach RV Park | Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park Campground

13. Coos Bay

Combine one part historic charm, one part outdoor adventure, and one part epic scenery, and boom – you’ve got Coos Bay.

With a population of just over 16,000, Coos Bay is one of the “bigger” cities along the Oregon coast. Many adventure seekers choose to make Coos Bay their home base while exploring the coast due to the abundance of entertainment and accommodation options.

There are a plethora of state parks around Coos Bay, along with soft sand beaches, scenic hiking trails, and fruitful fishing holes.

• Get the adrenaline pumping at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. One of the biggest draws to Coos Bay is the dramatic Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area . While there are plenty of hiking trails within the recreation area, one of the most thrilling ways to get around the dunes is via OHV. You could also spend the day here sandboarding, taking a dune buggy tour, or paddling along the shoreline.

• Go for a drive along the Cape Arago Highway. This scenic drive boasts some of the state’s best coastal scenery, with plenty of spots to stop off along the way. Sunset Bay State Park and Shore Acres State Park are favorite detours, with gorgeous trails offering additional viewpoints.
• Wander through Golden & Silver Falls State Natural Area. This hidden gem of a park is well off the beaten path and features miles of incredible hiking trails – many of which you will likely have all to yourself! The views from the trails are breathtaking, with massive waterfalls and dense forests making up the bulk of the scenery.

• Meander along the Coos Bay Boardwalk. Taking a stroll along the Coos Bay Boardwalk will not only give you great views of the bay area, but there are also some information signs depicting the city’s history.
• Explore downtown Coos Bay. After you visit the boardwalk, head downtown to see what Coos Bay is all about. Be sure to admire the iconic Egyptian Theater, pop in for some sweet treats at Cranberry Sweets & More, or spend a rainy day perusing art at the Coos Art Museum.

Places to Stay Near Coos Bay:

• Bayview Cottage
• Sparrows Nest
• Cottage on the Bay

Campgrounds: Sunset Bay State Park

RELATED: A Legendary Oregon Coast Road Trip—35 Stops & 3 Itineraries

Bandon is next level when it comes to scenery and cozy, coastal town vibes.

Beloved for its dramatic rock formations, this Oregon coast town entices nature lovers and geology nerds alike. Legendary tales surround Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, and its tidal flats draw birdwatchers to the area.

Comfortable year-round temperatures make Brandon a hotspot for fishing, hiking, and cycling. You can also admire the sea stacks and rugged cliffs from lighthouses or partake in the annual shellfish and cranberry harvests.

• Explore Bullards Beach State Park . Located along the Coquille River, Bullards Beach State Park features hiking and biking trails, a horse camp, and some great fishing spots. Get an intense workout by cycling through thick sand or hiking around sweeping dunes.

• Admire artwork along the Oregon Coast Public Art Trail. This 30-mile trail stretches from Brandon to Port Orford and features paintings, sculptures, furniture, and more from local artists. There are also several galleries located in towns along the way, so don’t hesitate to take a detour!
• Hike around the several state parks near Bandon. Bandon Beach visitors are lucky to have a cluster of state parks nearby, all with beautiful hiking trails and scenic viewpoints in hefty doses. Sunset Bay State Park is a favorite, as are Cape Arago State Park and Shore Acres State Park.

• Enjoy a beach day. Brandon Beach has some of the best beaches along the Oregon coast , making it the perfect place for beach bumming, swimming, surfing, and all the other classic beach day activities.
• Visit during the Brandon Cranberry Festival. Each September, Brandon puts on an epic cranberry festival with three days of fun activities. You can see live music, dine on cranberry-inspired food, shop the farmer’s market, and more.

READ MORE: 9 Cool Adventures Around Bandon Beach, Oregon

Places to Stay Near Bandon Beach:

• Cranberry Overlook at Black Moon Farms
• Bandon Bear Cottage
• Dog-Friendly Home with Fenced-In Yard

Campgrounds: Bullards Beach State Park | Sunset Bay State Park

15. Port Orford

Surrounded by gorgeous white sand beaches, impressive rock formations, and staggering mountain scenes, Port Orford is the embodiment of Oregon’s coastal beauty.

There is plenty here to entertain even the most adventurous travelers, including state parks, beaches, trails, and enough raw beauty to keep you coming back time and time again.

With its bustling harbor, boutique shops, and cute local eateries, this is the perfect stop for anyone who wants to couple unspoiled nature with some awesome creature comforts.

• Explore Cape Blanco State Park. Cape Blanco is one of the most secluded state parks in Oregon. With the remoteness comes unmatched raw beauty, which is best observed by hiking along one of the park’s scenic trails. While you’re in the park, don’t miss the iconic Cape Blanco Lighthouse.

• Hike the trails at Humbug Mountain State Park. Humbug Mountain is all about hiking. The park is home to one of the highest mountains in the state, offering hikers sweeping views from 1730 feet above the sea. There are also thick forests, trickling creeks, sandy beaches, and a cozy campsite for overnight travelers.

• Take a stroll along the beach of Battle Rock Wayside Park. This is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, with great coastal views and a soft sandy beach. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a whale as you wander around the park!
• Discover Floras Lake State Natural Area. Floras Lake State Natural Area is incredibly stunning, yet not that many people know about it! Enjoy the solitude as you conquer scenic trails, go paddleboarding or windsurfing on Floras Lake, or spend some time beachcombing along the sandy shoreline.

• Spend the day at Sisters Rock State Park . This is one of the newer Oregon state parks, and it does a great job of showcasing the best of the coast’s beauty. All the usual suspects are here, including towering sea stacks, hidden sea coves, and of course, miles of scenic trails.

READ MORE: 7 Adventurous Things to Do Around Port Orford

• Tranquil Cottage
• Whimsy by the Sea
• Vintage Beach Cottage

Campgrounds: Camp Blanco RV Park | Elk River Campground

16. Gold Beach

Maybe you’re planning on extending your road trip further south into California. Or perhaps you’ve heard lore of the unique things to do in southern Oregon . Either way, Gold Beach is the golden ticket.

Not too far from the Oregon-California border, this incredible Oregon coast town boasts a host of perks that you won’t find in many of the state’s other beach towns: warmer weather, vast dunes, and the mighty Rogue River.

There are plenty of awesome outdoor activities on offer in Golden Beach, and whether you’re looking for adventurous pursuits or a relaxing getaway, this southerly coast town will not disappoint.

• Hunt for treasure at Gold Beach. Channel your inner pirate and search for gold along Gold Beach. Okay, there’s probably not actually any gold, but this spot is known for its treasure hunts. Visitors are welcome to eagerly hunt for picturesque glass floats all along the 2.5 miles of beach, with a few also hidden within the many shops in the town.
• Jet Boat the Rogue River . Jet boating a coastal river like the Rogue is an adventure you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in Oregon. You’ll whiz by plenty of lush coastal forest scenery along the way, and we haven’t heard of anyone who’s regretted this trip.

• Enjoy Scenic Views Along Cape Sebastian & Mouth of Pistol River . The Cape Sebastian Trail, located just a few minutes south of Gold Beach itself, is one of the most rewarding hikes on the Oregon Coast. The 3-mile trail consistently delivers panoramic views of Cape Sebastian and the Pacific before making a final descent to a picturesque beach.
• Check out Sam H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. While you’re in the area, check out Samuel H Boardman , one of the most popular hiking areas along the coast. This stunning spot features vistas of sea stacks sprinkled along the coastlines and the rushing tides hitting the cliffside.

• Book a charter boat and go salmon fishing. Because of the presence of the Rogue, Gold Beach is an Oregon Coast icon when it comes to fishing. The river gets strong salmon and steelhead runs, and it’s somewhat of a landmark for anglers across the entire state. There are plenty of charters in Gold Beach , and the type of fishing you’ll do will depend on the time of year.

READ MORE: 15 Adventurous Things To Do Around Gold Beach

Places to Stay Near Gold Beach:

• Gold Beach Country Cottage
• Gold Beach Apartment
• Sunny Cabin on the Rogue River

Campgrounds: Indian Creek Campground | Rogue Pacific RV Park & Vacation Rentals

17. Brookings

If I had to guess, I’d say that Brookings probably isn’t on your Oregon Coast bucket list. Heck, most Oregon natives don’t know that much about it!

This is the state’s southernmost town, and it has somewhat of a mysterious quality to it. Because it’s so far from Portland (and most other major cities in Oregon, for that matter), it doesn’t get discussed very often.

But Brookings is an absolute gem, and it shouldn’t be overlooked by any adventurer serious about exploring all that the Oregon Coast has to offer.

Brookings offers unique scenery and generally warmer temperatures than some of the coastal towns further north, and there’s plenty to do here.

• Hike and Relax at Chetco Point Park. An oceanside park offering trails, picnic tables, and scenic ocean views, Chetco Point Park is one of our favorite adventuring opportunities in Brookings. It’s always a pleasure to revel in the southern Oregon Coast scenery, and Chetco Point Park is one of the best places to do just that.

• Hike the Harris Beach Trail. Harris Beach State Park is one of the most popular attractions in Brookings, and for good reason. From ocean views and picnic areas to mountain bike trails and brimming tide pools, it offers just about anything anyone could possibly want from the Oregon Coast.

• See Redwoods. Redwoods? In Oregon? Who knew?! A lot of people associate redwoods with California. But you can also see Redwoods in Oregon if you journey far enough into the southern part of the state. There are several trails on the outskirts of Brookings that boast Redwoods, and they’re all pretty short and easy!

• Admire the views at Lone Ranch Beach. The driftwood-strewn beach isn’t the best place for working on a suntan, but there are some great views to be found here. Hike along the coastal trails to find some of the best viewpoints.
• Hop over to California. If you’ve got the time, keep heading south on Highway 101 and take a road trip through northern Cali . Obviously, Oregon is for adventure, but there’s no denying that northern California holds some great gems too! You’ll hit Crescent City first, which is just about 30 minutes south of Brookings.

READ MORE: 7 Adventurous Things to do in Brookings, Oregon

Places to Stay Near Brookings:

• Tanbark Shores Guest Suite
• Captain’s Quarters
• Sunlight Cottage

Campgrounds: Harris Beach State Recreation Area Campground | Driftwood RV Park

It’s no surprise that Oregon’s coastal towns are considered some of the most spectacular in the country.

Intriguing cultural and food scenes, along with the limitless supply of outdoor adventures, are what make the Oregon Coast so special. It’s a paradise for outdoor adventure lovers, and you’ll likely not see some of the same scenery anywhere else.

If you’re planning an extended trip out to the Oregon Coast or are just trying to find a new beach for the weekend, the towns listed here provide the absolute best adventure opportunities and scenery that the dramatic Oregon Coast has to offer.

Explore a beach or three, and have fun doing it!

If you need more help planning your trip here, our Oregon Coast road trip post will help you do exactly that. We have sample itineraries and maps for you to steal too! And these are our favorite Oregon coast hikes too.

More Oregon Coast Towns

  Check out more of what  Oregon’s coast  has to offer and see what other  adventures Oregon  has for you to discover.

Oregon native and explorer at heart. Loves tackling expeditions around the world and drinking a good beer at the end of the day. PNW obsessed, VW nerd, and surf or snow riding fanatic.

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The ULTIMATE Oregon Coast Summer Guide

Presented by VIP Hospitality What’s This? April 18, 2024

The Central Oregon Coast especially highlights some of this distinctive magic that really sets itself apart.   With a wide array of distinct small towns once widely known as the 20 Miracle Miles back in the 50's, this windy stretch of the 101 coastal stretch is truly a breathtaking experience to take in.  Here are some unforgettable things not to miss on your adventure through the awesome beach towns of  Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Gleneden Beach, and beyond.  

Sunsets:  The beauty of a summer sunset cascading down the mighty Pacific Ocean is an incredible experience to behold.  The magic of the different colored rays of light even on partially cloudy days makes for an incredibly dramatic and awe-inspiring event.  Tall lush forests line the landscape creating a truly majestic sight to behold.  This shot was taken from the Ocean House in Newport Oregon right at golden hour.

Tidepools.   Amazing tide pools provide endless exploring opportunities full of vibrant sea life, anemones, starfish, barnacles, and other incredible discoveries.   The 15th Street beach access In Lincoln City has restrooms, paved ramp access, and stairs that lead to the beach.   Make sure to check the tide schedule before planning your adventure.

Beach Treasures. Fall storms are known for being beautiful and they bring sea shells, glass floats, and tons of driftwood to find along the beach.  Perfect for treasure hunts or walks along the beach.  Lincoln City also has the Finders Keepers tradition that goes through the end of the year. Here is the special drop schedule for the rest of 2024.

Pampering.  Ocean water too cold for you? No problem.  Inn at Nye Beach is home to one of the few infinity spas on the Oregon Coast that overlooks 180 degrees of endless Pacific Ocean.  Bonus is that it stays heated year-round and they also offer hot gourmet breakfast delivered to your room!

Otter Crest Loop.  Winding through the back forest overlooking incredible views of the Pacific including an arch bridge, Devil's Punchbowl, and a nature preserve.  At the end turn off, connect to Cape Foulweather towards Newport, or continue towards Otter Rock.  More info can be found here .

Sea Lions. The Bayfront in Newport near Port Dock One or the Taft District near Mo’s in Lincoln City is the perfect place to view these entertaining animals.  Don’t forget to bring binoculars for better viewing and plenty to do in both districts with lots of shops and restaurants nearby. 

Hiking.  There are dozens of great year-round hikes up and down the Oregon Coast.   From endless panoramic views on God's Thumb , or the beauty of a collapsed sea cave in Devils Punchbowl , not all hikes are created equal. One hike in particular, which seems to stay under the radar is Drift Creek Falls . Located near the Valley of Giants east of Lincoln City, it features a 240-foot-long suspension bridge that can support 165,000 lbs! This 3.1 mile out and back trail takes an average of 1 ½ half hours to complete and features a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. A day use pass is required and costs $5 via recreation.gov

Bonfires. Roast marshmallows for your s’mores and enjoy the gorgeous sunsets while warming up by the fire pits at Coho Oceanfront Lodge  in Lincoln City.   They also offer bonfire packages you can also take down to the beach if you’re feeling more adventurous.    

Outdoor Adventures.  From stand up paddle boarding, to kayaking, to fat bike rentals, the Oregon Coast has no shortage of adventures to seek out.  You can get your rentals for all three and more at Safari Town Surf in Lincoln City.

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2 replies to this topic

You will have scenic views almost the entire way down 101. In two days, you can just wing it, enjoy the spectacular seascapes, pause for a stroll on any beach that catches your fancy and take your rest and meal breaks wherever convenient.

You'll be lucky to average 45mph along the coast (add 20-25% to whatever online drive time estimate you're using), so recommending time consuming activities just won't work. Here's a mile by mile guide you can read as you drive along.

https://www.oregoncoastmagazine.com/mile-by-mile-guide/

In Cannon Beach area see Ecola State Park

There is the cheese factory at Tillamook

Yachats has some nice hikes

Florence has the giants sand dunes as well as a nice state park

Bandon has good views of the ocean

Just before Brookings , there is Samual Boardman scenic highway. Natural Bridges area is quite nice.

Also do see and tour one of the lighthouses - your choice.

just some things to consider seeing.

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Travel | 8 North Coast adventures from California’s…

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Travel | california gas prices are spiking again, what’s going on, subscriber only, travel | 8 north coast adventures from california’s redwood coast to southern oregon, giant redwoods, breathtaking hikes, lighthouses and craft beer await on this grand road trip..

Big Sur, the Lost Coast — California’s famous shoreline assumes a variety of names as it winds its way from the sunny south to the forest-dotted north. But whatever you call the region that straddles the California-Oregon border, where the Redwood Coast meets Oregon’s shore, this remote stretch offers a spectacular escape from civilization.

Redwood-shaded hiking trails wind across expansive state and national parks. The Pacific unfurls over deserted beaches. And just offshore, fantastical sea stacks capture the imagination, remnants of a bygone age.

Highway 101 becomes a winding, bucolic byway out here, hugging the shore for the grandest of road trips. Here are eight must-see stops along the way, beginning on Oregon’s southernmost coast and winding down.

PLAY: Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, Oregon

You’ve seen the images on Instagram — dramatic sea stacks, improbably topped by trees, rising from the surging, nearly turquoise surf. This otherworldly seascape was formed by ancient lava flows, eroded over millions of years into these towering rocks and islets.

Some 2,000 of them dot the Southern Oregon coast, but the most spectacular are clustered along the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a 12-mile stretch of stunning scenery along Highway 101. It’s named for Oregon State Parks’ first superintendent, who suggested creating a national park along this coastline in the 1940s.

The corridor offers a dozen or so pullouts that make it easy to hike these trails, drink in the views and enjoy some of the loveliest picnic spots imaginable. Some sites, such as Secret Beach and Whaleshead, have easy beach access. (Just beware of sneaker waves .) But the most extraordinary view is at Natural Bridges, named for its seven stunning arch rocks and blowholes. If you make only one stop, this is the one.

Just make sure you stick to the actual, designated trails. The cliffside ecosystem is fragile, the edges eroded — that’s how we got this incredible scene, after all — and some places are exceedingly steep and slippery.

Details: The scenic corridor begins just north of Brookings, Oregon. Pull-outs are well marked and several offer picnic tables and vault toilets. The Natural Bridges pull-out is 1.8 miles north of the Thomas Creek Bridge. Find maps and details at ttps://stateparks.oregon.gov . Grab picnic fare at the Railroad Street Market & Deli, 534 Railroad St. in Brookings.

EXPLORE: Port Orford, Oregon

The small fishing town of Port Orford, which lies about 30 miles north of the Boardman scenic corridor, is known for its “dolly dock,” one of just two in the country, where you can watch the town’s fishing fleet — 30 boats — lowered into the water by crane each day.

Trace the town’s maritime history at the Lifeboat Station Museum at Port Orford Heads State Park, where the interpretive exhibits include one of the 36-foot lifeboats used by U.S. Coast Guard “surfmen” to rescue shipwrecked sailors from 1934 to 1970. A signal from the Heads lookout tower sent surfmen racing down the 280-foot cliffs of Nellies Cove to reach the boathouse and set out to sea. You can still see traces of that steep cliffside stairway from the park’s Cove Trail. The boathouse is long gone, but pilings remain, along with remnants of the rails used to launch the boats.

Browse the museum, hike the trails — the Tower Trail takes you to the site of the long-ago observation tower — then check out the town’s art galleries and murals . When hunger pangs hit, head for the much-loved Crazy Norwegian on the main drag for chowder and fish and chips.

Details: The Lifeboat Station Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily (closed Tuesday) from May to September; https://stateparks.oregon.gov/ , https://capeblancoheritagesociety.com. Find details about the town’s murals and galleries at https://portorfordartscouncil.org. The Crazy Norwegian’s Fish & Chips is open from noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday at 259 Sixth St. in Port Orford.

SLEEP: WildSpring, Port Orford

It’s not often you run across a place like this, an eco-friendly bed and breakfast that sits on five forested acres and feels more like a serene retreat for Middle Earth elves than an inn. The art-filled grounds include a seven-circuit labyrinth, a slate-tiled hot tub offers ocean views and five charming, shingled cottages with names like “Earthsea” are tucked among the trees. And once you settle into your cozy, antique-filled cabin, you won’t want to go anywhere except, perhaps, for a soak under a starry sky.

Details: WildSpring Guest Habitat cottage rates vary by season, $298 to $338 in April and May, for example, and $338 to $368 from June through September, with a two-night minimum. 92978 Cemetery Loop, Port Orford, Oregon; www.wildspring.com

PLAY: Crescent City, California

Beaches, tide pools and a lighthouse await in this small city just south of the Oregon border. The seafront here is striking, with huge gray rocks and crumbled sea stacks scattered across the water, like some gigantic game of marbles. At low tide, grab some tennies or rugged water shoes and head for Crescent City’s Pebble Beach or Enderts Beach , three miles south in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. Or head out to Battery Point Lighthouse, where you can see barnacles, crabs and other sea life on the rocky walk out to the tidal island.

Built in 1856, the Cape Cod-style lighthouse is accessible only at low tide. Check out the exhibits, take the tour and hear the tale of the 1964 tsunami that swept across the city and stranded the lighthouse keepers in the tower.

Afterward, grab a bite at SeaQuake Brewing, where a Battery Point blonde ale or Fogline hazy pairs nicely with locally caught fish, bacon-topped burgers and inventive, brick-oven pizzas.

Details: Battery Point Lighthouse is open at low tide daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 235 Lighthouse Way in Crescent City, https://delnortehistory.org/battery-point-lighthouse/ . SeaQuake Brewing is open from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and until 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday at 400 Front St.; www.seaquakebrewing.com.

PLAY: Redwood National and State Parks

This national park is really a quartet of parks that includes Redwood, Prairie Creek Redwoods, Jedediah Smith Redwoods and Del Norte Coast Redwoods. It’s a 139,000-acre collaboration between the federal and state park systems that includes a multitude of glorious trails. If challenging, backcountry hikes are your thing, you’ll certainly find them here. But there are plenty of easy, family-friendly trails too, including some that are ADA accessible.

At Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, east of Crescent City, the beautiful, family-friendly Stout Memorial Grove trail (0.5 miles) runs along the Smith River, where you can picnic and splash on a cobbled beach. Seasoned hikers should allow a half day to hike the park’s Boy Scout Tree trail (5.5 miles) to Fern Falls. (Just note that you’ll be entering the park via Howland Hill Road, a former stagecoach trail that has retained all its narrow, twisty, dirt road qualities. Don’t attempt it with an RV or trailer.)

Looking for an ADA-accessible trail? The Karl Knapp Trail (2.5 miles) at Prairie Creek Redwoods, near Klamath, takes you past some of the tallest redwoods on the planet.

Details: All four parks are free, but some areas and parking lots have day-use fees. Cell signal is spotty; carry paper maps or download maps to your phone and carry plenty of water and snacks. Find hiking maps and trail suggestions at park visitor centers and at www.nps.gov/redw/.

PLAY: Trees of Mystery, Klamath

You might wonder why we’re suggesting you take time out from visiting four massive national and state parks, all free, to check out a retro, redwood-themed tourist attraction glorifying loggers and charging $25 a pop. You know the one: There’s a 49-foot tall Paul Bunyan and his hefty sidekick, Babe the Blue Ox, out front, ready for their closeup.

To be fair, the Trees of Mystery park is legitimately retro — it opened in 1946. The glorified logger is Bunyan. And there’s more here than interpretive signage. The park’s Redwood Canopy Trail takes visitors up into the mid-canopy over aerial suspension bridges, with platforms from which to gaze out and channel your inner Swiss Family Robinson. And a SkyTrail gondola ride takes you up through the canopy to a mountaintop viewing platform for a new perspective. (And Bunyan and Babe are out in the parking lot, happy to pose for free.)

Details: Admission is $13-$25. The trail opens at 9 a.m. daily at 15500 Highway 101 in Klamath; https://treesofmystery.net. There’s a mid-canopy Redwood Sky Walk at Eureka’s Sequoia Zoo, too, with similar prices.

SLEEP: The Historic Requa Inn, Klamath

In the late 19th century, Requa, which means “mouth of the creek” in the Yurok language, was a hub for fishermen and canneries along the Klamath River, and the Yurok village that existed long before that was one of the region’s oldest settlements. Klamath is a sleepy enclave now, but the century-old Requa Inn still bustles with visitors, drawn now by redwoods, trails and river. (Head for the Klamath River Overlook, 1.5 miles from the hotel, for expansive views of the ocean, the Klamath River estuary and, if you’re lucky, migrating whales. It’s a prime picnic spot, too.)

The dozen rooms at this Arts and Crafts-style inn balance modern comfort with period charm. The Emerald Ridge room, for example, has original redwood-slat walls, an antique bedstead and river views, while the sunny Rhododendron boasts period wallpaper and a claw-foot tub. And the Post Office suite was once the town’s post office. You’ll enjoy river views from the breakfast room too, where an a la carte menu offers pancakes, biscuits and eggs.

Details: Rooms start at $136. 451 Requa Road, Klamath; www.requainn.com.

EXPLORE: Fern Canyon, Prairie Creek Redwoods

Whether you’re an outdoorsy type who likes a little splashy adventure or a cinephile with a penchant for velociraptors, this canyon at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is irresistible.

It’s an incredible, timeless place filled with green fronds of every shade. Rivulets and waterfalls spill down the sides. Creekwater splashes at your feet, and the blue sky is only faintly visible high above. And if you saw Steven Spielberg’s “The Lost World: Jurassic Park,” you may remember the dinosaur attack that unfolded in the deep shade of the towering, fern-covered canyon walls.

But it’s a bucket list experience — breathtaking and beautiful. And if you’re better at rolling up your cuffs than we are, you only need change shoes, not pants, back at the car. Then head to Gold Bluffs Beach for a picnic or wind your way back over the steep access road to enjoy the rest of the park.

Details: Access to the park is free, but there’s a $12 day-use fee (cash, checks only) for the Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs area. If you’re here at peak season (May 15 to Sept. 15), you’ll need to reserve a free, timed parking permit in advance at https://redwoodparksconservancy.org. The Fern Canyon parking area has vault toilets, picnic tables and beach access. Find more information at  www.nps.gov/redw/.

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