southern oregon coast trip

Southern Oregon Coast: 13 Epic Stops—Bandon to Brookings!

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Let’s be real with each other, the Oregon Coast is possibly one of the most stunning and dramatic landscapes in the USA, and dare we say, the world?

With insane rock formations jutting out from the sea, capes with views for miles, majestic sand dunes, and historic lighthouses that can be explored by hiking, rafting, biking, and more… what more can an adventurer ask for? Not much!

And while there isn’t a bad view or area, if we had to choose the coolest area of the coast, we’d say the southern Oregon coast may have the upper hand. The proximity to Portland is further, making the area not as busy as some of the other famous coastal locations in the north.

So what are our favorite adventures on the southern Oregon coast? We have you covered with tons of ideas…

Psst – Don’t forget to check out the other things to do in Southern Oregon !

Table of Contents

13 Adventurous Areas on The Southern Oregon Coast

1. bandon beach—the most famous spot on the southern oregon coast, 2. bullard’s beach, 3. cape arago, shore acres, & sunset bay state parks, 4. flora’s lake (least visited spot on the southern oregon coast), 5. cape blanco, 6. port orford on the southern oregon coast, 7. humbug mountain state park, 8. sisters rock state park, 9. gold beach on the southern oregon coast, 10. cape sebastian, 11. samuel h boardman state scenic corridor, 12. harris beach state park in brookings, south oregon, 13. redwood hikes & alfred loeb state park in southern oregon, how to do an oregon coast day trip from portland, 11 stunning things to do on the north oregon coast, a legendary oregon coast road trip—35 stops & 3 itineraries, 11 most scenic oregon coast towns (and what to do there), 17 breathtaking oregon coast hikes, 19 must-visit oregon coast state parks, 11 oregon lighthouses & the adventures nearby, 23 amazing beaches in oregon and what to do nearby.

Don’t Forget This!

A lot of the best adventures around Oregon will require a Northwest Pass. You can easily get one delivered straight to your door. Grab it now before you leave !

Picture dramatic rock formations reaching up to the sky with angry waters foaming far below, coupled with huge stretches of sand reaching out in either direction, and you have Bandon Beach .

The many sea stacks on this part of the southern Oregon coast help to make this area so unique, and it is pretty impressive to witness the sheer size and shape of them. In fact, you feel pretty small and insignificant when you have these mighty beasts sitting in front of you.

One of the best things to do at Bandon Beach is tide pooling, as the rock formations make the perfect home for a menagerie of sea creatures. Take your time peeking into each of the pools, as you never know what colorful creature you’ll find settling down for the day. 

Fat tire biking is a novel activity to enjoy on the beach, as you can ride right along the surf line on a fun bike, with the wind and surf whipping your hair and face!

You can rent these bikes from Pineapple Express Adventure Rides , so you don’t even need to have your own bike. Be sure to time your visit in accordance with the tides if this activity appeals to you, as you’ll want to ride when the tide is low to get the best riding experience.

You should also put aside some time to simply gaze in wonder at the dramatic rock formations and ponder over how they could have possibly been formed. They twist and bend in all sorts of shapes, some tiny and some huge.

Some of the most notable formations have actually been given names, such as Face Rock, Komax, the Cat and Kittens, Elephant Rock, and Wizards Hat to name a few. Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint offers one of the best views of some of these rocks, so be sure to check it out.

RELATED: 9 Cool Adventures Around Bandon Beach, Oregon

Bullard’s Beach State Park is great for any outdoor enthusiast, with plenty of outdoor adventure just waiting to be found, as well as a large campground to turn your visit into a multi-day trip.

The campground is a popular one, as it is set back from the beach in the forest, which helps to protect it from the strong coastal winds, so book this one in advance if you can!

To get from the campground to the beach you’ll have to follow a trail for a good mile, but is a very pleasant walk, and can easily be made into part of the whole experience. It won’t be long before you step out from a parting of trees to be greeted with over 4 miles of beautiful beach stretching before your eyes.

Nearby you’ll find the picturesque Coquille River Lighthouse, which is definitely worth seeing and can be reached via the Coquille River Lighthouse Trail. In the summer months, it is staffed, so if you head to the end of the beach you’ll be able to learn a little more about its history and maybe even get a peek inside. 

Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the close proximity to the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, which supports plenty of creatures native to the area

If you’re up for a little something different, have a go at mountain biking across the harder-packed sand where the waves meet the beach. There is something so exhilarating about seeing the beach and waves flashing past you as you ride along, making it a unique way to take in this scenic stretch of coast.

READ MORE: Visiting Bullards Beach State Park Near Bandon, Oregon

Cape Arago, Shore Acres, and Sunset Bay State Park are all relatively small and are within close proximity to each other, meaning they can very easily be combined into one packed, fun-filled, and active day trip along the southern Oregon coast.  

You don’t even have to drive to each of the parks individually, as they are all connected via a series of trails, some of which will take you along the scenic cliffs, offering stunning views along the way, such as the Sunset Bay to Cape Arago Trail.  

If you look hard enough, you may even be able to spot the Cape Arago lighthouse standing proud in the distance.

Cape Arago juts out into the Pacific, and this lofty viewpoint makes an ideal spot for whale watching, especially during migration season. There is something so magical about seeing the majestic beasts break from the water so close to the shore.

Both the South Coast and North Coast trail are great hikes in Cape Arago, complete with beaches filled with tidal pools and local seals and sea lions dotting the sand. In fact, you can really hear them talking to each other from the Simpson Reef Overlook!

Perched high on a cliff, Shore Acres State Park offers a lot, despite its small size. The uniqueness of this park comes from its perfect combination of natural beauty and man-made features, such as the gardens, home to plants from all over the world.

The cliffs offer stunning views from above or alternatively head down to the beach which you may well have all to yourself.

Sunset Bay State Park has some beautiful beaches, with a neat little campground that is easily accessible from the golden sands. There are picnic benches located all along the bay, making for a scenic lunch spot, with popular activities including beachcombing, paddle boarding, walking, fishing, and boating. 

RELATED: 19 Must-Visit Oregon Coast State Parks

Head to Flora’s Lake State Park if you feel like getting away from the crowds for a while and enjoying the raw, rugged, and wild beauty of Oregon countryside. This park has very little development, and maybe because of this, it doesn’t get the crowds that some of the more well-known southern Oregon coastal state parks seem to.

Although much of the park is on the coast, it also stretches inland as well, taking in the park’s namesake lake as well as stretches of meadows, lagoons, forests, and even sand dunes. 

The majority of people you’ll find heading to the area are likely to be going for one reason—windsurfing. Flora’s Lake is known for its strong winds, which makes it a little slice of heaven for the avid windsurfer. You’ll be able to whizz across the waters, offering adrenaline rush after adrenaline rush!

If windsurfing is not for you, come to enjoy the remote trails that you’ll likely have to yourself, which twist their way through the forests, meadows, and dunes. One of the most popular paths is the one that leads to Blacklock Point . The 100-foot point offers some nice views down to the beach below, as well as a few of the small surrounding islands.

READ MORE: Your Guide to Exploring Floras Lake State Park

If you’re looking for somewhere remote where you can moodily wander the desolate shores, Cape Blanco is a pretty good shout. The state park offers a number of scenic beach trails, most of which offer some great views of the lighthouse that stands tall on the coastline, and many of which you may have to yourself.

The Pacific View Trail is one of the most well-trodden paths in the park, and as the name suggests, offers some pretty spectacular vistas of this stretch of coastline. Plus, it helps that it is a very easy hike, so you’ll get some good views with very minimal effort. Alternatively, you could try the Sixes River Trail for a stroll along the river and beach area.

You can’t come to Cape Blanco State Park without admiring its mighty lighthouse, the most southern lighthouse in the most western part of the state. Today, the lighthouse is still in operation, making it the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the state.

If you have the time, make sure you pop in for a tour and discover what it would have been like to have been a lighthouse operator, keeping boats away from the deadly rocks below.

There is quite a lot to take in at Cape Blanco and the surrounding area, so you might want to consider extending your trip to a few days, and make use of the camping facilities. There are 52 electrical sites available, along with some cabins and a number of facilities.

READ MORE: Your Guide to Cape Blanco State Park

Head to the picturesque town of Port Orford for an idyllic little beachside retreat. The forests and mountains extend down to almost touching the sea here, and with such a varied mix of terrain, it is also the perfect base for a spot of adventure.

You could spend the morning browsing an art gallery after having breakfast in a quaint cafe, and then spend the afternoon taking in the panoramic vistas from the mountains, sailing in the winds, or taking to the river in a kayak, the options are vast and the combination of daytime activities seemingly endless.

The town is full of character, with plenty of history behind it, and a harbor that is still very much active. If you get up in time, you’ll be able to see its fleet of fishing boats being lowered into the water via a crane. 

The town is the perfect base for water sports, with windsurfing, sea kayaking, and scuba diving all popular pursuits. South Coast Tours offers some great options when it comes to getting out onto the water: you can go on boat tours, go paddling, go on a snorkeling tour or even learn to surf!

The Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Byway starts at Port Orford, which runs for over 60 miles along the coast. Whether you choose to do the whole thing or just a section, you’ll be rewarded with dramatic views out to sea the majority of the way.

Fun fact, it is also the most westerly city in the continental US!

READ MORE: 7 Adventurous Things to Do Around Port Orford, Oregon

Humbug Mountain is one of the tallest mountains on the coast of Oregon, standing tall at 1756 feet, so why would you not want to climb it?! Although the mountain dominates the area, Humbug Mountain State Park actually covers an area of 1850 acres, the rest of the park made up of rolling hills covered in a dark blanket of forest.

The state park offers a number of camping facilities and is a good option for those that would rather have a warmer camping experience than what you would usually expect from traditional southern Oregon coast camping.

The sites are protected from the winds by the surrounding mountains, which are also a pretty impressive sight to wake up to every morning.

Nature watchers flock to the park year after year thanks to the abundance of wildlife that calls the park home. There are plenty of elk and deer, but if you are really lucky you might even spot some bigger creatures such as a bear or a mountain lion (but hopefully very far in the distance!)

If you’re feeling up to it, take the Humbug Mountain Trail to the peak of the mountain, while those that fancy a more laid-back day could take a walk down to the beach to relax to crashing waves.

READ MORE: Your Guide to Humbug Mountain State Park

Sisters Rock State Park is made up of three huge rocks, two of which are connected to the mainland, and one stands just off of the shore. As you can probably guess, these are the ‘sisters’, and pretty big and mighty sisters they are!

The land around these mighty rocks is known as Sisters Rock State Park , and collectively, is a pretty spectacular sight.

Seeing as Sisters Rock is still one of the newest state parks in Oregon , it remains largely undeveloped, so it is a good spot to head to if you’re looking for uninterrupted wilderness and rugged beaches.

You’ll find two beaches, divided by the peninsula that juts out into the sea, each as gorgeous as the other, so I will leave you to make the decision as to which is best.

There are no facilities at this park, which could be one of the reasons that it is often very quiet, making it the ideal spot to simply be at one with nature and take in the waves crashing against the rocks. At the least, it’s a beautiful spot to stretch those legs while cruising the southern Oregon coast.

Gold Beach is an Oregon Coast hidden gem, the ideal destination for a little getaway. You’ll be able to find sparkling sands, plenty of hikes in the surrounding area, great fishing, and many other options when it comes to recreational activities.

Rent a fat tire bike and explore the coastline, go white water rafting down the Rogue River, and make a stop at the shipwreck of Mary D. Hume for your dose of local history.

The town is ideally located by the Rogue River with the Pacific Ocean at its front and mountains behind, and although it doesn’t have the reputation of some of the bigger towns, it is still well worth a visit.

It boasts a beautiful stretch of beach, a raging river to enjoy, and plenty of local eateries to relax in after a long day of hiking, boating, or whatever other adventures you have been getting up to.

In fact, Gold Beach is an excellent place to base for many of the adventures we have on the list here if you’re wanting your camp to stay put so you have more time to explore.

RELATED: 15 Adventurous Things to Do Around Gold Beach, Oregon

Cape Sebastian Scenic Corridor is one of the most visually beautiful places that you’ll see on the southern Oregon coast. Even from the parking lot, the views will take your breath away, as it is situated high on the cliffs. If the weather is clear, you may even be able to spot Humbug Mountain, situated 43 miles away.

Other than these impressive vistas, the majority of the park is made up of dense forest, which makes for some exciting hiking opportunities. There is a short trail that traverses across the park, called the Cape Sebastian Trail, and leads to a series of outlooks.

But it’s not just the outlooks that make this trail exciting, at some points it will take you through such thick forests that you’ll almost be heading through tunnels of vegetation, and you’ll wonder how anything managed to grow under such a dense canopy!

There are few facilities at this park, which helps to keep entry and parking free, but despite this, the outlooks and trails can get quite busy, especially on weekends in the summer.

Although the cape and views are the main draws to this park, Hunters Cove is definitely worth checking out. The cove has a relatively wide grey sand beach that will likely be desolate, perfect if you’re looking for solitude.

There are huge boulders that dot the shoreline creating a dramatic effect, some on the shore, while others a little way out to sea for you to admire from afar.

RELATED: 17 Breathtaking Oregon Coast Hikes

The Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor area isn’t called scenic for nothin’! There is a new stunning vista around every corner, be it an impressive, natural rock arch or small hidden cove.

All the trails in this area are under a few miles, which means you’ll be able to pack more of them into the day and take in a range of sights. Although there are many trails to pick from, there are a few that I loved, such as the Lone Ranch South Trail, which is short and sweet, taking you to a viewpoint to the left of the beach so you can take in the coastline.

The Natural Bridges are one of the most popular spots within the park, which can be found to the right of the parking lot. Just be aware that this hike is a bit dangerous because it is very steep with loose terrain and sharp drops, so make sure you take this bit carefully (or just admire it from the viewpoint).

Be sure to check out the ‘Secret’ Beach when in the area. From the Thunder Cove Parking area, the third branch on the trail will take you to the beach, which you may even have all to yourself. Arch Rock is also a great spot, although it is not really a hike, as you’ll get some good views of the rock out to sea from the parking lot. Stay until sunset for a view that you will remember forever.

READ MORE: Hiking the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

With great facilities, plenty of recreational activities, and miles and miles of beaches, it is hardly surprising that Harris Beach has made this list. The park is largely visited for its namesake beach, which is pretty spectacular no matter the time of year you visit the southern Oregon coast.

Another draw to Harris Beach is Bird Island, which sits just off the shore. Bird Island is home to many species of bird, including the rare tufted puffin, so be sure to bring your binoculars or telephoto lenses as you never know what you are going to see.

You should also keep your eyes peeled during whale migration season, as you can sometimes see these majestic creatures right from the beach.

The tide pools around the towering rock formations are teeming with life, so much so that it is actually one of Oregon’s seven designated Marine Gardens. There are plenty of tidepools to be found around the campground area, so be sure to visit at low tide .

If you fancy getting out onto the water, one of the best ways to explore is via a paddling or kayak tour, such as those by South Coast Tours. If you are a beginner paddler, there are options to take a guided tour, with some longer routes available for the more intrepid kayaker.

There is a great campsite at Harris Beach, so it is a good base to explore the area some more. Plus, it is very close to the beach, so you can wake up in the morning and see the crashing waves within minutes.  The campsite is home to tent-only sites, full hookups, and yurts, so there are options for all sorts of campers.

READ MORE: Your Guide to Harris Beach State Park

Alfred Loeb State Park isn’t the biggest state park, yet it is home to some of the more impressive trees in the state, some of which are over 200 years old. The fragrant Myrtlewood trees make up much of the park, but that is far from all there is to see.

The Chetco River runs through the landscape, its clear waters calling people to cool off, swim, raft or just take the scenic Riverview Nature Trail along the banks.

There is a campsite located at the park which has several camping spots as well as some rental cabins for those that don’t fancy tent or RV life. Overall there are 43 electric and water sites, with facilities such as picnic areas and firewood for sale.

The area is a good spot to base yourself and enjoy the nearby Redwood hikes. There are two Redwood hikes to choose from, both of which offer a little something different. Oregon is one of the very few places in America where you are actually able to see these trees, and not many people know of their existence in the state.

The Redwood Nature Trail is a 1.1-mile loop, the northernmost trail. You can start this hike from Alfred Loeb by walking along the river to the start of the trail. The trees here are not the largest, but they are pretty impressive, and in the winter you’ll be able to witness a cascading waterfall as well.

Now, when I say these trees are not the largest, they are still likely to be some of the biggest you have ever seen! Around halfway through the loop, you’ll pass the biggest tree in the park at 296 feet tall and an incredible 34 inches in diameter, which is a good indicator of the sort of sizes we are talking about here.

The second trail to consider is the Oregon Redwoods Trail, which is a little longer at 1.6 miles and about 35 minutes away from Alfred Loeb. This particular loop is home to a few more groves of Redwoods and can be accessed straight from the designated parking lot.

The biggest trees can be found at the lowest part of the trail, with deep ferns hugging their base. The biggest tree of them all can be found as you return up to the ridge, the perfect grand finale.

RELATED: How to See The Redwoods in Oregon

More Things to Do on The Oregon Coast

We hope this guide helped you plan your southern Oregon coast adventure! Check out more posts on the Oregon Coast  and even more  adventures around the state .

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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How to have an EPIC Southern Oregon Coast Road Trip! (The BEST things to do + 3 day itinerary!)

Last updated on February 10th, 2023

Want to have an epic Southern Oregon Coast road trip? In this guide we’re sharing the best stops, where to stay, and a 3 day itinerary! Back when we lived in Seattle, one of our favorite places to visit on the weekends was the Oregon Coast. With a mix of stunning beaches, fun hiking trails, unique cliffs and rock formations, plus charming towns, it makes for the perfect relaxed, yet adventurous getaway. We typically visited Cannon Beach on the Northern Oregon Coast, due to its closer proximity to Seattle, and while every section of the coast is stunning, we have to say our favorite region of the coast so far is the Southern Oregon Coast.

Check out our road trip along the Southern Oregon Coast from 2022, which includes many of the stops listed on this guide!

Compared to the other parts of the coast we have visited, the Southern Oregon Coast feels more rugged, wild, and remote. It’s a bit further from any major cities, which makes the crowds a bit lighter, but it still offers everything that makes the Oregon Coast a magical place. We have road tripped the Southern Oregon Coast a couple times now and in this guide we’re sharing all of the best stops to make on a Southern Oregon Coast road trip, important things to know beforehand, and helpful logistics, like a full three day itinerary, with places to stay each day. We hope you enjoy this slice of coastal heaven as much as we do!

Looking for more things to do in Oregon? Check out these guides & videos:

• The BEST things to do at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon (+ one day itinerary!)
• The BEST waterfall hike in Oregon! Hiking the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park
• 20+ AMAZING things to do in Bend, Oregon
• How to visit Tumalo Falls in Bend, Oregon (ANY time of the year!)
• A weekend in Portland itinerary
• The best things to do in Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast!
• Watch our Oregon vlogs

About the Southern Oregon Coast

Getting to the southern oregon coast, how to get around the southern oregon coast, when to visit the southern oregon coast, where to stay on the southern oregon coast, things to know before visiting the southern oregon coast, what to bring , the best stops on the southern oregon coast, 3 day southern oregon coast road trip itinerary.

With 363 miles of rugged coastline, there is a lot to explore along the Oregon Coast. In fact, it’s known as the “People’s Coast” because every mile of it is open for the public to enjoy!  Unlike some coastal regions in the United States, the Oregon Coast isn’t exactly a tropical getaway. The beaches aren’t filled with palm trees, but rather full of giant rocky sea stacks, Douglas Firs and Pines, and mountainous backdrops.  With many rainy and foggy days, plus cold waters, it may not be the kind of beach that you lay out and go for a swim (unless you’re brave!), but with tons of state parks, beaches, overlooks, trails, and small towns, it offers plenty of other ways to enjoy its coastline and stay busy!

While many consider the Southern Oregon Coast the section from Brookings to Coos Bay, we have not made it as far north as Coos Bay. So for the sake of this guide, we’re specifically referring to the Southern Oregon Coast as the section from Brookings to Bandon, which is about 83 miles of coastline and about 1.5 hours of driving, without any stops. But trust us, you WILL want to make stops!

Before embarking on your adventure, please review the  Leave No Trace principles  to ensure you leave every place better than you found it, so that others can enjoy these beautiful places for many years to come! These seven principles include planning ahead and preparing, hiking and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly (pack out what you pack in!), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. 

The Oregon Coast is not near any major towns and is a bit off the beaten path from the main north-south thoroughfare (I-5), so it does require a bit of effort to get to, whether you’re driving or flying. 

Flying to the Southern Oregon Coast

There are no major cities on the southern Oregon Coast, but it isn’t too far from a few major cities with airports if you need to fly into the area.  The closest large airport is the Eugene Airport (EUG) and is about a 2.5 hour drive to Bandon, on the northern end of the Southern Oregon Coast. It is served by several major airlines including Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, and United Airlines. The largest airport though will be the Portland International Airport (PDX) , which is just over 4 hours from Bandon (and just under 6 hours from Brookings) and offers tons of airline and flight options across the US!

Driving to the Southern Oregon Coast

The Southern Oregon Coast makes for a great road trip stop if road tripping on the West Coast. Here’s how long you can expect to drive from nearby popular destinations: Redwood National & State Parks (CA): Between ½ hour-1.5 hours, depending on where in the park you come from. Eugene, OR to Bandon, OR: 2.5 hours (133 miles) Crater Lake National Park (OR): 4 hours (193 miles) Portland, OR to Bandon, OR: 4 hours (246 miles) Redding, CA to Brookings, OR: 4 hours, 45 minutes (237 miles) Bend, OR to Bandon, OR: 4 hours, 45 minutes (254 miles)

Since this is a road trip, you’ll definitely need your own car or to rent a car . Any type of car will work fine! Our long Sprinter van was able to handle all roads and we were able to access everything without any issues, including parking lots.  However, if you plan to bring a large RV or trailer, we’d suggest leaving it at a campground and using your other vehicle to get around, as many parking lots do not have RV parking.

The Oregon Coast is an extremely mild climate, with the average highs being in the 50s-60s year round. And similar to most places in the Pacific Northwest, the summer (June-September) is the best time to visit if you want to experience more sunshine and slightly warmer temperatures.  However, the prices and crowds will be higher in the summer, so if you want more solitude and to get a better deal on lodging, we’d suggest visiting in the late spring or early fall. May and October are less crowded than the summer and also slightly less rainy than the winter. Just make sure to bring a rain jacket!

And speaking of the winter, the winter on the Southern Oregon Coast brings a lot of rain and storms (we have had sunny days in the winter too!), including a phenomenon called the King Tides , which occur during a new or full moon. In 2023, the King Tides will be on January 20-22, 2023 and also during November and December. For the average sightseeing visitor, this may be a tough time to visit weather wise, but for storm watchers, you’ll love it! Regardless of when you visit and what the weather is like, you can still have a lot of fun on the Southern Oregon Coast! We have visited the Oregon Coast in just about every season and have experienced all sorts of weather and we personally think the Oregon Coast is still stunning on a rainier, foggier day. It just adds to that Pacific Northwest moodiness that we grew to love while living in Seattle.

Although there are no major cities along the Southern Oregon Coast, there are a lot of smaller towns, which will have a variety of accommodations, like Airbnbs, hotels, and campgrounds, with some having more than others.  Below are some options for four different areas including Brookings, the southern point of the coast, Port Orford and Gold Beach, both of which are about half way, and Bandon, the northern end of the Southern Oregon Coast. A few things to note about lodging:

• You may have to hop around each night to different accommodations to reduce driving. OR you could just drive a bit extra everyday to stay in one place.
• We will be including a three day itinerary later on in this guide and will suggest where to stay each night if you are willing to move around!
• For those who enjoy free camping, we found the options to be very limited on the Oregon Coast, so we stuck to paid camping.

Vacation Rentals

Colorful Ocean Retreat, Luxury Apartment (1 bedroom, 1 bathroom) Beautiful Oceanview Home (2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms)

Harbor View Ocean Suites Motel   Beachfront Inn

Campgrounds

Harris Beach State Park   The Harris Beach State Park Campground is open year round, although some loops close in the winter. There are 149 sites with 80 of them having at least electric and water hookups. Reservations are required with the exception of the C Loop which is first-come, first-served Nov 1-May 24. Alfred A. Loeb State Park This state park is located 8 miles inland from the coast, but what you miss in the coastal benefits is made up by the fact that you’re camping within minutes to the northernmost redwood grove in the US and along the Chetco River! 

There are electrical sites with water, 3 reservable yurts, flush toilets, and hot showers, and river and gravel bar access for fishing. 

Harvest Hosts

While not technically in Brookings (it’s just across the border in California), there is a Harvest Host, the Lucky 7 Casino, which allows overnight stays for self contained RVers. We stayed here for a night before heading to Brookings!  Not sure what Harvest Hosts is? It is a paid membership for self contained RVers that lets you stay at farms, breweries, wineries, golf courses, and other spots for FREE, with the expectation that you will support the business. While this means you do need to spend some money and it’s not totally free, it’s usually a unique experience and you get to support a local business. 

Want to join Harvest Hosts? Use our link to get 15% off on your membership (make sure to add the code HHFRIENDS15 too)! 

Dog-friendly Oceanside Home (2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms) Stunning apartment in Gold Beach with fireplace + partial ocean views (2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms) Beachy Dog-friendly home (3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms)

Taylor Creek Lodge

Secret Camp RV Park   Many reviewers say this campground is very quiet and the sites are nice and large. It’s a smaller campground, but includes full hookups, showers and restrooms, and a lazy creek that runs through camp.  Lobster Creek National Forest Campground This campground is located about 20 minutes inland from Gold Beach. It’s a small National Forest campground (7 sites) that might not be the best for larger rigs. It’s located right along the Rogue River and some reviewers say there can be a lot of boat traffic and subsequent noise from the jet boat tours. With that said it seems like a nice campground with potable water, but no hookups and no reservations.  Quosatana National Forest Campground   Just a couple minutes east of the Lobster Creek Campground is Quosatana National Forest campground. This campground is much bigger, with 43 dry campsites. Quosatana Campground is located right on the Rogue River so you will get the boat traffic again, but you can easily fish from the shore and there is potable water. Reservations are not required.

Port Orford

Most Spectacular Ocean Views – Studio East Lower (1 bedroom, 1 bathroom) Heartland Treehouse (1 bedroom, 1 bathroom) Upper Port View Bungalow (1 bedroom, 1 bathroom) Oregon Coast Beach Cabin Getaway (3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom) China Mountain House (2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms) – this one looks epic!

Cape Blanco State Park We stayed here at Cape Blanco State Park Campground and LOVED it! There are sites with hookups, tons of tall trees, and flush toilets and hot showers. Sites can be booked up to six months in advance, so make sure to book early! The campground was pretty full during our visit, even on a rainier weekday. Humbug Mountain State Park With access to the highest headland on the Oregon coast and the beach, Humbug Mountain State Park would be a fun place to stay! There are lots of sites with hookups and flush toilets and hot showers available.  Boice Cope Park This campground is a Curry County campground located just north of Port Orford. It’s a small campground sitting right next to the beach and has wifi and laundry available. Reservations must be made at least 2 days prior to arrival.

Artist Cabin on Pacific Ocean (1 bedroom, 1 bathroom) Coastal Forest Cabin (1 bedroom, 1 bathroom) Bandon Beach Shack (2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom) Surf Song – Amazing views of Face Rock Beach (3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms)

Table Rock Motel Best Western Inn at Face Rock Bandon Inn

Bullards Beach State Park Located just north of Bandon is Bullards Beach State Park Campground. This is a pretty large campground with most sites having hookups, 13 yurts, flushable toilets and showers, and a dump station. 

Bandon Crossings Golf Course is another Harvest Host along the Southern Oregon Coast near Bandon. While we did not stay here, it definitely doesn’t seem like a bad spot…especially for the golf lovers!

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Entrance Fees

Every spot listed on this guide is FREE to visit! While some Oregon State Parks and recreation areas do require a day use fee (you can see the list here ), none of the parks on this guide have a fee to visit. 

Dogs are allowed

Dogs are allowed in all areas listed on this guide, but for many of them, they must be on a 6 foot leash. Please follow leash laws (not all dogs or humans want strange dogs running up to them!) and always pick up after your dog.

Cell service can be spotty

Our cell service was very hit or miss along the Southern Oregon Coast. Make sure to download Google Maps for offline use as well as any trails you want to hike on AllTrails to ensure you don’t get lost!

Hide valuables

Break-ins are common along the 101, unfortunately, so please do not leave any valuables or anything visible in your car. We thankfully have not had any issues though!

Ocean Safety

You’ll be spending a lot of time on the beach and near the ocean and it is important to take extra caution near these areas. Here are a few tips to stay safe while adventuring: 

• Never turn your back on the ocean, unexpected large waves are common
• Know the tide schedule so you don’t get caught somewhere when the tide rises. You can find the times for tides at: tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov  
• Be careful of the driftwood. They can be brittle and slick so it’s best not to walk on them if you can avoid it.
• Don’t walk next to cliff edges. The cliff edges are often unstable and could collapse at any given moment. Stay behind guardrails and fences

You will definitely want to bring a camera on your Southern Oregon Coast road trip! The best camera is the one you have at the moment, but if you’re curious what cameras and gear we use, check out our gear list . Since it may be rainy, you’ll want to also bring protection for your camera. We just use a good ‘ol shower cap on our camera to keep it dry!

Food, snacks, water

While there are some towns along the way to grab food at, we have found that it’s most convenient (and best for hanger) to have food and water on you while road tripping along the Southern Oregon Coast! Pro tip: store it all in a cooler! Before we had our Sprinter van, we used this YETI cooler to store our road trip provisions and it was a champ!

Hiking gear

If you’re doing any hiking, make sure to bring the appropriate hiking gear with you (see what all we take here !). We also always recommend having the 10 essentials on you, which can come in handy both for hiking or if you have any car troubles and get stuck in one spot for a bit.

Layers and extra clothes

The weather on the Oregon Coast can be cool in the mornings and evenings, so you’ll want to pack some layers for the changing temperatures. Also, when it’s rainy and muddy, your clothes may get dirty and soaked, so it’s a good idea to bring extra clothes you can change into.

Rain Jacket

There is a very good chance it will rain for at least part of your trip, so bringing a rain jacket is a must!

A variety of shoes

We suggest bringing a variety of shoes for your Southern Oregon Coast road trip. We recommend hiking shoes for the trails, but also bringing shoes for the beaches, like Chacos or flip flops.

Car phone charger

Since you may be relying on your phone for navigation and trail maps, you’ll want to pack a car charger to keep your phone charged. Plus, if you’re camping, you will want to ensure you charge when you can!

Music and Podcasts

While the scenery alone will keep you entertained during the drive, you may want some music or podcasts to listen to as well! Some of our favorite podcasts are Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet and we like to listen to The Bobby Bones Show , which is a national radio show. Make sure to download anything you want to listen to in advance, as you won’t have service most of the drive.

Below are some of the best stops along the Southern Oregon Coast, going from south to north, which is how we did our trip most recently. While this isn’t a comprehensive list of every single thing to do along the Southern Oregon Coast, these are all spots that we highly recommend or that came highly recommended to us and are on our list for next time!

Known as Oregon’s “banana belt,” Brookings has some of the warmest temperatures year round on the Oregon coast. There is tons of outdoor recreation here, including biking, hiking, fishing, beach combing, and so much more! Here are some top spots to check out in Brookings itself.

Harris Beach State Park

Harris Beach State Park has a lot of beach to explore, plus crazy cool sea stacks, tide pools, and even the chance to see harbor seals, California sea lions, and gray whales as they pass by on their winter and spring migrations.  And make sure to look for puffins! Bird Island (also known as Goat Island), just off the coast is not only a National Wildlife Sanctuary and a breeding site for tufted puffins, but is also the largest island along the Oregon coast.  While in the park, take the short Harris Beach Trail (0.6 miles) to Harris Butte, where you’ll have a birds eye view of the coastline. Also, be sure to check out Arch Rock at low tide, when you can get really close to its arch!

Where to eat in Brookings

• Zola’s on the Water
• Pacific Sushi & Grill
• Tropicália Brazilian Cuisine
• Bell & Whistle Coffee House
• Cosmic Grind
• Dutch Bros (an Oregon staple for drive thru coffee! We love the Irish Creme Kicker!)

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

One of the most iconic and “can’t miss” spots on the Southern Oregon Coast is the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. This is a 12 mile stretch of coastline named after the first Oregon Parks superintendent and has a mixture of quick overlooks, beaches, rugged coastline, rock arches, hikes, and so much more! It would be really difficult to list and describe all of the amazing spots to see at Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor in this guide, but we have featured some of our favorite spots we’ve visited, plus some we’d like to visit next time below!

Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint

From the parking area it’s only a half mile walk to the incredible Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint which is a fantastic spot to see the rugged coast line and keep your eye out for whales in fall and spring. You can also take the Lone Ranch to Cape Ferrelo Loop Trail (1.6 miles round trip, 291 feet of elevation gain) from the Lone Ranch Picnic Area and end up at the Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint. 

House Rock Viewpoint

Next up on your scenic journey is the House Rock Viewpoint , which is a short, easy stroll from the large parking area. 

Whaleshead Beach

Less than a couple minutes north of the House Rock Viewpoint is the Whaleshead Viewpoint and Whaleshead Beach , which we LOVED! There are a couple different ways to get down to the beach. If you follow Google Maps to Whaleshead Beach it will take you down a road that says 4WD is required. We had read mixed reviews on how rough the road was, but we didn’t want to run into any issues with our large, non 4WD van, so we decided to go the alternative route, which is from the Whaleshead Viewpoint. The viewpoint has a small parking lot and right of the parking lot is a short, but very steep (and slick after rain!) trail that takes you down to the beach.  If you’re looking for a longer adventure while in this area, you can also hike the Thomas Creek Whaleshead Beach Trail , which starts from just north of Whaleshead Beach, travels along the bluff, connects with the Indian Sands Trail, then loops back to where you started for a 3 mile round trip hike. 

Natural Bridges

One of the most popular stops at Samuel H. Boardman is Natural Bridges, which are seven arched rocks and blowholes. You have very likely seen photos of these before, as it’s one of the most photographed spots on the Southern Oregon Coast! The easiest and safest way to view the bridges is from the overlook , just a quick walk from the parking area. There is a side trail to get closer to the bridge and some people do walk across the bridge, but we highly advise NOT doing this. Several people have fallen and died from the steep, unstable terrain. When people get hurt and need assistance, it costs a lot of time and resources, as well as puts other people in danger. We attempted a side trail a few years ago and it was incredibly steep and sketchy at times, so we turned around before the end and were very happy with that decision. This time, we just enjoyed it safely from the overlook and recommend you do the same.

Secret Beach

Miles (round trip): 1.6 Elevation (feet): 374 Reviews & Current Conditions Just a stone’s throw from Natural Bridges is Secret Beach , which was our favorite stop at Samuel H. Boardman and one of the BEST stops along the entire Southern Oregon Coast, in our opinion! The beach can be a little confusing to find and the first hurdle is picking a trailhead. Google Maps has a pin for one trailhead , which we went to first (parking is VERY limited), but the trail was insanely steep and very overgrown, so we turned around to try a different route. Instead, we parked here to start the hike and the trail was more straightforward in our opinion! However, it does have a couple different offshoots, so you’ll want to download the AllTrails map in advance to ensure you don’t get turned around. Secret Beach will be the third, most northern offshoot!

Want to get 30% off an AllTrails+ membership ? Use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)! We use AllTrails+ on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! Some of the features we love are offline maps (so we can navigate even without cell service), wrong-turn alerts, and its 3D maps feature, so we can get a feel for trails before we hike.

This route for Secret Beach takes you through the forest and right by a gorgeous waterfall. You will end with a stunning view of Secret Beach, which has some huge rocks jutting out of the sand. While viewing the beach from up here is beautiful, if you’re feeling brave, you can also hike down to the beach. However, ONLY do this if it is LOW TIDE!

At high tide, the beach won’t be accessible, so in order to stay safe on the beach, only visit at a falling tide and at low tide, to ensure you do not get stuck on the beach as the tide rises. The hike down to the beach itself is more like a scramble down some rocks, which can be slick after rain, so please be careful if you attempt this. 

Once on the beach, you’ll have to cross some streams, which come from waterfalls that feed into the ocean, so your feet may get wet! While Secret Beach requires a bit of work to get to, it’s well worth it, as it is one of the best coastal views and the adventure to get there only makes it even sweeter.

Arch Rock Picnic Area

For an easy walk, with multiple views, head to the Arch Rock Picnic Area , where you’ll be treated to views of more sea stacks and a natural arched rock! There’s a short looped path on a rocky headland, which gives you views in all directions! There’s also a restroom here as well if you need one during your road trip. The majority of the stops listed above do not have any restrooms.

Check out some pullouts, viewpoints, and overlooks

After leaving the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, the next stretch of the drive up the 101 is loaded with pullouts and viewpoints, where you can simply stop to just admire the view, have a picnic, or hang out at the beach. Here are some of our favorite pull outs along this stretch of the drive!

• Pistol River Scenic Viewpoint
• Meyers Creek Pullout South
• Kissing Rock
• Cape Sebastian Viewpoint

Next on your southern Oregon coast journey is Gold Beach, the gateway to the Rogue River. Gold Beach is located at the mouth of the Rogue River and there are tons of fun opportunities to experience the river from Gold Beach. 

Things to do in Gold Beach

• Rip down the Rogue River on a jet boat with Jerry’s Rogue Jets .
• Go on a whitewater rafting trip, a flat water paddle, or paddle through the gorgeous Copper Canyon of the Rogue River with South Coast Tours . 
• Backpack along the Rogue River Trail , which is a 37.1 mile (round trip) hike that takes you along the Rogue River (no coastal views here!) and has various lodges along the way that you can eat at and sleep at. 

Where to eat

• Indian Creek Cafe
• Gold Beach BBQ
• Hunter Creek Bar & Grill
• Leavened Bakery
• First Chapter Coffee House

Otter Point State Recreation Site

Otter Point is a region of sandstone bluffs and the best way to see it is to hike the Otter Point Trail , which is 0.5 miles and takes you to Otter Point, where you can admire the coastal views, plus tons of rocks in the water. For the extra adventurous, you can hike down to the beach from here, but it is steep and requires some assistance from ropes. We haven’t personally done this, so we can’t speak to the conditions.

Sisters Rocks State Park

The biggest surprise (and favorite stop) during our most recent southern Oregon road trip goes to Sisters Rocks State Park ! Sisters Rocks State Park is a newer state park in Oregon and is named after two huge monoliths attached to the mainland, plus one offshore, named Sisters Rocks.  But before this became a state park, the area was home to some interesting history. Back in 1893 a California businessman named S. H. Frank developed the site into a local shipping point for his large tannery in Redwood City. It was called Frankport and was used by him until 1901, and later used by others as a shipping port, before eventually being purchased by the Oregon Parks and Rec Department. You can still see some of the remains of the village today, but the real star of the show are the Sisters Rocks!

To get to the rocks, you will park at a large parking area (you can also park a bit more north up the road too!) and then take a path (about 1 mile round trip) that leads through the brush toward the two massive rock structures.  The views along this short hike are stunning! It reminded us of our time on the Isle of Skye in Scotland , with all of the green, rockiness, and coastal views. And there is a lot to see and explore once you get to the bottom as well, including a beach with striking blue water, sweeping views of the coast, both north and south, plus a very cool sea cave to check out! 

This sea cave can be found at the base of the larger of the two main sisters and is only viewable at low tide, which is definitely the best time to visit this park, as much more of it is accessible to explore. During low tide, you’ll be able to watch water from the ocean slosh into the cave, hitting the many rocks and splashing everywhere. It is incredibly cool! 

It’s hard to explain, but something about the scenery here just stood out from the rest of the Southern Oregon Coast and we both agreed that it was our favorite stop of the drive. We almost skipped it due to being tired, but we are so glad we didn’t!

Humbug Mountain State Park

Just a few miles south of the town of Port Orford is one of the Oregon coast’s highest headlands, Humbug Mountain at 1,765 above sea level. As you’re driving, you’ll see Humbug Mountain from miles away from either direction and in the park there is a popular campground, beautiful trails, as well as access to the beach, with the most popular thing to do being the Humbug Mountain Loop Trail! Miles (roundtrip): 5.6 Elevation (feet): 1,784 Reviews & Current Conditions The Humbug Mountain Loop Trail travels through Douglas Fir forests to the highest point on the Oregon coast. You won’t have views the entire time, but will have some peek-a-boo views of the ocean and more expansive views at the top!

Port Orford is the next town along the Southern Oregon Coast and is home to a couple great state parks, plus restaurants!

Port Orford Heads State Park

Port Orford Heads State Park is the former site of the Port Orford Lifeboat Station, which was built by the Coast Guard in 1934 and used until 1970. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and you can tour the Crew Quarters, which is a museum, plus see the 36 foot unsinkable motor lifeboat. Another spot to check out in the park is the Port Orford Heads Trail , which is a 1.2 mile (round trip) hike that takes you around the headland to get different views of the surrounding area.

Cape Blanco State Park

Cape Blanco State Park is located at the western most tip of the state. It has a historic lighthouse, historic ranch home, gorgeous beaches with unique rock formations off the coast, a river, and a very nice campground! While in the park we suggest checking out:

• The Cape Blanco Lighthouse , which is 59 feet tall and is the oldest standing lighthouse on the Oregon coast, built in 1870. It’s built 245 feet above the sea and is visible to ships from 22 miles away! If you’d like to go inside, tours cost $2 for adults (free for those under 15) and are offered on Wednesdays-Mondays from April 1-October 31 between 10 AM-3:30 PM. 
• Tour the Hughes Historic House . This land was settled by an Irishman named Patrick Hughes in the late 1800s, who set up a large dairy farm and built a large ranch complex, and this house is the only building left. Tours are offered on Wednesdays-Mondays from May 1-September 30, between 10 AM-3:30 PM and are free, but donations are helpful to maintain the home and help fund restoration.
• Hike the Mouth of the Sixes Trail , which is an easy 1.8 mile stroll through a cow pasture and along the Sixes River at the northern end of the park, before ending at Sixes Beach.
• Admire Needle Rock , which is a popular landmark close to the lighthouse. You can view it from near the lighthouse parking area!

Where to eat in Port Orford

• The Honey House Cafe
• The Crazy Norwegian’s Fish and Chips
• Golden Harvest Herban Farm and Bakery

Bandon is the final stop on this Southern Oregon Coast road trip and it’s a pretty epic finale! Bandon sits at the mouth of the Coquille River and is home to amazing ocean views, charming shops and restaurants, a historic lighthouse, thriving arts scene, and lots of outdoor recreation activities, like hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and one of Adam’s favorite activities, golfing at one of the most spectacular golf courses in the world!

Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint

One of the most popular spots in Bandon is Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint , which has a variety of uniquely shaped sea stacks, all named after what they resemble. There is Face Rock, which looks like a face, plus Wizard’s Hat, Cat and Kittens Rock, and many more! The parking lot (which does have a bathroom!) has an overlook that gives you a great overview of the whole area and you can also walk a pathway down to the beach to get a closer look!

Circles in the Sand

One really neat thing to see at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint are Circles in the Sand , also known as Walking Labyrinths, which are gorgeous designs drawn into the sand everyday with the intent to share love, joy, and kindness.  These labyrinth designs were first created by artist Denny Dyke who created them for his own walking meditations. During specific dates from mid-April until early-August, the designs are drawn freehand and once they are complete they are open for about 2 hours (or until the tide washes them away) for people to come and walk the path.  We unfortunately did not get to see this during our visit due to when we visited, but it looks incredible! 

Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge

The Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge at Coquille Point is one of our favorite places to go in Bandon! This area is home to amazing sea stacks and rock islands, and depending on the season you visit, lots of birds, including tufted puffins, murres, cormorants, and petrels. This park has a couple different areas to explore. You can take a staircase down to the beach, where you can wander among the rock formations, watch the waves crash into them, and if you’re like us, see some seals!

Up at the top of the park, right by the parking area, there are some pathways along the cliffside, with information boards about the local birds and the area. There’s also a really cool puffin sculpture made out of trash plucked from the sea! This sculpture is part of a project called Washed Ashore , which creates art to educate people about plastic pollution in the ocean and waterways. 

Stroll around Old Town Bandon

Bandon’s historic district includes 10 blocks of shopping, dining (see our suggestions below), history, art, and culture right on the Coquille River! While walking around, make sure to check out Cranberry Sweets & More (Bandon is the cranberry capital of Oregon!) and visit the free Washed Ashore gallery to see more of the art they have created from trash. 

Bullards Beach State Park 

Just north of Bandon, on the other side of the Coquille River, is Bullards Beach State Park .  While in the park you can camp, go for a stroll or ride your bike along the 4.5 miles of Bullards Beach, and visit the Coquille River Lighthouse . The Coquille River Lighthouse’s signal room can be toured Thursday-Monday 11 AM-5 PM and is staffed by volunteers who will share the history of the area. 

Devils Kitchen

One spot we haven’t visited yet in Bandon is the Devil’s Kitchen State Park Vista Point . Similar to many spots on this guide, this area includes a nice beach area, plus some large rocks, and we hear that even when busy, you can still find plenty of space to spread out.

Tee it up at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort

We know this one isn’t for everyone, but it’s very high on Adam’s list so we had to mention it! The sandy soil and rugged coastline of Oregon is a perfect canvas for one of the premier golf resorts in the world, Bandon Dunes . The course is created with a lot of inspiration and similarities from Scotland, the home of golf, and its magnificent courses. The resort includes 6 unique courses that are built in harmony with the natural environment, as opposed to creating the courses from scratch, like many courses in the US are. As they say at Bandon Dunes, “this is golf as it was meant to be!” It definitely is not a cheap course and is way outside of our golf budget, but it looks like an incredible experience and one day we hope to experience it for ourselves.

Where to eat in Bandon

Bandon Fish Market (we highly recommend their fish and chips!) Tony’s Crab Shack Angelo’s Italy Pablo’s Corner Bandon Coffee Cafe

While you could spend less time on the Southern Oregon Coast and still see tons of amazing scenery just from quick pullouts and stops, three days feels like the perfect amount of time to knock out a bunch of items on this guide, especially some hikes, without feeling too rushed. Note: This itinerary is in order from south to north (which is what we did on our latest visit), but you can easily reverse it if starting in the north!

• Grab coffee and breakfast in Brookings and then hit the road! We’d suggest getting as early of a start as possible!
• Explore Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor! We especially recommend Whaleshead Beach, Natural Bridges, Secret Beach, and Arch Rock.
• Visit the overlooks as you drive north towards Gold Beach.
• Head to Otter Point for sunset.
• Grab dinner in Gold Beach.
• Stay the night in Gold Beach or backtrack to Brookings if needed.
• Start the morning with breakfast at Indian Creek Cafe in Gold Beach.
• Check out Sisters Rocks State Park and if it’s low tide, go see the sea cave!
• Hike the Humbug Mountain Loop Trail.
• Visit Port Orford Heads State Park and stay for sunset!
• Stay the night in Port Orford.
• Start the morning with breakfast at The Honey House Cafe.
• Head to Cape Blanco State Park and check out the lighthouse.
• Spend the rest of the day in Bandon! If visiting during Circles in the Sand, try to stop by first thing, as it’s only up for a couple hours. After that, we suggest walking around town, grabbing a coffee at Bandon Coffee Cafe, getting lunch at Bandon Fish Market, going to Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, and exploring the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

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Southern Oregon Coast: 20 Best Things to Do

Published by sarah vaughan on september 25, 2023 september 25, 2023.

In this article, we’re detailing 20 of our favorite things to do on the Southern Oregon Coast , from state parks to explore and u nique natural site s to the cutest seaside towns to visit !

About the southern Oregon coast

With miles of rocky coastline, beaches, lighthouses, quaint towns, hiking trails, and world-class seafood, the southern Oregon Coast offers no shortage of incredible sights to explore.

We spent two months exploring the entire Oregon Coast from north to south while living in Florence , eating our weight in fish and chips, stopping to admire all the sea stacks, hiking every trail possible, and exploring each seaside town. Over the two months, we fell in love with the unique landscape, delicious seafood cuisine, and easy access to tons of fun activities. 

Because there are so many things to do along the Oregon Coast, we’re focusing specifically on the southern Oregon Coast in this article .

For the purposes of this article, we will consider Florence, Oregon the beginning of the southern Oregon Coast. We’ll focus on the best activities in the following towns: Florence, Coos Bay , Bandon , Gold Beach, and Brookings.

Best things to do on the southern Oregon coast

Without further ado, here are the best things to do along the Southern Oregon Coast! The list is arranged in geographic order, running from north to south, starting with attractions in Florence and ending in Brookings. 

• Visit the Heceta Head Lighthouse
• Stroll through Old Town Florence
• Hike the Hobbit Trail
• Explore Sunset Bay State Park
• Visit Shore Acres State Park
• Spot the Sea Lions from Simpson Reef Overlook
• Stop by Cape Arago State Park
• Hike from Sunset Bay to Cape Arago
• Visit the Coos Bay Boardwalk and downtown Coos Bay
• Drive Beach Road Loop
• Visit Coquille Point
• Relax at Bandon Beach
• Explore Face Rock State Park
• Historic downtown Bandon and Tony’s Crab Shack
• Hike the tallest mountain on the oregon coast
• Hike at Sisters Rock State Park
• Hike Cape Sebastian Trail
• Explore the Samuel Boardman State Scenic Corridor
• Hike to Secret Beach

Map of things to do on the southern oregon coast

The map below displays the location of each of the best things to do on the southern Oregon Coast that we’ll cover in this article.

• To view more details about each location, click on the marker on the map.
• To save this map for future use, click the star next to the title. From your phone, open the Google Maps app and click the “saved” tab, followed by the “Maps” icon. From your Gmail account, navigate to Maps –> “Saved” –> “My Maps” –> “Maps” tab.
• To email this map to yourself, click the three dots in the upper right corner.

Florence, Oregon is located right in the middle of the Oregon Coast and is the most northern town on our list. It’s home to a quaint downtown area and is located right along the Siuslaw River.

9 Best Hikes Near Florence, Oregon

Hiking in Florence, Oregon features a diverse assortment of landscapes, like enchanted forests, massive seaside cliffs and wide sandy beaches.

where to stay in florence

Located right on the Siuslaw River with views of the Oregon dunes and nice, clean rooms

Located a few minutes outside Florence, this cute little bungalow is walking distance to Heceta Beach

Perched on a hill overlooking Florence in a quiet location but still a short walk to Old Town

1. Visit the Heceta Head Lighthouse

Located just a few minutes north of Florence, no trip to the southern Oregon Coast is complete without a visit to the Heceta Head Lighthouse. One of the tallest and most picturesque lighthouses in Oregon, the Heceta Head Lighthouse is an iconic landmark along Highway 101. 

To get up close to the lighthouse, you will need to hike about a one mile round trip, with 130 feet of elevation gain. You can also continue a short distance along the Heceta Head Trail past the lighthouse for an amazing view looking down over the lighthouse and out at the foggy coastline below.

To capture the lighthouse from farther away, where you can see all of its majesty perched high above the powerful ocean, there is a pullout along Highway 101 just south of the lighthouse. 

2. Stroll through Old Town Florence

Florence is home to perhaps the cutest downtown area of any town along the southern Oregon Coast. Bookended by the Port of Siuslaw Marina and the Siuslaw River Bridge, Old Town Florence is home to cute stores, tasty restaurants serving fresh local seafood, coffee shops, and bars.

If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite to eat, do some shopping for souvenirs, or enjoy a cold beer, Old Town Florence is a great option. 

In particular, we highly recommend Novelli’s Crab and Seafood , which floats in the water in the marina and serves our favorite crab chowder anywhere on the southern Oregon Coast. 

3. Hike the Hobbit Trail

Located just north of the Heceta Head Lighthouse, the Hobbit Trail is one of our favorite short hikes along the southern Oregon Coast because it features two of Oregon’s most prominent landscapes: lush green forests and rocky shorelines!

This 1-mile round trip hike winds downhill through an enchanted, mossy forest before emerging at the secluded Hobbit Beach.

Hobbit Trail in Florence, Oregon: A Magical Forest to Beach Hike

The Hobbit Trail near Florence, Oregon winds through a dense, mossy forest before emerging at a beautiful and secluded sandy beach.

Heading south along Highway 101 from Florence, the next major town you’ll reach is Coos Bay , the largest town along the entirety of the southern Oregon Coast. Coos Bay and the surrounding area is colloquially known as “Oregon’s Adventure Coast’ due to its easy access to tons of epic outdoor activities. 

In particular, the Cape Arago Highway connects the three state parks (Sunset Bay, Shore Acres, and Cape Arago) near Coos Bay, making for a perfect scenic drive.

20 Amazing Things to do in Coos Bay, Oregon

Situated in the heart of “Oregon’s Adventure Coast”, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Coos Bay for everyone from adventure lovers and…

where to stay in coos bay

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay that isn’t a dingy motel, check out this nicely renovated RV situated with views of Coos Bay.

South of Coos Bay near Charleston, featuring cute, colorful little cabins within walking distance of Sunset Bay State Park

Luxury “RV Park” with modern cabins and renovated airstreams that provide the experience of camping with comfort of a luxury hotel.

4. Explore Sunset Bay State Park

Sunset Bay State Park is the first state park along the Cape Arago highway . One of the best things to do at Sunset Bay State Park is visit Sunset Beach, a sandy beach protected from the Pacific Ocean’s rugged power by cliffs on both sides, forming a calm bay area (at least by Oregon coast standards!).

You can also catch a glimpse of nearby Cape Arago Lighthouse and enjoy miles of picturesque hiking trails that follow along the top of the rocky shoreline. 

A Complete Guide to Sunset Bay State Park in Oregon

In a state known for having beautiful state parks, Sunset Bay State Park is one of our favorite spots along the entire Oregon Coast. With…

5. Visit Shore Acres State Park

Just south of Sunset Bay State Park is Shore Acres State Park , our favorite of the parks along the Cape Arago Highway! From the Shore Acres State Park Day Use Area, there are hiking trails heading in both directions along the coast.

We thought these trails were the best in the area, taking you right along the top of the cliffs overlooking the rocky shore. We were able to spot a handful of seals lounging on the rocks below!

You can also visit the Shore Acres Botanical Gardens, which is home to row after row of perfectly manicured plants, shrubs, and flowers. 

10 Best Things to do in Shore Acres State Park, Oregon

Shore Acres State Park on the Oregon Coast sits atop a grassy bluff along a sheer edge of shoreline, where rugged striped cliffs meet relentless…

6. Spot the Sea Lions from Simpson Reef Overlook

Continuing south along the Cape Arago Highway, you’ll soon reach the Simpson Reef Overlook , a small pullout from the road. From the overlook, you can see Simpson Reef, an outcropping of rocks that is home to a colony of seals and sea lions.

You’re all but guaranteed to see them from the overlook! The sea lions are at quite a bit of distance from the overlook so be sure to bring some binoculars if you want an up close view. 

7. Stop by Cape Arago State Park

The final stop along the Cape Arago Highway is Cape Arago State Park . This state park seems to be a bit smaller than either Sunset Bay or Shore Acres, but still has a few short trails that will bring you out onto the seaside cliffs, which are fun to explore. 

8. Hike from Sunset Bay to Cape Arago

If you’re looking to stretch your legs a bit, there is an 8.5 mile trail that runs from Sunset Bay State Park all the way down to Cape Arago State Park , passing through Shores Acres State Park along the way.

The trail follows right along the coast and atop the seaside cliffs, offering sweeping views of the powerful Pacific Ocean below. If you aren’t up for a full 8.5 miles, you can complete a shorter section of the trail. Our favorite section of the trail was in Shore Acres State Park!

9. Visit the Coos Bay Boardwalk and downtown Coos Bay

It’s worth a quick stop in the main stretch of Coos Bay, which includes a small downtown area and a boardwalk that runs along the water.

You can grab some fresh fish and chips from the Fisherman’s Seafood Market (closed on Saturdays) or stop by Cranberry Sweets for a unique assortment of chocolates and candies.

About 30 minutes south of Coos Bay is the popular tourist town of Bandon, Oregon , perhaps best known for being home to Tony’s Crab Shack, Bandon Beach, and Face Rock State Park. Bandon also has a cute historic downtown area that is worth a stop! 

24 Can’t Miss Things to do in Bandon, Oregon

Featuring a shoreline dotted with beautiful sea stacks, wide sandy beaches and a cute Old Town serving plenty of fresh seafood, Bandon is a can’t…

where to stay in bandon

A cute little inn located at the heart of Old Town Bandon, just a short walk to Tony’s Crab Shack.

Beautiful hotel with nice clean rooms, located just down the road from Face Rock.

A huge state park campground just 5 minutes from Bandon with easy access to Bullards Beach

10. Drive Beach Road Loop

The Beach Road Loop is a 5-mile loop that starts in Old Town and follows along the coast south of Bandon. This scenic drive is one of the best things to do in Bandon and includes several beautiful viewpoints:

• Coquille Point
• Bandon Beach
• Face Rock State Park
• Devil’s Kitchen

11. Visit Coquille Point

Coquille Point is a small stretch of land that juts out into the ocean, providing beautiful views of the rocky shoreline and sea stacks that make Bandon so special. 

Most notably is the so-called “Elephant Rock”, a wide rock formation with a large arch carved out of the center. We think the name is a bit of a stretch, but if you look closely you can make out the tusk formed on one side by the arch and on the other side by a narrow cave. 

Whether you make out the elephant or not, the rocky figure is a beautiful sight and makes the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. 

You can enjoy the views from the parking area, walk down the steps to the beach, or take a short half-mile walk along Coquille Point Trail .

12. Relax at Bandon Beach

Bandon Beach is one of our favorite beaches along the southern Oregon Coast! What makes Bandon Beach so unique is that the sea stacks are speckled throughout the stretches of wide, sandy beach. You can find sea stacks of all shapes and sizes, each easily accessible from the beach. 

13. Explore Face Rock State Park

Perhaps the most popular attraction in Bandon, Face Rock State Park sits just 5 minutes outside of town and features an iconic sea stack shaped like (you guessed it…), a face! 

The face is tipped backwards almost at a 45 degree angle, as if it’s looking up into the sky. Can you see it?!

You can enjoy the view of Face Rock from above, along a short walking trail on the cliffside, or walk down to the beach.

15. Historic downtown Bandon and Tony’s Crab Shack

Historic downtown Bandon is a cute little stretch of shops, restaurants, and bars that sits right along the water, making a great place to stop for a quick bite and to stroll around. 

The most popular restaurant in Bandon is Tony’s Crab Shack , a local institution that serves up fresh seafood and Oregon coast classics. Honestly, we weren’t super impressed with the food and definitely had better (and cheaper!) seafood at other spots. But it’s still nice to sit outside near the water and enjoy a cold beer and fresh crab!

About 60 miles south of Bandon on Highway 101, you’ll find the small town of Gold Beach. Frankly, the town of Gold Beach itself is nothing to write home about, but two of our favorite stops along the entire southern Oregon Coast are just outside of town – Sister’s Rock State Park and Cape Sebastian Trail.

where to stay in gold beach

A locally-owned modern boutique hotel with beautifully decorated rooms, inspired by the beauty of the Oregon Coast

Beautiful spacious home that sleeps 10 with epic southern Oregon coast views and walking distance to the beach

A cute little cottage near Nesika Beach just outside of Gold Beach with easy access to the beach and trails

16. Hike the tallest mountain on the oregon coast

Rising to an elevation of 1,765 feet, Humbug Mountain is the tallest mountain directly on the Oregon Coast. This challenging 5.6-mile hike leads to a summit with stunning views looking down the southern Oregon Coast.

17. Hike at Sisters Rock State Park

Located about 15 miles north of Gold Beach, it’s very easy to miss Sisters Rock State Park . Looking like nothing more than a random pullout on the side of Highway 101, Sisters Rock is actually one of our favorite State Parks along the entire southern Oregon Coast.

As you pull into the tiny, unmarked parking lot, you’ll soon see the two towering sea stacks out in the distance and the short trail (half a mile each way) that brings you out to the rocky beach and sea stacks.

With fewer visitors than other attractions, Sisters Rock State Park is a great place to pack a picnic or just enjoy some peace and solitude along the coast. 

18. Hike Cape Sebastian Trail

Located just 10 minutes south of Gold Beach, Cap e Sebastian Trail is easily one of the best hikes on the southern Oregon Coast.

This 3.3-mile round trip hike winds and switch-backs its way down to a beautiful sandy beach at Hunter’s Cove, with beautiful coastline views and abundant wildflowers (during the spring and summer) along the way. 

Once you get down to the beach, you can continue walking along the ocean until you reach Meyer’s Creek Beach, a really popular and scenic spot near Gold Beach. Walking all the way to the end of Meyer’s Creek Beach adds about 3 miles round trip to the hike.

The last town along the Southern Oregon Coast, Brookings is a small, seaside hamlet that is best known for the Samuel Boardman State Scenic Corridor.

where to stay in brookings

As the name suggests, this lovely hotel provides ocean views and easy beach access with spacious, well-appointed rooms

A spacious, clean townhome that sleeps up to 8 with a full kitchen and ocean views in the heart of Brookings

One of our favorite campgrounds on the southern Oregon Coast, with spacious sites nestled among the trees (some even have ocean views!)

19. Explore the Samuel Boardman State Scenic Corridor

In our opinion, Samuel Boardman State Park is easily one of the most beautiful stretches of the southern Oregon Coast, with towering basalt cliffs and arches carved by the turbulent ocean waves below.

If you’re looking for one stretch of the coast that has it all, you can’t do better than the Samual Boardman State Scenic Corridor. It seems like there is another unique site around every corner! 

The scenic corridor spans 12-miles along Highway 101 and is home to the iconic Natural Bridges, among other spectacular sights like Arch Rock , Whaleshead Beach , House Rock Viewpoint and Secret Beach .

20. Hike to Secret Beach

Secret Beach is the epitome of everything we love about the Southern Oregon Coast. Tucked away at the end of a 1.5 mile trail , with massive sea stacks, churning water, and rocky cliffs, a visit to Secret Beach is worth the extra effort needed to get there. 

To be clear, Secret Beach isn’t so much of a “secret” these days, but we still think it’s worth a stop and it’s a great place to explore on your visit to the Southern Oregon Coast.

How to Visit Secret Beach on the Oregon Coast

A secluded beach with stunning sea stacks and bright teal waters hidden between jagged cliffs, what’s not to love about Secret Beach in Oregon?!

Southern Oregon Coast FAQs

When is the best time to visit the southern oregon coast .

• Peak | June through August
• Shoulder | September – November, March – May
• Avoid | December through February

Temperatures along the southern Oregon coast remain fairly mild year-round . It typically doesn’t get too cold (lowest temperatures in the 40s) or too hot (a day in the 80s is noteworthy), making the southern Oregon coast a year-round destination. 

That being said, the southern Oregon Coast is notorious for its wet, rainy, and windy climate.

Winters tend to be a bit colder, with more rain but fewer visitors. Summers tend to be a bit warmer with less rain, but you can expect more visitors and larger crowds. 

While you can visit the southern Oregon Coast any time of year, we’d recommend the shoulder seasons in the spring (April-June) and fall (September-October), to avoid some crowds and give yourself a chance at better weather.

How do I get to the southern Oregon Coast?

The best way to explore the Southern Oregon Coast is via a good old-fashioned road trip. Highway 101 winds along the coast from the very northern corner of the state in Astoria, all the way to the southern corner in Brookings.

Most of the attractions included on this list are located just off scenic Highway 101. To give you some sense of the distance, to drive from Florence (middle of the coast and most northern town on this list) to Brookings without stopping would take you about 3 hours. 

If you’re flying into the area, the closest airport is located in Eugene, Oregon, which is about 1 hour inland from Florence, Oregon.

More to do on the Oregon coast

Looking for more great hikes, state parks, and unique things to do on the Oregon Coast? We’ve got tons of resources to help you plan your trip!

Northern Oregon Coast

• Best Things to do on the Southern Oregon Coast

Best Oregon Coast Towns

• Oceanside, Oregon
• Yachats, Oregon
• Coos Bay, Oregon
• Bandon, Oregon

Hiking on the Oregon Coast

• Best Hikes on the Oregon Coast
• God’s Thumb Hike Guide
• Secret Beach Trail Guide
• Sunset Bay State Park Guide
• Spouting Horn in Cook’s Chasm
• Thor’s Well Trail Guide

With that, we’ve wrapped up our list of the best things to do along the Southern Oregon Coast. We have plenty of more information that will help you plan your trip to the Oregon Coast. If you can’t find the information you need, just let us know! 

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Sarah Vaughan

Hello! I'm Sarah, one half of the couple behind Two Outliers! In 2023, I quit my job as a Data Scientist to travel around the world on an epic 15-month journey in search of the world's greatest hikes and outdoor adventures. Matt and I started Two Outliers in 2021 as a place for visitors to find concise, accurate, and honest information to plan their own adventures. We hope our experiences inspire you to hit the trail! Happy Hiking! Sarah

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Thorough Practical Experiential Travel

Road Tripping Along the Southern Oregon Coast

Last updated on June 22nd, 2023 at 08:32 pm

A road trip along the Oregon Coast Highway in southern Oregon is the perfect summer adventure. Stay in quaint seaside towns. Marvel as the pine-covered mountains reach right to the sea creating scenic cliffside vistas out across the Pacific Ocean. Explore the tide pools along the rocky shores. Stroll long sandy beaches. Admire the sea stacks that dot the coast. Plus the seafood!!

We took a 1 week circular road trip in this beautiful area of the United States that included: 200 miles of coastal driving along the Oregon Coast Highway, stays in two Oregon coastal towns, and a non-coastal stay in the mountains of Northern California – we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to explore the nearby redwood forests.

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  If you buy something after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission.  This does not cost you anything extra and helps support this blog .

Starting Point – Eugene Oregon

Our trip started in Eugene, Oregon’s second largest city. It’s here where we rented our car for the journey, after flying directly into Eugene Airport from our home in Salt Lake City. Eugene is a perfect road trip gateway to the southern Oregon Coast as it is only 70 minutes away by car.

I lived in Portland for three years and made many trips out to the Oregon Coast during my time there. More people visit the northern Oregon coast due to its proximity to Portland. Cannon Beach is probably the best known destination on this part of the Oregon Coast, and photos of its haystack rock are a common postcard picture for the Oregon Coast. The southern coast is a little too far for a quick trip from Portland, so it’s less visited. But the scenery is just as spectacular – maybe more spectacular. Plus, California’s Redwood State Parks start just across the Oregon border, offering an easy road-tripping opportunity to see a different kind of natural wonder.

First Stop – Yachats Oregon

From the Eugene airport, we drove directly to the town of Florence which sits just inland from the coast on the Siuslaw River, and then headed north along the Oregon Coast Highway for another 30 minutes to the small coastal town of Yachats.  This 25 mile stretch of coastal highway should not to be missed! The road climbs high above the ocean and offers spectacular vistas out from the cliffs and mountains that hug the shore, out across the Pacific. We passed the scenic Heceta Head Lighthouse and eventually passed through Cape Perpetua Scenic Area before descending back down to flat coastline at Yachats.  

Yachats is exactly what you would expect in a small Oregon coastal town – a few boutiques and souvenir stores, a grocery store, and a several good seafood shacks. We ate freshly caught King salmon at Luna Sea Fish House on an outdoor picnic table with views of nearby Cape Perpetua while washing it down with a bottle of local Oregon beer. 

Our Yachats Lodging

We stayed at Deane’s Oceanfront Lodge (now named the Tillicum Beach Motel ) just a few miles north of Yachats.  Deane’s is a classic park-your-car-in-front-of-your-room motel.  In my tripping for this trip, I noticed that many of the older motels in this part of Oregon have been updated and refurbished, and are still a popular offering for road-trippers. 

I chose Deane’s because it seemed the apppropriate throw-back experience for the first night of our road trip. But I also chose Deane’s for it’s beach access. Deane’s has a large open yard in the back that leads out to a ledge overlooking the ocean and the beach below.  A wooden staircase gives access to the wide expanse of sandy beach. This is an Oregon beach, so it was not warm…. even in July. But we put on our jackets and still enjoyed a long beachside stroll.  

Main Sight – Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area was our main draw for staying in Yachats.  Cape Perpetua is part of the Suislaw National Forest and so has a visitors center, well-maintained parking areas, and lots of trails.  We spent several hours our first morning in Oregon exploring the Cape Perpetua area. Trails from the main Visitor Center go directly down to the rocky shore where we explored features with the names of Devil’s Churn, Thor’s Well, and Spouting Horn. Tidal pools also abound and are easy to access.

Second Stop – Port Orford Oregon

We then drove 2.5 hours south along the coast to our next stop – Port Orford.  There are more charming towns along the Oregon Coast than Port Orford. However, you would be hard pressed to find a better AirBNB for an Oregon Coast road trip than Redfish Loft.  I found this rental early in my tripping for this road trip, and it was immediately clear that 3 nights in Port Orford would be the centerpiece of our trip. Staying at Redfish Loft is a perfect example of why I love Vacation Rentals .

Our Port Orford Lodging

Redfish Loft is a studio apartment that sits above a restaurant (also called Redfish) which sits on a ledge directly above a long expanse of beach. It has big picture windows and a good-sized balcony with views views views.  The owner is a glass artist whose gallery is also part of the complex – gallery, restaurant, AirBNB rental. Redfish Loft was everything we hoped. In fact, I had hiking plans for the area that didn’t even materialize because we just decided to mostly hang out and soak it all in.  

Port Orford is small and sleepy.  There is not a lot going on there.  The best restaurant is Redfish , and you should definitely eat here, but it is pricey for twice-daily eating.  My favorite meal during this stop was 30 miles north in the town of Bandon (known for it’s world-famous Bandon Dunes Golf Resort which is consistently ranked one of the top golf courses in the world). We drove up there one night and ate fresh Dungeness Crab on the pier at Tony’s Crab Shack.

Sights in the Port Orford area

Battle rock wayside park.

Redfish Loft sits just above Battle Rock Wayside Park – a long expanse of beach marked with the pillar-like rock formations that can be found along so much of the Oregon Coast.  We spent hours every day strolling the beach and exploring the tide pools and rock formations. Once again, it was not a warm lay-out-on-the-beach experience. The temps were generally in the high 60s which felt colder with the wind.  But it was also not uncomfortable with a jacket. 

Cape Blanco Lighthouse

We did venture out to Cape Blanco lighthouse – just a few miles north of Port Orford.  The lighthouse dates back to 1870, is the only working lighthouse in Oregon. It happens to sit on the second most westerly point in the United States.  Tours inside the lighthouse are available, but only on certain days of the week. We happened to go on a non-tour day. It was still an interesting place to visit and the views out across the coastline are expansive. 

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

The Samuel Boardman Corridor is an another expanse of spectacular coastline scenery along the southern Oregon Coast.  It stretches along 12 miles of coastal highway, and is marked by various lookout points and pullouts with short trails.  It only takes 50 minutes to get from Port Orford to Arch Rock – the first major site in the Corridor. We drove through the Samuel Boardman Corridor on our way to California, rather than making a down and back trip from Port Orford.   In addition to stopping at Arch Rock, we also stopped for a short hike to view the Natural Bridges, and took another hike through a forest to a meadow to a view out across the Pacific.

Third Stop – Gasquet California

We headed next to Northern California and the Redwood Forests. California has 49 state parks that feature the giant redwood trees.  Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park just outside of Crescent City is the northernmost of these parks. It’s less than 30 minutes from the Oregon-California border so an easy extension of an Oregon Coast road trip

Our Gasquet Lodging

We stayed at a great VRBO rental in a small mountain town just east of Jedediah Smith Park called Gasquet.  This rental was a small cabin (originally a local doctor’s fishing cabin) located adjacent to the owner’s more modern house. Both were situated just above the edge of the Smith River, surrounded by tall pines and mountainsides. It featured a great outdoor patio area with easy access to the river (we actually saw river otters!). Like our stay at Redfish Loft, we found ourselves relaxing at our rental more than we originally intended because we enjoyed the beauty of location so much.  You can check out more details about this rental by clicking here .

The owner recommended that we stop in Brookings Oregon and shop for food before arriving.  We wisely followed that suggestion. There aren’t any dining options in the immediate area. We barbecued on the outdoor grill and dined on the scenic patio both nights.

Main Sight – Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Redwood trees are the tallest living thing on earth. They can reach height of 350 feet and it is awe-inspiring to stand next to and look up at the tops of these giants. We ventured into the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park several times.  I had originally planned on visiting several additional parks farther south, but we decided that Jedediah Smith gave us the redwood experience we wanted.  

We spent most our time in Stout Grove which is considered the most scenic grove of redwoods in the park ( one writer called it the most scenic in the world). The first time, we stopped on our initial foray into the park, as we slowly drove along the unpaved Howland Hill Road which cuts across the length of the park. We pulled off and parked in Stout Grove’s small parking lot from where a short asphalt trail descends into the grove. 

We returned a second time in the late afternoon.  I had read that 4pm on a summer day is the best time to experience the grove. At this time, the sun hits at the perfect angle for lighting up the foliage in the grove.  This visit we parked a little further east on Howland Hill Road and hiked the mile-long River Trail into the Grove. We timed it perfectly and the lighting within the grove added an extra layer of other-worldliness to an already other-worldly place. 

Return to Eugene Oregon

We completed a full loop on our road trip by driving northeast through Grant’s Pass Oregon and ultimately finishing the trip driving north on Interstate 5.  The drive from Gasquet to Eugene took 3.5 hours.

We spent the final night of our Oregon Coast road trip in Eugene before flying out the next morning. We stayed at the Excelsior Inn. This converted University of Oregon frat house had been converted into an upscale Italian restaurant and small hotel.  Each room was named for a different classical music composer and were very nicely furnished. We stayed in the Chopin room. An excellent cooked breakfast was provided in the restaurant and included in the room rate. Unfortunately, as of June 2023, the Excelsior Inn seems to be closed. Hopefully this is temporary and it will return to once again hosting guests. You can find an alternative place to stay using the lodging map below.

Final Thoughts

Me and Mrs. Thorough Tripper thoroughly loved our Oregon Coast Road Trip – beautiful scenery, great lodging, unique experiences, good seafood, and plenty of time to relax. You should definitely consider spending some time one summer on the Oregon coast, too!

If you want to read about about some of our other travel experiences in the USA, then take a look at these posts:

A Weekend in Sunny Tucson Arizona

2 Great Days in Moab Utah – Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point

A Thorough Guide to Adventure in Kanab Utah

A Height-Phobic’s Guide to Visiting Seattle’s Iconic Space Needle

A Kauai Air Tour – Conquering a Travel Fear

14 Comments

Thanks for the road trip. I definitely was ready to get out of the house to do a little exploring. Your post gave me the feeling that I was stowing away in the back seat.😎

thethoroughtripper

No question that a road trip would be great right now!

Hey Doc Jepson! Absolutely stunning photos. I would agree with Don C. that these photos made me feel like I was right there! Thanks for the share!

Glad to know that you enjoyed it!

In addition to your commentary, I love your photography. Congratulations!

Michelle Bunker

I had no idea the Oregon Coast was so beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing!!!!

You’re welcome! It is indeed a beautiful part of the world.

Thanks so much for this awesome road trip itinerary. Oregon was the first state I every visited while abroad on a student exchange and this post certainly brought back great memories.

–Marvin https://parttimepassenger.com

That sure was a beautiful state to start with 🙂

Thanks for the wonderful post and pictures. I spent a summer in Eugene during college and did some driving up and down the cost. Your pictures are much better than anything I have from back when. They really remind me how great that summer was.

Eugene would have been a great place to spend a summer!

Lannie Travels

What an amazing road trip! And hey, they have sea stacks too!! I have to admit your choice of lodging (and their views and proximity to the beach) are spot on! And Tony’s crab shack looks incredible. And to top it off, redwoods???? Unreal!’

Yes, it was a great trip 🙂 It had long been on Mrs. Thorough Tripper’s bucket list, so I had to make sure I did a good job…

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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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The 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.

South Coast Towns & Cities

• Brookings-Harbor
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South Coast Outdoor Recreation Map

We invite you to explore the countless off-the-beaten-path adventures that await on the Southern Oregon Coast with the South Coast Outdoor Rec Map.

Oregon Seafood: Keep Local Seafood Local

Dining on local seafare is a delicious way to participate in a longstanding tradition and not-to-be-missed highlight for Oregon Coast visits. Click to link below to learn what seafood is local, when it’s in season, how to find it, why you should, and other ways to experience the local fishers, chefs and seafarer-based communities of the Oregon Coast.

The Accessible Coast

The Oregon Coast Visitors Association and coastal cities, organizations and destinations all along the coast are working to improve “travelability,” which simply means the ability for our accessibility community to travel on the coast. Check out this resource to help you start planning your next Oregon Coast trip.

Be Kind to the Coast: Visit Responsibility

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. Continue learning about how to have a fun and safe experience by clicking the link below.

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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.

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South Coast

Cape Blanco State Park

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Cape Blanco is the most southern of Oregon’s lighthouses, and is the westernmost point in Oregon. Proposed in 1864, it was the first lighthouse in the state outfitted with a first-order Fresnel lens in 1870. The first-order lens was replaced...

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Sharkys Charter Fishing

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Guided 6-Pack Ocean Fishing Charter located in the Charleston Marina. Six 32′ aluminum vessels that accommodate up to 6 people. Coast Guard licensed Captains. Private Charters and single fisherman are welcome. 6-pack vessels are heated and have a bathroom., Smaller 4-pack vessels...

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Semi Aquatic Gallery

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Semi Aquatic is artist Spencer Reynold’s retail space located in the heart of downtown Brookings, Oregon. The shop features Spencer’s paintings, prints, cards and clothing, as well as a carefully curated collection of hand-crafted and locally made gifts and home...

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Port Orford Chamber of Commerce

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Located at one end of Battle Rock Park, the Visitor Center welcomes people who stop by, stretch their legs, and want to learn more about Port Orford.

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The Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park

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Looking for sizzling casino action along the beautiful Oregon coast? Strike it rich at The Mill Casino where non-stop casino action is waiting for you! With over 700 slots, Vegas style table games, Oregon’s only igaming room and Oregon’s most rewarding cash-back...

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Charleston Marine Life Center

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Part Aquarium. Part Museum. All Discovery! Located on the edge of the harbor in Charleston, the University of Oregon’s Charleston Marine Life Center is an exciting place of discovery for all ages, any time of the year. Aquaria highlight different coastal...

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Hawthorne Gallery

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You’ll find paintings, sculptures, jewelry in wood, metal, glass and ceramics at Hawthorne Gallery. The gallery features iron work, bronze/granite, Raku, cast glass, wood figures and members of the Hawthorne family, painting and steel, blown and cast glass, jewelry, ceramic...

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Wavecrest Discoveries

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Reconnect with nature on Oregon’s South Coast in the “mind-refreshing” nature-based tours and activities by Wavecrest Discoveries. These engaging and enlightening explorations refresh your mind and spirit as you gain an intimate understanding of this scenic, diverse region. Fun and...

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Coos Bay Escape Room

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Grab a group and come out and play one of the escape rooms at the Pony Village Mall! The 60 minute games are challenging but fun. Escape rooms are perfect for having a great time with your family and friends, on...

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Jerry’s Rogue River Museum & Gift Shop

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While taking a tour with Jerry’s Rogue Jets, or simply visiting Gold Beach, don’t forget to check out Jerry’s Gift Shop! Located in the Port of Gold Beach, Jerry’s Gift Shop has hundreds of great souvenirs and gift items to...

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The essential guide to every beach on Oregon’s southern coast

The sun sets over Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint in Bandon on the southern Oregon coast. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

The southern Oregon coast has it all.

Stretching from Reedsport down to the California border, the south coast is a perfect combination of all that makes the Oregon coast so special: long sandy beaches, imposing cliffside views, coastal forests, sweeping sand dunes and fascinating sea stacks, all of which offer places for recreation as well habitat for a diversity of wildlife.

To discover the full breadth of the region, we visited every beach with reasonable public access on the southern Oregon coast – the culmination of our larger project documenting all of Oregon’s ocean beaches.

This guide is meant to help you discover new places to visit on your next trip out to the coast, whether you want a nice place for a day at the beach or a more rugged coastal adventure. Whatever you’re looking for, odds are good you’ll find it on the southern coast.

WHAT COUNTS AS A BEACH?

For this list, a “beach” is any sandy segment of the coastline that has a developed public access point. We did not include places that are accessible only by parking on local neighborhood streets, beaches with dangerous or difficult access, or spots in the Oregon Dunes that are open primarily to dune buggies and other off-road vehicles.

READ MORE: CENTRAL COAST GUIDE | NORTH COAST GUIDE

REEDSPORT TO PORT ORFORD

A spring morning at Umpqua Beach, located in the Oregon Dunes near Reedsport. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

UMPQUA BEACH

Access: Parking lots along Salmon Harbor Drive

Amenities: Restrooms

Why you go: Easily accessible walking beach in Reedsport

Situated in the Oregon Dunes, most of the ocean beaches around Reedsport require long hikes or tricky drives to get to, or are designated for ATVs and dune buggies. The beaches on the south side of the Umpqua River, however, are easy to access and open to walking.

A gray mist hangs over the Oregon Dunes near the John Dellenback Dunes Trailhead. (Jamie Hale)

DELLENBACK DUNES

Access: Parking lot off U.S. 101, hike through the dunes

Amenities: Restrooms, campground, picnic tables

Why you go: Spectacular dunes, quiet beach

One of the best areas to hike in the Oregon Dunes, the John Dellenback Dunes also give access to a quiet beach. It’s about a two-mile hike through the sand to get there, depending on the route you take, but expect to find few other people when you arrive.

A spring morning at Horsfall Beach, located on the southern end of the Oregon Dunes. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

HORSFALL BEACH

Access: Parking lot at the end of Horsfall Beach Road

Why you go: Long beach, sand camping

Smack in the middle of an area that’s primarily used for ATVs and dune buggies, Horsfall Beach is one of the southernmost beach access points in the Oregon Dunes, perfect for a quick visit, a day at the beach or an overnighter.

A rainy spring day at Bastendorff Beach near Coos Bay. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

BASTENDORFF BEACH

Access: Parking areas on Bastendorff Beach Road and Coos Head Road

Amenities: Restrooms, campground

Why you go: Lighthouse views, camping

Located at the Coos Bay Harbor entrance, Bastendorff Beach is a scenic spot with several access points, known for its recreational opportunities and adjacent campgrounds as well as views of nearby Cape Arago Lighthouse.

The sun sets over a summer day at Sunset Bay State Park. (Jamie Hale)

Access: Parking lot off Cape Arago Highway

Amenities: Restrooms, campground, picnic area

Why you go: Tide pools and sunsets

The beach at Sunset Bay is incredibly small, but go at low tide and you’ll find room to roam on the rocky intertidal areas that offer phenomenal views looking south along the rocky coastline. The viewpoint and state park campground are among the busiest in the area.

Visitors walk along Simpson Beach at Shore Acres State Park. (Jamie Hale)

SIMPSON BEACH

Access: Parking lot at Shore Acres State Park ($5 parking fee)

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic area, garden

Why you go: The amenities at Shore Acres

Simpson Beach is only one part of the beautiful Shore Acres State Park , which is home to a five-acre formal garden and incredible cliffside views. A trail leads down to the small Simpson Beach, tucked into a cove.

A trail leads down to the South Cove beach at Cape Arago State Park. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

Access: Parking lot on Cape Arago Highway

Why you go: Incredible views

Cape Arago is known for its great views over Simpson Reef, but it’s also home to two beautiful beaches at the South Cove and North Cove, accessed by trails leading down off the cliffs. The North Cove beach is closed March 1 to June 30 to protect seal pups.

Picnic tables offer beachside views at Seven Devils State Recreation Site. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

SEVEN DEVILS

Access: Parking lot off Seven Devils Road

Amenities: Restroom, picnic area

Why you go: Beachside day-use area

Don’t let the name fool you, Seven Devils State Recreation Site has a perfectly lovely beach north of Bandon. With picnic tables and a restroom, it’s a great spot for a day on the coast.

Gorse grows prolifically in the hills above the beach at Whiskey Run, located near Bandon. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

WHISKEY RUN

Access: Parking area on Whiskey Run Lane

Amenities: None

Why you go: Blooming gorse

A narrow path gives access to the remote beach at Whiskey Run, a perfectly nice spot north of Bandon. The real attraction here, however, are the hills of yellow gorse flowers which are beautiful in the winter and spring – though the plants are highly invasive.

Sunset at the Coquille River Lighthouse, found at Bullards Beach State Park in Bandon. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

BULLARDS BEACH

Access: Parking areas throughout the state park

Amenities: Restrooms, campground, picnic tables, lighthouse

Why you go: State park amenities

Best known as home of the tiny Coquille River Lighthouse, Bullards Beach State Park also has many miles of sandy beach running south to the Coquille River Jetty, as well as a sizable campground.

The sun sets over Table Rock beach in Bandon (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

COQUILLE POINT

Access: Parking lots at South Jetty Park, Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Amenities: Restrooms at South Jetty Park

Why you go: Bird watching, beautiful sea stacks

There are two beaches on either side of Coquille Point, a spot known for its sea stacks and islands that are home to several species of birds. It’s possible to walk between both beaches at low tide, otherwise you’ll need to use the overland trails, which offer fantastic views.

People gather for Circles in the Sand at Face Rock Beach in Bandon. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

Access: Parking lot off Beach Loop Road

Amenities: Picnic tables

Why you go: Circles in the Sand

Best known as the home of seasonal sand labyrinth event Circles in the Sand , Face Rock is a beautiful beach on its own, connected to the wildlife refuge at neighboring Coquille Point. The sea stacks make great silhouettes at sunset.

Large, rough rocks are the main feature at Devils Kitchen. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

DEVILS KITCHEN

Access: Parking lot on Saturn Lane

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables

Why you go: Rugged rock formations

Another “devil” beach on the southern Oregon coast, Devils Kitchen earns its name with many rugged rock formations that look downright eerie on a foggy day – especially when populated by resident turkey vultures.

A flock of sanderlings flies along the surf at the Bandon State Natural Area. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

BANDON STATE NATURAL AREA

Access: Parking area off Beach Loop Road

Why you go: Quieter beach in Bandon

Free of the spectacular sea stacks and rock formations found at Bandon’s more popular beaches, Bandon State Natural Area naturally sees fewer people.

An arch rock formation is among the many natural attractions at Floras Lake Beach, a secluded beach located south of Bandon on the southern Oregon Coast. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

FLORAS LAKE

Access: Parking area at Boice Cope Park ($5 parking fee), trail to beach

Amenities: Campground

Why you go: Varied natural beauty

Floras Lake Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches on the southern Oregon coast, and one of the most secluded. Go at low tide and you’ll have access to its famous arch rock formation, the towering beachside cliffs and a waterfall at the end.

People walk along Castle Beach, located on the north side of Cape Blanco. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

CASTLE BEACH

Access: Parking area off Cape Blanco Road, trail to beach

Why you go: Secluded lighthouse views

Located beyond a cow pasture on the north side of Cape Blanco, Castle Beach (also known as Sixes Beach) offers good views of sea stacks just offshore, as well as views of the Cape Blanco Lighthouse and access to the Sixes River.

A clear spring evening on the beach at Cape Blanco State Park. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

CAPE BLANCO

Access: Parking area at the end of Cape Blanco Road

Amenities: Restrooms, campground, lighthouse

Why you go: The lighthouse

The Cape Blanco Lighthouse gets all the attention, but the beach just beneath the headland is a great spot as well, accessed via a steep trail that leads down from the main parking area.

PORT ORFORD TO GOLD BEACH

Wildflowers grow on a sandstone bluff overlooking the beach at Paradise Point State Recreation Site. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

PARADISE POINT

Access: Parking lot at the end of Paradise Point Road

Why you go: Beachcombing

Like Tseriadun just to the south, Paradise Point is a dark sand beach known for agates, with some beautiful views up and down the coastline as well.

Agates collected at Tseriadun State Recreation Site, also known as Agate Beach, located in Port Orford. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

TSERIADUN (AGATE BEACH)

Access: Parking lot at the end of Agate Beach Road

Tseridun State Recreation Site, also known as Agate Beach, is one of the best places to find agates on the southern Oregon coast. The small, golden stones stand out especially well on the dark sand beach. Expect to find other rock hunters out there, especially during low tide.

Scenic views are the main attraction at the tiny Port of Port Orford beach. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

PORT OF PORT ORFORD

Access: Parking lot on Dock Road

Why you go: Excellent views

Maritime enthusiasts might get a kick out of the boats docked at the Port of Port Orford Beach, but casual beachgoers will enjoy the spectacular views looking down the coast.

People flock to the beach at Battle Rock in Port Orford. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

BATTLE ROCK

Access: Parking lot on U.S. 101

Amenities: Restrooms, welcome center

Why you go: Battle Rock

Battle Rock extends off the mainland like a stubby finger, giving beachgoers access to all its nooks and crannies, which are home to all kinds of intertidal life. Views from the parking lot above are nice as well.

A surfer prepares to enter the water at Hubbard Creek beach. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

HUBBARD CREEK

Access: Pull-off on U.S. 101

Why you go: More secluded Port Orford beach

Hubbard Creek is perhaps the least-crowded beach in Port Orford, owing to its low-key access by way of an unsigned highway pull-off. It is popular among surfers, who may crowd the parking area.

Large rocks cover some, but not all of the sandy beach at Rocky Point. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

ROCKY POINT

Access: Small parking area off U.S. 101

Why you go: Remote, rocky beach

There are often more rocks than sand at Rocky Point (go figure) but those looking for a seriously out-of-the-way beach might not mind. The tiny, unsigned parking area means few people will be around to crowd the place.

The sun sets over the beach at Humbug Mountain State Park on the southern Oregon Coast. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

HUMBUG MOUNTAIN

Access: Trail at west end of the campground

Why you go: Uncrowded beach

The tucked-away beach on the north side of Humbug Mountain is a great addition to a hike to the top of the headland, or a nice place to spend a day on the sand. Access is easy for those staying at the state park campground, but parking is otherwise limited for day-use visitors, who can also walk in from the Humbug Mountain Trailhead on the side of U.S. 101.

The sun sets over the wide open sands at Arizona Beach State Recreation Site. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

ARIZONA BEACH

Access: Parking lot off U.S. 101

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, group campground

Why you go: Quiet, secluded beach

One of the quietest developed park sites on the southern Oregon coast, Arizona Beach is short stretch of dark sand that is overshadowed by nearby Prehistoric Gardens .

With sweeping viewpoints, hiking trails and two beaches, Sisters Rock is one of the most scenic sites on the southern Oregon coast. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

SISTERS ROCKS

Access: Two pull-offs on U.S. 101

Why you go: Beautiful scenery

With a wealth of natural attractions, Sisters Rocks is one of the most beautiful sites in the region. Visitors can park at a large pull-off and hike a short way down to the saddle between the two large rocks, where there are also two beaches, a sea cave and great viewpoints.

A beautiful stretch of beach at the Ophir Rest Area north of Gold Beach. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

OPHIR WAYSIDE

Why you go: Convenient spot for a beach day

Ophir Wayside offers access to a long stretch of dark sand beach north of Gold Beach, with enough amenities for a fun and a comfortable day at the beach.

The tide rolls in at Nesika Beach, located near Gold Beach. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

NESIKA BEACH

Access: Parking area at end of Nesika Road

Why you go: Remote beach

Those who want a more remote beach option north of Gold Beach should head down to Nesika Beach, where there’s a lot of room to spread out. Beach walkers can head all the way up to Ophir Beach, or south to the small community of Nesika.

Seastacks, sandy beaches and cliffs make up the Otter Point State Recreation Site just north of Gold Beach. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

OTTER POINT

Access: Parking areas on Old Coast Road

Why you go: Rugged scenery

There are no signs to Otter Point on U.S. 101, keeping the state park site something of a secret. The primary parking lot leads to great views over the rugged coastline, and a second pull-off about 1.3 miles farther south gives easier beach access.

The sun sets over the beach beside the Rogue River North Jetty in Gold Beach. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

ROGUE RIVER NORTH JETTY

Access: Parking area on Wedderburn Loop

Why you go: Long beach, jetty views

A sandy beach on the north side of the Rogue River Jetty offers a good alternative to the main beaches of Gold Beach. The undeveloped parking area can be rough, so park somewhere safe and walk in.

People walk along the beach at Gold Beach during sunset. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

Access: Various points throughout town

Amenities: Restroom at Gold Beach Visitors Center

Why you go: Dark sand beach

The dark sands of Gold Beach run contrary to the name, but they are particularly beautiful. Most people access the town’s beaches from hotel or neighborhood access points, but travelers are best off stopping at the Gold Beach Visitors Center, which has a parking lot and restrooms.

GOLD BEACH TO BROOKINGS

Kissing Rock is on the most recognizable landmarks in Gold Beach. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

KISSING ROCK

Access: Parking area on U.S. 101

Why you go: Kissing Rock itself

The rock itself might get all the attention, but the beach around Kissing Rock is lovely as well, stretching more than three miles south from the mouth of Hunter Creek.

A bright April morning at Meyers Beach, also known as Meyers Creek Beach, south of Gold Beach on the southern Oregon Coast. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

MEYERS BEACH

Access: Several pull-offs on U.S. 101

Why you go: Incredible scenery

Meyers Beach is one of the most scenic on the southern coast, with several sea stacks and islands in the surf, and lots of room to spread out. Several access points mean lots of room to park, though beachgoers might miss having restrooms nearby.

Sea stacks and blue skies greet visitors to Pistol River State Park south of Gold Beach. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

PISTOL RIVER

Why you go: Long stretch of beach

As the sand continues south from Meyers Beach, it becomes Pistol River, a state park split into three sections: north, middle and south. The north and middle units are practically identical, while the south features sand dunes and access to the mouth of the Pistol River.

A hiking trail leads down to the beach near Hooskanaden Creek, following the Oregon Coast Trail. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

HOOSKANADEN CREEK

Access: Pull-off on U.S. 101, steep hiking trail

Why you go: Very secluded beach

There are no signs indicating access to the beach at Hooskanaden Creek, but if you park at an unsigned pull-off, head down to the Oregon Coast Trail and hike north, you’ll reach a path down to the small, secluded beach.

A sunny spring day at Secret Beach, a small, beautiful beach in the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor on the southern Oregon coast. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

SECRET BEACH

Access: Several pull-offs on U.S. 101, trails to the beach

Secret Beach is not much of a secret, but it is one of the most stunning places on the southern Oregon coast. Viewpoints over the beach can be found by hiking in from a cramped primary trailhead, or from larger pull-offs at nearby Thunder Rock Cove and Natural Bridges. Access to the beach itself (best seen at low tide) requires a small scramble down the rocks.

A trail leads to China Beach from a pull-off on U.S. 101. (Terry Richard/Terry Richard/The Oregonian)

CHINA BEACH

Access: Pull-off on U.S. 101, hiking trail to beach

Why you go: Secluded beach

Perhaps more secret than Secret Beach is China Beach, accessed by a hiking trail that begins at a pull-off for the North Island Trail Viewpoint. The round-trip hike to the beach and back is about 1.2 miles.

Massive rocks dominate the seascape at the Whaleshead viewpoint and beach in the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

WHALESHEAD BEACH

Why you go: Good views, picnic area

A nice spot to stop for a picnic lunch, Whaleshead Beach also boasts spectacular views of some large rocks just offshore. For beach access, go to the northernmost parking area, not the viewpoint parking lot to the south.

Waves roll in at Lone Ranch Beach in the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

Why you go: Large picnic area

Lone Ranch Beach is another good spot to stop for the afternoon, with a lot of space to spread out on both the sandy beach and the grassy picnic area. There are nice views looking north and south along the coastline.

The sun rises over Harris Beach State Park near Brookings. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

HARRIS BEACH

Access: Parking areas in the state park

Why you go: Views, tidepools, full state park

One of the best and busiest state parks on the southern Oregon coast, Harris Beach is definitely worth a visit. Between the tide pools , overland trails and several incredible views, the full-service state park has a lot to offer.

A sunny spring day at Mill Beach in Brookings, seen from a viewpoint in Chetco Point Park. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

Access: Small parking lot off Macklyn Cove Drive

Why you go: Tucked-away beach in Brookings

Mill Beach is a small beach beside Zwagg Island on the north side of Chetco Point in Brookings. Access is via a narrow road that leads to a cramped parking lot with a path down to the beach.

People walk the scenic beach found in Chetco Point Park in Brookings. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

CHETCO POINT

Access: Parking lot on Wharf Street

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, dog park

Why you go: Great views

Known primarily for its views, Chetco Point also has a small beach on its south face, with a good look down the coastline. Make sure to follow the paved trail to the top of Chetco Point for the best views in the park.

The beach stretches south of Brookings toward the California state line along the southern Oregon coast. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

BROOKINGS BEACH

Access: Parking lot off Boat Basin Road

Why you go: Convenient harborside beach

The beach that runs just south of the Chetco River mouth serves as scenery for the RV park and hotel that take up much of the area, but a sizable public parking lot allows for easy access to a nice beach with a view of the private Pelican Bay Lighthouse.

An evening tide rolls in at McVay Rock State Recreation Site. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

Access: Parking area off Seagull Lane

Amenities: Disc golf course

The beach at McVay Rock State Recreation Site is fairly rocky, and while that’s not necessarily idea for lounging, it is a nice place to go rock hounding.

The Winchuck River flows toward the ocean at Winchuck State Recreation Site. (Jamie Hale/Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

WINCHUCK RIVER

Access: Parking area off U.S. 101

Why you go: Quiet, uncrowded beach

A quiet companion to neighboring Crissey Field, Winchuck River State Recreation Site is one of the least-visited park sites on the coast, easily overlooked as cars zoom toward the California border.

The beach at Crissey Field State Recreation Site on the southern Oregon coast crosses state lines and turns into California's Pelican State Beach, both popular places to soak up the sun. (Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)

CRISSEY FIELD

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, welcome center

Why you go: Beautiful beach at the border

Crissey Field is the southernmost beach on the Oregon coast, running right up to the California Border, where you can keep walking and cross the state line. It’s also a particularly beautiful spot, with nice views to the north, long stretches of sand and many colorful stones to find.

-- Jamie Hale; [email protected] ; 503-294-4077; @HaleJamesB

This article is sponsored by Travel Oregon, a partner of Here is Oregon . The journalism is produced independently by members of The Oregonian/OregonLive newsroom.

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The Ultimate Southern Oregon Road Trip – 9 Day Itinerary

Buckle your seatbelt because you are about to do some serious driving. I recommend renting a Chrystler Pacific for the trip. It’s by far the most spacious minivan allowing you and your family more room. Also a good rental option would be a Dodge Durango that seats seven. 

Table of Contents

9 Day Southern Oregon Itinerary

I’m assuming that you are flying into Oregon to make this trip, therefore I’ve got the Portland Airport as the starting point. You can adjust your starting point accordingly if this doesn’t work for you. The whole itinerary can be tweaked to suit your needs and the amount of time you have to travel. 

Day 1: Drive from Portland to Steamboat Inn

It’s almost a four-hour drive from the Portland airport to Steamboat Inn. If you hit five o’clock traffic you can expect it to take five hours. There is an In N Out along the way near Salem if you get hungry. In Eugene , there’s a Sonic. However, if you can hold off eating until you get to Steamboat Inn. The food will totally wow you.

Check-in into Steamboat Inn:

Perched on a bluff with a commanding view of the North Umpqua River, Steamboat Inn offers beautiful accommodations, fine dining, local wines, exquisite gardens, and a tackle and gift shop. Located on Hwy 138 in the middle of 31 miles of “fly-fishing only” water on the North Umpqua River it is a destination in itself. Steamboat is also the perfect place to stay while exploring all the area has to offer including loads of waterfalls.

Dinner at Steamboat Inn : By the time you have gotten to Steamboat Inn you are basically in the middle of nowhere so you will be eating your meals here. If you rent a cottage you will have a kitchen and can prepare your own meals. 

They have a wonderful kitchen that creates amazing breakfast and dinners. The menu is full of Steamboat Traditions and the daily specials feature fresh local products. Don’t forget to save room for our house-made desserts. If you are planning a fishing or sightseeing trip. Just order from the front desk by 8 pm the evening before. Espresso is available in the library lounge.

Day 2: Flyfishing and Waterfalls

Breakfast : Kick-off your morning with a delightful breakfast at Steamboat Inn followed by a day of hiking the waterfalls in the Umpqua National Forest. Before you head out hiking don’t forget to pick up your sack lunch from the hotel. They have great sack lunch choices available in the morning.

Flyfishing : You can fish the North Umpqua the year around for steelhead, but do not do this without a guide if you have never fished here before. The rivers in Oregon are fierce. Never get in an Oregon river without doing your research first. You can get your fishing license online here.

• Ty Holloway –  hollowaybrosfishing.com 541-729-0692
• Steelhead Water – www.steelheadwater.com Rich Zellman 541-890-7084
• Renton’s River Adventures – www.gourmetflyfishing.com Dillon Renton 541-480-8067

Waterfall Highway : Oregon has it’s very own waterfall highway. As you drive Highway 138 there will be one waterfall after another, ask the front desk for a free map. Some are quick and easy hikes, while others are a bit more difficult. In half a day you will have time to do two short hikes and one longer one. 

• Toketee Falls – off Highway 138, this is one of Oregon’s most famous waterfalls renowned for its columnar basalt formation framing the two-stepped falls. Toketee Falls drops 113 feet, which includes a 28-foot upper-tier plunging into a pool flanked by a deep alcove, and then an 85-foot plunge into a large pool.

• Fall Creek Falls – off Highway 138, the Falls Creek Falls Trail features two waterfalls. The first is an 80-foot drop, and 100 feet downstream is the lower 40-foot falls.

Day 3: Drive to Crater Lake

This morning after you check out of the Steamboat Inn head towards Crater Lake, an 88-mile drive. You will be going along highway 138 again, so if you missed out on one of the waterfalls you wanted to see now is the time to stop at it. If you drive it straight with no stops it should take you 3 hours. 

Driving to Crater Lake can be challenging at times. Due to heavy snowfall, some of the entrances may be closed. The last time we visited two entrances were closed, this was during Memorial Weekend in late May. This added about two hours of driving on to our trip. So keep this in mind. 

Depending on which way you drive, we have a few suggested stops to make. 

• Natural Bridge in Prospect, OR, US, 97536
• Rogue River Gorge Viewpoint, located at 56541 Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, Prospect, OR, US, 97536

Crater Lake

Crater Lake is Oregon’s shimmering blue gem. It’s a must-see landmark during any trip to Southern Oregon. There are two ways many people enjoy the lake. One way is to drive the 33-mile Rim Drive and stop at the many vista points overlooking the water if the road is open. The other is to make the one-mile hike down a switchback trail to the water’s edge again only if the trail is open.

Visitors can swim, fish, take a boat tour, or just eat a trail lunch on the shores of Crater Lake. Crater Lake National Park rangers are on hand to explain the eruption of Mt. Mazama about 7,700 years ago and how the mountain collapsed, creating a 2,000-foot deep crater. The end result is a lake created solely from snowmelt–there is no river flowing in. Scientists have measured the water ’s clarity to as deep as 120 feet.

Tonight stay the night at Crater Lake Lodge. They have 71 rooms overlooking the lake at Rim Village. It is typically open May 15 through October 11. Rooms begin at $200 per night. Reservations can be made up to 365 days in advance either online or by calling 866-292-6720. I highly recommend making your reservation as far in advance as you can. 

At the southern entrance of Crater Lake there is a Tesla Super Charger. 

Day 4: Head to Klamath Falls

Drive from Crater Lake to Running Y Ranch Resort located at 5500 Running Y Road Klamath Falls, OR 97601. 

Dinner in Klamath Falls:  There are lots of good places to eat in Klamath Falls. Some of our favorites include Klamath Basin Brewing Co., Rodeos Pizza, Saladeria, and Ruddy Duck. Fun fact, Noah and I live in Klamath Falls when he was two! I always thought the best part of living here was the food. 

Day 5: Ziplining

Breakfast: Have breakfast at the Running Y.

Crater Lake Zipline : You will fly high ion 9 ziplines at heights of up to 100 feet in the trees, traverse two sky bridges, and conquer up to two controlled rappels! Crater Lake ZipLine participants ages 10 and up zip from tree to tree with two trained guides handling the gear and transfers.

They use state-of-the-art equipment and all tours include a ground school training session facilitated by the guides at the beginning of the tour. Participants learn to hand brake, (participants use their hands with a special glove to slow and brake themselves) sit in their harness, and other techniques needed for zipping. You will be here for about 2.5 to 3.5 hours. 

After zip lining drive to Grants Pass.

Lunch : You will pass an In N Out along the way. If you do not want In n Out, there are a lot of places to eat in Medford. 

Afternoon : You have the whole afternoon and early evening to explore Grants Pass. One extremely popular activity is going down the river in a jet boat. 

Dinner : Tonight have dinner at Taprock Northwest Grill located at 971 SE 6th St, Grants Pass, OR 97526.

Taprock Northwest Grill

If there is good weather a firework show begins at 9:00 p.m. along the river and the restaurant offers great views. The restaurant will get very busy the closer it gets to the show, try to arrive early enough to get a table on one of the decks.

Day 6: Caves and Treehouses

The Oregon Caves are one of only five national parks or monuments in Oregon. The 480-acre Oregon Caves National Monument, located in the Siskiyou Mountains at elevations from 3,800 to 5,460 feet, was created in 1909. Temperatures in the caves hover around 42 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The caves are home to one of the largest, most pristine, and most complete segments of old oceanic crust in Western America.

Tonight stay the night at the Out n About Treehouse Treesort . You will need to make reservations way in advance to stay here. It’s a really neat place and as you’ve already guessed, you stay in a tree house. How fun is that? It is definitely a splurge to stay here, but it’s worth the extra money, especially if you are traveling with children, because it’s a one of a kind experience.

Day 7: Horseback Riding and Redwood Trees

After breakfast, head out for a trail ride if you like. They also have zip lining available at the Tree House Resort. 

Today you’ve got a big decision to make. You can wrap up your trip or you can cross into California and visit the Redwood National Forest then head back into Oregon along the coast.

I am going to assume you’ve made the right decision and you’re headed down into Cali to experience a little bit of the Redwood National Forest. 

As you drive down you will have the opportunity to get onto Howland Hill Road, which is noted on the map. This is an unpaved trail that will take you through some giant trees. It’s not a great road, but I took a Chrystler Pacific down it and it was fine!

When you get to the end of the trail you basically pop out in Crescent City which is a bit out of the way, but an ideal spot to have some lunch while overlooking the ocean. If you are driving a Tesla know that there is a supercharge station here. 

Lunch : Plan to have lunch in Crescent City. We recommend eating at Schmidt’s House of Jambalaya. There you can sit outside and stare at the ocean while you eat!

After lunch proceed north. You are now headed back into Oregon to Bandon, a cute little beach town along the coast. There’s lots of AirBNB places to stay as well as a Best Western on the beach . 

Day 8 – Beach Day!

Morning : Take a windsurfing or a kiteboarding class at Flora’s Lake Windsurfing & Kiteboarding. Floras Lake Windsurfing is located at 92870 Boice Cope Road, Langlois, OR 97450 and their phone number is 541-348-9912.

Lunch : After your lesson head to Tony’s Crab Shack for lunch. 

Afternoon : You’ve got two options for this afternoon. Enjoy a round of golf at Bandon Dunes golf resort or head out for horseback riding on the beach. 

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort located at 57744 Round Lake Drive, Bandon, OR 97411. Phone: 541-347-4380

Bandon Beach Riding Stables located at 54629 Beach Loop Rd, Bandon, OR 97411. Phone: 541-347-3423

Dinner : Have dinner at Broken Anchor Bar and Grill or Asian Garden. Both are excellent. 

Day 9 – Head Home

Okay, that’s a wrap y’all. You’ve just completed an epic road trip that will have you reminiscing for many years to come. You will think back on all those glorious waterfall hikes, the majestic Crater Lake, the cool places you stayed, the towering trees, and those beautiful beach views. 

On your way home there are lots of other places to stop. You could continue along 101 towards Newport or cut over to I5 and go through Eugene and Salem. If you are looking for places to stop in any of these places check out these posts. 

Newport ,Oregon Travel Guide

17 Fun Things to do in Salem, Oregon with Kids

Top 12 Family Friendly Things to do in Eugene Oregon

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. 

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The Perfect 3 to 5-Day Oregon Coast Itinerary

Last Updated on November 15, 2023

by Audrey Webster

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Though it doesn’t get as much attention as neighboring California, planning a 3- to 5-day Oregon Coast itinerary is a real treat. Highway 101 runs down the length of the state’s coastline and takes visitors through quaint small towns, along stunning cliffs, and to secluded beaches.

This article covers when to visit, where to visit, and how to structure your days so you feel relaxed while still experiencing as much of the coast as possible. 

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit the Oregon Coast

Most people flock to the Oregon coast during the summer months, especially late summer. At this time of year, the chance of rain is low and it’s sunny or partly cloudy almost every day.

However, you should expect chilly mornings and evenings. The afternoons on the coast are often breezy, so dress appropriately. Do not expect to want to swim or lay on the beach in a bikini.

The temperature of the water off the Oregon coast doesn’t change throughout the year and usually remains at a frigid 55°F (13°C). In late summer, you’ll have a higher chance of encountering weather that warrants swimming in the ocean, however, these days are not common on the Oregon coast. 

A summer day on the Oregon coast, while not hot like California , is pleasantly warm and comfortable. Come prepared with a light jacket, or a rain jacket to help keep warm against a breeze. The Oregon coast is known for its unpredictable bouts of rain.

Wear shoes that you’re comfortable getting a little wet, sandy, and muddy if you’re planning to hike along the cliffs in southern Oregon. Even though it might not feel warm, remember to wear sunscreen as you can still easily burn on the Oregon coast during summer. 

If you aren’t able to visit during the summer, an Oregon road trip is still within reach. As a travel tip from locals, consider visiting the southern Oregon coast in peak winter to watch massive waves crash on the cliffs. Photographers come from all over to capture these incredible waves.

You can also enjoy a campfire on the beach near Newport or Cannon Beach. A winter visit also means fewer people to contest with while visiting small towns along the coast. 

Summer by far is the most popular time to visit the Oregon coast, but a road trip can be done any time of year. Keep reading for an idea of how to structure your itinerary. 

3 to 5-Day Oregon Coast Itinerary

This road trip requires that you have your own vehicle. If you need to a rent a car, you can browse Rentalcars.com for deals across major providers.

Alternatively, you can rent an RV or campervan from Outdoorsy if you’re planning a longer road trip such as continuing on from Oregon to San Francisco or heading north from Portland to Seattle.

Day 1 – Portland to Cannon Beach

Imagine flying into Portland International Airport, renting a car, and beginning your Oregon coast trip on the northern end of the state. Here’s where to stop on your first day. 

Cannon Beach & Haystack Rock

Portland is approximately 80 miles, or 90 minutes, from the coast. The nearest city on the coast is Cannon Beach – it’s also one of the most beloved places to visitt. For your first night on the road, try to stay in Cannon Beach and take a day to explore the area.

Downtown Cannon Beach offers plenty of options for dining and shopping. Take a midday stroll down the beach and admire the famed Haystack Rock – a stunning rock formation that is incredible to see. You might see visitors flying kites, surfing, or building sandcastles on the gorgeous sandy beach. 

Ecola State Park

If you’d like to hit the trail for an afternoon hike, make your next stop near Cannon Beach be Ecola State Park. Take a hike through a forested trail to a cliffside with excellent views of neighboring Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock – a view that you’ll find on several postcards in local gift shops.

The park wraps around Tillamook Head, just north of downtown Cannon Beach, and stretches for nine miles of coastline. Make sure to dress appropriately as these trails can get muddy. This is also a great opportunity to see what sea life lies in tide pools.

Silver Point Outlook

Finish your day by stopping at Silver Point Outlook on the south end of Cannon Beach for a spectacular sunset. It’s an easy pullout from the main road and is fitted with benches for visitors to easily relax to enjoy the view.

For dinner, try Mo’s Restaurant to sit on their patio, watch the sunset, and enjoy clam chowder or delicious fish and chips. 

Where to Stay in Cannon Beach

Inn at Cannon Beach – If you’re looking for a luxury stay in Cannon Beach, you cannot go wrong with this gorgeous inn. They have a number of great rooms available and a location within easy walking distance of the iconic Haystack Rock.

Ecola Creek Lodge – Located just a 5-minute walk from the beach, this is a great option if you’re looking for a mid-range choice in Cannon Beach. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available and other amenities to make your stay a great one.

Private Rental – If you’d rather have your own private place to stay while on your trip to this part of the Oregon coast, then finding a private vacation rental is a great option. This elegant unit with a spa bath is just one of many options in the area.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Cannon Beach hotels!

Day 2 – Cannon Beach to Newport 

On your second day along the Oregon coast, venture along Highway 101 toward Newport. Here are some stops to consider making along the way. 

As you drive south from Cannon Beach, consider making a stop off at Oswald West State Park before arriving in Tillamook.

Visit any grocery store in Oregon to find the famed Tillamook cheese and ice cream. The dairy creamery is a favorite stop for visitors. Taste a variety of cheeses, including some unique seasonal flavors, and sample the creamery’s beloved ice cream. There is also a museum that details the history and inner workings of the creamery. 

From Tillamook, this is a great time to embark on some or part of the iconic Three Capes Scenic Route. This drive takes you by Cape Meares, Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda while en route to your next stop in Depoe Bay.

From whale watching to shopping for local crafts, Depoe Bay has a lot to offer its visitors. In its earliest years, Depoe Bay was a small fishing town. More recently, it’s become the whale watching capital of Oregon.

People flock from all over to look for whales from the cliffside or hop on a boat to spot whales from the water. If you are planning to visit for whale watching, make sure to visit during prime whale-spotting season, mid-December through mid-January. 

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Your final stop for the day is in the town of Newport. Newport boasts the only aquarium on the Oregon coast. It’s known for housing sea otters, octopuses, and several other kinds of unique aquatic species.

This is a particularly good stop if you’re traveling with children as they are certain to love the touch pool. Make sure to check out what exhibits are live before visiting so you can plan your trip accordingly. 

Where to Stay in Newport

Inn at Nye Beach – If it’s luxury you’re after, then you can’t go wrong with this swanky inn. Located only five minutes from the beach, they have a number of plush rooms available and a wonderful breakfast included each morning.

The Whaler – If you’re after something a bit less on the high end in Newport, then this hotel is an excellent choice. They have a range of comfortable rooms available with stunning views over the Pacific and there’s also a swimming pool and hot tub on site.

Not quite what you’re for? Click here to browse more Newport hotels!

Day 3 – Newport to Florence 

Day three of this itinerary brings a visit to sea lions, maritime coastal wonders, and a historic lighthouse. Make sure to explore the beaches along the way and try local seafood. 

Lost Creek State Recreation Site

Your first stop on day three is just seven miles south of Newport. Lost Creek is known for beachcombing, whale watching, and viewing sunsets. It’s a perfect stop on your drive to Florence for a casual walk down the beach. Keep your eye out for local birds and the famed Sitka spruce that lives along the Oregon and Washington coasts. 

Thor’s Well

Chances are good that you’ve come across Thor’s Well as you’ve been researching your Oregon coast road trip. It’s a natural hole in the rock along the coastline that appears to be draining into the sea, located just south of Cape Perpetua.

Researchers propose the hole began as a sea cave dug out by waves and is most likely 20 feet deep. Try to pay Thor’s Well a visit during high tide as this is when it looks the most impressive, but make sure to stay back from the edge.

While an impressive site to see, Thor’s Well can quickly sweep visitors off their feet and be dangerous. 

Heceta Head Lighthouse

Heceta Head Lighthouse is one of the most photographed on the Oregon coast. Visitors can explore the inside of the lighthouse as well. There is also a scenic hike along the coast and access to a secluded beach to explore. 

Sea Lion Caves 

As America’s largest sea cave, it should come as no surprise that Sea Lion Caves is a recommended top attraction on any Oregon coast road trip. Enter through the street-level building where you can find information about the caves and sea lions.

After you’ve learned a little background, take a trail around the side of the building and down a series of stairs before arriving at the caves. This is another stop that works well for those traveling with young children. 

Where to Stay in Florence

River House Inn – An excellent luxury option in Florence, this inn is the perfect place to get some beauty rest during your trip. Situated on the backs of the Siuslaw River, it’s also only a 2-minute walk from the Florence old town.

Park Motel & Cabins – If you’re sticking to a smaller budget during your trip along the Oregon Coast, then this is a great option for you. They have a range of basic rooms and fully-equipped cabins available that can suit all kinds of visitors.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Florence hotels!

Day 4 – Florence to Bandon

If you’re planning a 5-day itinerary, you’ll begin to notice a change in the coastline as you near the southern part of the state on day four. The cliffs become more pronounced and there are fewer beaches, but no shortage of places to explore. 

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

The Oregon Dunes run along the coast for about 40 miles between Florence and Coos Bay. The dunes were created when the tide, winds, and waves pushed sand inland, creating the rolling hills seen today. Visitors can explore the dunes by foot or rent an ATV.

One of the most popular trails is a loop around Tahkenitch Dunes. Day hikers should keep in mind that hiking in loose sand is more difficult than hiking on a standard trail. They should also keep an eye out for wildlife like elk, cougars, and a variety of local birds. 

Cape Arago Lighthouse

There are several popular lighthouses along the Oregon coast, but the one at Cape Arago is one of the most popular. Cape Arago is a small detached slice of land that served as the entrance to Coos Bay in the 1800s. In an effort to assist in the delivery of lumber to and from the region.

Today, visitors are permitted to visit the lighthouse for educational, recreational, and cultural events. There are several places along the nearby coastline where visitors can hike for excellent views of the lighthouse on a clear day. 

Bullard’s Beach

If you’re already stopping to visit the Cape Arago Lighthouse, you should pause to visit Bullard’s Beach located near Old Town Bandon. Grab lunch from a local cafe or a few sweet treats from Cranberry Sweets to take with you while exploring this section of the coastline.

Locals can be found riding horses, bikes, and hiking along the beach. Make sure to learn the legend of Face Rock before visiting for a bit of local lore. 

Where to Stay in Bandon

Windermere on the Beach – If your budget allows for a high-end stay during your trip, then this beachside hotel is an excellent option in Bandon. They have a myriad of plush and comfortable rooms available, great amenities, and an unbeatable location.

Lamplighter Inn – An excellent opinion for those traveling on a mid-range budget, this small hotel is the perfect place to stay in Bandon. They have a number of basic yet comfortable rooms available and a location perfect for exploring the surrounding area.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Bandon hotels!

Day 5 – Bandon to Brookings

Your final day of the road trip takes you to the southern end of the Oregon coast. Learn about the historic Coast Guard bases and natural bridges that make this part of Oregon unique. 

Port Orford Heads State Park

This state park near Port Orford boasts a long history during wartime. Throughout the early 1900s, the Coast Guard provided crucial support along the southern Oregon coast from their station in this park. Now, visitors can enjoy exploring the Cape Blanco Lighthouse or climbing to the top of Humbug Mountain. 

Natural Bridges

The Natural Bridges is hands-down one of the more impressive sites along the southern Oregon coast. A short one-mile hike takes visitors to an outstanding view of rock bridges spanning over sections of the ocean and carved by natural forces.

It’s the most famous stop while traveling through Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor – a stretch of coastline filled with breathtaking views of the coast. Visitors should make sure to take their time while driving through.

Try taking a few short hikes or stopping at a viewpoint to enjoy a packed lunch. The scenic corridor is just a short drive outside of Brookings. 

Just south of the corridor is Harris Beach State Park, only a stone’s throw from the center of Brookings. This is a gorgeous beach to visit and a great place to end your trip to the Oregon Coast.

Where to Stay in Brookings

Beachfront Inn – The perfect higher-end option in Brookings, this inn is an excellent choice for those looking for a great hotel to end your road trip in. They have a number of great rooms available, a heated outdoor swimming pool and an unbeatable location.

Westward Inn – Another great option for those with a bit of a lower budget, this inn is located only a stone’s throw away from the beautiful Oregon coast. They have a handful of clean and comfortable rooms available and off great facilities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Brookings hotels!

Have More Time?

If you find yourself with some additional time, here are some favorite sites to consider visiting on both the southern and northern Oregon coastline. 

Chetco Point Park

Nestled in the Brookings Harbor is Chetco Point Park. This nine-acre beach park spans the southern Oregon and northern California coastline. Comb the beaches for shells and stones, look for the occasional whale, or visit St. George Reef Lighthouse.

No matter what time of year you visit the park, you will be met with spectacular views and crashing waves. 

Cape Disappointment

While technically located in Washington, Cape Disappointment is an easy destination at the beginning of your road trip. Towering seaside cliffs, camping, and a variety of maritime activities lend Cape Disappointment being a great stop if you have more time.

Visit the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, explore abandoned military bunkers, and learn about local Native American tribes all while visiting the cape. You can stay at a local inn, yurt, or camp. 

The greatest challenge you’ll encounter when planning your 3 to 5-day Oregon coast road trip itinerary is where to stop. No matter where you choose to visit, you’ll find several iconic sites that will make it a trip to remember. 

Are you planning a trip along the Oregon coast? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

11 Best Stops on a Portland to Yellowstone Road Trip

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Portland Itinerary

10 Best Stops on a Portland to Boise Drive

About Audrey Webster

Audrey Webster is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an Oregon native who has visited countries across the globe and currently spends her weekends exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states. Her approach to traveling combines exploring famous tourist sites and wandering off the beaten path to discover new destinations.

This is great! Very helpful in trying to plan a trip to Oregon. Thank you!

Ia ora na Audrey I’m a French speaking from Tahiti (Moorea). Your article is helping me a lot to prepare my 12 days trip from Seattle to Los Angeles (6 to 19 of march). We’ll be four of us, and I’m sure the itinerary we will take will impress my friends and me! So thank you for these good councils and good address for lodging, food and shopping!!! Please sorry for my poor English writing… Best regards Mauruuru JP Le Loch

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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!

The Best Stops on the Southern Oregon Coast

When it comes to exploring Oregon, it’s only natural to want to explore the coastal area. The long stretch of coastline spans the whole state of Oregon, offering multiple places to stop along the way. If you’re headed for the first time, there are so many options to choose from. These best stops on the southern Oregon coast will give you some great insight on what to do during your time there.

My husband and I spent five days this last month exploring the entire southern coastline of Oregon, basing ourselves in Coos Bay. It was a blissful experience — it’s hard to put into words just how beautiful Oregon’s southern coast is. After spending time in the northern part of Oregon’s coastline earlier this year, I’m certain the southern part may just be the best.

Choosing to stay the entire time in Coos Bay meant we didn’t need to switch accommodations, plus I really loved where we stayed. The furthest we drove south was two hours to Brookings, the last major stop in Oregon before California. The drives along the coast were incredibly beautiful and there were so many places to soak in the natural beauty.

I’m going to round up the best of what we found and what you can’t miss on southern Oregon’s coastline.

What to Know Before Traveling to Oregon

A health and safety message : Amidst these times, it’s good to acknowledge that every State is handling health and safety differently. My strong recommendation is to confirm the local protocols. I urge you as a traveler to do the steps necessary to be responsible and considerate of your own health and the health of the communities you are visiting. Please wear a mask when you’re in a public setting. Find more of my responsible travel tips here.

Amount of Time : 4 nights was a great amount of time to slowly enjoy the southern coast.

Gas: This was a surprise or rather I completely forgot you cannot pump your own gas in Oregon! Just pull up and an attendant will assist. I’d recommend keeping a few dollars to tip.

Time of year: Weather is tricky on the Oregon coast solely due to the winds. It is very windy in certain areas like Bandon and Coos Bay. I believe early fall would be the best time of year to visit, though you could visit whenever from the spring to fall.

Where to Stay Along The Southern Oregon Coast

Bay Point Landing in Coos Bay The whole focus of the trip originally was to experience the incredible design of the cabins at Bay Point Landing. They’re so well designed and make for a wonderful distanced hotel experience. You have your own kitchen and patio space set with a fire pit. I’d recommend booking one of their bayside cabins for the best view. We chose the Kamp Haus and loved it. We spent four nights here and did day trips in every direction possible from here. Find the best rates here .

*Now you could do two nights in Bay Point Landing and then perhaps book another accommodation further south near perhaps Gold Beach or Brookings.

Airbnbs in Southern Oregon

As an Airbnb Associate, I may earn a small commission when you book through these links.  Your support helps me to continue creating content like this.

The Best of Oregon’s Southern Coast

For this section, I’m going to list out each area in order from north to south. It will be categorized by areas and any great finds in each. You’ll see recommendations for food, outdoor experiences, and scenic viewpoints.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

One of the first parts of the southern Oregon coast you can’t miss is the dunes. These tall sand dunes span over 40 miles of the coast. They are absolutely breathtaking. It’s one of the most popular destinations and attraction in the area. There are a few ways to experiences the dunes, whether you hike or rent an off-roading vehicle from a local outfitter.

We personally chose to hike it and found one of the best trails to get out and see the tall, wind-sculpted dunes. Park at the John Dellenback Dunes Trailhead (there are bathrooms there), and head straight out towards the ocean. You can do a loop, see their map or just go out as far as you like and come back.

Travel tip: the wind is insanely strong here. I highly recommend going as early as possible in the morning for calmer winds. Hats are not advised.

Coos Bay, Oregon

Since we based ourselves here for the trip, we did experience quite a few things in Coos Bay as far as dining goes. Most of the things we did though were out nearby within 20-30 minutes, like the dunes listed above. Here were our favorite finds:

Clausen Oysters: I can’t begin to tell you how much I adored this oyster spot. Casual, right on the water, and fresh oysters at an unbeatable price. There is outdoor dining here, and they have a full menu (I recommend the fried oyster tacos, went back twice for these).

Front Street Provisioners : If you’re craving pizza, this is your spot. Their pizza was seriously good and have a wonderful wine menu with Oregon wines.

Horsfall Beach : We took a drive out to Horsfall Beach and it’s a massively widespread area. You’ll see a lot of off-roading vehicles here but the beach is quite serene. This beach is along the dunes but has the quickest access to it.

Shore Acres State Park and Cape Arago State Park

As you start to work your way down the coast, one state park worth a detour off Highway 101 is Shores Acres State Park and Cape Arago State Park. It’s a single road out that dead ends, so you’ll see both state park areas. There are few neat attractions and things to do here:

Sunset Beach: One of the more private beaches in the area, I’d recommend this spot when the wind is calm.

Sunset Bay to Cape Arago Trail : Follow this trail that takes you along the coast out to Cape Arago.

Cape Arago Lighthouse Viewpoint : You won’t want to miss this viewpoint to look out at the lighthouse.

Shore Acres Gardens : There are formal gardens here that you can tour that are from the 1900’s.

Simpson Reef Overlook : This was a fun stop to get to see all of the seals and sea lions that live right off the shores. You can hear them from your car they are so loud!

Cape Arago: Make your way out here to look out over the ocean. You can even walk down to the South Cove.

*For full information on hiking trails, please reference here.

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort

If you’re into golf, I’m sure you’ve heard of the world-famous Bandon Dunes Golf Resort . One of the few links-style courses in the States, it’s a bucket list round of golf. My husband went out and did a full day here and recommends it highly. It is advised to book at least 1-2 weeks in advance.

For the least windy times to play golf, early mornings are best. The concierge team will help set up your visit. There are six courses to choose from.

After a round, I’d stop by for dinner at McKees on their patio. It’s a traditional pub-style restaurant.

Bandon, Oregon

One of the most charming seaside towns on the coast is Bandon. It’s full of local restaurants and beach area to enjoy. I had been before so we didn’t spend as much time here this trip. There are a few favorite things to do:

• Get Crab at Tony’s Crab Shack
• Catch the sunset at Coquille Point
• Find the “face” at Face Rock State Park Beach
• Stroll out at Bullards Beach
• Grab a local beer at Bandon Brewing Company
• Spend the day at Bandon Beach

Floras Lake State Natural Area

One of the largest natural areas to go explore is located near Langlois. The Floras Lake State Natural Area has a lot to offer for hikes and lakes, as well as coastal areas. We didn’t get to fully explore this area, just had a quick look at it. The most recommended thing to do is the 1.5 stroll through the woodlands out to Blacklock Point.

Port Orford, Oregon

This small fishing town is one of the first towns that span on the actual coast after Bandon. My biggest regret was not timing lunch or dinner at their famous fish and chips joint. The Crazy Norwegian Fish and Chips came recommended SO many times. I’d really would like to make this one happen next trip.

Gold Beach, Oregon

Curry County is home to the most southern part of Oregon and Gold Beach is one of the larger cities on the ocean here. You’ll find grocery stores and plenty of restaurants here as well. I think Gold Beach could be a great base for going either direction as well.

Some of the more famous activities to do here is Jerry’s Rogue Jets where you take a speedboat up the Rogue River.

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Saving the best for last, this is the most beautiful part of the southern Oregon coast (in my opinion). I couldn’t believe the beauty here, truly. There are hiking trails, vista points, and even a secret beach. It’s good to note that you are along steep cliffs with severe drop-offs here. You’ll want to take extra care when hiking around here and be mindful of winds.

Here were my favorite stops along the corridor:

Arch Rock Viewpoint: This area is incredibly beautiful and makes for a good spot to stop for a picnic. You can lookout both up and down the coast here. Take a look at all of the little islands off the coastline.

Secret Beach: This was my favorite stop, so much so, we drove back down again for it. Hike down an unmarked trail, and you’ll access this small cove with a beach area. It is protected from the wind. It’s incredibly stunning.

Natural Bridges : So I’m sure you’ve seen this spot on Instagram at least once. It’s an idyllic location and recommend for sunset.

Whaleshead Beach : I spent the most blissful afternoon at this beach and nearly had it to myself. I couldn’t recommend it more, taking the drive down the dirt road. It’s calm considering the winds and makes for a great spot to hideout. Do note that the road is rough and 4WD is recommended, though I made it without.

Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint : There is a mile-long trail here that takes you out to the point. It’s the first stop on the southern portion (near Brookings). If you’re looking to whale watch, come here.

Brookings, Oregon

My final stop on the coast was to the city of Brookings. I didn’t explore a ton here but I did get lunch at a spot I’d love to share about. It’s called Pacific Sushi & Grill. Totally understated and completely amazing. They are doing to-go food and their is indoor dining at this moment (Oregon has different rules than California).

What to Pack for Oregon’s Coast

If you bring anything with you on a trip, let it be layers of clothing! The weather changes so quickly here and it can be very windy and then suddenly warm. For hiking essentials, check out my extensive hiking essentials guide .

Here are my go-to’s items for a Pacific Northwest coastal escape:

Oregon’s coast has so much to love. The connection to the sea is truly unique here — you find it everywhere you go. The opportunity to go and disconnect in unparalleled nature is truly so good for the soul and mind. I can definitely guarentee I’ll be back again.

Find more of my Oregon content here.

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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Enjoyed the coastal pics of Oregon

Love all these photos! I’m ashamed to say that a native Portlander, I’ve never done an extensive trip down the southern Oregon coast. Definitely need to do it now! If you don’t mind me asking, what kind of camera do you use? I love the softness that comes through with your photos!

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Adventures in Destinations Unknown

Southern Oregon Coast Road Trip Attractions

Last modified on July 30th, 2023 at 17:48

Few places on Earth can match the Oregon Coast’s rugged natural beauty. 

The 300+ mile-long coastline is a testament to nature’s supreme craftsmanship. It is a masterpiece of scenery. A photographer’s dream. A mighty display of sea-meets-land. 

Defined by its wildlife-laden sea stacks, sweeping sandy beaches, towering cliffs, and rugged dunes , Oregon’s scenic coastline makes for an unforgettable road trip destination. 

And nowhere does this ring more true than along the southern Oregon coast—a spectacular stretch of wild shoreline that spans Highway 101 between Coos Bay and Brookings. 

Table of Contents

ATTRACTIONS ALONG THE SOUTHERN COAST OF OREGON

Following our elopement ceremony at Heceta Head near Florence, Dan and I traveled along the southern coast of Oregon for two days. Our road trip brought us along familiar parts of the central Oregon coast , before continuing to areas that I hadn’t visited since childhood. It revealed some of the state’s most dramatic landscapes and solidified our love for the spectacular Highway 101. 

The South Coast of Oregon stretches from Coos Bay to the California border. Home to secret beaches, secluded coves, rugged coastal monoliths and sandy dunes, it is a place of wild natural beauty and untamed wilderness. 

Highlights of the southern coast include the weather-battered cliffs of Shore Acres State Park, the jagged rock formations of Bandon, and a ribbon of road that hugs 50 miles of scenic shoreline between Port Orford and Brookings. 

SUNSET BAY STATE PARK

Sunset Beach was the first stop on our Highway 101 road trip itinerary. The crescent shores of Sunset Bay welcome locals and tourists alike with gentle waves and a wide sandy beach. The area is said to contain some of the most swimmable ocean waters in the Pacific Northwest —a sharp contrast to the churning waters of Shore Acres State Park down the road. 

Though I found Sunset Beach’s water to be bone-chillingly cold, swimsuit-clad sunbathers seemed to make little fuss about the frigid temperatures. 

SHORE ACRES STATE PARK

Located just south of Sunset Beach, the lovely Shore Acres State Park is among the southern Oregon coast’s most notable attractions. The park sits perched along rugged sandstone cliffs that sit above the ocean. It contains an unexpected combination of natural  and human-engineered beauty.

Shore Acres State Park features a lavish estate that overlooks pounding surf. The estate once belonged to Louis Simpson, a pioneer timber baron. Today, it is open to the public and showcases resplendent gardens with plants and flowers from all over the world. 

Dan and I enjoyed exploring the area around Shore Acres State Park. The crashing waves, colorful sandstone cliffs, and tumultuous ocean waters were some of the most dramatic of our entire road trip. 

The charming coastal town of Bandon is one of the main communities along the southern coast of Oregon. On a clear day, Bandon’s main beach is a photographer’s paradise.

When Dan and I visited the Bandon Beach during our Oregon Coast road trip, haze and inclement weather obstructed our views of the area’s towering rock spires.

Nonetheless, as we walked down on the beach, we kept our eyes peeled for sea lions, admired flocks of seabirds. and had fun darting between the area’s wave-battered rock sculptures. 

In addition to housing an attractive assortment of rock outcrops, Bandon boasts a cute downtown and one of the world’s best golf courses—the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort . 

Though I know little about golf, I’d almost be willing to play a round at the Bandon Dunes Golf Course just so that I can soak in the views from its putting green.

If only it didn’t cost upwards of $200 to enjoy the view…. 

CAPE BLANCO STATE PARK

Along the stretch of road between Bandon and Port Orford, Highway 101 veers inward, away from the Oregon Coast. 

The area’s most notable road trip stop—Cape Blanco State Park—lies about 15 minutes west of the highway, along the water. 

Since the state park remained closed to tourists during our visit, Dan and I skipped the Cape Blanco detour in favor of the southern coast’s other must-see destinations. 

Had we been able to visit, however, we would have toured the Cape Blanco Lighthouse and soaked in views from Oregon’s westernmost promontory.

PORT ORFORD 

The small town of Port Orford has one of the most picturesque settings along the Oregon Coast. Its beautiful little greenery-flanked beach boasts a crescent bay that is studded with jagged rock formations. 

During our southern Oregon coast road trip, Dan and I stopped in Port Orford for a late lunch. We had originally wanted to stop by the Crazy Norwegians, but arrived just minutes after they had closed up shop. As an alternative, we chose to eat at Griff’s on the Dock. 

The seafood platter from Griff’s contained some of the best fish and chips we’ve ever eaten. 

Port Orford is a fantastic base for exploring the southern Oregon coast’s wild and rugged beauty.

From Port Orford, the Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway brings cyclists past the the mighty Umpqua River and showcases a sampling of the state’s rough-and-tumble waterways. The town is also the northern terminus of the ‘Fabulous 50 Miles’—a stretch of highway that joins Port Orford with Brookings and is said to be the most scenic portion of the entire 101. 

CAPE SEBASTIAN STATE PARK

Located just a few miles south of Gold Beach, the Cape Sebastian Scenic Corridor gives way to some of the Oregon Coast’s most awe-inspiring views. 

At Cape Sebastian, the Pacific coastline rises 700 feet above sea level, making this one of the highest and most far reaching viewpoints along the entire shoreline. From the observation point, views stretch 25 miles up the coastline, as far as Humbug Mountain. Facing southward, panoramas extend to the coastal hills of northern California.

SAMUEL H BOARDMAN STATE PARK: GEM OF THE SOUTHERN OREGON COAST

Four miles north of Brookings, the US 101 carves its way through 12 miles of the Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor .

Home to hidden beaches, forested mountainsides, and natural bridges that balance delicately above churning sapphire waters, the scenic corridor is the top place to visit along the southern Oregon coast.

And that says a lot. Because the southern third of Oregon’s coastline truly lays out one noteworthy attraction after another. 

Spectacular viewpoints line the Samuel Boardman State Park’s 12 mile stretch. Many of these turnouts contain picnic areas with short trails that lead to secluded beaches and secret coves.

Arch Rock, Natural Bridges, Secret Beach, Indian Sands, and Cape Ferrelo are all noteworthy road trip stops along the scenic corridor.

HARRIS BEACH STATE PARK

Harris Beach is one of Oregon’s most scenic stretches of sand. Located just a stone’s throw away from the amenities of Brookings, it offers vibrant intertidal areas, clusters of craggy rock formations, and a sandy shoreline. 

Bird Island (also known as Goat Island) lies just off the shores of Harris Beach State Park. It is the largest island along the Oregon Coast and part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

True to its name, the offshore island hosts a diverse array of birdlife—including tufted puffins, Aleutian Canada geese, and over a quarter of Oregon’s nesting Leach’s Storm-Petrels.

WHEN TO VISIT THE SOUTHERN COAST OF OREGON

Though the southern portion of the coast contains some of the best weather along Oregon’s 101, it isn’t the type of place that attracts sun-seekers. The coast’s unpredictable weather often comes with large doses of wind, rain, and fog. 

Still, it is a spectacular place to visit, no matter the time of year.

In late May through early July, colorful wildflowers abound. The abundance of wildflowers make Spring and early Summer a particularly enjoyable time to visit the southern Oregon coast. 

In winter months, dense fog, churning surf and crowd-less beaches carry an entirely different appeal. 

SOUTHERN OREGON COAST ACCOMMODATIONS

Due to our desire to stay in a treehouse for the night, Dan and I chose to book a room at the Vertical Horizons Treehouse Paradise near Cave Junction. Staying overnight in a treehouse was a memorable experience and something I’d always wanted to do. 

That being said, the treehouse resort lies about an hour and a half inland from Brookings. I would normally recommend staying closer to Highway 101 when visiting the coast. 

Had our minds not been glued to the idea of staying in the trees, we would have likely sprung for a room at the Taylor Creek Lodge in Gold Beach, or chosen to camp at one of the many state parks along the southern Oregon coast’s spectacular shoreline. 

For lovers of nature and photography, the shoreline of southern Oregon has it all. It is one of the world’s great coastal drives—comparable to the Great Ocean Road in Australia and Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way .

Along the winding ribbon of road, mountains tumble into the vast Pacific Ocean. Trees and wildflowers cling to weather-beaten rocks. Land and sea collide into a tumultuous display of sand and surf. It is a spectacular road trip destination that includes lonely beaches, miles of hiking trails, and some of the most photogenic vistas in all of Oregon. 

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Do something great, welcome, traveler, to southern oregon’s dark skies..

Here you will find that Mother Nature has done some of her greatest work. The pristine waters of Crater Lake, the untamed Rogue, Umpqua and Klamath rivers, the rugged beauty of the Oregon Outback. Skies alive with geese and grosbeaks, rivers rife with rainbows and steelhead. Now, it’s your turn to do great things. Wine lover, hiker, biker, fisher, birder, theater goer, lover of nature and solitude–come see for yourself and do something great.

Let’s get started.

Top activities, camp under the stairs.

Stargaze the cosmos

Take the road less traveled

Become a Dark Sky Advocate

Oregon’s shimmering blue gem

Seven millennia of rain and snowmelt have filled Mt. Mazama’s volcanic crater with the clearest water in the world. Crater Lake National Park provides diverse habitats for an array of wildlife, and for visitors the comforts of the historic Crater Lake Lodge as well as camping and cabins. Open all year long, there’s nothing quite as breathtaking as a bluebird winter day with Crater Lake radiant in a fresh white blanket of snow.

Umpqua Valley

Enjoy the mild year-round climate, magnificent scenery, and authentic experiences in the Land of Umpqua. Enjoy outdoor adventures including fishing, rafting, and discovering waterfalls galore just minutes from downtown Roseburg. Travel the Volcanic Scenic Byway along the famous North Umpqua River to Crater Lake National Park. Visit historic covered bridges and the many local wineries where you will meet the winemakers personally. Wildlife Safari animal park is an adventure for the whole family–and wind up the day in the pool at the Seven Feathers Casino & Resort on the South Umpqua River.

Illinois Valley

The Illinois Valley is home to the Oregon Caves National Monument and the Wild & Scenic Illinois River. Recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities abound in countless local parks, galleries and non-profit centers. The famous Redwood Highway–Highway 199 from Redwoods National Park in Crescent City to Grants Pass–runs right through the Illinois Valley wine country, river swimming holes and other delightful outdoor spots.

Rogue Valley

The Rogue Valley is well-loved for many reasons. For its “Wild and Scenic” Rogue River that runs from Crater Lake to the Pacific. For Ashland’s Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Pacific Crest Trail and skiing on Mount Ashland. For the rising wine country of the Applegate, Illinois, and Rogue Valleys. For Medford’s revitalized downtown and amazing sports facilities and orchards. For Jacksonville’s historic old town and Britt Festivals. For the jetboats and rafting in Grants Pass where everybody knows “It’s the Climate!” – Do Something Great in the Rogue Valley.

Crater Lake

Oregon’s shimmering blue gem. Artists, photographers, and sightseers gaze in wonder at its blue water and stunning setting atop the Cascade Mountain Range. It’s a must-see spot during any trip to Southern Oregon. Born out of the eruption of Mt. Mazama 7,700 years ago, the mountain collapsed and created a nearly 2,000-foot deep crater. Seven millenia of rain and snowmelt have filled the crater and has resulted in one of the world’s clearest bodies of water. Scientists have measured the water’s clarity to as deep as 120 feet.

Klamath Basin

With four well-defined seasons and over 300 days of sunshine a year, Klamath County has plenty of outdoor experiences for you to discover. From fly fishing for giant native rainbows on the Williamson River, to kayaking and whitewater rafting to the Upper Klamath River to quiet canoeing on Klamath Lake at Rocky Point, the recreational op­portunities here are virtually endless. And you just might have the place to yourself.

Southern Oregon Outback

The west is alive and kickin’ in Lake County! The area offers spectacular vistas of rich forests, century ranches and the breath-taking splendor of the high desert. Hang gliders and paragliders fill the skies in the summer, and the winter months are fabulous for skiing the powder of the War­ner Canyon Ski Hill. This is a paradise for rock hounds, mountain biking, birding, hot springs, hiking, fishing and camping. Come and discover the excitement where the old west meets the very best.

Your Guide to Southern Oregon Stargazing

This area of cosmic wonder includes portions of Malheur, Lake and Harney counties to the east of larger Southern Oregon cities like Medford, Klamath Falls and Ashland. They are so sparsely populated that the region is also known as the Oregon Outback. And while much of the nighttime world grows brighter every year, as much as 11 million acres of Outback are on track to become an official Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2023. That would be the largest area of its kind, and good news not just for curious humans checking out the Milky Way but also for wildlife that needs the dark to thrive.

Explore the Rogue River: Central Point to Eagle Point to Prospect

Add These to Your Bucket List! Whether you enjoy scenic hikes, whitewater rafting , or just enjoying a picnic lunch […]

Ultimate Guide to Gravel Rides in Southern Oregon

Southern Oregon cyclists are gravitating to gravel, and no wonder. Gravel riding — which is simply cycling on unpaved roads — offers scenic views, blissful solitude and a sense of adventure as you veer off the well-worn asphalt. Gravel riding doesn’t require the technical prowess of mountain biking, and many cyclists feel safer on less-trafficked roads that often comprise gravel routes in these rural counties. The region’s many group rides tend to be fun and inclusive, too. Read on for rides and races throughout Southern Oregon.

Road Trip Adventures on Interstate 5 in Southern Oregon

Seasoned travelers headed through Interstate 5 in Southern Oregon know to take it slow and enjoy some time in many unique communities along the way. Here you’ll encounter walkable small towns, award-winning restaurants, parks, museums and more — all surrounded by lush forests and scenic mountains. Try a few of these itineraries designed to showcase top spots for every kind of road-tripper.

Spotlight on the Historic Steamboat Inn

Along a deeply forested stretch of the North Umpqua River, there’s a revered fishing lodge where time stands still. That’s part of the magic of the Steamboat Inn, a woodsy retreat just under 40 miles from Roseburg, perched on a bluff above one of the most famous stretches of fly-fishing water in the world.

Making Shakespeare Accessible to More Theatergoers

In an effort to show “all the world’s a stage,” the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is ready to meet the challenges of the last few years. After a year of hard-core fundraising and a new artistic director, Tim Bond, the rotating repertory company has new funding, new audience goals and a wide variety of offerings on its three stages.

Spas and Wellness Spaces

Get pampered, soak and relax in Southern Oregon If you are looking for places to reconnect and mellow out with […]

Give the Gift of Southern Oregon

Plan your trip to Southen Oregon Welcome to Southern Oregon, where the spirit of the holidays shines brighter than ever! […]

Day Hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail

The Pacific Crest Trail runs north and south 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada; every year hardy thru-hikers attempt to complete the trail in a single season, logging 25 to 30 miles a day.

Cozy Winter Wineries in Southern Oregon

’Tis the season for cuddling up next to a fireplace with a richly flavored, warming glass of red wine. From the scenic wineries of the Umpqua Valley to the snug, softly lit urban tasting rooms of Jacksonville, here’s where you’ll find some of the coziest wine-tasting experiences in Southern Oregon.

Bucket List Adventures in Southern Oregon

If you like epic outdoor adventures, delicious locally sourced dining, and small-batch wine then you are coming to the right […]

Giving Back in Southern Oregon

The dark skies of the Oregon Outback; picturesque wineries in the Applegate Valley; epic mountain biking through old-growth forests on Brown Mountain — there are myriad reasons to come to Southern Oregon. Did you know there are also plenty of ways to give back to the special places you love to visit and help ensure a strong future for these destinations?

Top Culture and Heritage Museums in Southern Oregon

Southern Oregon’s rich history spans millennia, influenced by everyone from Indigenous people to prospectors, farmers and ranchers, and more who have made their mark on the region. Visitors can delve into the past at museums and historic sites that tell their stories. Here are a few of our favorites.

Family Friendly Fall Festivals and Events

UPDATED September 2023 Fall in southern Oregon is absolutely stunning!  Every tree bursts out in beautiful oranges, reds, and yellows […]

Local Burgers Spots

From the classic to the unique and unusual get your cravings met at these local burger spots found only in Southern Oregon.

Calm-Water Paddling in Southern Oregon

Southern Oregon may be world-famous for its frothy whitewater, but flatwater paddlers also have plenty of options. Placid lakes come ringed by shady forests and gentle creeks with little current flow under rolling mountains, making this an ideal place to float in a kayak or atop a paddleboard. Late summer and fall are ideal times to go, but all you need is a calm day any time of year. There’s no way you’ll stay for just a day, so book ahead for a relaxing getaway. Read on for eight places to dip your blade.

Unique Farm and Ranch Stays in Southern Oregon

Want to truly embrace the culinary bounty of Southern Oregon? Spend the night on a farm,  ranch or winery. There’s no better way to get a true sense of where your food and wine comes from, or to experience the region’s warm hospitality and breathtaking landscape. Here are some extraordinary stays where you can experience the sights and sounds of rural life. For even more options, check out Farm Stay USA or Harvest Hosts — an RV camping membership that pairs visitors with farms, ranches, wineries and breweries that have cool spots to camp — and plan to stop for local provisions along one of Southern Oregon’s food trails. 

Sutherlin and Historic Oakland

Take some time to explore Sutherlin and historic Oakland where you will be delighted to find a friendly community in growth. Enjoy a meal, shop locally owned businesses, get outdoors and you will be charmed by the warm welcome you receive.

Adventures Along the Upper Rogue River – Gateway to Crater Lake Series

While Crater Lake National Park may be your main destination for vacation, the journey’s half the fun. For travelers coming from Medford or Grants Pass, the winding route along the upper Rogue River offers adventures along the way, with the communities of Prospect, Trail and Shady Cove serving as gateways to fishing, boating and hiking to waterfalls, wilderness and mountain vistas in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

Unique Places to Stay in Southern Oregon

From glamping on a farm to staying in a covered wagon, a treehouse and even a cave, there’s always a cool place to spend the night in Southern Oregon. Fun lodgings can help elevate any vacation, whether it’s to light a creative spark, connect with nature or thrill the kids. You’ll find a range of alternative lodging experiences for every budget and taste, all offering extraordinary stays. Here are a few of our favorites.

Road Trip Less Traveled

8 North Coast adventures from California’s Redwood Coast to Southern Oregon

B IG SUR/THE LOST COAST, Calif. — 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; stateparks.oregon.gov/, capeblancoheritagesociety.com. Find details about the town’s murals and galleries at 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.

It’s an adventure getting here, even without carnivorous theropods. It’s a 9-mile hike on the James Irvine Trail — or an adventurous drive to the Fern Canyon parking lot that includes a 7.5-mile, winding, single-lane dirt road with two stream crossings. (RVs and low-slung sports cars need not apply.) Once there, the 1-mile loop trail runs through a creek bed, so you will get wet. Wear water shoes with grippy tread even at the height of summer, when park rangers place temporary footbridges — wooden planks — over some of the deeper spots.

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/ .

©#YR@ MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at mercurynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

10 ways to experience Oregon on a budget

Apr 23, 2024 • 5 min read

Experience Oregon on a budget with these money-saving tips © AscentXmedia / Getty Images

Oregon is like dozens of vacation destinations rolled into one.

In addition to the natural beauty of its many landscapes, the Beaver State is home to vineyards, dazzling cities and exciting cultural events like the Oregon Shakespeare Festival . The only catch? With so many options, you can easily spend a fortune on your itinerary.

Luckily, this doesn’t have to be the case. With a little planning, you can visit Oregon on a budget. These travel hacks will help you see bucket list Oregon locations – like the Pacific Ocean, Crater Lake National Park  and cities like Portland – without breaking the bank. 

Daily costs in Oregon

• Dorm lodging in a hostel: $28
• Basic hotel room for two: $100
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb:) $110
• Camping fees: $17 for a tent site 
• Public transportation: $5.60 for a day pass in Portland 
• Coffee $3–6 a cup
• Sandwich: $10
• Dinner for two: $50 
• Wine tasting: $15

Skip the rental car 

Save yourself the money and hassle of renting a car on your next trip to Portland. Many of the city’s top attractions are walkable from downtown, plus you’ll find bike shares and scooter rentals on virtually every corner. If you need to venture further, a day pass for Portland’s TriMet transportation system (including light rail, commuter rail and bus service throughout the metro area) is just $5.60. 

Oregon’s inter-city bus line, Point , offers affordable transportation for longer distances. The scenic Northwest route from Portland to Astoria is a popular way to get to the coast since tickets are only $18 each way. Once you arrive, downtown Astoria is walkable. During warmer months, you can take a ride on the historic riverfront trolley for just $2 a day.  

Local tip: If you’re arriving by air, catch the light rail at the south end of the PDX terminal building. 

See the very best of Oregon with our guide to the top places to visit

Visit the beach during the shoulder season 

The Oregon coast is most popular from Memorial Day through the end of September. This means lodging comes at a premium. You’ll save money if you plan your visit outside of that time frame. The weather can be quite lovely in spring and fall and the beaches are far less crowded. Even stormy winter days are beautiful on the coast when waves crash on the surf.

Purchase your lift tickets in advance 

If you’re planning a ski trip to a destination like Timberline or Mt Bachelor , you’ll save money by purchasing your lift ticket online. If your plans are flexible, search for a few different dates to find the best deal. Most of the time you’ll get a better price the farther you book in advance. Since ski season in Oregon usually lasts through April or May, there are plenty of dates to choose from. 

Explore Southern Oregon 

In addition to attractions like Crater Lake National Park , Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve  and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Southern Oregon is home to fantastic vineyards and wineries. Besides being an amazing vacation destination, lodging, restaurants, and activities like wine tasting usually cost less than they do in hot spots like Portland or Willamette Valley. Base yourself in Grants Pass, Ashland or Klamath Falls to save money without sacrificing memorable experiences.

Book hotel rooms or rental houses during the week 

Most hotels and rental homes are cheaper on weekdays than they are on weekends. If you aren’t tied to a specific date, try playing with booking platforms to see how much your stay will cost on different days of the week. You can put the money you save towards meals or transportation. 

Take advantage of free or discounted museum days 

Many of Oregon’s best museums offer free or discounted admission to the public regularly. Examples include free admission to the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute in Pendleton on the first Friday of every month, free admission to the Portland Art Museum on the first Thursday of every month, or $5 admission to the Omni Museum of Science and Industry on the first Sunday of every month. Free admission and discount programs are usually listed on museum websites. 

Stay in a hostel

Forge friendships with fellow travelers and save big bucks on lodging with accommodations at properties like Portland Hostel , where dorm-style beds cost as little as $36 a night. If you’re traveling to the Oregon coast, a shared room at the Seaside Lodge and International Hostel can be yours for about $50 a night. In Southern Oregon, shared rooms at Ashland Commons Hostel are as little as $28 a night.

Time your visit to Oregon just right with this seasonal guide

Oregon’s state parks are not only beautiful, they are excellent places to stay . Although prices at individual parks vary, you can generally expect to pay about $17 a night for a tent site, between $30–40 for a non-resident RV site, and about $50 a night for a yurt or rustic cabin. For exact rates, search for your dates and desired location online.

Snag a wine-tasting passport 

Tasting fees at Oregon’s wineries typically run from $15–25 a person, although they can easily cost more, depending on the winery. If you’re visiting several wineries, it can put a serious dent in your budget. The Heart of Willamette Passport offers free or discounted tastings at wineries in the Corvallis area for a one-time fee of $45. If you’re traveling with a plus one, a second passport can be purchased at a $5 discount. 

Seek out happy hours

Happy hour is hardly a new concept but the discounts are especially rewarding in a food-centric city like Portland. Find $5 cocktails and two tacos for $5 at Pig Patas Tacos or $10 chicken sandwiches with half-off bottles of wine at Radio Room . There are plenty of great happy hours in other parts of the state, too, including $6 for poutine and wings plus discounted drinks at Taproot Lounge and Cafe in Salem. 

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Hello friends!

12 replies to this topic

Would you be willing to go as far as Orick, CA, for the redwoods? Elk Meadows Cabins is awesome. You can walk into the redwood forest, and the elk bed down right outside your door. Lady Bird Johnson Park and other redwood sites are very close, and you can get great food in Trinidad, CA.

You'll be taking 199 to Crescent City and then north on 101. Jedediah Smith SP is just a few miles inland from Crescent City on 199 and is one of the jewels of the Redwood National and State Park system. It's a great place to get the redwood experience. One concern for your timing, however; there's a lot of roadwork and delays along 199 now.

Your best route back to Bend / Redmond from Bandon would be 42/138/97. Another route might be 43/I-5N/126/20. Both routes offer great scenery. Neither would be considered fast.

OregonPapa-- Yes we have pretty much 9 full days in Oregon, and I do have a reservation for Mazama Cabins on Day 5. I greatly appreciate your suggestions on possible routes!

Agree with#2 that Jedediah Smith is a magnificent redwood experience. Given the amount of driving you will do not sure it is worth the drive to redwoods further south.

As for your 'how to get back to Redmond ' question that has been largely ignored, since you like nature I recommend taking Hwy 42 from Bandon to Roseburg, Hwy 138 to Hwy 97, then north to Redmond. It's not much more time than the other main route but loads more scenic and has some nice trail access along Hwy 138.

OR-138 is the Rouge-Umpqua Scenic Byway and has lots of waterfalls. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umpqua/maps-pubs/?cid=stelprdb5374247 Select brochures for the Byway and Thundering Waters for the waterfalls from this Forest Service website. The Susan Creek Falls and Falls Creek Falls are in the 2020 wildfire burn scar and are devoid of live trees.

You folks are all so awesome and helpful! I do appreciate your taking the time to respond to my questions. Can’t wait for our trip 😊

Late May most likely be fine for Central Oregon with upper 60's weather. Rain is possible but not likely. 3000-5000' elevation areas probably no snow. Snow pack is normal this year but going fast.

Painted Hills, Smith Rock, Bend area hikes, Newberry Crater lower areas, etc. will all be great. Crater Lake will be your snow area. If you headed west some from Bend to the town of Sisters areas or further to Camp Sherman (Metolius River) all the snow is gone there thankfully.

Century Drive could be completely open by then.

https://visitbend.com/

https://visitbend.com/journal/newberry-crater-national-monument/

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