Ultimate Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary (+ Free Map!)

Dotted with charming fishing towns and ruggedly beautiful beaches, the Oregon Coast is one of the best places in the USA to take a road trip. We’ve put together a detailed guide filled with things to do, where to eat, and driving times so you can plan the perfect Oregon Coast road trip itinerary. We even have a free map just for you!

With 363 miles of coastline, it should come as no surprise that one of the quintessential things to do in Oregon is to take a road trip on the coast. The iconic Highway 101 hugs the shoreline and quaint fishing towns dot the ocean’s edge.

Some of my fondest memories as a kid were traveling on a classic West Coast road trip through Washington, Oregon and California with my family. And as an adult, I’ve got Ben hooked on this region too. In a span of just a few years, we’ve taken two Oregon coast road trips, and they sure as hell won’t be our last!

This detailed guide has everything you’ll need to plan the perfect Oregon coast road trip!

Whether you’re traveling around Oregon for the first time or you’ve lived in the state all your life, there are sure to be some tips in this article for everyone!

In this article you’ll find:

• We’re sharing the best stops along the Oregon coast, from north to south. Some stops are towns while others are state parks or landmarks.
• We’ll describe what makes each place unique, as well as our honest opinion of whether it’s worth the stop.
• We’ve got all sorts of tips on what to do and where to eat.
• Between each destination, we have the driving time listed so you can plan your route accordingly.
• Near the bottom of this article, we have some sample Oregon coast itineraries with different amounts of time so the hard work is done for you!

Oregon Coast Road Trip Guide

• Oregon Coast overview
• Tips & things to know about the Oregon Coast
• Oregon Coast road trip map
• Oregon Coast road trip stops
• Oregon Coast itinerary
• Transportation
• What to pack
• Where to stay

Note: We’ve included plenty of tips for vanlife travelers in this article. If you’re curious about vanlife and want to test it out, here are some resources that will be super helpful:

• This guide to the best campervan rental companies in the US includes exclusive discounts for our readers.
• If you’re starting your trip in Portland, this guide details the best campervan rentals in Portland specifically.

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Oregon Coast overview

The Oregon coast is full of cute fishing towns, amazing fresh seafood, driftwood-strewn beaches, winding roads with epic viewpoints, and picturesque picnic spots. The only other place we know of like this in the world is the South African Garden Route. 

There’s so much to do and see that it can be a little overwhelming to figure out where to start and what stops to make along the way.

We’re going over all the top places to see on an Oregon coast road trip to help you plan the perfect route, no matter how much (or how little!) time you have.

We’re sharing our honest opinions of some of the most popular coastal towns in Oregon so we can help you decide which ones to put on your road trip itinerary and which ones to skip. Spoiler Alert: Some of the most popular towns are ones we’d give a miss!

Tips & things to know about the Oregon Coast

First things first, we have some important advice to share with you before you hop in your car and head to the coast.

Don’t make these common mistakes on your Oregon Coast road trip

There are some common mistakes people make, and we want you to be prepared!

• The weather can change drastically. It’s not uncommon for it to shift from fog and wind to cloudless sunny skies to rain all in one day.
• Don’t plan on your trip being filled with sun-soaked beach days. (You may want to go to southern California for that!) But if you get a beautiful sunny day or two, stop everything and rejoice because you’re lucky!
• Understand the Marine Layer. If you’re not already familiar, this phenomenon occurs in many coastal areas and makes for thick fog, cooler temperatures, and overall gloomy conditions. (See the picture below!) Sometimes it can last all day, while other times the sun will burn it off mid-morning and you’ll be rewarded with blue skies. Even if the marine layer is thick, you can often head inland just a bit and find very different weather, blue skies and all!
• Put on sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy. Don’t be deceived, you can get burned through the marine layer (and also through clouds!).
• Cell service can be spotty. 
  • Insider Tip: Download offline version of Google Maps and AllTrails because there will likely be times when you’re without service on the Oregon coast. 
• If you’re traveling in a campervan, pay careful attention to signage for overnight parking.

Tips for enjoying your Oregon Coast road trip

• Seafood lovers will be in heaven! Plan to eat as much fresh fish, oysters, crab, and clams as you can while on the coast.
  • Mo’s Seafood & Chowder is a staple chain that you’ll see all over the coast, but the original location is in Newport.
  • Psst! This article is packed full of food suggestions, so be sure to take notes!
• Good hotels book up well in advance, especially in the summertime and even more so on the weekends. Same goes for campgrounds and Airbnbs, so book in advance if possible.

Where can you camp overnight in your campervan? You can’t park just anywhere, after all… Our advice is to download The Dyrt, an app that’ll take your campervan game to the next level. Use this link to get 30 days of the Pro Membership totally free (no strings attached). We’ve also got a whole article all about ways to find free camping if you want more info!

• The road along the coast (Highway 101) is windy and narrow in parts. Drive carefully.
• Plan to have picnics on your Oregon coast road trip. There are many perfect opportunities, so pack your favorite picnic foods, utensils, and a blanket so you’re prepared. 
• Pay attention to the tide tables. While you won’t be able to plan out every stop along the way according to high and low tides, it’s good to know what to expect. For instance, if you want to see tide pools, you’ll need to visit at low tide.
  • This website is a good resource for tide tables.

• Weekends in the summer can get crazy busy. Everyone from Portland migrates to the coast on the weekends… or so it seems. Be prepared.
• Trailheads can get super busy and often times people park alongside the (narrow) road.
  • Tip: Check out all the best Oregon Coast hikes to plan your hikes before you arrive and get to the trailheads early!
• An Oregon State Park Pass is good to have and will likely save you money in the long run!
• Be prepared for wind! Some beaches and lookout points can get incredibly windy. Like, sand whipping in your eyes, windy! You’ve been warned.

• You can have bonfires on the beach. There are places all along the coast that sell firewood for $5 a bundle.
• Native lands: The first people to call the Oregon coast home are the following native peoples (in order from north to south):
  • Chinook
  • Tillamook and Siletz
  • Alsea
  • Siuslaw
  • Coos
  • Athabaskans
    • Find more info here
• Catch as many sunsets as you can! You’re on the West Coast after all, and there are some spectacular opportunities for watching the sun sink into the deep blue oblivion of the ocean. 

Whew, that was a lot! But we hope this helps get you prepared for an epic trip. Now let’s move on to the fun stuff… the planning!

Oregon Coast road trip map

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Oregon Coast road trip stops

Astoria

At a Glance: Harbor town with history & a good food and beer scene

Driving to Astoria from Portland: 98 miles / 1 hour 50 minutes

This quaint riverside town on the very northern edge of the Oregon coast has a special, unpretentious kind of charm. We’ve heard people describe it as a “small San Francisco”. 

Both are harbor towns with a strong tie to fishing. Both have (steep!) hills and green space. And while Astoria lacks San Francisco’s diversity and lively nightlife, it has an undeniable allure that we think you’ll dig.

With a pretty decent food and brewery scene, as well as lots of things to do, Astoria makes a great first stop on your Oregon coast road trip (especially if you’re coming from Portland, as it’s not a long drive).

Things to do in Astoria

We have a big ol’ guide of the best things to do in Astoria, so definitely check that out before planning your trip. But here’s a glance at some of the highlights:

• Climb to the top of the Astoria Column. Towering at 125 feet tall, this column is a town icon and offers unrivaled views of the Columbia River below. 
• Walk the Cathedral Tree Trail: Take a 1.5-mile out-and-back walk through a forested trail that passes a giant sitka spruce tree.
• Fort Stevens State Park: Just about 20 minutes from town, this state park is known for its wide sandy beaches and a shipwreck, the Peter Iredale. 
• Astoria Museums: If you’re into museums (or are just looking for a way to spend a rainy day), there are several museums in the town of Astoria.
• Sample local craft beer: If you’re a beer-lover, you’ll have no shortage of options in Astoria. There are tons to choose from! 

Food & drink in Astoria

For tons of food and drink suggestions, check out our Astoria, Oregon guide!

26 Awesome Things to do in Astoria, Oregon

Where to stay in Astoria

Driving from Astoria to Seaside: 17 miles / 30 minutes

Seaside

At a glance: Popular beachside town with a large resort feel

I’m going to be blunt right off the bat: We didn’t love Seaside.

But it’s one of the most popular towns on the Oregon coast, so we couldn’t very well leave it off this list. Keep reading to see if it’s a place you’d enjoy…

My dad put a photo lab in Seaside back in the 70’s (yep, he traveled around the US and helped set up photo labs!) and said at that time it was a really cool little beach town. Well, fast-forward to today and it almost has a mini Atlantic City vibe.

There are some diner-style restaurants, an arcade, and cheesy souvenir shops with graphic tees sporting phrases like “I pooped today” printed across the chest (yep, that gem of a shirt was on display when we walked through town). And to top it off, there’s a towering timeshare resort that’s kind of an eyesore right along the beach. 

I think I would have liked this town back in the day… But in my opinion, there are many other towns I prefer along the Oregon coast.

Our opinion on Seaside: There’s no hiding how we felt about Seaside. But here’s the thing… some people must love it because it was packed with families and teenagers who looked super stoked to be there. So if you’re in the area and have time to check it out, don’t let our opinion dissuade you. But if you’re pressed for time, this is one city that could be given a miss (in our opinion, of course).

Things to do in Seaside

• Sunset at the beach: The sunset at Seaside is pretty wonderful. But it’s also wonderful all along the coast, so Seaside isn’t necessarily a stand-out in any way. But if you’re there in the evening don’t miss the sunset. M‘kay?
• Grab gelato: The one saving grace about our time in Seaside was that we popped into a gelato shop — the only one still open after 9 p.m. when we got those ice cream cravings — and we waited in a long line for what I anticipated would be a mediocre cone. But damn, it was gooooood. Their sign says they are voted the “best ice cream in Oregon”, and while we can’t vouch for that, I can say it was pretty dang good. Other than Tillamook, it was my favorite cone on our trip.
  • Psst! If you like cheesecake, I’d highly recommend the cheesecake flavored gelato (paired with a berry flavor, perhaps?!). It tasted like a cheesecake was frozen and made into ice cream. Yum!
• Go hiking in Ecola State Park: We’ll dive a little deeper into this state park in the next section, but if you’re big on hiking, there is access to a pretty sweet trail (Tillamook Head) from the southern limit of Seaside.
• Walk the “Prom” (aka the 1.5-mile long promenade that borders the ocean). Lined with beachgrass and sandy dunes, this walk is a good place to people-watch or just get a morning jog in. Along the Prom, you’ll spot a monument dedicated to Lewis and Clark, as this was a place the expedition group supposedly made salt with which they preserved their meat.

Driving from Seaside to Cannon Beach: 9 miles / 15 minutes

Ecola State Park

Sprawling along 9 miles of coastline between Seaside and Cannon Beach sits Ecola State Park, and it is well worth a stop on your road trip.

With cliffside lookouts, secluded beaches, clusters of sea stacks, and thick old growth forest, Ecola State Park is a coastal gem.

Points of interest in Ecola State Park

• Indian Beach: Beautiful beach for surfing, or relaxing (and watching the surfers!). There are also tide pools on this beach.
• Clatsop Loop Trail: This 2.5-mile hike follows a historical interpretive route.
• Tillamook Head Hike: With a path that winds through dense forest and brings you to epic ocean lookouts, this is an excellent hike to add to your itinerary. On a clear day, you will be rewarded with views of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, which is perched on an island just offshore. This hike can be started from either the trailhead at Indian Beach or the Tillamook Head trailhead at the very southern edge of Seaside. The hike is 6 miles from end to end, but unless you have two cars (one to park at either end of the trail), you’ll likely have to hike out and back, making the hike roughly 12 miles in total.
  • Feeling adventurous?! You have the option of spending the night at one of the 3 huts at Hikers Camp. Each cabin is equipped with 4 basic wooden bunk beds and a canvas door. There is also a fire pit, bundles of firewood for sale, and a covered picnic area. This is a free spot to camp, but make sure you are packing everything you bring out with you and carefully following the Leave No Trace principles.

Cost: $5 per car to enter (or free with an Oregon State Parks Pass)

Cannon Beach

At a Glance: Charming beach town with iconic sea stack formations and tide pools

Unlike it’s larger neighbor 7 miles to the north (aka Seaside), Cannon Beach still retains some small town charm despite it also being a very touristy town.

The shops and houses all have the cedar shingles and white shutter combo that are ubiquitous in upscale ocean towns. The attraction for which Cannon Beach is most well known is the iconic Haystack rock formation that sits just off the beach.

Things to do in Cannon Beach, Oregon

• Explore the tide pools around Haystack Rock. Get a timetable from the visitor center and make sure you’re in town for a low tide so you can explore the tide pools. There are so many little sea critters that come out when the waters are low, like purple starfish and bright orange anemones, to name a couple!
  • Responsible Travel Tip: Be careful of where you step so you don’t crush any living rock clams. Only step on solid rock or sand, and watch when the tide starts to come back in.
• Explore Ecola State Park. See some recommended trails in the section above.
• Have a bonfire on the beach. Bring snacks, music and blankets (it can get cold and windy at night!) and enjoy an unparalleled view of Haystack Rock.
• Explore Hug Point and walk to the waterfall on the beach. (More info in the section below.)
• Spend the afternoon at Arcadia Beach.

Check out our complete guide to Cannon Beach for all the information you need to plan a trip here.

13 Cool Things to Do in Cannon Beach, Oregon

Food & drink in Cannon Beach

• Wake up at Sleepy Monk: With excellent coffee and the best pastries in town, this is an excellent place to get your morning fix before heading to the beach. Their entire bakery case looked amazing, but this is what we ordered (and loved!):
  • signature lemon poppyseed cake with layers of yummy lemon zest frosting
  • savory scone… bacon, bleu cheese and chives, can I get a hell yeah?!
• Another good spot for a caffeine fix is Insomnia Coffee Co. With a cozy feel, friendly staff and strong coffee, we sure didn’t have any complaints.
• Grab happy hour at Driftwood Restaurant – Get there for happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily for $6 Chowder Bread Bowls and $6 glasses of wine to enjoy around an outdoor fire pit.
• Sample local beer at Pelican Brewing. ‘Nuff said.

Where to stay in Cannon Beach

Driving from Cannon Beach to Hug Point: 4.5 miles / 6 minutes

Hug Point

At a glance: Beach with an oceanside waterfall and cave

As you drive south of Cannon Beach, keep your eyes peeled because it can be easy to miss the small parking area. If you’re there on a weekend (like we were), you might notice cars clustered along the side of the highway before you even get to the turnout, signaling that the parking lot is likely full.

The beach itself isn’t all that large, but the thing that makes this beach special is the small waterfall that spills out onto the beach and flows into the Pacific. Next to it is a shallow cave that provides a nice spot of shade for those wanting to get out of the sun. 

Fun Fact: Apparently this area got its name in the late 19th century before Highway 101 was constructed. At the time, the only way for those on the Oregon Trail to travel along the coast was along the beach. On this narrow section of coastline, the settlers had to wait for low tide before driving their stagecoaches… being sure to hug the point. We didn’t see it, but supposedly, you can still see some stagecoach tracks that had been carved in the rocks along the shore.

Driving from Hug Point to Oswald West: 5 miles / 6 minutes

Oswald West State Park

At a glance: State park with secluded sandy beaches and old growth forests

Located just 9.6 miles south of Cannon Beach, stopping at this state park should definitely be on your itinerary!

A short and easy hike through an old growth forest will bring you to an idyllic beach, bordered by towering trees, strewn with smooth rocks and driftwood, and dotted with surfers trying to catch a wave.

This was one of our favorite beaches along the Oregon coast!

Good to know: If you visit on a sunny Saturday in July (like we did!), you might barely find a spot to park. But even on the most crowded of days, a visit to this gem of a state park is well worth your time.

Driving from Oswald West to Manzanita: 5 miles / 8 minutes

Neahkahnie Beach Viewpoint

At a glance: Stunning viewpoint that overlooks the beach below

If we were going to share all the stunning viewpoints along the Oregon coast, this article would never end. Seriously.

There are countless viewpoints along Highway 101, and we’d encourage you to pull over whenever you get the urge — as long as there’s a safe pull-out spot, of course! It can be quite difficult in some areas to turn around and go back to a viewpoint you missed, so if you see a pretty spot, slow down.

Part of the fun of an Oregon coast road trip is discovering hidden viewpoints and pulling over just for the hell of it. You can find some serious gems this way! But we are sharing this particular viewpoint because it’s quite special.

Keep an eye on your map so that you have time to pull over. There are a few different pull-out points, and the vantage point from the cliffside overlooking a long stretch of sandy beach is absolutely breathtaking, especially on a sunny day when the water shimmers with turquoise hues, almost resembling a tropical destination.

Have some extra time? There are some epic hikes on the Neahkahnie Mountain, overlooking the beach below.

Manzanita

At a glance: Artsy little town with a low-key vibe

Flanked on one side by pine forests and the ocean on the other, this tiny town is less crowded than many of its busier neighbors.

Manzanita is essentially comprised of a cluster of small shops lining one main street that follows the coastline, but the town is undeniably charming.

Things to do in Manzanita

• Browse the shops: Pop into the boutiques lining the street as you make your way down to the ocean.
• Get a sandwich to go! If you’re hungry, grab a sandwich at Manzanita Grocery & Deli and bring it down to the beach to enjoy with a view. Just be warned that this stretch can get particularly windy!  
• The Winery at Manzanita is a great spot for relaxing with a glass of pinot noir and enjoying a beautiful rooftop view. When it’s cool outside, they turn on the outdoor fire pits and even offer all the fixings for s’mores.
• MacGregor’s Whisky Bar: With beautiful charcuterie boards, whiskey tastings and handcrafted cocktails, this quaint little bar is not to be missed if you’re in town during the evening.
• Shop the Farmers Market. Open seasonally on Friday evenings, you’ll find fresh produce, artisan goods and live music.
• Wanda’s Cafe + Bakery: Great pasties and breakfast offerings in a friendly, casual atmosphere (just outside Manzanita).
• Rising Star Cafe in the nearby town of Wheeler looks fantastic if you want a nicer dining experience. Be sure to check out their website, as they are only open seasonally.
• Explore Nehalem Bay State Park: With trails and sand dunes, this is a beautiful place to wander.

Where to stay in Manzanita

Camping: Nehalem Bay State Park has a large campground with lots of amenities, and even yurts you can stay in.

Driving from Manzanita to Kelly’s Brighton Marina: 8 miles / 13 minutes

Kelly’s Brighton Marina

At a glance: Marina with a casual seafood restaurant, cheap beer, outdoor seating, and camping

This is less of a restaurant than it is a destination.

This marina-restaurant-campground-bait shop is the perfect blend of everything we love about the Oregon coast. There’s a fun, laidback vibe, reasonably-priced seafood, and a postcard-worthy view (especially if you’re there on a sunny day!). 

If you’re limited on time, you can choose to order a seafood meal and enjoy it at a dockside table. But on the flip side, you can make a day of hanging at the marina…

Grab your camping chairs and bring them out to the dock to try your hand at crabbing! It’s pretty simple, really. You’ll be given a crab ring (essentially a ring the size of a small hula hoop with a rope netting around it and bait inside). You’ll toss it out into the water and wait 10-15 minutes before pulling it in. 

You’re only allowed to keep male crabs, so the females can continue to reproduce more (delicious) crabs! And they must be over a certain size. Chances are you’ll have to throw many back into the water, but cross your fingers that you get one big enough to keep. If you do, Kelly’s will cook it for you for free. That’s right, FREE!

Insider Tip: the best crabbing happens in the morning when the tide is coming in (bringing crabs right to you!). We went two times: Once earlier in the day and once later, and the morning was far superior. 

Rental costs:

• $15 for a crab ring and bait (aka a fish head)
• $3.50 for a bucket and crab measuring tool

Also, if you’re up for it, pop into the convenience shop and pick up a beer (or two!). At around $3.50 per can of craft beer, they’re very reasonably priced.

Camping? Kelly’s offers camping packages that are actually quite a good deal. Looking for a free spot to stealth camp? Head onto Rockaway Beach and read our tip below…

Driving from Kelly’s Brighton Marina to Rockaway Beach: 4 miles / 6 minutes

Rockaway Beach

At a glance: Town with lots of vacation rentals situated along a very long beach

Another cutie, the town of Rockaway Beach is more or less concentrated right around Highway 101, which hugs the ocean. The town is long, and there’s not exactly a main walking street, as you’ll find in many other coastal towns.

While not as polished as Cannon Beach or as picturesque as Oceanside, Rockaway Beach makes a great stop as there are a lot of vacation rentals in this town, and a large beach to be explored.

Things to do in Rockaway Beach

• Photograph Twin Rocks. These iconic sea stacks lie just off shore, and one has an archway that you can see through.
• Hike to the Rockaway Big Tree. Just off Highway 101 is a trailhead that leads to this massive Western Red Cedar tree. Towering at 154 feet tall and just under 50 feet in circumference around the base, this tree is well worth the .5-mile walk to see. The newly constructed boardwalk makes getting there easy for travelers of all abilities.
• Wander around the peculiar Troxell’s Rock Garden. This quirky “garden” is full of all sorts of rocks, fossils and art, and is free to visit. If you find a rock you’d like to keep as a souvenir, you pay what you think is fair. And if you’re into mini golf, there’s a course that is $3 per person for unlimited play.
• Walk along Manhattan Beach. Just north of Rockaway, this beach is quiet and beautiful.

Food & drink in Rockaway Beach

• Offshore Grill and Coffee House: Sandwiches, salads, coffee and baked goods in a cozy space
• New Taste of India Food Truck: If you’re craving something other than seafood, this food truck is said to have amazing food
• Old Oregon Smoke House: This town staple is the place to come for seafood
• Littoral Bar: Excellent cocktails as well as eclectic paninis and soups in a cozy setting with an outdoor deck

Where to stay in Rockaway Beach

Camping: If you’re in a campervan, there’s a parking lot right on the beach where to you can stay overnight for free. There aren’t any parking restrictions and there’s  a public restroom nearby. This place get bonus points because there’s a shop serving big scoops of Tillamook ice cream right across the street!

Driving from Rockaway Beach to Garibaldi: 5 miles / 9 minutes

Garibaldi

At a glance: Fishing village with a pretty marina

If you’re into fishing villages and not into the touristy thing, Garibadi will be your jam. It’s cute. It’s not crowded or packed with selfie sticks. It’s a real, true fishing town.

While there’s not a ton to do in the town itself, it’s worth getting out of your car and stretching your legs, if only just to glimpse the picturesque marina.

Things to do in Garibaldi

• Take a scenic train ride. The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad runs between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach. You can begin your journey in either town, enjoy a 30-minute layover, then return to your starting point. The train runs daily during the summer months, and only on weekends during the fall. Check their website for times and ticket availability.
  • Cost: $22 for adults
• Photograph the marina. It’s beautiful!
• Check out Fishpeople Seafood. Find fresh catches of the day, packaged items, and merch in this sustainable fish market.
• Try your hand at fishing! Whether you’re new to fishing or are an expert angler, Lewis and Clark guide service can cater a fishing trip to you. Fish for salmon or halibut, and cross your fingers that you catch something for dinner!
• Eat some fresh fish & chips. Sea Baron Fish & Chips is a food truck in Garibaldi that’s known for serving up some tasty (and super fresh!) fish.

Driving from Garibaldi to Oceanside: 19 miles / 30 minutes

Tillamook Creamery

At a glance: Famous Oregon creamery that offers tours

This farmer-owned creamery is a state institution and a must-visit on your Oregon coast road trip.

If you’re not from Oregon and haven’t tried Tillamook ice cream or cheese, you’re in for a real treat. And if you’re an Oregonian through and through you already know the magic we’re talking about… Where better to indulge than at the source?!

Visit the Tillamook Creamery and take a self-guided tour of the newly-constructed facility and learn all about how your favorite dairy items are made.

Once you’ve seen the process, it’s time to give these dangerously delicious dairy creations a taste! Order from the dairy-heavy menu (would you expect anything less?!) at the onsite restaurant.

With items like gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese curds, mac ’n cheese, and of course, their famed ice cream, you’re sure to find something that strikes your fancy… unless you’re lactose intolerant, of course. In that case, I’m very sorry!

Other things to do in Tillamook

While visiting the creamery is the biggest draw of this town for most outside visitors, there are other things to do in town that don’t involve dairy!

• Go kayaking! Kayak Tillamook offers tours that run along 100 miles of waterways in the area. Choose from scenic trips to moonlight tours, or learn how to dig for clams from a kayak!
• Stock up on picnic supplies. Blue Heron is a shop nearby where you can pick up cheeses, salads, or even a Tillamook ice cream cone. It’s an alright alternative if you’re needing some dairy and can’t make it to the Tillamook Creamery.
• Wander around downtown Tillamook. In addition to the creamery, downtown Tillamook is pretty cute, so give it a gander if you have the time.
• Grab a beer at Pelican Brewery.
• Enjoy fresh oysters and wine at JAndy Oyster Co.

Oceanside

At a glance: Quaint cliffside town with a unique beach

This is one of the most picturesque towns on the Oregon coast (in my humble opinion).

With cliffs dotted with cedar-shingled houses that jut up from the ocean, sea stacks just off shore, and far fewer tourists than many other coastal towns, Oceanside kind of feels like a hidden gem.

First things first… this town is very small. There are only a couple cafes in town, and not much going on. If you’re looking for lots of things to keep you busy, Oceanside won’t be the best base.

But if you’re looking for a romantic getaway at the ocean, there are few places better suited. Rent a cute Airbnb (like this one!) and wake up on vacation time.

Things to do in Oceanside

• Sea Stacks: There are sea stacks just off the shore that you’ll see as you drive into town. One of the rock formations has an arch!
• Tunnel beach: This is kind of just what it sounds like… a tunnel that leads to a “hidden” beach! Compared to many beaches on the Oregon coast, this one tends to be less crowded and is a good place to spot mussels, starfish and cool rocks. Plus, from this beach, you’ll see even more sea stacks off in the distance.
• Cape Meares Lighthouse: Just north of town, you can visit this beautiful lighthouse.
• See the Octopus Tree! This massive spruce tree appears to have many trunks, making it look like an octopus! Located near the Cape Meares Lighthouse, stop by the tree while you’re in the area.
• Cozy up in one of the cute cafes in Oceanside:
  • Blue Agate Café: excellent breakfast and lunch with a focus on fresh seafood.
  • Rosemary’s: Breakfast, lunch and dinner with an ocean view.

Good to know: We got very patchy cell service in Oceanside, and it seemed kind of like a dead spot (at least for Verizon), so just be prepared!

Where to stay in Oceanside

Driving from Oceanside to Netarts Bay: 2.6 miles / 6 minutes

Netarts Bay

At a glance: Best place for fresh oysters

The small town of Netarts is situated at the north end of the bay after which it takes its name. This is one of the lesser-developed ares along the coast, and as you drive the road along the bay, the marshy wetlands may make you forget for a moment that you’re on the ocean.

If you like fresh oysters, you’ll be in heaven as this is one of the best places along the coast to enjoy your favorite shellfish. Just be sure to look up the hours of the establishments in the area, as they are only open for the afternoon.

• JAndy Oysters: This garage-turned oyster bar in downtown Tillamook (just north of Netarts) may seem unassuming, but the oysters are top-notch and so is the wine.
  • Insider Tip: Their house-smoked oysters are fantastic!
• Jacobsens Salt: This bay is known for its high salinity and is a perfect place for harvesting sea salt. You can see how its made and buy some of their gourmet sea salt products. I actually saw an interview with the owner on an international flight and have been intrigued ever since! Sadly, this locally-famous establishment was closed at the time we visited, but next time we’re on the coast we’re determined to get here. 

Three Capes Scenic Route

This scenic drive starts just north of Oceanside and ends at Pacific City. It passes by — you guessed it! — three scenic capes along the way (they didn’t get very creative with naming the route!).

• Cape Meares: Just north of Oceanside, this steep bluff is great for spotting whales during migration season. Also, Cape Meares has two extremes — the largest Sitka Spruce in Oregon as well as the shortest lighthouse in Oregon.
• Cape Lookout: This day use area is popular with families and has lots of excellent picnicking areas, walking trails and secluded beaches.
• Cape Kiwanda: The smallest of the three capes, this area just north of Pacific City is known for some epic waves! There are also some nice hiking trails in the area.

For this section of your road trip, you’ll want to veer off Highway 101, which takes a more inland route at this point. Instead, you’ll hug the shoreline.

Driving from Cape Meares to Cape Kiwanda: 29 miles / 45 minutes (though that’s without any stops, and you’ll definitely want to make some!)

Pacific City

At a glance: Popular surf town with a sandy dune

We were there on a weekend day and holy crap, it was BUSY! There were no parking spots in town whatsoever. We ended up parking on the highway in a kind of sketchy spot and walking to town. Yikes.

So, is it worth it? I suppose it depends.

In our experience (on a crazy-busy-sunny-summer-weekend!), we didn’t love it. But that is mostly because of how crowded it was when we visited. Had we gone at a less busy time, our feelings may be different.

Pacific City is really popular with surfers. And to us, it felt like the closest thing to southern California that you’ll find on the Oregon coast. So if that’s the vibe you’re after, you may love it.

What’s there to do in Pacific City?

• The original Pelican Brewing (a coast favorite!) is right on the beach, so that’s a must for all beer lovers like us.
• Go surfing! If you’re up for it, Pacific City has great waves.
• Cape Kiwanda is one of the three scenic capes in the area and is worth exploring!
• The Great Dune is just off the main beach in Pacific City, and can be climbed to the top for a great view and a fun place to hang out for a bit.

Driving from Pacific City to Lincoln City: 22 miles / 30 minutes

Lincoln City

At a glance: Larger coastal town with 7 miles of beach to explore (more than any other city on the Oregon coast)

One of the bigger towns on the coast, Lincoln City is known for their bi-annual kite festivals, glass blowing community, and like just about every other coastal town, fresh seafood!

As we approached Lincoln City on Highway 101, the strip malls and chain stores made me question how much I’d like this town… but it turns out once you get off the highway, it get progressively more charming.

While not as quaint as many of the smaller and less commercialized towns on the Oregon coast, Lincoln City has a relatively large and spacious beach as well as a bourgeoning foodie scene, making it a good place to add to your Oregon coast itinerary if you have the time.

Things to do in Lincoln City

• Stock up on smoked salmon at Barnacle Bill’s. Situated just off Highway 101, this small shop doesn’t look like much, but don’t be fooled and pass it by. Barnacle Bill’s is known for their excellent smoked salmon, and there was a long (but quick-moving!) line on the day we visited. They also have a selection of fresh seafood that varies by availability, but don’t leave without trying the smoked salmon. Seriously.
  • Good to know: This place is cash only (but there is an ATM on site)
• Search for blown glass on the beach. Finders Keepers is a program where local artisans hide blown glass “floats” on the 7-mile stretch of beach from Siletz Bay (south) to Roads End (north). Each year, there are 3,000 glass floats that are up for grabs. And as the old saying goes… finders keepers! I so wish we would have known about this cool program before our visit. Read up on the details of the program here so you don’t miss out.
• Make or design your own blown glass creation. Whether you didn’t get lucky enough to find a glass float on the beach or you want to awaken your inner artist, Lincoln City is a great place to learn the art of glass blowing. Check out the Lincoln City Glass Center’s website to see their current offerings or visit AlderHouse where you can have their resident artists customize a piece for you.

• Hike to God’s Thumb. On the very north end of town is a grassy mound that vaguely resembles a giant thumb. (I personally think in general people took a bit of liberty with the names of many rock formations on the Oregon coast!) The trailhead for this 4.8-mile out and back hike is a bit difficult to find, and the entrance point has recently changed. Follow these instructions for getting there so you don’t accidentally trespass.
  • Good to know: Beware that this trail can get very muddy, so come prepared and look up trail conditions before you begin the hike.
• Photograph the creepy “ghost forest beach”. Neskowin Beach is just north of Lincoln City, and if you hit it at the right time of day (aka low tide), you’ll see an eerie sight… tree stumps sticking up in the sand. These are the remains of 2,000-year-old Sitka spruce trees that once populated a forest towering 200 feet tall. Plan your visit around low tide, because you won’t be able to see them during high tide (we made that mistake!). Another feature of Neskowin Beach is a sea stack called Proposal Rock, which you can’t miss!
• Enjoy a splurge-worthy meal at The Bay House: This award-winning restaurant offers 3- or 5-course tasting menus that rotate with what’s seasonally available as well as menu items a la carte. It is said to be excellent (though we can’t speak from experience), and looks to be a memorable dining experience.
• Wander through the Connie Hansen Garden: This one-acre garden isn’t huge, but it’s a nice little oasis in the middle of town and is a change of scenery. The focus of this free garden is on different varieties of rhododendrons (because they thrive in Lincoln City’s cool and damp climate), but there are other seasonal blooms as well.
  • Entry is free (though donations are appreciated), and the garden is open daily from dawn ’til dusk.

Where to stay in Lincoln City

Driving from Lincoln City to Depoe Bay: 12 miles / 19 minutes

Depoe Bay

At a glance: Whale watching capital of Oregon

Depoe Bay has traded the expansive sandy beach you’ll find in neighboring Lincoln City for a rugged coastline dotted with whitecaps and… resident whales!

Often touted as the “whale watching capital of Oregon”, Depoe Bay is the best place to try your luck at spotting these gentle giants on the Oregon coast.

Fun Fact: Apparently Depoe Bay has the world’s smallest harbor!

Things to do in Depoe Bay

• Try to spot a whale (or two!). Between the months of March and December, a resident pod of grey whales call the waters just offshore of Depoe Bay home, giving visitors an excellent chance of spotting them. In fact, after just a few minutes of strolling along the ocean walk, we saw a whale-tail-slap (is that what it’s called?!) in the distance.
  • Insider Tip: If you want a close up view of the whales, you might want to book a whale watching tour. There are several operators in town. According to them, the best time for whale watching is between July and September.
• Wander the main strip and pop into one of the many boutiques.
• Grab coffee at Pirate Coffee Company or LEFT COAST Coffee Co. and stroll along the oceanfront walkway. (Be sure to look to the water for whales!)
• Enjoy breakfast and a harbor view at Whale Bites Cafe.
• Visit Devil’s Punchbowl. This formation was created by erosion, and it makes for a pretty cool stop, especially at low tide when it’s possible to go down into it. Be warned that it can get extremely (like, EXTREMELY!) windy here! If you need something to warm you up, there’s a Mo’s Chowder just beside the viewpoint.

Where to stay in Depoe Bay

Driving from Depoe Bay to Newport: 13 miles / 19 minutes

Newport

At a glance: Bustling coastal city with a busy fishing port

This town is pretty big (one of the larger cities on the coast), and is complete with a Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum… My childhood self would have been stoked, but adult me rolls my eyes when I see a Ripley’s. However, no matter your stance on Ripley’s, there is more to Newport than oddities in a museum.

The town is split in two sections — north of the river and south of the river.

You’ll smell the port before you see it… and if you’re there at the right time, you might see what you’re smelling as they transport it from the docks to the processing center.

Things to do in Newport

• Yaquina Head Lighthouse is well worth a visit. Just north of town, this lighthouse is stunning and the rocks just offshore are perfect for birdwatching. I felt like we had been transported to Iceland for a minute!
• Walk onto the jetty and (hopefully!) spot sea lions. On both the north and south side of the river, a jetty stretches out into the ocean and you can walk pretty far along the rocky structure. We were told by a local that the north jetty is an excellent spot for viewing sea lions, but on the day we went it was so foggy that we couldn’t see more than 10 feet in front of us. So maybe the sea lions were there, but we didn’t see them! The sandy dunes in the Yakina Bay recreation area were pretty cool to see and we watched a few surfers ride into the mist!
• Wander the historic Nye Beach neighborhood. If you work up an appetite, there are plenty of great restaurant options to choose from in this area.
• Go brewery hopping. Choose from the three local breweries (or sample them all!)
  • Newport Brewing
  • Rogue
  • Bier One Brewing
• Learn about the ocean. Nestled in the southern part of town, the Hatfield Marine Science Center and Oregon Coast Aquarium are just blocks apart.
  • The Science Center is part of Oregon State University, and offers educational tours.
  • The Oregon Coast Aquarium was once home to Keiko, the orca that starred in Free Willy, and today it is one of of the most famous aquariums in the US. We aren’t big fans of aquariums or zoos, so we chose to pass on this.
• South Beach Fish Market: Get your fish and chips fix here!
• Mo’s Seafood: This popular coastal chain was started in Newport (established in 1946). Visit the original location and get a bowl of their signature chowder.

Local Oceans Seafood

This restaurant gets its own little section because we think it’s well worth adding to your itinerary if you can.

If you’ve got the budget for a nice seafood dinner on your trip, we’d highly recommend dining at Local Ocean’s Seafood in Newport. They call their restaurant concept “dock to table”, and you dine with a view of the dock where the catch is brought in daily. Can’t get much fresher than that!

Their dishes feature locally caught seafood in classic preparations (like crab cakes and fish and chips) as well as some inventive fusion styles (like salmon bruschetta and a tuna Rueben).

Okay, now the fun part; I’m going to tell you what we ordered! 

• Grilled Calamari Salad: We ordered this dish as an appetizer and it was fantastic. I’m usually a huge fan of the fried version (with yummy dipping sauces!), but this version was so fresh and had been grilled over charcoal and it beats the deep-fried stuff any day. Served as a “salad” with roasted fennel, nicoise olives, poblano peppers, orange, shiitake mushrooms, and queso fresco, it’s a combination that I never would have come up with, but damn, it was fabulous.
• Crab Po’ Boy: While the sandwich seemed a bit small at first, it was loaded with fresh crab! And of course, it was served with a generous portion of fries.
• Moqueca: This was the star of the show! If you order just one of these suggestions, let this be it. This seafood stew apparently has origins in Brazil, and has a light coconut milk base. It is absolutely stuffed with giant prawns, rockfish and piles of fresh Dungeness crab. Oh, and then there’s some veggies (tomato, bell pepper and mushroom) to balance it out. So, sooooo good.

Total Bill: We both ordered a drink, an appetizer, two entrees, and with gratuity, our total bill was just shy of $100. It’s not exactly cheap, but the food was of the highest quality and the portions were large. It was a fun “splurge” meal.

Where to stay in Newport

Driving between Newport & Seal Rock: 11 miles / 15 minutes 

Seal Rock

At a glance: Long beach with rock formations and tide pools

Unlike the name suggests, you aren’t likely to find seals here. Apparently one of the large rock formations resembles a seal… but I didn’t really see it.

Don’t be disappointed though. This beach is well worth a stroll and is a fantastic spot for seeing tide pools filled with little creatures.

Driving from Seal Rock to Yachats: 14 miles / 18 minutes

Yachats

At a glance: Sleepy town set on a stretch of beautifully rugged coast

Instead of sandy beaches, you’ll see waves crashing against rugged black basalt rock, for a very different vibe than some of the more northern coastal towns.

Yachats (pronounced ya-hots… yep, I was saying it wrong too!) is home to fewer than 700 people and the center is just a few blocks. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. It is said that Arthur Frommer (yes, of that Frommer’s), once listed Yachats as one of his top 10 destinations in the world.

Things to do in Yachats:

• Grab a coffee and stroll by the ocean. Green Salmon Coffee Company is an eco-friendly coffeehouse that serves up fair trade brews. Double bonus!
• Browse rocks and fossils at Planet Yachats. This cute little rock store has good prices, and if you’re a rock nerd (like me!), you’ll probably find a few souvenirs! (Open Friday – Monday)
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with a pastry at Bread & Roses Bakery. (Only open on the weekends)
• Enjoy live music and seafood at Luna Sea Fish House. This casual town staple is known for their scratch-made menu featuring only the freshest seafood.
• Cheers with a local craft brew at Yachats Brewing + Farmstore. With a menu focused on farm-to-table fare and an inviting atmosphere with lots of plants (yay!), this is a great stop for both beer and food.
• Explore Cape Perpetua and visit Thor’s Well. More info on that below!

Psst! Check out our guide to Yachats, Oregon for more recommendations!

11 Fun Things to Do in Yachats, Oregon

Where to stay in Yachats

Thor’s Well

At a glance: Naturally formed rock hole near the ocean that creates a cool illusion

Right about smack dab in the center of the Oregon coast lies the natural wonder known as Thor’s Well. You’ll want to be sure to stop here to get a glimpse of this phenomenon!

Located just 3 miles south of Yachats in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, a short walk toward the sea will bring you to what has been nicknamed the “drainpipe of the Pacific” and even the “gate to hell”. Yikes!

The volcanic rock that lines the shores has a gaping hole that fills with water each time a wave comes in. Just as quickly as it fills, it drains away, appearing to be sucked down into the center of the earth (hence those intense nicknames!).

While it’s sometimes referred to as a “sink hole”, experts believe that Thor’s Well likely began as a sea cave. Over time the roof collapsed, leaving us what we see today. Though it appears to be bottomless, it’s actually only around 20 feet deep. But don’t dangle anything valuable above it because there’s no way you’re getting it back!

High tide and low tide look different… If you have time, try to see both. But overall, high tide is more impressive, so plan your visit accordingly if possible.

Good to know: Photos of the hole can be a bit misleading… we were expecting something much larger, but when we arrived we realized it is just about 10 feet across at the widest part. That said, it’s still impressive and worth seeing.

Thor’s Well is the most famous attraction on Cape Perpetua, but there are other “blow holes” (is that a real term?) where you can see more activity. Devil’s Churn and Spouting Horn are two that you’ll find nearby.

How to get to Thor’s Well: We’d recommend parking at the Cape Perpetua Visitors Center and taking the easy and well-marked 10 to 15-minute walk down toward the ocean. Check out this guide to visiting Thor’s Well Oregon for all the information you need!

Fee: A National Forest pass or day use fee is required for parking (an interagency pass, like America the Beautiful, works as well).

Driving between Thor’s Well & Heceta Head: 11 miles / 14 minutes 

Heceta Head Lighthouse

At a glance: Postcard worthy lighthouse requiring a short hike

I have a thing for lighthouses. My parents both really love them, and we’d always visit them on family trips, touring the living quarters and hearing scary stories about storms and shipwreck. Why am I so intrigued by creepy things?!

Anyway, I’ve always had a fascination with lighthouses and find myself dragging Ben to them all around the world.

If you visit one lighthouse on the Oregon coast, Heceta Head should be it.

From the parking lot ($5 day use fee or state park pass required), you’ll follow a forested trail for a half-mile, passing the lighthouse keeper’s residence just before you reach the lighthouse.

Insider Tip: While it’s stunning to see it up close, we recommend taking the path to the right of the trail just before you reach the lighthouse. It’s a short hike up, but you’ll get views from the top overlooking the lighthouse with the ocean in the background. You can turn around and head back down the way you came, or you can continue on the trail which leads to Hobbit Beach.

The state park offers tours of the lighthouse and property between the hours of 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (summer) and 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (winter).

Looking for a splurge? If you’re into lighthouses and have the budget for it, you can rent out a room in the lightkeeper’s house at Heceta Head and let your imagination run wild. Starting at $250 for the cheapest room, it’s not a very budget-friendly accommodation, but it’s sure to be one of the most unique stays on your trip!  

Driving time between Heceta Head & Sea Lion Cave: 1.5 miles / 4 minutes 

Sea Lion Cave

At a glance: Sea lion conservation and observation

This was something we were really skeptical about.

• For starters, we are always really wary of any “animal attraction” because often times these attractions are not ethical or created with the animals’ best interests in mind.
• Secondly – I hope this doesn’t sound snobby – but the branding and signage at the Sea Lion Caves just seemed… dated and cheesy.
• And lastly, we’ve never needed to pay to see wild sea lions. Usually we just park, walk, and look at them. So we were wondering why there was an admission fee in the first place.

Essentially, we were picturing an overpriced kiddie attraction where they were gouging tourists with an unnecessary admission fee.

Buuuut, admittedly sometimes we’re wrong. And this was one of those times.

When we arrived at Sea Lion Cave at 11 a.m. it was busy and a line stretched along the highway. It ended up taking 45 minutes before we got inside.

Good to know: Be very cautious when crossing the road from the parking lot to the entrance because it is a super dangerous stretch and we saw one too many close calls!

After paying the entrance fee, we walked down to an outdoor viewpoint where there were about 150 sea lions (pretty far away!) just chillin’ in the sun on some rocks. I was still a little hesitant because, well, we had just paid a fee to look at sea lions in the distance. But the next stop got better.

We took an elevator down where we were able to enter the main attraction: America’s Largest Sea Cave.

This naturally-formed cave is on private land that the owners have passed down through generations. At 12 stories tall and the length of a football field, the cave itself is pretty massive and was formed by a combination of volcanic activity and water erosion.

Inside the cave, there are some informational plaques, a short video, small exhibits and views of Heceta Head Lighthouse in the distance. But the main draw, of course, is being able to view the playful and noisy sea lions from an observation “window” that is quite a distance from the animals themselves, so as to not disturb their habitat.

During our visit there were about 50 sea lions in the cave, but supposedly more seek shelter inside during the winter months. The northern Steller sea lions are found along the west coast as well as in Alaska, and they are completely wild.

Good to know: We returned to Sea Lion Cave with our daughter in August 2024 and learned that during the later summer months, the sea lions aren’t actually in the cave, they are just on the rock. In our opinion it was not worth the entry fee for the cave when there were no seals present. 

Entrance fee: $18 adults, $17 seniors, $12 kids, 4 and under go free!

Driving time between Sea Lion Caves & Florence: 10.5 miles / 14 minutes 

Florence

At a glance: Cute “Old Town” with sand dunes just beyond the city center

We both studied abroad in Florence, Italy, and let’s just say there’s not much these two towns have in common other than their name…

That said, this Florence is ah-freaking-dorable (the Old Town section, at least) and has some adventurous things to do to top it off.

Situated near the mouth of the Siuslaw River, the center of Florence actually has a river view instead of looking out into the ocean, making it feel a bit different from many of the other towns on the Oregon coast. The combination of river + ocean + sand dunes makes this town pretty unique.

While Italy will always have my heart and be my number one, Florence, Oregon is pretty damn cool in its own right.

Things to do in Florence (Oregon!)

• Go sandboarding. If you’re adventurous and have time to do one thing in Florence, let it be this! It is such a fun activity you can’t do in very many places, so if you have the opportunity, take it! Our first time sandboarding was in Huacachina, Peru, and I’ve gotta say, I was surprised to find giant dunes in Oregon. Sand Master Park is the place for all your sandboard questions and rentals. The guy who was working when we stopped in competes regularly in sandboard competitions (yep, that’s a thing!) and you could tell he was suuuuper passionate about the sport. He shared his favorite spots with us and answered all our silly questions. While you’re there, be sure to check out their HUGE collection of sand from around the world which is pretty fascinating.
  • Insider Tip: There are two laundromats in town that have showers (yipee!), which was super helpful since we were traveling in our campervan. (We showered at this one.)
• Wander “Old Town”. The facades of the pastel-painted shops are oozing with historic charm.
  • Pop into the many antique shops, art galleries, boutiques and book stores.
  • Enjoy a coffee with views of the Siuslaw River bridge. Old Town Coffee Roasters & River Roasters both serve fantastic brews.
  • And when you get hungry, you’ll have the difficult job of deciding between one of the floating seafood restaurants or cute cafes.
  • If you’re visiting Florence on a weekend in the summer, check out the Boardwalk Farmers Market.
• Explore the freshwater lakes and parks in the area. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon wandering ‘till your heart’s content.
  • Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park (this is where we went sandboarding!)
  • Tahkenitch Dunes & Three Mile Lake
• Go horseback riding on the beach. And while you’re at it, pretend you’re acting out a scene from a nineties rom-com. We passed by C&M Stables and also saw a few people on guided rides, and I’ve gotta say I was pretty jealous. Being that Ben is somewhat scared of horses (don’t tell him I told you!), he takes a lot of convincing when it comes to horseback riding. Next time we’re in the area, you better believe I’m going to twist his arm and get him on a horse because there are seldom more picturesque places to ride than on a rugged Oregon beach.
• Go hiking! Below are two of the best hikes near Florence, Oregon.
  • Hobbit Trail and China Creek Loop: This 4-mile loop is popular for good reason. Hikers weave through lush forests and wind up on a beautiful beach.
    • Insider Tips: If you’re able, try to plan your hike at low tide. Also, download the AllTrails map for this hike ahead of time because there is limited cell service in the area.
  • Siltcoos Lake Trail: While not as popular as the Hobbit Trail, this 3.5-mile loop brings you through thick PNW forests and culminates at the lake the trail is named after. [AllTrails Map & Notes]
  • Woahink Lakeside Trail: This 2-mile out and back hike in Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park ends with nice lake views. [AllTrails Map & Notes]
• Visit Heceta Head Lighthouse. It’s like something out of a postcard. (Look at the section above for more info!)
• Visit the Sea Lion Caves. Again, we’ve got a whole section dedicated to this attraction, so scroll up to get more information about visiting.

Food & drink in Florence, Oregon

• Homegrown Public House & Brewery: We came for the beer and clam steamers and left super satisfied.
• Mo’s Chowder: One of the many locations of this famous coastal chain is located on the water in downtown Florence.
• Bridgewater Fish House & Zebra Bar: Cute restaurant in the heart of Old Town serving fresh seafood.
• Lovejoy’s Tea Room: This British tea room serves up favorites like sticky toffee pudding , Scotch eggs and of course a proper pot of tea. Lovejoys also serves high tea and has Indian Dinner nights.
• Old Town Coffee Roasters & River Roasters: Both of these coffeeshops in Old Town are cute and serve excellent coffee as well as baked goods.

Where to stay in Florence, Oregon

Driving time between Florence & Shore Acres: 58 miles / 1.5 hours 

Shore Acres State Park

At a glance: Impressive array of gardens and ocean viewpoints that are all free to explore

Before we set off on our trip, we got recommendations from at least two different people to make sure we stopped at this state park, just north of Bandon. And we’re glad we heeded their advice.

There are viewpoints and hiking trails, but Shore Acres is most well-known for its botanical gardens that are free to the public as long as you have a state park pass (or pay the $5 day use fee).

We’re huge fans of Japan and everything associated with the country and its culture, so exploring the Japanese zen garden — complete with a lily pond — was a highlight for us. There is also a rose garden and a large English-style garden as well.

The gardens are open year round, and you’ll find it changes with the seasons (even in the winter!). In fact, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, there is a holiday lights display that looks pretty cool.

While you’re in the area, we’d recommend stopping at Simpson Reef Overlook. While it’s not anything entirely special, you can see sea lions on a large rock offshore. And at the next viewpoint, Cape Arago, a couple waved us down and pointed out some whales in the distance. Try your luck, and pack binoculars if you have them!

Additional Stop: The Umpqua River Lighthouse is located between Florence and Bandon (north of Shore Acres), and if you’re really into lighthouses it may be worth the stop (at least to stretch your legs!). The lighthouse tours are $8 and supposed to be pretty good, as is the small onsite museum. There are also yurts you can rent for the night in the adjacent state park. However, if you’re short on time this lighthouse isn’t nearly as scenic as others in the area, like Heceta Head.

Driving time between Shore Acres & Bandon: 25.5 miles / 35 minutes 

Bandon

At a glance: Quaint town known for seafood and interesting art

With just over 3,000 residents, this small oceanside town is a picturesque and laid-back place to stop during a road trip along Oregon’s coast.

Wander past cute shops on the main street, enjoy amazing seafood, dig your toes in the sand, and see a unique art exhibit that will both disgust and inspire you. (We’ll explain in a minute!)

Things to do in Bandon

• Explore Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint. Discover tide pools at low tide or watch the sunset behind these beautiful sea stack rock formations.
• See the disgustingly cool art at Washed Ashore. With the tag line “art to save the sea”, Washed Ashore builds and exhibits artwork made from trash that has washed up on the beach. Their intention is to educate the public about plastic pollution in our oceans and inspire people to make positive changes. How cool it that?! Check their website to see if they’re open during your visit. And if not, you can at least see a few of their pieces just outside the gallery.

• Walk a labyrinth on the beach. Circles in the Sand is a community art project with a mission to “share love, joy and kindness”. This group turns the beach at Face Rock Viewpoint into a work of art unlike anything you’ve ever seen. You’ll find a labyrinth path and other designs that fit a common theme. Since this is a temporary type of art, the design and path is always different. Visitors can walk the path, reflect and enjoy this unique experience. We’ve known people who have driven to Bandon from hours away to see these unique works of art, so be sure not to miss it if you’re in the area!
  • Cost: It is free to walk the path, but donations are greatly appreciated.
  • When can you see Circles in the Sand? We spoke with the coordinators of this project, and they said they create sand labyrinths around 50 times per year (more frequently in the summer months). Check their website or Facebook page for their updated schedule.
  • Want to help create the sand art? Circles in the Sand accepts volunteers to help with their creations. In order to partake, message them via email or through Facebook Messenger.
• Watch the sunset with the Coquille River Lighthouse in the backdrop. It’s a stunner.
• Go exploring in Floras Lake State Natural Area. This undeveloped section of the coast is the perfect place to escape the crowds. You can walk down to the beach and most likely enjoy the views in solitude. While in the area, be sure to make it down to Blacklock Point for some dramatic views of the stunning sandstone cliffs. The trail to get there is 4.2 miles out and back, but it’s well worth the effort.

Food & drink in Bandon

• Sample the local seafood. Tony’s Crab Shack and Bandon Fish Market sit across from each other with ocean views, and both restaurants are highly rated and long-time favorites. We’ve been to both, and enjoyed each.
  • Tony’s Crab Shack: We ordered a crab sandwich, clam chowder and steamer clams in a butter, garlic, and white wine broth at Tony’s and thoroughly enjoyed our meal, though the portions were a bit small in our opinion.
  • Bandon Fish Market: We had clam chowder, fish and chips, and a crab sandwich. Portions were larger, but it seemed like there were fewer fresh items on the menu than at Tony’s (heavier on the deep-fried dishes).
• Edgewaters is a good spot for a nicer sit down dinner. 
• Grab a local brew at Bandon Brewery. We enjoyed the beer, pizza and live music at this cozy joint a couple years ago, but have seen some negative review about their customer service and handling of Covid lately.
• Face Rock Creamery for all your ice cream and cheese cravings!
• Bandon Coffee Company has good brews and delicious breakfast sandwiches.

Where to stay in Bandon

Driving time between Bandon & Gold Beach: 55 miles / 1 hour

Gold Beach

At a glance: One of the southernmost towns on the Oregon coast

While not the cutest costal town on this list, Gold Beach still has its allure. Situated at the mouth of the Rogue River and bordered by the Siskiyou National Forest, Gold Beach can be a good hopping off point for many adventures.

Things to do in Gold Beach

• Do a Jet Boat tour on the Rogue River. If you want to see the nearby Rogue River in a unique way and get a little adrenaline rush while you’re at it, book a tour with Jerry’s Rogue Jets. They run jet boat trips daily from May 1st through October 15th. Choose from a calm 64-mile trip on the river or a longer whitewater trip that traverses whitewater rapids through the deep river canyons into the wilderness. (We’d definitely opt for the latter!)
• Spot a shipwreck! The wreck of the Mary D. Hume is just off shore at the mouth of the Rogue River and much of it is still exposed, so it’s cool to see while you’re in Gold Beach. The ship was built in 1881 in Gold Beach and was used commercially for 97 years before being retired and later sunk.
• Hike around Otter Point. Just north of town, this state recreation site has lots of trails and cool sandstone rock formations.
• Get lost in a book. Whether you want to kill some time on a dreary day or you love a good indie bookstore, Gold Beach Books will check both boxes.
• Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor: Lovely trail through cliffside forests and down to a secluded beach.
• Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint: Just a bit past Cape Sebastian, this scenic viewpoint features small sandy dunes and cool rock formations just offshore.
• Woggy’s Fish & Chips: Open seasonally, this is the place in Gold Beach to get a casual seafood dinner.
• Barnacle Bistro: This casual seafood joint is set in a yurt-style building and is a local favorite. They’re known for fresh seafood, reasonable prices and insanely good garlic fries!
• Arch Rock Brewing: This is a small tasting room, but worth a stop if you like beer. Just as a heads up, they have a limited selection of just 3 beers: a lager, a pale ale, and a porter.

Where to stay in Gold Beach

Driving time between Gold Beach & SHB State Scenic Corridor: 13 miles / 15 minutes 

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

At a glance: Park on the rugged coastline of southern Oregon with secluded beaches & stunning viewpoints

At the very southern tip of the Oregon coast lies one of the most beautiful spots along this journey… Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.

While this is a bit out of the way – unless you’re heading to or from California, of course – it is well worth adding it to your road trip itinerary if you have the time.

With interesting sea stack rock formations and hiking trails, you can easily spend a day (or three!) getting lost in the beauty before your eyes.

There are many turnouts that are worth stopping at for epic views. And you’ll also find some nice hikes along the way.

Hikes and Points of interest in Samuel H. Boardman

• The Natural Bridges is a short hike with some pretty spectacular views. (Note: These are the iconic views you typically see of Samuel H. Boardman.)
• Secret Beach is a short hike down to the sandy beach when there is low tide. The trailhead for this is just north of Miller Creek on Highway 101. 
• Indian Sands trail is known for wildflowers (during some parts of the year) and has some cool sand dunes to explore. Beware that the trail can be hard to see at times.
• Whaleshead Beach is another beautiful beach to check out. There is a picnic area near the beach, which is really nice!

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Oregon Coast road trip itinerary

First things first: How long do you have for your Oregon coast road trip?

This road trip itinerary can be adjusted to pretty much any length of time, but it’s best to start with a number of days in mind so you know how much you’ll be able to fit in. 

Also, really think about what type of trip you want this to be…

• Do you want to do short stops in many places and pack in as much as possible?
• Or would you prefer staying in a couple of towns for longer periods of time? 

Short on time? This is just our opinion, but our favorite towns are south of Seaside. If you’re limited on time, we’d recommend heading straight to Cannon Beach (or further south, depending on where exactly you want to explore). 

Have extra time? If you have the luxury of extra time, be sure to stretch your route down to Samuel H. Boardman, because it is absolutely spectacular.

• 3 Days: Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, Oswald West State Park, Oceanside, Tillamook (circle back to Portland)
  • Insider Tip! If you like cheese, there’s a little goat cheese stand just off Highway 6 on your route back called Fraga and they have goats on site!
• 5 Days: Astoria, Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, Hugs Beach, Oswald West State Park, Oceanside, Tillamook, God’s Thumb (Lincoln City)
• 7 Days: Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, Hugs Beach, Oswald West State Park, Oceanside, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport.
• 10 Days: Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, Hugs Beach, Oswald West State Park, Oceanside, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport, Seal Rock State Park, Yachats, Thor’s Well and Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Heceta Head Lighthouse, Sea Lion Caves, Sandboarding in Florence.
• 14 Days: Instead of repeating ourselves, start with the 10-day Itinerary above and then include: Shore Acres State Park, Bandon, Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, and then continue to California or then travel back up I-5 to Portland.

Note: Are you staying in Airbnbs and hotels along the way, or are you driving a campervan? You may want to shape your itinerary around lodging. If you’re planning to camp, check out this article which explains how we find free camping!

Oregon Coast road trip highlights

Here are the highlights from our trip on the Oregon coast. We hope this helps you as you create your itinerary!

• Craft Beers in Astoria
• Hiking in Ecola State Park
• Bonfire near Haystack rock on Cannon Beach
• Walking to the waterfall at Hug Point
• Oswald West Beach
• View from Neahkahnie Viewpoint
• Wandering around the cute towns of Manzanita and Oceanside
• Crabbing at Kelly’s Brighton Marina
• Tillamook ice cream and cheese at the creamery
• Fresh Oysters and wine in Netarts Bay
• Local Oceans Seafood Dinner in Newport
• Exploring tide pools at Seal Rock
• Seeing Thor’s Well “erupt”
• Wandering the “Old Town” in Florence
• Observing sea lions at the Sea Lion Caves near Florence
• Going sandboarding in Florence
• Wandering the Shore Acres Botanical Garden
• Bandon in general: the seafood, the town, the sand labyrinth
• The freaking-incredible views at Samuel H. Boardman state park

Places we thought were overrated

I want to start by saying that our expectations and timing come into play here. However, we know how helpful it is when planning a trip to know where we can cut if needed. Two towns that were weren’t so stoked on are:

• Seaside: Felt kind of like a mini Atlantic City (in our opinions), and the large time share resort was kind of an eyesore.
• Pacific City: It was just too busy when we visited for us to really enjoy.

Transportation for your Oregon Coast road trip

Most people will use their everyday car as the vehicle for their Oregon road trip. And that’s a great choice; however, there are other options to consider. Especially if you will be flying in from out of state. 

Campervan rental

It’s no secret we are big fans of #vanlife. If you want to give it a test drive, we’ve got tons of resources for you! 

Check out our list of top companies for USA Campervan Rentals, from budget to bougie, including exclusive discounts for our readers.

Related: If you already know you’re flying in and out of Portland, we also have a guide to the best campervan rentals in Portland specifically.

One company we’d recommend looking into is Escape Campervans. They have 12 different locations across North America (including Portland, making it a great choice for an Oregon road trip). They come fully loaded with all the gear you need for an epic road trip, and they are a good budget option.

BONUS: We’ve partnered with them to give you a 10% off discount when you use our link!

Rental cars

Renting a car is a great option for your road trip if you don’t want to put extra miles on your own vehicle, or are flying in from out of state. 

Personally, for road trips in the USA, we’ve had good experiences with Booking.com (formerly RentalCars.com). We’ve booked through them several times and have found some really great deals. For example, we rented a small SUV for a road trip in Washington State and paid less than $30 per day, and in Tucson, Arizona we paid just $17 a day. Heck yes!

Prices vary depending on your location, number of days, season, and type of car. Our advice is to compare Booking.com to other platforms with your specifics so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal.

Search & Compare Rental Car Prices

• Discover Cars: We personally use this aggregate site to compare rental car prices from all the big name companies and get the best price possible. 
• Booking.com: We’ve had good experiences finding rental cars with this site (formerly RentalCars.com) in the past. 

Discover Cars

Booking.com

What to pack for an Oregon Coast road trip

• State Park pass: There are tons of state parks listed on this itinerary, and having a pass will save you money along the way (as well as the headache of having to pay at each individual point). Buy an annual pass for $30 at the first state park you stop at.
• raincoat and/or umbrella
• battery pack
• layers: The coast can be notoriously chilly even in the height of summer. Bring warmer clothes than you think you’ll need.
• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• Shoes that can get wet and are good for hiking
  • we usually pack Chacos as well as a pair of closed toe shoes
• Camera & tripod
• motion sickness remedies
• light hiking gear
• snacks
• picnic blanket
• cooler
• utensils
• binoculars (if you want to try your luck at spotting whales)
  • We spotted some with our naked eyes, but they were quite far away. So if you have binoculars, you may want to pack them!

Coolest places to stay on the Oregon Coast

Below is a round up of our top hotel and camping recommendations for your Oregon Coast road trip.

Camping on the Oregon Coast

If you’re traveling in a campervan or simply hoping to save money on your Oregon Coast road trip by camping along the way, we have a deal for you!

The Dyrt is our favorite campsite locating app with the largest database of campgrounds (44,000+ campsites and counting!) and over 1 million user-submitted reviews.

Plus, it’s super user-friendly, and has some pretty cool features, like outdoor gear contests and forums to connect and seek advice from fellow campers, that you won’t find on any other camping app.

Try their Pro Membership for FREE for 30 days and gain access to the offline version of the the app, utilize their trip planning feature AND get exclusive discounts on campsites and gear!

Psst! We’ve taken the guesswork out of camping for you and put together a list of the best Oregon Coast campgrounds over on our sister site. Split up be region, this list features campgrounds and their facilities plus advice to help you plan your camping trip.

Best Oregon Coast hotels

Stay in a Yurt by the beach!

The Oregon State Parks program has a handful of yurts that are available for rent along the coast:

• Beverly Beach State Park
• Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
• Devil’s Lake (near Lincoln City)
• Fort Stevens State Park

For more information, check out this brochure.

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Are you planning a trip to Oregon?

Being that Oregon is our home state, we have TONS of content to help you plan your trip. Start with our Oregon Homepage and be sure to check out the articles below. Leave us a comment if you have any more questions!

• Check out all the weirdly awesome things to do in Portland.
• You’ll wanna keep this guide handy if you’re passing through Astoria, Oregon.
• Read up on all the fun things to do in Cannon Beach.
• Read this if you’ll be making your way through Yachats, Oregon.
• You’ll want to keep this road trip planning guide handy.
• Just in case, here’s an itinerary for an epic Oregon road trip. 
• And you’ll want to hang on to this list of our favorite things to do in Oregon.

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We want to hear from you!

Are you planning an Oregon coast road trip? What areas sound most appealing to you? What questions do you still have? Comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!