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Your Ultimate Oregon Coast Road Trip – All the Best Stops

Everything you need to know for an Oregon Coast Road Trip!

Last week, we did the ultimate Oregon Coast road trip with Travel Oregon – all 363 miles of it. It was epic! This year, the People’s Coast is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Oregon beach bill, which made all of the Oregon coast public. We always love a good road trip and were so happy to celebrate their anniversary by exploring the entire coast.

The Ultimate Oregon Coast Road Trip -Pictured here is Face Rock State Scenic ViewpointPin

Thank you Travel Oregon for hosting our trip and thank you Toyota for letting us test drive the new Prius Prime. We can’t believe we only had to fill up one and a half times when we logged 1000 miles on this trip. As opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: March 17, 2024

North Oregon Coast Attractions

Not only did we love their rugged coast and getting to witness the power of the Pacific ocean, but we also loved the diversity in activities. We enjoyed the beaches, tried crabbing for the first time, sandboarded where sandboarding was invented, and hiked to waterfalls. Today, we’re sharing the best things to do on the Oregon Coast and the best beaches to visit.

The North Coast has longer stretches of sandy beaches and is the most touristy part of the Oregon Coast. It’s most well known for Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock, but did you know there are three Haystack Rocks along the Oregon Coast?

See More: Your Ultimate Eastern Oregon Road Trip

Astoria – Mile 0 →

  • Astoria Column
  • Astoria-Megler Bridge
  • Oregon Film Museum
  • Columbia River Maritime Museum

See More: 15 Unique Things to Do in Astoria Oregon

Where to Stay

Cannery Pier Hotel (read our full review) We loved our stay here right next to the bridge.

15 Unique Things to Do in Astoria OregonPin

Warrenton – Mile 6.5

  • Fort Stevens State Park – Peter Iredale Shipwreck was nice during sunset.
  • Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks / Fort Clatsop – it’s a National Park unit.
  • Sunset Beach State Recreation Site
Peter Iredale Shipwreck in Fort Stevens State Park (15 Unique Things to Do in Astoria Oregon) // localadventurer.com

Seaside – Mile 20

  • Seaside Aquarium – feed the seals! You get a small tray of fish for $2 after entry into Aquarium.
  • Seaside Promenade – this goes along the Seaside Aquarium.
  • Dig for razor clams – You can do this at the beach next to Seaside Aquarium too.
  • Play at game of Fascination at the Funland Arcade

ECOLA STATE PARK – Mile 26.5

CANNON BEACH – Mile 28

  • Haystack Rock – You can see them from Haystack Hill State Park and Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site is just south of it. This is a great spot for sunrise and sunset. If you’re lucky, you may see some tufted puffins on Haystack Rock (April – August)
  • Castaways – moderately priced Cajun-Creole food
  • Cannon Beach Hardware and Public House – hardware store that serves food. Get the fish and chips.
  • Public Coast Brewing – try a flight and the burgers.
  • Wayfarer Restaurant and Lounge – Had a beautiful view of the beach, and the halibut cheek (a special) and the scallops were great.

Where to Stay

Surfsand Resort (mid-range – luxury) – Really popular spot and in high demand. I was so excited to see Haystack Rock from our balcony!

Local Tip: The locals usually stay in Manzanita 30 minutes south of Cannon Beach since it’s much quieter and much less touristy.

HUG POINT STATE RECREATION SITE – Mile 34

  • Hug Point Hike – 0.5 mi RT, 20 ft, easy, go only at low tide (Check the tide charts here). Hike to the caves, a seasonal waterfall, and old stage coach trail.

OSWALD WEST STATE PARK – Mile 43

  • Hike to Short Sand Beach and on the way see a suspension bridge too. We got lost in the park, so we didn’t end up doing any of the official hikes.
  • Neahkahnie Mountain Loop Hike – 8 mi lollipop loop, 2300 ft moderate difficulty. It has nice coastal views and you go under a natural tunnel formed by tree roots. If you just want to hike to Summit Viewpoint, it is 3 mi RT and moderate.
  • Arch Cape to Short Sand Beach – 15.9 mi RT, 990 ft, difficult. If you want a longer hike and want to avoid the crowds, this is the hike for you. Arch Cape to Cape Falcon is the least traveled part of Oswald West State Park.
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ROCKAWAY BEACH – Mile 50.8

  • Kelly’s Brighton Marina (Nehalem Bay) – We love it so much we’ve gone back three times. You need 1-2 hours to go crabbing, and the weather can affect the excursion. We ate some of the freshest oysters and crab. Kelly taught us so much about the art of crabbing, and his enthusiasm was contagious.
  • Emily Reed Shipwreck – This is not always visible. Every so often, the sands shift and reveal the 102-year-old shipwreck.
  • Pronto Pup – where the original corndog was invented. They were too salty for my taste, but hey… it’s the original!

See More: How to Treasure Hunt for the Famous Lincoln City Glass Floats

GARIBALDI – Mile 55.6

  • Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad
  • Pier’s End – 700-foot long pier. It’s Oregon’s longest pier.

TILLAMOOK – Mile 65

  • Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour – Mmmm… cheese. Take the free and self-guided tour. Currently, only a portion of it is open. Check their site for updates.
  • Cape Meares and Cape Meares Lighthouse – Oregon’s shortest lighthouse. You can also see the Octopus Tree and the Big Spruce here (Oregon’s largest Sitka spruce).
  • Lost Boy Cave – You can only go at super low tide (-1.5 or lower, see tide charts here). There are 3 points of entry. The easiest and safest is from Short Beach from the North. The other entry point is through Tunnel Beach on the South. Legend calls it Lost Boy Cave because a boy drowned here. From the cave, you can see Three Arch Rocks and Lost Boy Beach. We were bummed that we had to skip this since the tide wasn’t low enough.
  • Jacobsen Salt Co. – Do a salt tasting of the salt harvested right at Netarts Bay. It’s famous for their texture, taste, and appearance and is used by chefs all over the world. You can also do a Bee Local honey tasting, their sister company.
  • Cape Lookout State Park – Popular for beachcombing, glass floats, and hiking. There are more than 8 miles of trails through lush, old-growth forest. You get amazing ocean views, easy access to the beach, and you might spot whales.
  • Munson Creek Falls – 0.6 mi, 95 ft, easy hike to the highest waterfall along the Oregon coast (three-tiered 319 ft)
  • Tillamook Air Museum

Local Tip: See many of the attractions via the Three Capes Scenic Loop (map). This 40-mile scenic byway takes you to all three Capes: Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, Cape Kiwanda. Other stops: Munson Creek Falls, Nestucca Bay, Bob Straub State Park, Clay Myers State Natural Area, and Lost Boy Cave.

Pacific City – Mile 87.4

  • Cape Kiwanda – This is where you see the second Haystack Rock. It looks similar to the one Cannon Beach, and the area doesn’t have as many tourists.
  • Pelican Pub & Brewery is a craft beer industry leader. They are well known for pairing their food and beer well and have been doing it for over 20 years.
  • Surfing
  • Horseback Riding (fall and winter hours are on Friday-Saturday only)

Where to Stay

We stayed at Inn at Cape Kiwanda (mid-range) – located just off Highway 101, in relaxed and uncomplicated Pacific City, Oregon. All 35 deluxe guest rooms feature private balconies with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and Haystack Rock, air conditioning, cozy gas fireplaces. It also has Tripadvisor’s Certificate of Excellence.

Central Oregon Coast Attractions

The Central Coast is similar in appearance to the North Coast but has fewer sandy beaches and more sea cliffs, terraces, and bays. This is where the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area starts.

See More: Everything You Need to Know About Thor’s Well

Lincoln City – Mile 112

This is one of the bigger cities on the coast, which will give you more food and lodging options. Portlanders like to come here to cool off during the summer.

  • Drift Creek Falls Hike – Takes you over a suspension bridge to a beautiful waterfall.
  • Seven Miles of Smiles – the beaches from Roads End to Siletz Bay. This is famous for their Finder’s Keepers glass float hunt. Each year from mid-October to Memorial Day, “Float Fairies” will hide glass treasures along the Seven Miles of Smiles. We found a couple from the SW 51st Street Beach Access.
  • D-River – this river was once named the shortest in the world! It is measured to be 440 ft (130 m) and 120 ft (37 m) at extreme high tide.
  • Roads End Hike – 2.6 mi, 15 ft, easy
  • Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area – quick stop and you can see it from the parking lot. It doesn’t look all that special unless you go at sunset.

See More: How to Treasure Hunt for the Famous Lincoln City Glass Floats

Depoe Bay – Mile 128

  • The Whale Watching Center at Depoe Bay
depoe bay whale watchingPin

Newport – Mile 141

  • Marine Discovery Cruise – the Sealife cruise takes ~2 hours, where they look for gray whales, harbor porpoise, seals, sea lions, pelicans, and bald eagles (depending on the time of year).
  • Yaquina Head Lighthouse at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (BLM) – Oregon’s tallest lighthouse at 93 ft. The structure was completed in 1874 and is Oregon’s second-oldest continuously operating lighthouse. The area is amazing for tide pooling. I’ve never seen such a huge concentration of creatures in one spot.
  • Historic Newport Bayfront – See the sea lions on the public piers and private docks. It has a nice view of the Yaquina Bay Bridge and has some nice souvenir shopping.
  • Rogue Ales Brewery / Brewer’s on the Bay – this was named one of the top 50 American breweries by Beer Advocate and is on the Newport Historic Bayfront.
  • Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site – Not to be confused with Yaquina Head, but this also has a lighthouse, the Yaquina Bay lighthouse. You also get a nice view of Yaquina Bay Bridge from here.
  • Agate Beach State Recreation Site – beachcombing is popular here. If you’re lucky, you will find an agate.
  • Nye Beach – A great place to escape to. Colorful buildings fill this seaside community, and you can shop, eat, or spend time on the beach.
  • Oregon Coast Aquarium – one of Oregon’s top tourist attractions. It brings in over 40,000 students each year for its excellent educational programs.
  • Hatfield Marine Science Center

Where to Stay

Sylvia Beach Hotel (luxury) – 21-room themed bed & breakfast with a homey charm. Each room is based on an author and is perfect for unplugging since there are no telephones, TVs, or wi-fi in the rooms. We stayed in the Hemingway room. 

Don’t forget to check out their Tables of Content Restaurant where it’s communal style and you get to meet the other guests. Also, say hi to Shelley the resident cat for us! Call for reservations at 541.265.5428 or Toll-Free 888.795.8422.

Yachats / Cape Perpetua Scenic Area – Mile 164.4

  • Cape Perpetua Scenic Area – this is where you’ll find Thor’s Well, Spouting Horn, Devil’s Churn, and Cook’s Chasm. There are also plenty of tide pools to explore too. Be sure to check the tide charts here. Go at high tide for Thor’s Well (you will get soaked, but the photos are worth it!).
  • Yachats Brewing – Located in an old bank building, it is now a center for food, beer, and culture.
Thors Well Oregon CoastPin

Florence – Mile 190

  • Heceta Head Lighthouse – This is the brightest light on the Oregon coast and the most photographed lighthouse in the state.
  • Sea Lion Caves – This is America’s largest sea cave inhabited by sea lions. Take in the sounds (and smells)! There are the most seals in the cave during Winter and Spring, they then head out for mating during the Summer, and are in and out feeding during the Fall.
  • Sand Master Park – We first went sand boarding in Great Sand Dunes in Colorado, but on this trip, we met Lon Beale who invented sand boarding and made the world’s first sand board park!  If you’ve never done it before, you can also get lessons.
  • Bridgewater Fish House – Sip elegant cocktails and dine on delicious seafood, steaks, pasta, and more in the heart of Florence’s Historic Old Town at this classic coastal spot.
  • Guided Sand Rail Tour – ride through the amazing sand dunes on a guided tour.
  • Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area – Riding Dune Buggies – Enjoy an exciting guided Sand Rail Tour or a Professionally guided Interpretive Scenic Tour on one of the famous big purple buggies driven by a skilled driver.
  • Historic Old Town

Where to Stay

Driftwood Shores Resort and Conference Center – amazing oceanfront rooms with private balconies. You can even get rooms with kitchens or fireplaces.

South Oregon Coast Attractions

The South Coast is more rugged and mountainous. It’s generally known to be warmer and sunnier than the North and Central coast (maybe because it’s closer to California). You will start seeing more redwoods, cedar, Douglas-fir forests, and plenty of sand dunes.

See More: The Ultimate Guide to Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Reedsport – Mile 211.5

  • Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area – the elk stay pretty far back. If you want a photo, bring your longest lens.
dean creek elk viewing areaPin

North Bend – Mile 235

  • McCullough Bridge – passed by and saw it but didn’t stop
  • Oregon Dunes NRA – If you didn’t get enough of the sand dunes, you can stop here for more!

Coos Bay – Mile 237.5

This is the largest city on the Oregon Coast

  • Coos History Museum & Maritime Collection
  • Shore Acres State Park – a great place to storm watch and see huge crashing waves.
  • Cape Arago Beach Loop – includes Bastendorff Beach, Sunset Bay State Park, Cape Arago Lighthouse Viewpoint, Shore Acres State Park and Botanical Gardens, Simpson Beach, Shell Island Interpretive Stop, Cape Arago State Park
  • The 7 Devils Brewing Company

Bandon – Mile 270

  • Bullards Beach State Park – Coquille Lighthouse
  • Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint – great sunset or sunrise spot. Also, look for Wizard’s Hat / Howling Dog Rock.
  • Washed Ashore – trash washed ashore turned into art.
  • Face Rock Creamery
  • Coastal Mist Chocolates
  • Stillwagon Distillery

Port Orford – Mile 301

Where to Stay

WildSpring Guest Habitat is such a cute glamping spot! It’s a small eco-friendly resort overlooking the ocean with 5 luxury cabins and beautiful grounds to enjoy.

Gold Beach – Mile 328

  • Rogue Jets – open May 1 to Oct 15
  • Barnacle Bistro – great casual spot servicing fresh and local seafood and burgers.
  • Arch Rock Brewing
  • Turtle Rock – a rock formation just off the highway (west of the 101) that looks like a turtle. You can map to Turtle Rock Resort.
  • Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor – just a few steps down the trail to the west, you can see Humbug Mountain. You can hike through thick Sitka Spruce rainforest to Hunters Cove (3 mi out and back).
  • Meyers Creek Beach – there is a large shark fin rock formation and it a popular spot for windsurfing.

Where to Stay

Tu Tu Tun Lodge (luxury) – This was our favorite place to stay on the Oregon coast. There are regular rooms or you can rent out one of the amazing homes. It’s such a relaxing place and a great way to end a trip. We were in the River House and didn’t want to leave! Call 1.800.864.6357 for reservations or email [email protected].

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor + Brookings – Mile 357 →

Hiking trails connect all the viewpoints along Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, or you can hop in a car and go to the most popular viewpoints.

Local Tip: There’s so much to see! We recommend spending more than one day here.

See More: The Ultimate Guide to Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Best Places to Stay on the Oregon Coast

Oregon Coast Itinerary

Oregon Coast Map

Essential Tips for First Timers

  • When to Go – October – May is considered rainy season. You will have the least rainy days in July and August, but the summer is also when you’ll get the crowds. September is a good month to go because it’s shoulder season. You still get a bit of the nice weather but less crowds.
  • Be flexible – the weather can change dramatically day to day. Some activities will not be possible in the rain, storm, or choppy waters. Have a plan B and a plan C.
  • Park Passes to Bring: Your Oregon State Park Pass is good for Ecola State Park, Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, Heceta Head, Shore Acres (otherwise $5 per day per park). America the Beautiful Pass gets you into Lewis and Clark NRA, Yaquina Head, Cape Perpetua, Oregon Dunes NRA, and any other National Parks or BLM lands you may want to visit. There is also an Oregon Coast pass that gets you into any state and federal parks, but not the parks if you want to venture more inland.
  • If you want to end your trip with a shorter drive back to Portland, start from South to North, which is what we will probably do next time.
  • Download Alltrails+: If you plan on doing hikes, download Alltrails+ so that you can have the trail maps offline.
  • Lesson Learned – Planning your photo stops with Instagram and Pinterest is nice in theory, but we learned how many things were mislabelled. We spent a lot of time getting lost (and not in a good way since we were packing in so much to do all 363 miles of coast).

What to Pack for Your Oregon Coast Trip

  • Pack a RaincoatWe had one partly cloudy day, and all the other days were rainy and stormy.
  • Clothes to Get Dirty In: Wear clothes you don’t mind getting muddy especially on hikes. It also helps if you also wear quick-dry clothes underneath your waterproof layers. It’s not necessary, but we even wore waterproof pants on one of the stormy days where it was raining sideways and we were still completely soaked. Also might not recommend going out when it’s that stormy.
  • Solid Hiking Boots: We love these Danner ones because they’re so comfortable and waterproof. If you prefer sneakers, check out these to keep you dry.

Planning Checklist

Have you done an Oregon Coast road trip? Anything else we missed? What’s the last road trip you’ve been on?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

Esther and JacobPin

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.

This Post Has 170 Comments

  1. Kalyan Panja

    I’m really glad I came across your site! I’m hoping to go on a road trip Oregon Coast next summer and have been looking for this kind of resource. The info is clear, succinct, and easy to follow.

  2. Sandra Lynch

    Very Helpful article of the Oregon Coast.

  3. Medona Steve

    wow great photos and stories. fantastic blog. i really enjoyed :)

  4. Sophia Smith

    Thanks for sharing such a great post and amazing images……

  5. Aaron Smith

    Thanks for the amazing guide! Really enjoyed reading the post and images are great!

  6. Tanner

    Awesome article

  7. Eddie Valente

    Awesome Blog. One note; don’t forget Cascade Head (just north of Lincoln City). 850 feet straight up to one of the most spectacular views on the Oregon Coast!
    We are currently training for Macchu Picchu trek for this September.

  8. Michael

    Thanks for the amazing guide! Really enjoyed reading the post and images are great!

  9. Susan Crawford

    Most coasts are amazing, but the Oregon coast is some else! =)

  10. Surya E Raj

    I am so happy to read your blog. It’s really fantastic. I am so thankful to you.

  11. Ivy Heaton

    I absolutely adore your blog, and especially the breathtaking photos! I live in Orange County myself, and driving up to Oregon has been my dream for years now. Especially the more mountainous south looks dreamy. I think the Southern Oregon coast will be the destination for my next travel!

    1. Esther JuLee

      Thank you so much Ivy. :) It’s such a beautiful drive doing the entire PCH!

  12. Renuka Walter

    This is just too gorgeous! Would love to take a road like that. It reminds me of my Great Ocean Road trip in Australia.

    1. Local Adventurer

      Thanks, Renuka! Definitely need to make a trip out to the Oregon Coast if you haven’t yet!

  13. Amund

    The way you guys write these blog posts are really user-friendly. I mean: no wonder you got so much attention and comments compared to any other travel blogger. Probably one of the most useful resources if I would ever want to go to Oregon.

    As I am living in Asia, it is quite far for me to travel to US (unfortunately). However, I will keep following your blog from now on!! =)

  14. Grimsa

    The trip definitely mist have been amazing and Thank you for the tip as well!!

  15. Kavleen Kaur

    Good job… nice blog

  16. Ashley Hoober

    I absolutely loved Oregon! Portland was by far my favourite, but it was all beautiful. wish I ha seen this post beforehand

  17. C. Randen

    One of the best days of my life was a road trip along the Oregon Coast. Our family spotted a great beach, and an impromptu beach day ensued! Love the Oregon Coast, great article capturing it’s essence!

  18. Getz destinations

    I have been through your video and i can say this blog really inspired me deeply. The Oregon coast road trip can be unforgettable and it would be dream for any traveller. Thanks for sharing such a mesmerising blog.

  19. Elizabeth Higgins

    Wow! This post is making me think of hurriedly packing my things and going to Oregon to see and try everything for myself. The coast looks amazing, Esther and Jacob! It’s the perfect summer trip with lots of picturesque views and a lovely trip with nature. What places would you recommend for a shorter trip? Thanks for sharing!

  20. Nina Stewart

    Hey!

    I am considering doing a 5-6 day trip to Oregon flying in from New Orleans, Louisiana! Do you have any recommendations for some must sees that would not require a road trip per say? I am open to driving of course, but also want some R & R :)

  21. Carol

    We’re taking a trip to the coast in a couple weeks for our 25th anniversary. This is our first time – coming from Minnesota – and we’re so excited! I’m going to follow along with your post as we leave Portland and travel to our rental in Pacific City. Thanks so much for all the great info!

    1. Esther JuLee

      You’re so welcome, Carol. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

  22. Cristy

    Halfway through our family vacay of the Oregon coast and this post has been invaluable! Spent 4 nights at Rockaway Beach then 2 at Yachats then moving on to Portland for another 2 nights all the while checking off the sites to see on your list. Thank you so much!

    1. Esther JuLee

      So glad to hear you found this helpful, Cristy! Hope you fully enjoyed your trip in Oregon. :)

  23. Dawna

    We cannot wait to see all of these places one day! Thank you for this amazing post!

  24. Sebastian

    Thanks for giving us the overview of the place, at least we can have the idea on where we can go next and what to prepare…

  25. Mathew Richard

    These coasts are the most peaceful places . You feel so relaxed when you reach there. Thanks for sharing your experience . looking forward for more latest blogs.

  26. Emily Harper

    Hello Esther and Jacob! This article is very informative! I can’t wait to visit some of those places you mentioned. I’m just wondering how much would it cost to do the whole trip as my family are also planning to explore Oregon Coast anytime this year?

  27. Logan M Gelowitz

    The perfect eco-friendly and camping destination is hands down Oregon!!

  28. marie douglas

    Oregon is the perfect summer trip! So much to do and soo many beautiful sights! Thank you for sharing xx

  29. Lydia

    Road Tripping through such a breathtaking scenery seems like a dream, Esther! Oregon Coast seems to offer it all, from wonderful views to astonishing landscapes. How long would this kind of road trip last?

    1. IEsther JuLee

      It’s so beautiful! You have to see it for yourself. We did this road trip in one week – 7 days. We stopped briefly at several spots because there were landslides that closed off some areas, and we had previously done the area around Astoria, but other than that we were able to cover a lot. I would not say that we went at a leisurely pace though. We were constantly going somewhere. If you want to go at a more relaxing pace, I would only do either north, central, or south coast by itself.

      1. Nina Stewart

        Hey!

        I see you recommend doing perhaps one coast at a time. I would like to experience nature, good food, the coast & wineries if possible! Which would be a great coast to start?

        1. jacob

          Hi! I would suggest North – it’s more established and has a wider range of options to check out. I’m not too sure about wineries along the coast – I know that the Willamette Valley is better known for wine. Happy adventuring!

  30. Ben Lawson

    WOW REALLY AMAZING BRO. I REALLY LIKE ROAD TRIP AWESOME POST REALLT LIKE YOUR WORK.

  31. sweat slim belt

    hiii,

    Nice idea of the road trip to Oregon Coast, This will be a lifetime adventure for any person. Hope I will also enjoy this road trip in next few years.

  32. Pramod

    We’re visiting family in Kirkland,WA in June. Plan to do a 4 day loop road trip of Oregon from Kirkland. Any suggestions.

  33. Kelly Mahan

    I never knew Oregon could be so interesting. Might have to plan a road trip there.

  34. Timothy

    How much do you think that this trip may have cost you guys? Road tripping is so much fun! So much beauty and natural beauty! Thanks for sharing. Happy traveling! Be safe!

  35. Diego Johnson

    Informative post.I have been to various places in United States but never been to Oregon. Thanks for the post.I would love to visit here in my coming vacation.Keep sharing.

  36. Samantha Auden

    There are few stretches of the Pacific coastline as stunning, as diverse and as iconic as the Oregon coast. Thanks for sharing this.

  37. hookrooms.com

    Brilliant article… Nice information & tips about the oregon coast road trip…

  38. Tina

    Hi there! If I just want to do a day trip on the coast from Portland, which places do you recommend to see and and think are doable time wise. We would be dedicating 1 full day to the coast. Thanks in advance :)

    1. jacob

      I would focus on one region (i.e. North, Central, or South) and pick what interest you. Most people do the North because it’s the closest. If you’re a photographer and timing works out, I would suggest Central so you can see Thor’s Well.

  39. Mekahaliah Brown

    I usually travel to different countries for photography and I thought to myself why not take a three month road trip around the US and capture my moments. So I was doing research and I came across your website. Thank you thank you thank you for sharing your experiences and tips!!! (It has made the planning much easier!) Im currently 18 years old and I have had the amazing opportunities to travel to different countries. I am very passionate about photography and am trying to make this into my profession, however I am struggling with trying to actually get out there. I have no idea where to start! If you have any tips I would appreciate it’s very much! But again thank you for sharing your experiences. Safe travels!

  40. John Gaitan

    Wow, I am speechless! First off, I love your photos. I am planning to visit. How many days did it take to complete the trip?

  41. Paulina Gaitan

    It sounds like an incredible trip!

    We are planning on visiting Oregon next year and we will definitely need to consult this when we go. Thank you so much for sharing.

  42. Tim

    Wow looks really lovely. And some great Oregon photos too. How long did this trip take?

  43. chis macdonald

    The way of capturing the views are stunning. Thanks for Sharing information about Oregon

    1. Esther JuLee

      Thank you Chris! We’re so happy to. It’s a beautiful state that I hope more people get to explore.

  44. Mary

    This trip looks fantastic and so informative! What time of year were did you take this trip?

    1. Esther JuLee

      Thank you, Mary. We’ve been to the Oregon coast a few times throughout the year, but this specific trip was in early April.

  45. Crystal Reed

    I have been to the Oregon 4 months back and it was an amazing experience. I would recommend everyone to visit this place if you are a beach lover.

  46. Kevin Richardson

    Thank a ton for sharing this stuff. Oregon has been in my bucket list since long and I hope my dream comes true soon. I would love to share my story with you.

  47. Michel Andrews

    Wow! Your pictures are so fascinating. I loved your road trip plan and wish to travel to Oregon once. Thank you so much for the information.

  48. Kristi schultz

    I love roadtrips! My family and I drove along the Oregon Coast many years ago, but we did not spend nearly enough time stopping and exploring! It was the first time we ever saw ‘Tsunami’ warning signs! haha!

    I would love to go back and drive the 101 all the way down through California. Your tips here are definitely a ‘save it for later’ post! I have had others also interested, so this will definitely come in handy!

    I’ll also be investigating local eateries along the way. Have you any tips there?

    1. Esther JuLee

      I noticed those too! haha So interesting they call them tsunamis in Oregon. That would be an amazing trip. I really want to drive from Mexico to Canada! :D The only food place I absolutely loved was Kelly’s Brighton Marina for really fresh seafood (I’m not even a seafood person), everything else was fine but nothing like you would find in bigger cities.

  49. Andy

    Oregon is a lovely place. Thanks for sharing such information. Keep it up!

  50. Samone

    Does anyone have a recommendation for touring the Oregon coast without having to change lodging so frequently? My husband and I will have a week (plus if needed) to tour. We enjoy doing the outdoor stuff, parks, hiking, etc. vs. towns, shopping. However, we will want to experience as much as time allows. I realize we may have to do some back tracking and more driving this way but thought I would ask about the possibility. We are trying to plan a coastal road trip in September. We will be flying into Portland from Nashville, Tn.

    1. jacob

      Try one of the central locations like Lincoln City or Newport. The coast isn’t that big and you can fan out from there. Although it might be worth finding one spot further south and one further north just to make the daily trips a bit easier.

  51. Liana

    Wow – this is an incredible guide! My husband and I lived in Portland for 11 years and we never made it much more south on the coast than Newport. Sylvia Beach Hotel is one of our all-time favorite places to stay—the warm spiced wine they serve at night is so lovely. Now we’re road tripping around the country in a van and thinking of driving down 101 to California later this year. We’ll definitely use your guide! Thanks so much for putting this together!

    1. Esther JuLee

      Thanks so much, Liana. So glad that you found this helpful. We loved Sylvia Beach Hotel too. So much character! That sounds like such an epic trip! I miss living on the road. Wishing you many incredible adventures ahead :)

  52. Linzi Clark

    Wow – a very detailed itinerary with some great photos to whet the appetite!

  53. Emily Harper

    Hi Esther and Jacob!

    Awesome list! This seems to be the perfect getaway for travelers who crave for a different and exhilirating kind of adventure!

    Glad you added some tips for first timers, I want to come prepared!

    1. Esther JuLee

      Thanks, Emily! There is so much to do on the Coast. I hope you get to experience it all soon. :)

  54. I can’t wait to go to Oregon this summer! Thanks for sharing your itinerary!

  55. Kalyan Panja

    Oregon is on my list of places to visit. Thanks for sharing this exhaustive post which I have bookmarked to plan my trip. The photos are really enticing.

  56. Elin

    Wow, beautiful photos. Beautiful adventures. Keep on rocking!

  57. hookrooms.com

    Fantastic article with Vibrant Images… Should be on your bucket list for 2018…

  58. Put the suit away

    Great work, very informative.
    Plus Oregon Coast is just amazing, it gotta be on our wish list.

  59. visit lake tahoe

    Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post
    I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be
    bookmarking and checking back frequently!

  60. Island hopping

    Oregon is the great wish of my life. Spending some time beneath Mount Hood and then go to the shore.
    Well, I’m stuck in Croatia for now, but just wait. I’ll get there.

    1. Esther JuLee

      haha Doesn’t sound like a bad place to be stuck, but hope you make your way out to Oregon.

  61. Kelly Mahan

    Omg, a roadtrip like sounds incredible!! I would love to make it myself. Thanks for sharing the details!

    1. Esther JuLee

      Thanks for reading, Kelly. I hope you get to do the road trip soon!

  62. Renuka

    Oregon looks stunning! I like the way you given everything in detail for anyone contemplating a trip there. Will check out the video when I have better internet. :-)

  63. Kanika Bakshi

    Very informative and detailed article. The whole of Oregon coast covered in one blog, perfect for a scenic road trip.

  64. SamANTHA t

    Wow, that is a lot of great information. Sounds like an amazing trip! My husband and I will hopefully be there next Sept or October. Hopefully we will have some nice weather still. Then again, is in the Northwest, lol. Thank you for sharing all this great information.

  65. Tomáš

    Really nice post. I hope that next year I will make finally US trip. This is one of the places I want to stop for couple days :-)

  66. Mark Den.

    I don’t know how it’s road trip, there even no road! (Just Kidding).
    Pictures are so beautiful, Oregon coast is truly a heaven.

  67. serena

    It is very enlightening and useful post. I am not in U.S. but I love to visit this place with my family. My mom definitely loves this place because she always wants to live near the sea-shore. The information of hotels and restaurant helps us while traveling.

  68. Broography

    I don’t live in the US, but Oregon is the one place I’d like to go to to enjoy some crazy hiking adventures.
    Thanks for the detailed guide, it will come in handy when that time comes :-)

    1. Esther JuLee

      Where do you currently live? If you love the outdoors, Oregon is definitely the place to visit. Thanks for reading!

  69. John Phine

    Photographs are really very nice. A debt of gratitude is in order for imparting this data to us.

  70. Abbie Dawn

    Thanks for giving such a wonderful information. It is very helpful for every traveler.

  71. Nakisha william

    Great guide to go the OREGON COAST. I like your essential trips. My & Hubby will go there the beginning of next year. Thanks

    1. Esther JuLee

      Thanks, Nakisha! Hope you have a great trip and good weather then! ☺️

  72. Jakob Boman

    Great guide!
    My girlfriend and I are going to Oregon later this year.
    Thanks for the inspiration:-)

    1. Esther JuLee

      Thanks, Jakob and you’re so welcome. I hope you have an amazing trip!

  73. Charleston

    Thank you SO much for this post. It is shaping a huge part of my trip. I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience. Thank you thank you!!!

    1. Esther JuLee

      You’re welcome! So glad you’re finding it helpful. The Oregon Coast has SO much to offer ☺️

  74. Tiago

    Thank you very nice point of view. Great images.

  75. Choi Rose

    This is so much beautiful. I can feel that you had awesome adventure!

    1. Esther JuLee

      Thank you Rose. It’s one of our favorite road trips to date. I hope you get to experience it too!

  76. Kevin I.

    I have to say this is one of the best posts I have come across in a while. Very informative, and well put together. By sister and brother-in-law just moved up to the Seattle area and my wife and I are planning a visit. This Oregon road trip may just become part of our plans. After seeing these pictures and the great itinerary you have put together, it will no doubt make the planning much simpler. Thanks

  77. Doug Ash

    Love this! I am on the east coast and have had a northwest road trip on my to-do list for so long. I did make it to Lake Tahoe CA this past July for an overnight relay race, but thats it for my west coast exploration.

    1. Esther JuLee

      Yes you definitely have to do an Oregon coast road trip! We love the cali coast too but some of the best parts (like big sur) have been destroyed and roads still need to be rebuilt. Washington also has tons to explore!

  78. Joe Ionna

    We were just in Oregon this July as part of an epic drive from Seattle to Santa Cruz along the 101. We loved the whole state and the people were incredibly friendly especially in Astoria. Your post is so insightful. I want to return and take in your suggestions.

    1. Esther JuLee

      Thanks, Joe! We did LA to Seattle before too. It’s such a great drive but seriously far too much to see. I think we need a full year to properly explore it all. Haha I hope you come back to see more of Oregon though.

  79. I would absolutely love to visit Oregon! I love a good road trip too, so now I need to combine it!

    1. Esther JuLee

      Wish you could have visited while we were there! Regardless though you should definitely experience it.. with or without us

  80. Just took my first trip to Oregon. We were in Hood River and Portland but I see I still have so much more to go! Can’t wait to return! Stunning photos, thanks for sharing.

  81. Juliet

    Wow this post makes me want to pack my bags immediately! I live in NorCal, so I feel like a road trip like this is a must while I live here. Also, you guys packed so much into this trip – it’s amazing.

    Keep up the amazing work. I’m always excited when I spy a new blog post :)

    x, Juliet

    1. Esther JuLee

      Thank you so much, Juliet. I hope you get to do it soon. The PCH up Norcal is beautiful too. It’d be amazing to do that stretch and then all the way up the Oregon Coast. ;)

    1. Esther JuLee

      Thank you, Marina. The coast always has us coming back for more. :)

  82. Renuka

    Oregon road trip looks really beautiful! The beaches are exceptionally scenic! Love the video. I’d love to run on these beaches, sit with a glass of wine in the evenings… :-)

    1. Esther JuLee

      We love it out there! And that sounds like the perfect way to spend the evening.

  83. Andy

    Wow great photos and stories. I haven’t been to Oregon in 10 years. Maybe it’s time to go back!

    1. Esther JuLee

      Thanks, Andy. You’re definitely due for a trip back. :) Where did you visit when you were last in Oregon?

  84. Janet

    Thanks! This was very informative. We plan on doing a Oregon trip in August with our two dogs. Hopefully the experience is good.

    1. Esther JuLee

      I hope it’s an amazing time! Have you road tripped with your dogs before?

  85. Muhemmed Haider

    All the coast have their own charm and beauty. It is just magnificent .

  86. Trails unblazed

    The PNWhas been on our short list for a while now. Lots of good tips and destinations in this post. Thanks!

    1. Esther JuLee

      Thanks for stopping by. I hope you make your trip out here soon!

  87. Muhemmed Haider

    A very informative article. Totally agree with you. There is nothing more exciting than a road trip. Will plan on doing the same. Good work and keep it up.

  88. Vio

    Awesome photos and great trip, thanks for sharing!
    (PS: your bloom optin plungin doesn’t seem to work, I keep seeing the shortcodes instead of actual optin forms)

    1. Esther JuLee

      Thanks, Vio. Yeah, we noticed that the plugin has been glitchy, so we disabled it for now. We’re trying to see if they have any bug fixes before we enable it again. Hopefully soon! :) Thanks for letting us know. Sometimes we don’t catch things like that.

  89. Kristin

    Holy cow! You guys packed so much into your trip!
    This guide is awesome – totally thorough! We’re heading up to Canada soon and are planning on driving down through BC, Washigton, Oregon and California. I knew there was a lot to see in Oregon but not THIS much. It all looks and sounds so incredible.
    Thanks for educating me on the beauties of the Oregon coast :) now I can hardly contain my excitement!

    Kristin

    1. Esther JuLee

      Thank you, Kristin! You need to spend some time in Oregon for sure. We just came back from an Eastern Oregon road trip, and there’s so much more to see!!

  90. Ratheesh R Nath

    Wow, this blog really is informative. One of my friends is planning to visit Oregon Coast by the end of this year. I’m sure that this is going to be very helpful, Thank you for sharing. :)
    And by the way, the images included are also beautiful.

  91. Alex

    This is an amazing blog post.
    I’m planning on a holiday to the USA next year and I’m considering visiting Oregan.
    Thanks for sharing your incredible experience.

    1. Esther JuLee

      Thanks, Alex. It is beautiful here!! :) There are so many different types of landscapes to see too depending on what area of Oregon you want to visit.

  92. Lexi

    Thanks for the information! I haven’t made it this far up the West Coast yet, but I plan on covering this ground next year. However, I did make it to Canon Beach! NOTHING like the beaches of California…south of San Francisco anyway! Love all the amazing driftwood you find and the forest coming to touch the ocean

    1. Esther JuLee

      You are so welcome, Lexi! Love the coast of California, but PNW coast has a different charm all on its own. :) I hope you get to visit again soon and see more of it.

  93. Natalie

    I had no idea that Oregon had this much to visit! I’ve heard lots about Portland, but very little about the rest of the state, which is really a shame since it’s apparently gorgeous! We really, really need to do a PNW road trip–we’ll be incorporating as much of this itinerary into ours as possible. :)

    1. Esther JuLee

      There’s so much outside of Portland. You really should!! I’ll send you an itinerary. ;)

  94. Ryan Biddulph

    Esther this is stunning! One of my best blogging buddies lives in this region. His backyard used to be the Pacific. Like watching a Twilight movie LOL. One gorgeous area in the US I need to see.

    Ryan

    1. Esther JuLee

      Thank you, Ryan! That must have been amazing living right on the coast. We actually visited the beach from the movie in Washington, and it really does look very similar haha

  95. Sasu Consulting

    It sounds like an amazing trip! We are planning on visiting Oregon next year and will definitely incorporate some of your recommendations. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Greetings from Ireland :)

    1. Esther JuLee

      It was amazing!! I hope you get to experience as many of them as possible. Enjoy your trip!

  96. Parvinder Singh

    Your Photographs are stunning, Thanks for Sharing information about Oregon

    1. Esther JuLee

      Thank you so much! I hope you get to see these places in person. :)

  97. Diane miles

    We recently traveled down the entire Oregon Coast. Left from Portland and drove up to the Washington/Oregon border. There is a strong Swedish influence in the Northwest corner of Oregon! (We are a Swedish family. I think the terrain, trees, etc. are reminiscent of Sweden!).
    Took 3 days to drive down the entire coast to the California border, Such an amazing and memorable trip. If you have the time, the trip is so worthwhile!

    1. Esther JuLee

      I definitely did see a lot of the Scandinavian influence in Astoria! :) I’ve always wanted to do the entire California coast too. We’ve only done bits and pieces. What are your favorite stops on the California coast?

  98. Scott Adlhoch

    Nice idea of road trip to Oregon Cost, This will be a life time adventure for any person. Hope I will also enjoy this road trip in next few years, Currently I am planning to visit Asia.
    How many days did it take to complete the trip?

    1. Esther JuLee

      Thanks, Scott! We did this trip in 7 days. I hope you get to do the road trip. Enjoy Asia!

  99. Jeannine

    Hi! We will be staying in Cannon Beach in July for a week. If you had to pick the one or two things that are a must see, what would that be? It all sounds amazing!
    Thanks!

    1. Esther JuLee

      Hi Jeannine! I’m sure you already know that Haystack Rock is what’s most well known in Cannon Beach, but I also recommend doing some hikes in either Oswald or Ecola State Park. :) There are hikes for every level. They also give you great views of the rock features.

  100. Pilot Mark

    There´s nothing better than a road trip in the USA – especially when it involves so much breathtaking nature and scenic viewpoints. The United States has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty; I was amazed at the vastness of the sea and mountains when I was cruising around Alaska.

    1. Esther JuLee

      We haven’t been to Alaska yet, but we keep hearing how beautiful it is. The US really has so much to offer. We should definitely appreciate it more rather than always trying to hop off to other countries first. :)

  101. Linda Lou

    Wonderful overview! The one place I miss on the North Oregon Coast is Manzanita Beach, a small friendly town packed with neat little stores, art galleries, nice coffee spots, friendly pubs, and great restaurants.
    If you haven’t been there and are looking for a place to stay, check out the Beach Front Caretakers Bungalow of The Houses on Manzanita Beach

  102. Krystle

    How many days did you take to do the trip?

    1. Esther JuLee

      We took 7 days. The last day we explored for a few hours in the morning, but it was mostly driving back to Portland.

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