The 11 Best Spots on the Oregon Coast: Must-See Places
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The Oregon Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the world. With its rocky coastline and pristine beaches, it’s no wonder that so many people flock to this area every year. If you’re planning a trip to the Oregon Coast, or if you’ve already been there and are looking for more information on what to see and do, this blog post is for you. We will list 7 of the best spots on the Oregon Coast, so you can make sure to see them all!
Best Time of the Year to Visit the Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast is a beautiful place to visit any time of year. In the summer, the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for spending time on the beach. However, it can also be crowded during this season. Fall is a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds. The weather is still pleasant and you can enjoy the stunning fall foliage.
Winter can be rainy, but it’s also a great time to spot whales as they migrate along the coast. Spring is another great time to visit, as the weather starts to warm up and the flowers start to bloom. No matter when you visit, you’re sure to have a great time on the Oregon Coast!
Best Spots on the Oregon Coast
Visiting the Oregon Coast should be a must-do for anyone planning a Pacific Northwest vacation. Here are the best spots on the Oregon Coast that are perfect for any Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary.
Cannon Beach and Seaside
No trip to the Oregon Coast would be complete without visiting Cannon Beach and Seaside. These two charming towns are located just a few miles apart and offer visitors a chance to experience the best of what the Oregon Coast has to offer.
Cannon Beach is best known for Haystack Rock, a towering monolith that looms over the shoreline. Haystack Rock is an Oregon Coast must-see spot. Visitors can explore the tide pools around the rock at low tide, or simply admire its majesty from afar. There are also plenty of sandy beaches to relax on, as well as hiking trails that offer stunning coastal views. In addition to its natural beauty, Cannon Beach also offers a variety of shops and restaurants for visitors to enjoy.
Seaside, on the other hand, is best known for its lively boardwalk. This historic promenade stretches for nearly a mile along the shoreline and is lined with shops, restaurants, and amusements. Visitors can also find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals in Seaside, making it the perfect place to stay while exploring the Oregon Coast. No matter what your interests are, Cannon Beach and Seaside have something to offer everyone. So plan your visit today!
Ecola State Park
There’s no better place to enjoy the best of the Oregon Coast than at Ecola State Park. Located just north of Cannon Beach, the park offers stunning views of the coastline, as well as plenty of opportunities for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. The best part is that the park is also home to some of the filming locations for The Goonies, making it a must-visit spot for any fan of the classic movie.
Whether you’re looking to take in the incredible views or relive your childhood by visiting some of The Goonies’ filming locations, Ecola State Park is definitely worth a visit. So make sure to add it to your list of must-see spots on the Oregon Coast.
God’s Thumb
God’s Thumb is a rock formation on the Oregon Coast that is said to resemble a thumbprint. This Oregon Coast must-see is located near Lincoln City, and it is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The views from God’s Thumb are stunning, and it is definitely worth the hike if you are in the area. The hike itself is 4.3 miles and 1100 ft of elevation gain and rated moderate. The hike to God’s Thumb is mostly forest until the very end.
If you are looking for something less intense, consider the shorter hike to “The Knoll” which starts from the same trailhead. This hike has a similar view to God’s Thumb, but a little less dramatic.
Thor’s Well
Thor’s Well is one of the best spots on the Oregon Coast. Located just south of Yachats, this natural wonder is best seen during high tide when water rushes into the bowl-shaped hole and then disappears back out to sea. Visitors can stand on the rocks and watch as waves crash around them. Be careful as the surf can be dangerous. Low tide is also a good time to visit Thor’s Well, as it’s possible to walk around the rocks and get a closer look at the geology of this fascinating place. Regardless of when you visit, Thor’s Well is sure to leave you awestruck.
Devil’s Punchbowl
Devil’s Punchbowl is one of the best spots on the Oregon Coast. The natural amphitheater is formed by a huge rockslide that happened thousands of years ago. Today, the punchbowl is a popular spot for hikers and picnickers. There are several trails leading to the punchbowl, and the views from the top are incredible.
Devil’s Punchbowl is also a great place for tide pooling. During low tide, you can explore the pools and look for marine life. Starfish, urchins, and crabs are just some of the creatures you might see. So whether you’re looking for a great hike or a fun place to explore, be sure to check out Devil’s Punchbowl on the Oregon Coast.
Astoria, Oregon
Known for being the epic filming location of the cinematic classic The Goonies, Astoria is a small seaside town in Oregon that is easily one of the best spots on the Oregon coast.
So, if you would like to make the most of your time here then be sure to head to the top of the Astoria Column to enjoy impressive views of the surrounding area.
You can also walk along the Astoria Riverwalk, or use the Old Riverfront Trolley, and soak up the natural beauty of the nearby Columbia River.
And for all my fellow Goonies fans out there, you can visit the jail from the opening scene if you stop by the Oregon Film Museum.
Bandon Dunes
Bandon Dunes is an oceanfront golf resort located on the Oregon Coast and it is one of the best golf destinations in the country. It features five championship courses, each with unique characteristics and breathtaking views. The courses are situated on a spectacular stretch of coastline, offering stunning views of the ocean. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you’ll find plenty of reasons to tee off at Bandon Dunes. Check out this blog post to find out which is the best course at Bandon Dunes. This is one of the best places to go on the Oregon Coast, especially if you are looking for a golf experience.
Florence, Oregon
If you love watching sea lions relax in their natural habitat then this is one of the best spots on the Oregon coast for you.
See, the quant little town of Florence sits along the coast and is well-located near Sea Lion Caves.
In fact, these caves are so massive that they are actually famous for being the largest Sea Lion caves in the country.
So, if you would like to visit then you’ll need to hop on a gorgeous piece of road along the coast and take it to the caves, which are 11 miles north of the town of Florence.
You’ll then need a ticket so that you can take an elevator down to the cavern where these wonderful creatures spend most of their time.
However, other fun things to do in Florence include Darlingtonia State Natural Site, the Bob Creek Tide Pools, and the sand dunes at Sand Master Park.
Natural Bridges
The Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor is one of the best spots on the Oregon Coast and a must-see place to visit in Oregon. This 12-mile stretch of coastline features rocky headlands, secret coves, and dramatic sea stacks.
A highlight of the Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor is Natural Bridges, a series of sea caves that have been eroded by the ocean over time. Visitors can explore these caves at low tide, when the water level is low enough to walk through. With its dramatic cliffs, peaceful coves, and fascinating sea caves, the Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor is one of the best spots on the Oregon Coast.
Whaleshead Beach
You’ll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to access this pick for one of the best spots on the Oregon Coast.
But, it’s worth it since this unique sandy spot on the Southern coast features a stack of rocks just offshore that resembles a giant whale’s head.
Additionally, because there are tons of underwater caves scattered throughout the area, sea spray will soar into the air once waves crash into the rocks.
It’s also one of the lesser-known spots along the Oregon coast. Therefore, you won’t have to share this magical place with a ton of other people.
Pro Tip: This is one of the best spots on the Oregon coast to visit in the winter since a weather pattern known as the “Chetco Effect” results in the cold and wind never settling on the beach.
The result is plenty of flowers and greenery growing throughout the area all year long.
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Home to the natural bridges and Whaleshead Beach mentioned above, this top Southern coast location is easily the single most beautiful place on the Oregon coast.
To get here, simply use Highway 101 to drive across the park. Once there, you’ll see why this stretch of road is also one of the most picturesque thoroughfares in the state.
Be sure to take plenty of time to explore the area since there are tons of places (10+) where you can get out and explore hidden beaches, stunning hiking trails, and awesome natural bridges.
If you want, you can even use one major trail through the park to make your way from the mountains to the coast. The result is that you’ll get to see all the major highlights of the park.
Alternatively, you could always use the scenic drive to do the same. But, be sure to make special stops at the natural bridges, Whaleshead Beach, and Secret Beach along the way.
Best Spots on the Oregon Coast FAQs
What is the Most Beautiful part of the Oregon Coast?
The most beautiful part of the Oregon Coast is Cannon Beach. After all, no road trip along the northern coast of Oregon would be complete without visiting this unique beach.
Plus, this incredible spot was named one of the one hundred most beautiful places in the world by National Geographic.
What is the Most Beautiful Stretch of the Oregon Coast?
The most beautiful stretch of the Oregon coast is the Boardman State Scenic Corridor. It’s a 12-mile-long piece of land that sits on the southernmost end of the Oregon coast.
Highlights include soaring cliffs, stunning coastal hikes, gorgeous coves, and incredible beaches.
Where is the Best Viewpoint on the Oregon Coast?
The best viewpoint on the Oregon coast lies within Cape Perpetua Scenic Area.
Not only does this place stand 800 feet above the shore but the viewpoint is completely accessible by car and offers stunning panoramas for 70 miles in every direction.
What Month is Best for Oregon Coast?
The best month to visit the Oregon Coast is September since the crowds of summer are gone.
Additionally, the warm and dry weather usually lasts well into October, making this a great time to visit.
Best Spots on the Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast is one of the most beautiful and varied coastline in the world. Anyone who has visited the Oregon Coast knows that it is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Stretching for over 300 miles, the Oregon Coast is home to sandy beaches, towering cliffs, and crashing waves make it a paradise for both tourists and locals alike. Hopefully this blog post has given you 7 places to go on the Oregon Coast. Have you visited? Which one is your favorite?
You May Also Enjoy These Posts:
- Best Waterfalls in Oregon
- The Ultimate Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary
- The Perfect Oregon Road Trip Itinerary
- Underrated Places to Visit in the Pacific Northwest
Let’s Stay in Touch…
Andrea Cannon is a pharmacist, triathlete, gratitude practicer, and avid traveler. For both business and pleasure, she has taken more than 250 flights yearly for the past 3 years. In addition to being a travel hacking enthusiast, Andrea enjoys hiking and spending time with her husband (Austin) and dog (Dex). You can connect with her via her blog www.beaUTAHfulworld.com or on Instagram @andreafcannon .