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There’s nothing quite like an Oregon Coast road trip. With its rocky cliffs, pristine beaches and abundance of wildlife, the Oregon Coast is a nature lover’s paradise. Plus, there’s no shortage of things to do and see along this stunning stretch of highway. If you’re looking for an amazing adventure, look no further!

In this blog post, we’ll provide you with an itinerary for the perfect coastal road trip. You’ll get to explore some of the most beautiful spots in Oregon, including Cannon Beach, Lincoln City, and many state parks. So pack your bags and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

Oregon Coast Road Trip Logistics

After living in Oregon for a year, we made at least 15 trips to the Oregon Coast. In fact, the Oregon Coast drive is the perfect place to escape from the heat and wildfire smoke in the summer and fall and snow in the winter.

The amount of time you should spend in the Oregon Coast depends on a few factors including how much time you have to visit and the activities you plan to do while you are there. Driving the entirety of the Oregon coastline will take about 7 hours without stopping so you could technically “see it all” in one day. However, this does not factor in any time required to loop back, get out of the car at sights, go for a hike, hang out on the beach, or play some golf.

Why Take an Oregon Coast Road Trip

There’s something about the Oregon coast that just makes you want to road trip. In fact, it is one of the best road trip destinations in the US. Maybe it’s the way the waves crash against the shore, or the way the sun sets over the horizon. Whatever it is, there’s no doubt that a road trip on the Oregon coast is an experience you won’t forget.

There are plenty of things to see and do on the Oregon coast. You can visit charming coastal towns, go hiking in the forests, or explore tide pools. There’s also plenty of wildlife to see, including whales, seals, and sea lions.

The best part about a road trip on the Oregon coast is that it’s always changing. The scenery is constantly changing, and there’s always something new to explore. So if you’re looking for an adventure, be sure to road trip on the Oregon coast.

Oregon Coast Road Trip Map

You can build your itinerary based off of this Oregon Coast road trip map.

Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary

If you are planning to do the Oregon Coast drive, this will organize the stops from North to South. If you are planning on doing the reverse, start at the bottom of this list.

Northern Oregon Coast

Fort Stevens State Park

Fort Stevens State Park is a great spot for nature lovers. This park features miles of hiking trails, a historic fort, and a beautiful beach. It’s also home to an abundance of wildlife, making it a great place for bird watching. The most unique feature of this state park is the Peter Iredale Shipwreck right on the beach.

Astoria

Just a quick drive away from Fort Stevens State Park you’ll find Astoria, Oregon. It’s a charming little town that overlooks the Columbia River and that offers you a ton of fun things to do.

Some local highlights include admiring views of the city from the Astoria Column before checking out filming locations for famous films like Free Willy, The Goonies, and Kindergarten Cop.

Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park is another great spot for hikers and nature lovers. This park features miles of trails that wind through forests and meadows, offering incredible views of the coast. There is also a great scenic viewpoint here overlooking Cannon Beach. For film fans, you will recognize this location from the movie The Goonies.

Seaside

This epic beach town sits right along the coast and is the perfect place to go for a walk along the beach at sunset.

However, some other fun things to do in Seaside include exploring Seaside Promenade and Beach, grabbing a gelato at Sea Star Gelato, visiting Seaside Aquarium, and spending the night at the ultra-retro Ashore Hotel.

Cannon Beach

No Oregon Coast road trip is complete without a visit to Cannon Beach. This beautiful town is known for its stunning beaches and dramatic cliffs. Be sure to check out Haystack Rock, one of the most iconic landmarks in the area.

Hug Point

Hug Point is a picturesque spot on the Oregon coast, known for its natural arch and rocky cove. The area is a popular spot for exploring and swimming, and is a great place to take in the beauty of the Oregon coast. Check the tide before heading to Hug Point

Oswald West State Park

Located near Cannon Beach, Oswald West State Park is a must-see for nature lovers. This park is home to miles of hiking trails, beautiful coastal views, and some of the best surf in Oregon.

Tillamook Creamery

If you’re looking for a fun family outing and you love ice cream and cheese, be sure to stop by the Tillamook Cheese Factory. This popular tourist attraction offers tours, tastings, and shopping opportunities galore.

Netart’s Bay

Netart’s Bay is a beautiful stop on the Oregon Coast Highway. The cove is surrounded by high cliffs and a small beach, making it the perfect place to take a break from the road. The water is a deep blue and the waves are gentle enough for swimming. There are several small fishing boats anchored in the bay and the view of the coast is stunning.

God’s Thumb

God’s thumb is a rock formation on the Oregon Coast that is said to resemble a thumbprint. It is located in the Lincoln City area, and it is a popular spot for tourists. 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 and it is mostly forest until the very end.

Drift Creek Falls

Drift Creek Falls is not technically on the coast but if you are planning to do a Northern Oregon Coast loop on a weekend getaway from Portland, this would be on the way back inland. This hike is one of my favorite easy hikes near Portland. Drift Creek Falls is a relatively easy 3.2 mile hike with 541 ft of elevation gain and it features a suspension bridge that is quite unique.

Central Oregon Coast

Devil’s Punchbowl

The Devils Punchbowl is a large and impressive ocean cave on the Oregon Coast. The cave is located at the base of a cliff and can only be reached at low tide. The Punchbowl gets its name from the dangerous waves that crash into the cave, creating a large and impressive spout of water. If you are visiting at high tide or do not want to make the trek down into the cave, there is a viewing platform from above.

Newport

Drive just three hours south of Cannon Beach and you’ll find Newport. It’s a historic beachfront community that is brimming over with stunning natural areas that are just waiting to be explored.

So, while you’re here be sure to visit the playful sea otters over at the Oregon Coast Aquarium before saying “hi” to the sea lions at Sea Lions Docks.

Next, enjoy some epic panoramas of Yaquina Bay at the Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site before exploring the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse.

Finally, check out the epic art scene in Nye Beach before grabbing some delicious food at the Chowder Bowl.

Cape Perpetua

Situated just south of Yachats, Cape Perpetua is a must-see on any Oregon Coast road trip. The cape’s namesake promontory offers stunning views of the coastline and the waves crashing against offshore rocks. There are also several trails that wind through the surrounding forest, offering hikers and nature lovers plenty to explore. In the winter, the cape is a popular spot for watching storms roll in off the Pacific.

Devil’s Churn

Devil’s Churn is a natural feature on the Oregon Coast located just south of Yachats. It is a narrow and steep-walled cove that creates a powerful churning effect as the waves crash against the rocks. The cove is about 100 feet long and 20 feet wide, and it is said that the devil himself churns the water. It is a popular spot for hikers and photographers, and it offers beautiful views of the coast.

Thor’s Well

Thor’s Well is a natural ocean inlet on the Oregon coast located in Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. The well is about 20 feet wide and 120 feet deep, with an opening at the surface that often sucks objects (and people) into its depths. Due to the unpredictable and dangerous nature of Thor’s Well, it is advised not to approach it.

Spouting Horn

Oregon’s coastline is dotted with rugged headlands, secluded coves and sheltered beaches. One of the most popular attractions on the coast is the Spouting Horn. This geologic feature is located in Depoe Bay, about halfway between Newport and Lincoln City. The Spouting Horn is a natural gas vent that emits a loud hissing noise when the waves crash against it. The water spray can reach up to 50 feet high, making it a popular spot for photographers.

Southern Oregon Coast

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a stunning location for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and beachcombing. The dunes are also a popular spot for ATV riding and sandboarding.

Coos Bay

Situated right in between Newport and the Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor, Coos Bay is a great place to stop for a hike since you can hop on several local trails that connect Sunset Bay State Park, Cape Arago State Park, and Shore Acres State Park.

Additionally, Coos Bay is home to several Japanese Gardens and stunning sections of the coast that are home to gorgeous beaches. So, be sure to head to Sunset Bay State Park to enjoy a lovely sunset.

You can also stroll along the Coos Bay Boardwalk before having a meal at Sharkbites and stepping inside the stunning Egyptian Theater to enjoy a great film.

Cape Arago State Park

Cape Arago State Park is a stunning marine park located on the southern Oregon coast. The park offers visitors incredible views of the coastline and ocean, as well as opportunities to explore tidepools and birdwatch. One of the highlights of the park is the Cape Arago Lighthouse, which is open for tours.

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort

If you’re a fan of golf, be sure to visit Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. This world-famous golf resort offers championship courses that will test your skills to the limit. Check out this post to find out which is the best course in Bandon Dunes.

Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint

The face rock scenic viewpoint is a must-see stop on any trip along the Oregon coast and a great place to visit if your trip is focusing on golf in Bandon Dunes. This spot offers stunning views of the rocky coastline and the Pacific Ocean. Be sure to keep an eye out for sea lions and whales, which are often spotted offshore.

Meyers Creek Beach Viewpoint

Meyers Creek Beach Viewpoint is a must-see stop on any Oregon Coast road trip. The viewpoint offers stunning views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can also enjoy a short hike to the beach, where they can explore the tide pools and take in the incredible scenery.

Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor

Samuel Boardman State Park is another great spot for nature lovers. This park features 12 miles of coastal trails, which offer amazing views of the ocean and surrounding forests. It’s also home to several rare species of plants and animals. This area is my personal favorite place to visit along the Oregon Coast.

And if you want to spend the night here, stay in the lovely town of Brookings. After all, it’s well-located near this scenic area and is home to several awesome hotels like the White Rock Resort and the Beachfront Inn.

Other Places to Visit on the Way Back

There are plenty of other great places to visit in Oregon on your loop back. A few ideas include Crater Lake, Silver Falls State Park, Abiqua Falls, spending a day in Portland, and visiting wineries in the Oregon wine region.

Things to Know Before Your Oregon Coast Road Trip

If you’re looking to take an Oregon Coast Road Trip, there are a few things you should know before you go. First of all, the drive can be quite windy and narrow in some parts, so make sure you’re comfortable with driving on curvy roads. Also, the weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for rain or foggy conditions especially outside of the summer season.

The beaches that you visit are not like those in Southern California, Florida, or the Caribbean. Instead, they are cool and typical beach attire is a jacket, pants and sneakers. There is limited food available, especially during the off-season although you can certainly always find some in the more popular spots like Cannon Beach and Lincoln City. Finally, there are lots of great scenic spots and activities to enjoy along the way, so be sure to pack your camera, hiking shoes, snacks and hiking pack.

Other Road Trip Tips

• Know How to Use Tide Pools – Tide pools are beautiful ecosystems that are filled with everything from sea urchins to sea stars and anemones. However, they are delicate and need to be taken care of. Therefore, it’s best not to walk on dry rocks to avoid harming animals. Dogs should also be kept out of tide pools and you should know when the high tide comes in so that you don’t get stranded.

• Be Careful Near the Ocean – The Pacific Ocean is beautiful. But, it can also be treacherous and unpredictable. Currents can change rapidly, even during calm weather. Therefore, it’s important to never underestimate the ocean and to watch out for Sneaker waves. These are powerful waves that unexpectedly surge onto the shore and that can sweep away anything in their path. Additionally, strong rip currents can drag people and pets out to sea in the blink of an eye. Remain vigilant and never turn your back on the ocean.

• Familiarize Yourself with Parking Rules – Know when and where you can legally park without a permit. For example, you cannot park along Highway 101 or in designated parking spots without a permit. Do this and you could get a ticket.

• Watch Out for Winter Storms – Storms are common throughout the winter season. Therefore, remain aware of high tides and always try to be at a higher elevation location at this time of day.

• Don’t Stand on the Edge of or Beneath Cliffs – Avoid standing near the edge of and beneath cliffs. After all, many cliffs along the coast are susceptible to erosion and could fall, making these dangerous places to stand.

• Protect the Beach While Beach Combing – When collecting things from the beach, it’s important the keep the beach well-preserved. As a result, avoid collecting plants, shells, and rocks since their removal could disturb the area’s natural habitat. Other areas are managed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. So, the removal of anything is strictly prohibited. These include Marine Gardens, Research Reserves, Habitat Refuges, Marine Protected Areas, and Marine Reserves.

Best Time to Take an Oregon Coast Road Trip

If you want to avoid traffic then try doing an Oregon coast road trip in the fall. This time of year is quieter and the weather/scenery are exceptionally stunning. Overall, it’s a great time to do a leisurely road trip along the coast and to enjoy some of the state’s most breathtaking scenery.

On the other hand, if you don’t mind crowds then summer is a great time to do an Oregon road trip. You’ll have to deal with a lot less rain and you will have time to explore the great outdoors since the days are much longer.

In contrast, November through April is a pretty awful time to do a road trip, unless you want to do a bit of storm-watching. That’s because this is when the winter and spring rains inundate the region with the moisture needed to create the lush landscapes that you see around you.

Expert Tip: When planning a road trip, always be mindful of rush hour traffic. It usually peaks on weekdays from 7:00 am to 9:00 am and from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm since this is when most locals are traveling to and from work. Also, check the weather since this area is known for a tremendous amount of wind and rain.

Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary FAQ

How Many Days Does it Take to Drive the Oregon Coast?

While you can drive the length of the Oregon Coast in 10 days, it is best to spend at least 14 days doing this incredible Oregon Coast road trip itinerary.

What is the Best Time of Year to Drive the Oregon Coast?

Generally speaking, the best time of year to drive the Oregon Coast is September. After all, the crowds of summer are gone but the weather is still warm enough to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.

Can you Do the Oregon Coast in 4 days?

While you can do a short trip to the Oregon Coast in 4 days – with stops at Cannon Beach, Three Capes Scenic Drive, Pacific City, Yaquina, Newport, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Heceta, Florence, and Columbia River Gorge – it is recommended that you devote at least 10 days to your itinerary.

Which Part of the Oregon Coast is the Best?

Two of the best parts of the Oregon Coast are Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock since both places are super scenic and feature all the qualities that make the Oregon Coast awesome.

Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary

If you’re looking for an unforgettable road trip, consider the Oregon Coast. With its dramatic coastline and lush forests, there are plenty of amazing places to visit on this scenic route. From Cannon Beach to Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor, Bandon Dunes to Spouting Horn, we’ve highlighted some of our favorite spots on the Oregon Coast. So what are you waiting for? Add the Oregon Coast road trip to your travel bucket list and start planning your next adventure!

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

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• Best Waterfalls near Portland
• Best Wildflower Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge
• 10 Places to Visit in Oregon

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