Highlights of My Oregon Coastal Road Trip

Towering ocean cliffs, lush rainforest hikes, and rich maritime history. The Oregon Coast has so much to offer, and the easiest way to experience it all is with the road trip of a lifetime.

Chapters

• How to Make the Most of Your Oregon Coast Road Trip
• When to Visit the Oregon Coast to See Wildlife
• How to Get to the Oregon Coast
• How Many Days Should You Plan for Your Oregon Coast Road Trip?
• Your Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary (7-10 Days)
• The Oregon Coast Is for People Who Embrace Moody Skies and Rugged Adventure

I first started thinking about an Oregon coastal road trip while driving down the Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Barbara. Between rugged coastlines and sunwarmed tidepools, I thought,  “It must be even better in Oregon. I have to go.”

This isn’t what you’re supposed to think while driving through Malibu. In fact, the Big Sur region of California (central to southern) is considered the most breathtaking part of the Pacific coast, hands down. Oregon isn’t even in the running.

But I have always been captured by the magic of rainy days, foggy beach cliffs, and nature that’s been left undisturbed by celebrity mansions. I couldn’t get scenes of lighthouse chasing, whale watching, and quiet rocky beaches out of my head. And, not to spoil the ending, but my Oregon coastal road trip was all of that and more.

Oregon Coast Road Trip Tips

Let’s get the nitty-gritty details out of the way first. In order to plan a successful Oregon Coast road trip, you’ll need to consider a few things. How to get to Oregon, how to plan your itinerary, and how long you should stay on the coast.

Drive from North to South

No matter where you start and end your Oregon Coast road trip, you absolutely have to drive north to south. This is non-negotiable. This puts you on the side of Highway 101 that’s closest to the ocean. You’ll get the best views for the whole drive, and you can easily stop for any spots that warrant a “wait—wait pull over” from your crew. Trust me, there will be a lot of those.

Leave a Few Days with Absolutely No Plans

I know, this is so type-B of me, and it’s not possible for everyone. But just hear me out. My recommendation for any U.S. road trip is to plan more than half of it with a solid itinerary — hotel stays, booked adventures, and your must-see highlights. But leave a few days completely unplanned with no advanced bookings.

During the well-planned half of the trip, your job is to chat with locals and see which places they recommend as “can’t-miss” spots. Pay attention to guides, signs, and landmarks around you. Once you finish your planned itinerary, ask yourself, “What did I miss that I really wanted to see?”

This strategy has never failed to bring extra surprise and wonder to a road trip for me. Especially when you’re driving, there are lots of places you can reach in 3–4 days. I usually have a few ideas of possible ending spots, but I always ask the locals what they recommend, and I’m never disappointed.

Pack Warm

If you’re used to California sun or the Utah desert, the Oregon Coast might be a bit of a shock to your system. Of course, it’s known for gloomy and rainy days, but those days can also be a bit chilling. Even in the summer, Oregon’s average temperature is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine that with windy beaches, constant sea mist, and moody skies and it can feel even colder. Pack warm and waterproof clothing that’s easily layered.

Prepare for Sneaker Waves

If you’re from the East Coast, like me, you won’t expect sneaker waves. These are large surges of ocean water that seemingly come out of nowhere and can sweep you away with the tide. Before taking a dip in the ocean, watch the coastline. You’ll want to swim in areas that are relatively calm and don’t show strange tide patterns. Check for signs and ask the locals for safety tips, too.

When to Visit the Oregon Coast to See Wildlife

There’s a lot of wildlife to see when you visit. And you might want to plan your Oregon coastal road trip around which animals you’re most likely to see.

Grey whales migrate along the coast from December to January in the winter and from March until June in the spring and summer.

Puffins are also commonly spotted on the Oregon Coast, especially in rocky areas like the popular Cannon Beach. Look for them from April to July.

Harbor seals are present in Oregon all year round. Look for these sweet spotted creatures around sandy beaches and in shallow bays.

California sea lions migrate to the Oregon Coast in late summer and stay until the spring. So, you can expect to see them unless you go in late spring or early summer.

How to Get to the Oregon Coast

The most popular way to begin your Oregon Coast road trip is by flying into Portland International Airport (PDX). From there, you’ll rent a car and drive around 2 hours to the coast to begin your trip.

For me, it was more cost effective to drive from Denver to the Oregon Coast, and I highly recommend this if you’re somewhat close. Since there’s only one international airport (and the road trip spanned more than 4 hours of highway), you’ll be car-dependent anyways.

Driving yourself also means you don’t have to return to Portland to catch a flight. I was able to head straight home from Southern Oregon and visit Crater Lake National Park on the way home. I also got to stop at some of my favorite spots in Utah.

How Many Days Should You Plan for Your Oregon Coast Road Trip?

If you want to see the highlights and the hidden gems at a leisurely pace, I recommend 7–10 full days. But, if you’re short on time, it’s possible to see the best spots in just 5–6 days. Of course, you’ll want to consider travel time as well, especially if you need to drive back up North to Portland for a flight home.

Your Oregon Coastal Road Trip Itinerary (7–10 Days) + The Best Things to Do on the Oregon Coast

Long Beach, Washington (Day 1–3)

Travel Time: 2 hours from Portland International Airport

Okay, I know this is an “Oregon Coast road trip itinerary,” and I’m contradicting myself right off the bat. But Long Beach, Washington is just 30 minutes outside of Astoria, and it’s home to so many road trip highlights. You simply can’t miss it.

Long Beach is more of a local spot, so it’s cheaper to stay here than in Astoria. And it’s right on the ocean, instead of the Colombia River. You’ll have quick access to Cape Disappointment State Park, Fort Stevens, Dylan’s Cottage Bakery (more on that later), and Astoria’s charming downtown.

The Highlights:

• Cape Disappointment State Park. Dotted with hiking trails and breathtaking beachside cliffs, Cape Disappointment combines the Pacific Northwest’s iconic rainforest with scenes straight out of Pirates of the Caribbean. Don’t be confused by the name (it’s a long story), this place is anything but a disappointment. You can spend days here, but if you have limited time, start by hiking the Cape Disappointment Trail to Deadman’s Cove. Bring a picnic, your swimsuit, and a decent camera. This place is so picturesque, I later saw it on a family member’s wall calendar. Be sure to visit both lighthouses at the park, too.

• Fort Stevens State Park. Where else can you stand inside a shipwreck? The Peter Iredale was built in 1890, and later wrecked on the Oregon Coast in the early 1900s. Although the state park does require a fee to visit, the shipwreck is free and easy to access. When you get there, enjoy some beachcombing and take photos inside the ship’s frame.

• Dylan’s Cottage Bakery. You need to go to this place on your first day in Washington, so you can return every day after. They create the most incredible donuts, pastries, and baked goods all morning long, and they’re a popular breakfast spot on Long Beach. My friend and I stopped here every day and took our pastries to the beach with us (usually, to Cape Disappointment). We also packed a half-dozen pastries to go for the rest of our Oregon coast road trip.

Astoria, Oregon (Day 1–3)

Travel Time: 30 minutes south of Long Beach, Washington

The landscape around Astoria is what makes it so unique and relevant to history. It’s where the Colombia River meets the Pacific Ocean, meaning it’s one of the most difficult places for ships to navigate. It’s also where Lewis and Clark wintered after their expedition across America. To me, Astoria felt much slower-paced than other tourist towns we visited. So soak up a relaxed start to your visit in Oregon and see the sights with a cup of Oregon-famous coffee in hand.

The Highlights:

• Fort Clatsop. Lewis and Clark spent a winter in Astoria after their expedition across the States, and you can visit a replica of their fort at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park. If you’re lucky, you might catch a historic reenactment or see a demonstration of how to make beeswax candles or tan an animal hide.

• The Astoria Column. For the best view of where the Colombia River meets the Pacific Ocean, climb the historic Astoria Column. It has 164 spiral stairs, so it’s a bit of a workout. But the view and salty ocean breeze from the top is totally worth it. Before you climb up, you can purchase a wooden plane (or two) at the gift shop. Then, send them flying from the top of the tower.

• Flavel House Museum. The home of a prestigious sea captain, the Flavel House is the perfect example of Victorian architecture and the potential of wealth for successful early seafarers on the Oregon Coast.

• Oregon Film Museum. Astoria has a rich cinema history. It’s most famously the filming location of Free Willy and The Goonies. Here, you’ll see props from movies made across the State of Oregon and be part of hands-on activities, like taking your own mugshot in the Clatsop County Jail (part of the film set for The Goonies).

Cannon Beach (Day 4)

Travel Time: 40 minutes south of Astoria, Oregon

Just down the coastline, Cannon Beach is easy to access from Astoria. If you’ve never visited Cannon Beach before, you’ve definitely seen photos of its iconic Haystack Rock on computer screensavers. This famous beach is featured in The Goonies, Point Break, and a handful of other movies. It’s also a popular spot for artists and professional photographers. Plan a few extra minutes for parking, because this beach is always busy.

The Highlights:

• Go Tidepool Searching. The best time to visit Cannon Beach is during low tide so you can experience ocean wildlife in the tidepools. When we visited, the beach had an interpretive program, with experts on-site who pointed out starfish and coral.

• Ecola State Park. If you’re obsessed with dramatic seastacks but want to experience them with fewer tourists, Ecola State Park is your place. You’ll find hikes for all fitness levels and the same sweeping ocean views, tidepools, and rugged coastline that’s at Cannon Beach. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a local puffin.

• Downtown Shops. If your style can be described with the words “coastal grandmother,” you’ll love shopping in downtown Cannon Beach. I accidentally stumbled across the Cannon Beach Farmers Market during my visit, which was a delightful mix of local handmade goods and local fresh food. Get some berries!

• Delicious Seafood. Although I never made it to Pelican Brewing Company myself, a few locals mentioned it with high praise. There are also plenty of other dinner and lunch spots along the Cannon Beach downtown area.

Oceanside (Day 5)

Travel Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes south of Astoria, Oregon

Between Cannon Beach and Oceanside is where you’ll first start to see views of the ocean from Highway 101. On one side, you’ll notice lush rainforest and on the other, you’ll see the Pacific Ocean dotted with haystacks and rugged cliffsides. During this portion of the road trip, there are so many beaches to choose from. My recommendation is to just pick a few that really catch your eye. I promise, you won’t be able to see them all, and doing a ton of research will just make you feel overwhelmed. Go to the ones that look the prettiest from the highway.

The Highlights:

• Tunnel Beach. This is a hidden gem along the Oregon coastline that will blow you away. You’ll walk out to what feels like a regular beach and enjoy the typical coastal experience. But hidden in a beachside rockface is a man-made tunnel that takes you to a secret beach. This secret beach is small and rocky, and feels totally excluded from the rest of the world.

• Agate Hunting and Rockhounding. Especially in this region, you’ll notice beachcombers everywhere. Most of them are searching for agate or jasper. These translucent stones are easy to find on the Oregon Coast if you know where to look. Scan recent rockfalls and rocky areas, especially close to the cliffsides.

• Watch the Surfers. If the surf’s good, you might get to see a few brave surfers catching waves on the beach.

• Enjoy a Leisurely Cup of Coffee. Oceanside is a bit off the beaten path, so it’s a little quieter than other towns along the coastal highway. Take this as your sign to slow down and enjoy a cup of coffee. Roseanna’s Cafe offers a local vibe and a pretty overlook, right over the ocean.

Newport (Day 5–6)

Travel Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes south of Oceanside, Oregon

My favorite town in Coastal Oregon, Newport is a postcard-worthy spot. The downtown area backs up against a historic bayfront, where you’ll see fishing boats going in and out all day long. You might notice strange barking sounds coming from downtown. Those are just the local seal lions taking a break on the pier. I recommend making Newport your home base as you visit other tourist attractions, like Yachats and Depoe Bay.

The Highlights:

• Yaquina Head Lighthouse. I’m one of those people who’s obsessed with lighthouses, and the Yaquina Head Lighthouse was genuinely the highlight of my trip. The tallest lighthouse in Oregon, it’s rich in history and surrounded by majestic cliffside ocean views… I could go on. Book your visit ahead of time if you want to get a tour of the lighthouse. You’ll also want to leave time to enjoy the visitors center. Oh, and don’t confuse it with the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse (still a fun stop, but far less impressive).

• Newport Historic Bayfront. The local sea lion caves (in Yachats) are a popular tourist attraction. And you can absolutely go there. But you can also see a thriving sea lion population right in the middle of the historic Newport bay. Just walk along the pier and soak in all the charms of downtown at the same time.

• Boat Tours. If you haven’t yet gotten your fill of ocean wildlife, you might consider one of the many boat tours offered in Newport. You can sign up for these online, by phone, or simply walk up to one of the many offices downtown. Guides will tell you all about life in the Pacific Northwest, and you’ll get to experience the epitome of local life on the ocean.

• Whale Watching. Whales are active on the Oregon Coast all year long, but they’re easiest to spot during their migration, from December to January. You can also catch them headed back to their summer homes in Alaska, around May–June. Newport, Depoe Bay, and Yachats are all good places to do some whale watching.

• South Beach Fish Market. We were searching for good seafood during the entire trip, but we didn’t have anything that really knocked our socks off until the South Beach Fish Market in Newport. You’ll find this hole-in-the-wall fish market attached to a gas station. They source the freshest seafood right from the Newport Bay, and you can taste how local it is. Their candied salmon is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. I dream about it.

Yachats (Day 7–8)

Travel Time: 30 minutes south of Newport, Oregon

Yachats offers some of the most breathtaking beach views and easy access to the coast via Highway 101. You’ll constantly be “oohing” and “ahhing” over the next curve in the road. And, not that you need it, but you have full permission to pull over anywhere that looks pretty.

The Highlights:

• Sea Lion Caves. If you want to visit sea lions in their natural habitat, you’ll enjoy a visit to the Sea Lion Caves wildlife preserve. Considered America’s largest sea cave, this area is privately owned and offers tours throughout the day. While it’s more touristy (read: expensive) than other places I recommend, it can be a fun experience, especially if you get to see a sea lion pup.

• Thor’s Well. Whenever I go on a trip, I want to see something that’s totally new to me and unique to the region. Thor’s Well was exactly that. And if you’re debating driving this far south on your Oregon Coast road trip, let Thor’s Well be your deciding factor. Essentially, it’s a natural sinkhole that descends 20 feet into the ocean floor. During high tide, the well fills up and sinks back down to the bottom of the ocean with every crashing wave. Awesome, right? You’ll find it in Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve with other incredible rock formations. This place is so special at high tide, we saw the sweetest proposal during our visit.

• Cook’s Chasm and The Sprouting Horn. Right next to Thor’s Well, you’ll find Cook’s Chasm and the Sprouting Horn. Both of these natural attractions are formed from lava rock, which makes the spray of ocean water even more powerful when it hits with full force. These areas are also most impressive during high tide, with water pouring in and out of Cook’s Chasm causing the Sprouting Horn to blow a stream of water straight up in the air.

• Heceta Head Lighthouse. If you’re a lighthouse chaser like me, then you’ll want to stop by Heceta Head Lighthouse near Florence. It’s one of the most photographed locations on the Oregon Coast, and it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If you want the genuine lighthouse keeper experience, you can stay in their adjoining Bed and Breakfast.

The Bottom Line: The Oregon Coast Is for People Who Embrace Moody Skies and Rugged Adventure

Hear me out… Moody skies and ocean fog make the Oregon cliffs even better. Half of the adventure is imagining an 1800s ship rolling out of the sea mist. Or, pretending you’re on the hunt for one of Oregon’s fabled hidden treasure chests in the middle of a rainstorm.

Oregon is a place of extremes: extreme weather, ever-changing landscapes, volcanic activity, and views that are so dramatic they take your breath away. If you’re planning a visit, I encourage you to embrace those extremes and experience Oregon for all the rugged beauty it has to offer.

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