21 best stops on the Oregon Coast
When is the best time to visit the Oregon Coast? The Oregon Coast ranks as one of the premier year-round road trip destinations in America.
As long as you're prepared to be outside in all types of weather, the Oregon Coast is a blast year-round! However, generally speaking, summers tend to be less rainy, whereas winters tend to be rainier. Depending on the time of year, there is morning fog that burns off by midday. When I went in October, this fog mostly affected the Southern Oregon Coast.
You're going to NEED a tide schedule: https://tides.willyweather.com/
(this is my favorite site to use to schedule certain tide-reliant activities throughout the day). Remember to check this daily, as tide predictions change.
With all that said, the Oregon Coast weather is rather unpredictable at times so be prepared! Bring a rain jacket and hat. You never know what the weather will bring, and you might get lucky!
25 Best Stops on your Oregon Coast Roadtrip: Driving North to South
The list is not arranged based on best and worst places,Ā but instead, it is organized geographically from north to south, starting in Astoria. (If they made the list, they're all the best!)
That being said, the following list is a very aggressive itinerary. I took 5 days to complete this journey as a solo female traveler in a 2WD car. This trip starts in Astoria, goes through the California Redwoods, and back up to Oregon to see Crater Lake. There are 25 stops along the Oregon Coast, and the rest are in CA and inland OR.
1. Astoria, OR
Wake up! It's time for Astoria Coffee Girl - I ordered a latte and Everything Bagel Lox to go and followed the sound of seals West toward the infamous Astoria bridge. If you catch the sunrise through the bridge (facing East obv), you're going to have your Facebook background photo set for life! Pro tip: there's big rig parking along the street on 39th and additional gravel parking on 39th street by the boat dock.
Next, on a clear morning, head up the hill to view the town atop the Astoria tower:
2. Wreck of Peter Iredale, OR
This popular tourist spot is known for a shipwreck that is sunken, but still visible in the sand today. Whether it's hazy or a bright pink sunset, the sky always performs in the photos for its visitors. (Plus the bathrooms here are always in tip-top shape, which is a bonus wherever you go!)
3. Painted Rock Beach, OR
Disclaimer: I know this isn't encouraging Leave No Trace principles, but IMO there are exceptions.
This is a cute little project probably started by a group of kids. You pick out a rock and paint something cute and add it to the collection of painted rocks on the beach. Just, keep it at Painted Rock Beach, don't go painting other rocks in nature <3
4. Seaside, OR
Seaside is little-city, big-town cute! I recommend doing the swings on the beach, and visiting one of the oldest Aquariums on the West Coast: Seaside Aquarium.
5. Cannon Beach, OR
Haystack Rock
Best (SECRET) place to park near the access path? 45.88250Ā° N, 123.96315Ā° W. It's next to a seasonal beach house and you can fit 2 reg or 1 van in the spot.
Crepe Neptune
Places to Stay near Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is a great place to stop for the night. There are plenty of gems you can book through Airbnb or hotel sites.
Airbnb Options:
Puffin Place - 2 beds, 1 bath - $
Calm and cozy studio apartment and stone's throw from the beach!
Eagle Nest AirBnb - 3 beds, 1.5 baths - $$
Nearby hiking and a 45-minute beach walk to Manzanita.
Paradise View - 7 beds, 3 baths - $$$
A clifftop house overlooking Haystack Rock and walking distance into town. Includes a wood fireplace and game room!
Hotel Options:
Cannon Beach Hotel - $
Sea Sprite at Haystack Rock - $$
The Ocean Lodge - $$$
6. Hug Point State Park & Waterfall
Park in the tilted parking lot right off of Highway 101 and walk down to the beach. Head North (to your right, up the coast) around 2 walls of rock, and the falls should be visible! Note that if you go during Fall or Winter, there will be little to no water flow. But, during the Spring and Summer, the falls is ROARING!
Pro tip: Don't fall off a rock and sprain your ankle.
Directions: Park in the lot associated with Hug Point. Walk down the path and down the stairs, turn right up the beach (North) and walk about 200m. The falls will be visible from there!
7. Neahkahnie Hike
Whether you start at the North or South trailhead, you end up at the same famous viewpoint! You'll want to start this hike around noon because once you get to the top, the fog will have cleared and you'll have a magnificent view!
8. Kelly's Marina
Rent a crabbing boat for six people for $120/hr or crab from the dock for only $17. This is a blast for all ages and an experience you'll relive for life!
Places to Stay:
Kelly's Marina Campground - Brighton, OR
Sites ranging from $42 for dry camping to $49 for RV hookups.
Powder Creek Campground (pig farm!) - Beaver, OR
Site costs $45/night
Book through the HipCamp app
9. Tillamook Creamery
Go on a Self-Guided Tillamook Creamery Tour and see how cheese is made! You may also book a guided tour at the front desk.
Book a tour and tasting now:
10. The Tunnel at Oceanside Beach
There's a tunnel that you can walk through at low tide and reach a secret beach.
11. The Thumb Hike
This hike begins on the Knoll Trail and leads to a viewpoint that's famous among Oregonians but a well-kept secret. This hike is a 3.9 mile out-and-back trail that gains 971ft in elevation. It's rated a moderate hike and takes around 2 hours to complete.
12. Drift Creek Falls Suspension Bridge & Waterfall
This hike is rated moderate. It's 3.1 miles out-and-back and the elevation gain is 518ft. It takes most people an average of 1hr 30min to complete. This is one you don't want to miss! In Fall, you can see the leaves change color and float off the branches.
13. The Devil's Punchbowl Arch
Drive right up to the Devil's Punchbowl and watch as high tide brings in quite the water show. At low tide, some people can walk down into the bowl if they dare!
Devilās Punchbowl is a must-see natural wonder on the Oregon Coast, offering two completely different experiences depending on the tide! š At high tide, the punchbowl fills with water, creating a dramatic display as waves crash and swirl inside the rock formations, making for an incredible show. At low tide, the water recedes, revealing the bowlās rocky interior, and some adventurous visitors even venture down to explore the tide pools and sea caves. Whether you visit at high or low tide, the unique power of the ocean on this spot will leave you in awe! šŖļø
Places to stay:
Beverly Beach -Ā Beverly Beach Camping offers a peaceful, scenic getaway on the Oregon Coast! š² Just a short walk from the beach, this campground provides a perfect mix of ocean views and lush forest surroundings. With spacious sites for tents and RVs, itās an ideal spot for a coastal camping experience. The beach is perfect for strolls, picnics, and wildlife watching, and nearby trails offer even more chances to explore. Whether youāre looking to relax by the waves or hike through the woods, Beverly Beach is a great spot to unwind! šļø
14. Newport Sea Lion Docks
Come on out and see the sea lions! It is quite loud and you can hear them from blocks away. While you're there, check out the quaint little town of Newport.
In Newport, the Sea Lion Docks offer a lively, noisy spectacle thatās hard to miss! š¦ Located on the historic bayfront, a large colony of sea lions haunts the floating docks, barking and lounging in the sun. Itās a fun stop for wildlife lovers and provides an excellent photo opportunity. The docks are right next to local shops and seafood spots, making it easy to grab a bite while you watch these playful creatures. Plus, the nearby Yaquina Bay Bridge offers stunning views, completing the perfect coastal experience. š
15. Devil's Churn & Thor's Well Walk
Devil's Churn and Thorās Well are two of the most dramatic coastal wonders on the Oregon Coast! š At Devil's Churn, waves crash violently between rocks, creating a mesmerizing spectacle, especially at high tide. Just a short distance away, Thorās Well appears to swallow the ocean, with water surging into the sinkhole, making for a thrilling natural show. Both spots are perfect for photographers and nature lovers, but be cautious near the edgesā the tides are unpredictable, and the rocks can be slippery. These natural wonders offer unforgettable views and a touch of coastal magic! šŖļø
16. Sea Lion Caves
Sea Lion Caves is one of Oregonās most unique coastal attractions! š¦ Located near Florence, itās the largest sea cave in the U.S. and home to a bustling colony of wild sea lions. The cave is accessible via an elevator that takes you down into the cavern, where you can watch the sea lions lounging on rocks below or swimming in the waters. The cave also offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean from the observation deck above. Visit in winter to see the sea lions at their peak, or enjoy the stunning coastal scenery year-round! š
17. Heceta Head Lighthouse
Heceta Head Lighthouse is one of the most iconic and picturesque lighthouses on the Oregon Coast! šļø Perched on a cliff 205 feet above the ocean, this historic lighthouse has been guiding ships since 1894 and offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline. Take the short, easy hike up to the lighthouse for a close-up look and enjoy the sweeping ocean views from the top. If youāre lucky, you might spot migrating gray whales offshore! Visitors can also explore the keeperās house, which now serves as a charming B&Bāperfect for an overnight stay with a view. š
18. Oregon Dunes
SANDBOARDING
The Oregon Dunes are an adventure-loverās paradise, with massive sand dunes stretching for over 40 miles along the coast! šļø A top activity here is sandboardingāthink snowboarding, but on sand! Rent a board from local shops, then hit the dunes to carve down sandy slopes. For beginners, the smaller dunes are great practice, while seasoned sandboarders can head to the steeper hills for a thrilling ride. Beyond sandboarding, explore off-road trails, hike through unique landscapes, or simply enjoy the vast, otherworldly scenery that makes this spot a must-visit on the Oregon Coast. šāāļø
19. Cape Sebastian Hike
The Cape Sebastian hike is a 6.5-mile round-trip adventure with moderate difficulty, perfect for those looking for epic coastal views! š The trail winds through lush forest, opening up to stunning ocean overlooks along the way. Youāll be treated to sweeping views of the Pacific, and on a clear day, you can see as far as 50 miles up and down the coast! Expect some elevation change, but the trail is well-marked and accessible. Itās a rewarding hike for anyone ready to soak up the natural beauty of Oregonās rugged coastline! š„¾
20. Natural Bridges & Secret Beach
21. Oregon Redwoods Trail
Did you know that Oregon has Redwood trees?
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