Oregon Coast Road Trip Guide (1-6+ Day Itinerary)
We’ve spent years exploring the Oregon coast, and it’s still a place we go back to at any chance we get. It’s beautiful, fun, and so relaxing. This itinerary is best for those wanting a road trip — seeing ALL the best sights and staying in different towns every night.
If you want a slower-paced trip, we have recommendations on where to extend your stay and what to do with your extra time. It’s also possible to choose one town to make your home base and explore as much as you can in one day from there.
We’re starting this guide in Portland and ending it near the Oregon/California border in Brookings, OR. You can explore the entire coast in one go or do it section by section on various trips. Although we’ve written this guide in order of north to south, it’s just as great to travel south to north. The views are spectacular from all directions! To explore the entire coastline, you’ll need a minimum of six days.
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Getting to the Oregon coast
The nearest major airport to the northern Oregon coast is in Portland (PDX). From there it’s about a 2.5-hour drive to the coast. If you won’t be exploring the entire coast, consider flying out of Eugene (EUG) or making a loop down the coast and up I-5 back to Portland (suggestions on this below).
If you are driving the entire coast, you’ll end your trip in Brookings. The closest airport to Brookings is 2.5 hours away in Medford (MFR).
Regardless of where you fly in and out of or choose to explore along the coast, you’ll need your own car.
When to visit
Best weather
June to September
Our favorite time to visit the coast is in the summer months. This is when the weather is most consistent, and it’s comfortable to play on the beach (and sometimes even in the water).
There are tons of activities to partake in, although this is the high season. Expect to pay more for lodging. Some places even require a minimum of two-night stays.
Best prices
October to May
The coast is beautiful in any weather! Visit between fall and spring for the best prices and fewer crowds. Expect rain, but much of the coastline can be viewed from your car. It’s worth exploring regardless of the weather!
Beautiful day in January
Weather
The Oregon coast has a pretty mild climate, with seasonal fluctuations throughout the year. During the summer months, you’ll see the highest temperatures, but it will still be cool in the mornings and evenings. If you’ll be visiting between spring and fall, you can expect more rain and foggier coastlines, but beautiful views, nonetheless.
Where to stay
Lodging
You’ll find plenty of lodging options along the northern and central parts of the coast, with smaller towns and fewer options the further south you explore.
There isn’t one best place to stay along the coast — it’s all great — so we’ve written another blog that breaks down the best towns to stay in.
Note: Just because lodging looks like it has great beach access on a map, doesn’t mean that it does. Ask where the closest beach access is from the lodging before booking if this is a concern for you.
Airbnb views
Camping
It’s also possible to camp along the coast. The state park campgrounds are booked up quickly, so reserve them as soon as they go on sale! If they’re booked up, try places on Hipcamp next.
Dispersed camping
If you’re interested in dispersed camping, this is a bit harder. Many of the state parks offer campgrounds but do not allow overnight parking in other lots or viewpoints. Instead, you’ll need to seek out dispersed sites in state and national forest land such as these:
Day 1 itinerary: Portland to Cannon Beach
Mileage: 125 miles
Drive time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Astoria
Starting in Portland, drive east along Highway 30. This section of the drive isn’t especially scenic, or on the coast, but we think Fort Stevens State Park is worth the drive if you have the time. If you’re on a tighter schedule, skip this, and head from Portland directly to Cannon Beach.
Along Highway 30, you’ll pass through the quaint town of Astoria. Stay at the Bowline Hotel if you’re traveling at a slower pace, and make it a point to stop for fish and chips at the Bowpicker.
Fort Stevens State Park
Fort Stevens was a military installation used to guard the mouth of the Columbia River between the Civil War to World War II. Now, it’s a 4,300-acre park. You can camp, rent bikes, go on kayak tours, check out fort remnants, and explore a historic shipwreck.
Seaside
Stop for lunch in Seaside, walk the Prom, and explore town. It has an aquarium, arcade, and outlet mall.
Before you head out of town, visit Seaside Candyman for saltwater taffy. They have an endless number of flavors. To keep entertained on road trips, we fill a bag with all kinds of flavors and make sure to add a few we know we won’t enjoy — like jalapeño, or black licorice, to keep the trip interesting. Since many of the flavors look alike it’s hard to know which one you’ve grabbed until after you’ve started eating it!
Ecola State Park
Check out Ecola State Park on your way down the coast. Hike Clatsop Loop, explore Indian Beach or check out the views at Ecola Point Viewpoint.
Note: There are times the Ecola State Park closes for geological emergencies and repairs. Check the conditions here before going.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is our favorite touristy beach town on the Oregon Coast. It’s cute and full of boutique shops and art galleries, with plenty to do. Be sure to eat at the Public Coast Brewing Co – they’ve got gluten free chowder and fish and chips!
Stay at the Hallmark Resort and Spa for views of the iconic Haystack Rock, or down the beach at the Wayside Inn for a more budget-friendly option. Both hotels have great beach access but know that hotels and lodging here (and the surrounding towns) often have a minimum of a two-night stay during the summer months.
We recommend staying as long as you’d like at Cannon Beach (we really can’t get enough time here). You’ll find all kinds of activities in town, from tide pooling to bike rentals (ride on the beach or into town), to skim boarding, and our favorite thing — having a campfire on the beach at sunset.
Day 2 itinerary: Cannon Beach to Pacific City
Mileage: 80 miles
Drive time: 2 hours
Hug Point Recreation Site
You’ll find Hug Point just five miles south of Cannon Beach. Wander north on the beach to find a seasonal waterfall, caves, and tidepools. Be sure to visit at low tide to prevent becoming stranded by the incoming tide.
Oswald West State Park
Oswald West State Park has some of the most stunning hikes along the coast. Hike Cape Falcon for the best views, or the Elk Flats Trail to the Devil’s Cauldron Overlook for a shorter jaunt. If you’d rather take in the views from your car, stop at the Neahkahnie Viewpoint instead.
Tillamook
Hungry yet? Stop at the Tillamook Creamery for a free self-guided tour and their dining hall for a delicious meal.
Cape Meares State Park
On your way south, stop at the Cape Meares Lighthouse. It’s a 1.5-mile hike down to the lighthouse, and the views are worth every step. Plus, it’s a great spot to whale watch from.
Pacific City
If you have daylight left, we’ve got one more hike for you. Park in the public lot next to Pelican Brewing to access the Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area. From there, walk north on the beach and head up the sand dune. It’s a tiring walk, but the views from the top are beautiful. Just don’t go past the guard rails at the top — the sandstone beyond can crumble and give way at any time.
When you get back to Pelican Brewing, enjoy dinner there. Stay next door at the Inn at Cape Kiwanda.
Extend your stay here to explore tide pools at Cape Kiwanda, drive ATVs at Sand Lake Recreation Area, watch the dory boats, or take a surf lesson.
Day 3 itinerary: Pacific City to Newport
Mileage: 50 miles
Drive time: 1 hour
Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
Your first stop of the day overlooks Boiler Bay. Watching the ocean swirl around here is mesmerizing, but don’t forget to look off into the distance to spot whales, too.
Depoe Bay Scenic View Area
Parking here is very limited, but it’s worth the effort of finding a spot! On our last trip to the coast, we spent the most time here. Walk the path along the coastline, and if the tide is low enough, explore the rocks. We loved the views on the northern end of this park best, although watching the waves crash on the rocks is scenic from all angles.
Depoe Bay
Depoe Bay is known as the whale-watching capital of the Oregon coast. Stop at the Whale Watching Center no matter the season, however, you’ll only be able to see whales between mid-December through mid-January and June through mid-November.
Check out our blog to learn everything you need to know about whale watching here. If you’d like to go on a whale-watching tour, book a tour earlier in the day for the calmest weather with Whale’s Tail Charters and stay at the Channel House.
Drive the Otter Crest Loop
This is a scenic road that follows the coast along Highway 101. Start the drive at Rodea Point. When you get to the Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint, stop to check out the Lookout Observatory and Gift shop before returning to the highway.
Devils Punchbowl Arch
Stop in at Mo’s Chowder for lunch. We recommend putting your name on the waiting list, then wandering to view Devils Punchbowl to view a collapsed sea cave from above. It’s fascinating to view at high tide, and possible to hike to at low tide.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse
Plan ahead and snag a $2 permit to tour this 140-year-old lighthouse. The lighthouse sits 162 feet above the ocean, so it’s worth seeing regardless of whether you can tour it or not.
While you’re here, walk the half mile to Quarry Cove before moving on.
Newport
End your day in Newport. Take a walk on the Bayfront and stop at Ocean Bleu Seafoods for dinner. Stay at the Hallmark Resort Hotel for great views and easy beach access.
Extend your stay here to visit Oregon’s largest aquarium, the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, and spend time relaxing on Agate Beach.
Day 4 itinerary: Newport to Florence
Mileage: 50 miles
Drive time: 1 hour and fifteen minutes hours
Seal Rock State Recreation Site
Follow the trail from the parking lot to check out the views from above, or head down a short, but steep trail to tide pool at low tide.
Yachats State Recreation Area
Stop at Yachats State Recreation Area next to wander along the rocky shore. If you’re there at high tide you’ll be able to watch the surf crash against the shore, but if you visit at low tide, you can search for agates!
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
If you only stop at one place along this route, make these stops it. Cape Perpetua is stunning and has so many great views.
First, park at the Devil’s Churn Viewpoint. Wander the trails to find a rocky shoreline where you can watch the waves break. It is possible to wander on the rocks here, but consider the weather conditions, tide, and waves before exploring.
Next, park at the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. Take the Captain Cook Trail down to Thor’s Well. Get there one hour before high tide to see the well fill up. From there, check out the blowhole called Spouting Horn.
Heceta Head Lighthouse
The Heceta Head Lighthouse sits 1,000 feet above the ocean. To reach it, you’ll have to walk a ways from the parking area, but the views are worth it. Time your visit for mid-day and you could get a guided tour as well!
Sea Lion Caves
The Sea Lion Caves are a wildlife sanctuary and the largest sea caves in the world. Visit between fall and winter to see hundreds of sea lions in the caves but know that, in the summer months, most of the sea lions stay outside of the caves.
Florence
Visit Pono Hukilau for lunch in Florence. Then choose between renting ATVs to ride on Oregon Dunes or kayaking on Siltcoos Lake. We recommend staying at the Siltcoos Lake Resort
or inland at Lauren’s Place. Kayaks are included with your stay at both locations!
Day 5 itinerary: Florence to Bandon
Mileage: 90 miles
Drive time: 2 hours
Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
If you haven’t had your fill of lighthouses yet, stop at the Umpqua Lighthouse. Along with a 65-foot lighthouse, you’ll find a Coast Guard museum, gift shop, and lake.
Shore Acres State Park
Head to Shore Acres State Park via the Cape Arago Highway next. Parking at the first lookout with gardens can be difficult, so pass by on your way through if you can’t find a stop. You’ll have the option to swing by for a second try on your way back to the main road. If you do snag parking here, check out the tide pools at Simpson Beach during low tide or stay on the cliffs above to walk through a garden.
Simpson Reef Overlook
As you keep driving down Cape Arago Highway, you’ll find the Simpson Reef Overlook next. During the spring and fall, you’ll have the chance to see, and hear, several thousand seals and sea lions here. They’re a distance away, so bring a monocular for the best viewing.
Cape Arago State Park
The highway ends at Cape Arago State Park. You’ll have stunning views from the cliffsides above the ocean and the option to take the South Cove Trail to check out a sandy beach and more tide pools. However, the trail is closed from March 1 to June 30th to protect seal pups.
Coquille River Lighthouse
Between mid-May and September, you can check out the signal room of the lighthouse from Thursday to Monday between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. Walking down the jetty is a must, too — and this one has a boardwalk path!
Bandon
Check in at the Bandon Marina Inn and walk to Bandon Bait down the street for dinner. After, head to Bandon Beach to watch the sunset. Park at the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge parking lot for gorgeous views and a cute path down to the beach.
Day 6 itinerary: Bandon to Brookings
Mileage: 85 miles
Drive time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Cape Blanco Lighthouse
The Cape Blanco Lighthouse is the oldest continually operating lighthouse on the Oregon Coast. The lighthouse, Hughes House, and lifeboat museum are open seasonally to visitors, but you can walk the grounds year-round.
Port Orford
Visit Port Orford Heads State Park for amazing views. Walk the Cove, Tower, and Headland trails for amazing views of turquoise water and sea stacks from high above. When you’re done, stop by the Portside Café or Tasty Kate’s for an early lunch.
Prehistoric Gardens
This is one of those vintage roadside attractions that’s been around since the 1950s. It’s $14 to enter and takes about 20 minutes to stroll through a rainforest trail filled with dinosaur sculptures.
Gold Beach
If you’re up for an adventure and have an extra day, stay at The Wildflower Inn and take a tour with Jerry’s Rogue Jets. We recommend booking the mail route or whitewater tours for the best views of the Rogue River.
Kissing Rock
Make it a point to stop at a viewpoint along Gold Beach to view Kissing Rock.
Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor
Park at the Cape Sebastian Viewpoint for great ocean views from the parking lot. If you’re up for a hike, take the 3.3 mile Cape Sebastian Trail. You’ll find the first overlook just fifteen minutes into the trail.
Branson Carlton’s View
Park here for great views of impressive sea stacks and an easy walk to the beach.
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Arch Rock State Park
Stop at Arch Rock for an easy walk to a stunning viewpoint. You’ll have views of the Arch Rock and other sea stacks in a small cove.
Secret Beach
The hike to Secret Beach is one of Oregon’s very best. It’s 1.8 miles and takes you to the most stunning overlook and onto the beach. Low tide is best for exploring the beach.
Natural Bridges
This is a famous location you’ve likely seen all over social media. The climb down to the viewpoint is muddy, slippery, and steep. In recent years, people have died trying to reach it. We, and local experts, beg that you skip attempting to see this view.
Instead, take the just as beautiful, but much safer hike to Secret Beach!
Harris Beach State Park
Stop here for easy beach access. Visit at low tide to see some of Oregon’s best tide pools!
Brookings
Brookings is the last town on the Oregon Coast! Stop at the Hungry Clam for dinner and stay at the Mermaid’s Muse Bed & Breakfast.
Leave no trace
It’s important to follow leave no trace principles at the Oregon Coast. Simple acts, like staying on trails, rather than cutting switchbacks or scaling cliffsides, help prevent erosion and keep the parks beautiful for years to come.
What to pack
Whenever we pack to go to the Oregon coast during the summer months, we joke that you always have to pack something for every type of weather. Except that it’s not really a joke.
During the summer months, mornings and evenings, and sometimes even entire days can be cool. The daytime can also be quite warm though. Since the forecast can change quickly, you never know what you’ll get.
Winter months are more predictable. Temperatures will be on the chilly side and you’ll need to be prepared for rain.
Us watching a sunny sunset off the coast while it’s raining on land
Here’s what we pack during the summer months:
Hiking day pack (men’s/women’s)
Moisture-wicking T-shirt (men’s/women’s)
Moisture-wicking pants (men’s/women’s) and shorts (men’s/women’s)
Great for rain or shine — we love that baseball caps keep rain off your face!
Great for spotting wildlife
We add the following items for the winter:
Bottom base layers (men’s/women’s)
Top base layers (men’s/women’s)
Where to next?
Redwoods National Park
The Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is only 30 minutes south of Brookings. It’s well worth extending your trip by a day or more to visit.
Oregon Caves National Monument
Head to Cave Junction to see the Oregon Caves National Monument. They’re a two-hour drive from Brookings. Be sure to take a white water rafting trip on the Rogue River while you’re there!
Crater Lake National Park
Visit from late June to September to enjoy beautiful lake views, hikes, and drives. We highly recommend reserving a guided tour here – you’ll learn about the lake’s natural phenomenon and indigenous myths!
Silver Falls State Park
If you’re ending your trip on the coast mid-way and heading back to Portland, consider driving Highway 34 (a scenic byway) from Waldport to Salem to visit Silver Falls State Park. From there, you can drive back to Portland along I-5.
Columbia River Gorge
If you have extra time near Portland, be sure to tour the Columbia River Gorge! It was one of the very first federally protected national scenic areas and the very first scenic byway. Along the way, you’ll see great views of the Columbia River and tons of waterfalls.
Medford Airport
The Medford airport (MFR) is a 2.5-hour drive from Brookings, and the closest international airport to the southern Oregon coast. On your way there you’ll pass by the Oregon Caves National Monument and great spots along the Rogue River to white water raft as well!
Search the blog for more adventures! Try searching for topics such as “camping”, “waterfalls”, or “Washington”.
