19 Amazing Places to Stop on an Oregon Coast Road Trip

The Oregon Coast road trip is one of the most scenic drives on the entire West Coast, and after doing it myself, I can confirm it lives up to every bit of the hype. Stretching from the Columbia River at Astoria all the way down to the California border, the drive takes you through dramatic sea stacks, towering sand dunes, historic lighthouses, and charming small towns that make you want to pull over every few miles.

I’ve taken many road trips from Seattle, such as a Seattle to Portland road trip, over the years, but I’d only been as far south as Cannon Beach by car. Last summer, I decided to combine a drive to Crater Lake National Park with a road trip on the Oregon Coast to explore new parts of the state. I took my family and had an absolute blast – we got out to check out tons of viewpoints along the way, tried amazing seafood (and ice cream!), and made new memories together.

I’ve done this drive from Seattle, which makes it an easy extension of a Pacific Northwest road trip — you head down through Washington, cross into Oregon, and suddenly you’re on one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the country. Whether you have three days or five, this Oregon Coast road trip guide covers the 19 stops worth making, plus two full itineraries to help you plan it.

What to Pack for an Oregon Coast Drive

I have a post on road trip essentials, but these are the ones I found particularly helpful for my Oregon Coast road trip:

• Water bottle: Staying hydrated is always my main concern when I travel, so I fill up giant Hydro Flasks full of water. I specifically like this brand because your water still stays cool for much longer. There are plenty of places to use the restroom along the way, but fewer to refill your water bottles.
• Liquid IV: Lately, when I travel, I’ve been using Liquid IV once a day for an extra hydration boost. I can feel the difference, especially on busy days.
• Sunscreen: A common misconception I hear about Oregon is that it’s cold and rainy. Still, it gets pretty hot along the coast during the summer, particularly in the southern part near California. Many of these stops are entirely exposed, so lather up and have a good hat while you’re at it.
• Picnic blanket: I bought this washable blanket a year ago and brought it everywhere, both on the road and when I’m close to home. It’s ideal because you can make almost any stop a place to have a snack or lunch and stretch your legs; it easily washes off if you spill something, and then it folds neatly back up into a square. I actually have two because I’m so obsessed.
• Crocs: I was so against wearing Crocs until I realized how easy they are to put on and take off and allow you to explore the water or beach quickly. You’ll want a pair for the parts of your trip where you want to take off your tennis shoes and not worry about your shoes getting dirty.

Oregon Coast Road Trip Map

I know I need to see places when visually mapping out a road trip, so here’s a map of all the stops. For most of this trip, you’ll be following the Pacific Coast Highway, or U.S. Highway 101.

19 Places to Visit on an Oregon Coast Road Trip

I went on my road trip to the Oregon Coast, starting from the south end of the state and working my way up toward Washington, so this will be in the same order. You can easily reverse this if you want to go on an Oregon Coast road trip from Seattle.

You can also choose to jump in at any point; you may not have enough time to go down to Brookings, so you will start the trip in Florence instead.

1. Brookings

We visited Brookings on a gorgeous July day – low 70s, not a cloud in the sky, which is about as good as it gets on the Oregon Coast. Harris Beach State Park was our first stop, and it immediately set the tone for the whole trip. We spotted birds picking along the shoreline and kept our eyes on the water, hoping for whales. It was so beautiful, we made a note to come back and spend more time here. You can also camp here if you’re looking for overnight accommodations.

If you’re up for a short hike, the Oregon Redwoods Trail is about two miles through some surprisingly impressive old-growth redwood trees – a little unexpected this far north on the Oregon Coast.

2. Cape Blanco State Park

Address: 91814 Cape Blanco Rd, Port Orford, OR 97465

We stopped at Cape Blanco mid-morning, and the light was absolutely gorgeous, with that soft golden quality that makes everything look like a postcard. The lighthouse sits right at the edge of the cliffs, with the ocean spreading out in every direction, and just standing there, looking out at the view, felt like an actual reset.

It’s one of those stops that don’t require much. Just show up and take it in. If you want to go inside, lighthouse tours run from April through October, and you can also tour the nearby Historic Hughes House. Try to get here in the morning as we did, or at sunset if your timing works out, for the best light and photos of the coast.

This is an ideal stop on a Portland to San Francisco road trip (that you can then go on a San Francisco to LA drive).

3. Coos Bay

Coos Bay is the perfect place to spend your first night, and we used it as a lunch stop on our road trip. We ate at 7 Devils Waterfront Alehouse right on the water. The food was good, every table has a bay view, and it was a great spot to recharge before getting back in the car. The Coos Bay Boardwalk is just nearby and worth a short walk to let everyone stretch their legs.

If you’re looking for more adventure, you can go ATVing on the nearby sand dunes or kayaking in the ocean. If it’s raining, head indoors to the Egyptian Theater to catch a show or learn about trains at the Oregon Coast Historical Railway.

4. Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area

Address: 855 Highway Ave, Reedsport, OR 97467

One of the most unique parts of going on an Oregon Coast road trip is that there are sand dunes along the southern part. With almost 50 miles of them, you have plenty of room to explore. I actually had no idea these even existed until I planned my trip, so I arrived early in the morning and had the place all to myself to make the most of it.

I stopped at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area south of Florence, which had a $5 day fee to park at. We loved running up and down the dunes and just relaxing. While I didn’t have the chance to do it, next time, I want to go sandboarding with one of the local companies, which sounds amazing! This is by far one of the more unexpected things to see on the Oregon Coast.

Need help planning out your road trip? I’ve been using Roadtrippers for years to see exactly how long it’ll take from one point to the next and find new places to add to my itinerary!

5. Old Town Florence

Florence is a town I randomly picked to stay in during my road trip on the Oregon coast, but I ended up loving it. This is also an ideal time to stock up on any supplies you need, as they have stores like Safeway and Walgreens.

I recommend spending a morning in Old Town Florence, which is right on the river. Grab breakfast at River Roasters, stroll down to the marina, and watch the boats leave for the day. We enjoyed talking to the locals over coffee before going out to explore.

Later in the day, you can visit the shops as they open, such as Wild Drift Gallery for souvenirs or B.J.’s Ice Cream Parlor, to choose from dozens of different ice cream flavors (this was a big hit with the kids!).

There are numerous places to eat dinner, including Beachcomber Pub for delicious pub food or Waterfront Depot for seafood with a view. I had some delicious fish tacos while I was here.

6. Heceta Beach

If you’ve ever wanted to fly a kite, Heceta Beach is the place to go. We had a strong wind when we were there, thanks to being right on the Pacific Ocean, and my toddler got a kick out of how wildly the kite was blowing everywhere.

I also saw some people with blankets and picnic baskets, which could be a fun idea when the wind is a bit milder. Unfortunately, we couldn’t spend too much time here because the sand was flying everywhere, but it was a fun stop.

Love being by the ocean? You’ll want to plan a trip to drive around Vancouver Island in Canada.

7. Sea Lion Caves

Address: 91560 US-101, Florence, OR 97439

You may be on an Oregon Coast road trip, but a bunch of California sea lions inhabit the area. For a small admission fee, you can get access to and get closer to these sea lions by visiting the Sea Lion Caves. This is also the largest sea cave in America, so you don’t want to pass it up.

Once you come out of the gift shop, one path leads to the sea lions in the ocean, and it is fun to watch them swimming around. Going to the right on the path will take you to an elevator that will take you deep into a cave. You’ll be able to see the sea lions playing and sleeping on the rocks in the den while you learn more about the area.

To be honest, they do smell pretty bad, but the experience outweighs that part. Even my toddler said it didn’t smell good (which is saying a lot!), yet he was still intrigued enough to explore the caves. The gift store is fun to look through, with sea lion-themed everything.

8. Heceta Head Lighthouse

Address: 725 Summer St, Florence, OR 97439

On a road trip along the Oregon Coast, there are many lighthouses to visit, but I think Heceta Head is particularly beautiful. You’ll follow the signs on 101 to get off here, pay $5 for a day pass to the parking lot, and then hike about 1/2 mile up to the lighthouse.

While the trail is gravel, it is a bit steep, so you may want to bring walking poles if that could be an issue. A staff member was here when I visited, and she let us borrow a telescope so we could learn more about the wildlife she was spotting in the area.

9. Thor’s Well

I almost didn’t stop here on my Oregon Coast drive, but I’m glad I did because it’s now one of my favorite places to visit in the Pacific Northwest and an Oregon Coast must-see. You’ll follow signs for Cape Perpetua and pay a $5 day fee for the parking lot. From there, head to the visitor’s center and follow the signs for Thor’s Well (the name and arrows are on the path for you to follow).

This is mainly a concrete path and only about 1/2 mile down to the beach, but make sure you wear proper footwear. If you want to actually get off the path and down on the rocks to see the tidepools and get closer to Thor’s Well (and you will), you’ll need solid shoes like tennis shoes that won’t slip. I saw many people wearing flip-flops, which are dangerous on wet rocks.

Thor’s Well is a stunning natural formation that fills up with water as the tide comes in, explodes, and empties again. It’s hard to explain in words, but it’s much more mesmerizing in person.

You’ll also find some amazing landmarks on a road trip around the Olympic Peninsula.

10. Devil’s Churn

Address: 815 US-101, Yachats, OR 97498

We stopped at Devil’s Churn on the way out from Thor’s Well since it’s only a mile north and easy to add on. It wasn’t high tide when we visited, which would have made it more dramatic, but it was still cool to see the big open space carved into the rocks with the water pushing through below.

There’s a small parking lot off Highway 101 and a short walk down to the viewpoint. If you can time it for high tide, the effect is much more impressive.

11. Oregon Coast Aquarium

Address: 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, OR 97365

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a fun place to stop when you need a break from exploring the outdoors, whether you have kids or are alone. There are plenty of different exhibits inside where you’ll learn about some of the native sea life in the area. I loved seeing the sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, birds, sharks, and more.

This is one of the biggest aquariums I’ve been to, and you can walk around outside to explore even more. I thought we’d be here for a quick hour, but the boys wanted to visit every single exhibit and loved every minute of it.

Just a tip – if you have AAA, you can receive 10% off (a pleasant surprise I found when I bought my tickets). This is a relaxing part of your Oregon Coast road trip, so enjoy it.

12. Newport Historic Bayfront

Newport is another big town you’ll want to spend at least a day exploring, and it’s also a popular Portland weekend getaway. There are many shops to stop in, such as Kindred Hearts and Childish Tendencies.

You also have a vast selection of restaurants to stop at, whether you want something quick or a nicer meal. I was thrilled to see one of my favorite breweries, Rogue Bayfront Public House, in town, where I grabbed lunch and some beer to go from their store. They were also very kid-friendly and accommodated my boys, who were hungry and not in the mood to sit down nicely.

13. Devil’s Punchbowl

Address: Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area, 122 1st St, Otter Rock, OR 97369

Yet another quick stop, Devil’s Punchbowl is a fun place to visit on an Oregon coast drive. This structure was created when the roofs of two sea caves collapsed, and it’s intriguing to see the foam that fills this area up. You can also see whales from here if you visit during the right time of the year.

Looking for another scenic road trip? You’ll love the Seattle to Glacier drive.

14. Otter Rock

While you’re at Devil’s Punchbowl, explore the town of Otter Rock. This reminded me of a little surfing town with a casual feel to it. I loved getting mint chocolate chip ice cream at Cliffside Coffee & Sweets and browsing the surfing gear at Pura Vida Surf Shop.

There is also a giant beach where you can lay out or watch surfers show off their skills. While I’ve only surfed once when visiting Huntington Beach, it was amazing to see how experienced some of the locals were. Our family got a shaded area on the nearby lawn and watched them while we ate our ice cream.

15. Cape Kiwanda

We arrived at Cape Kiwanda around midday, and my kids absolutely loved the dunes. There’s something irresistible about running up and tumbling down giant sand hills, and the adults weren’t far behind. It’s a beautiful spot for photography too, with dramatic cliffs and a golden headland that make for a great backdrop. If you can time it right, the sunset here is stunning.

One important note: there are safety fences in place for a reason. The sand can crumble suddenly, and people have gotten hurt going past it for a closer shot. Stay within the marked areas, and you’ll still get great photos without the risk.

16. Tillamook Creamery

Address: 4165 N Hwy 101, Tillamook, OR 97141

Tillamook is most famous for the Tillamook Cheese Factory, and even though I tend to stay away from tourist attractions, I recommend stopping at this one. I buy Tillamook cheese all the time back home, so it was fun to see where it comes from.

You can peer into the factory, see the different cheese-making sections, and read signs next to them to learn more about it. There are also several interactive areas that kids will love, where they can pretend to milk a cow and feed a baby calf.

Afterward, head downstairs to visit the giant store, where you can bring home all kinds of Tillamook cheese, cream cheese, and plenty of other gifts. The kids loved picking out a little Tillamook dairy truck and toy cheese block, and I’m now the proud owner of a bright orange Tillamook coffee cup.

You’ll also want to stop next door to order lunch or get a scoop of the famous ice cream. The grilled cheese sandwiches are amazing, and based on the huge line for the ice cream, those are as well.

17. Cannon Beach

I first saw Haystack Rock in 2015 on a road trip around the Pacific Northwest and remember being completely in awe. It’s one of those moments where a place you’ve only ever seen in photos finally becomes real in person. I’ve been back twice since, including a full rainy March weekend stay, and it gets better every time.

That rainy weekend was peak PNW moody perfection. We stayed at Surfsand Resort, and our room had a balcony with a direct view of Haystack Rock. We spent hours out there watching the tides shift, and the kids played on the balcony while my husband and I had coffee every morning.

For food, Pelican Brewing is right near the hotel and became our go-to. Get a flight of beers and a burger; the kids’ menu is solid, and we brought games to keep the little ones busy. There’s also a great old-school candy shop, Bruce’s Candy Kitchen, in downtown Cannon Beach with bins and bins to choose from. Bring cash and let the kids go wild as mine did.

Haystack Rock is the obvious anchor of the town. Walk up to it at low tide, and you can get surprisingly close, and tide pooling around the base is one of the best activities if you’re visiting with kids.

18. Fort Stevens State Park

Address: 1675 Peter Iredale Rd, Hammond, OR 97121

I’ve been to Fort Stevens three times now, and I keep coming back because it’s fascinating that they left the shipwreck on the beach. The Wreck of Peter Iredale has been sitting there since 1906, when the ship ran ashore on its way from Mexico to Portland, and you can walk right up to it. Parking is easy, and it’s only a few minutes’ walk from the lot to the wreck.

Beyond the shipwreck, Fort Stevens is a historic military site with over 4,000 acres to explore, and you can also drive your car on certain parts of the beach. Tours of the military fortifications run on select days and are worth doing if your timing works out.

19. Astoria

Astoria is one of those towns I keep coming back to. I’ve been at least six times now – solo, with my husband, and with the kids. It sits right on the Columbia River just across from Washington, so if you’re staying in Long Beach, WA, it’s an easy side trip over the bridge.

The historic downtown is incredibly walkable with many things to do in Astoria, and there are great breweries everywhere. Fort George is always my first stop, which has good beer, wood-fired pizza, and a fun space.

The Oregon Film Museum is worth popping into, and hunting down the Goonies’ house is always fun, no matter how many times you’ve done it. Walk along the river and look up at the Astoria-Megler Bridge stretching over to Washington. It’s one of the longest continuous truss bridges in North America, and it looks even more dramatic when the morning fog rolls in off the water. Come hungry, give yourself a few hours, and don’t rush this one.

If you want to extend your trip, you can also spend a weekend in Portland before heading home. There are plenty of things to do in Portland while you’re there!

Visiting during the winter in Portland? You’ll be surprised at how much there is to do!

Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary: 3 Days

While you can do the whole coast in one day, I don’t recommend it because you’ll be speeding through some of these fantastic stops. It’s best broken up into three or five days, so here is an Oregon Coast 3-day itinerary you can follow (if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can go on this drive from Seattle to San Diego).

Day 1: Brookings to Florence

Travel Distance: 4 hours and 40 minutes (168 miles)

This road trip starts on the southern Oregon Coast in Brookings, where you’ll enjoy the scenic beauty of the southernmost coast of Oregon before driving an hour (33 miles) to the historic Cape Blanco. This cape, home to Oregon’s oldest lighthouse, has even more panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Your next stop is Coos Bay after a drive of about 1 hour and 20 minutes (50 miles). Coos Bay, the largest city on the Oregon coast, is my recommended spot for lunch and to stretch your legs.

After that, head to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area to see miles and miles of dunes, some reaching up to 500 feet in height. I highly recommend renting an ATV or going on a dune buggy ride for a fun mid-day adventure.

Your last part of the day is an hour and 50-minute drive (61 miles) up to Florence. Once in Florence, settle in and head to the historic Old Town area for dinner.

Stay overnight in Florence.

Day 2: Florence to Newport

Travel Distance: About 3 hours (83 miles)

Start your morning by visiting Heceta Beach and flying kites if it’s windy enough. From there, a quick 15-minute drive (11 miles) takes you to the fascinating Sea Lion Caves, a massive cavern full of sea lion activity.

Just 5 minutes north (2 miles) stands the iconic Heceta Head Lighthouse, which you’ll want to visit. Then, a short 20-minute drive (14 miles) takes you to Thor’s Well and Devil’s Churn, which are must-sees on an Oregon Coast trip.

Continue for 40 minutes (35 miles) to the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, which is the ideal way to see Pacific Northwest marine life without getting wet!

Stay overnight in Newport.

Day 3: Newport to Astoria

Travel Distance: About 3 hours and 45 minutes (140 miles)

Start off your day with the intriguing Devil’s Punchbowl, just a 20-minute ride (12 miles) from Newport. This natural wonder will captivate you with its unique rock formations.

Next up, just a stone’s throw away (5 minutes, 2 miles), is the serene Otter Rock. Take a moment to breathe in the salty air and listen to the waves crash. A 40-minute drive (28 miles) northward takes you to the stunning Cape Kiwanda. With its dramatic cliffs and dunes, it’s a must-see spot for any Oregon Coast traveler.

Feeling hungry? A 30-minute journey (22 miles) will land you at the Tillamook Creamery, one of the more popular Oregon Coast destinations. Here, indulge in some of the finest cheese and ice cream the state has to offer.

Recharged (and full), set course for Cannon Beach, about an hour’s drive (48 miles) away. Marvel at the iconic Haystack Rock and let the sandy shores massage your feet.

From there, Fort Stevens beckons after a 40-minute ride (28 miles). Explore its rich history and witness the Wreck of the Peter Iredale. After that, head into Astoria to explore the shops, restaurants, and breweries.

Stay overnight in Astoria.

5 Day Oregon Coast Road Trip

Have even more time? Here’s how I recommend dividing up your Oregon Coast trip itinerary to take a leisurely drive up the coast:

• Day 1: Brookings, Cape Blanco, Coos Bay, Oregon Dunes, Florence (stay overnight in Florence)
• Day 2: Heceta Beach, Sea Lion Caves, Heceta Head Lighthouse, Thor’s Well, Devil’s Churn, Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport (stay overnight in Newport)
• Day 3: Devil’s Punchbowl, Otter Rock, Cape Kiwanda, Tillamook Creamery (stay overnight in Tillamook)
• Day 4: Cannon Beach (stay overnight in Cannon Beach)
• Day 5: Fort Stevens, Astoria (stay overnight in Astoria)

Frequently Asked Questions for an Oregon Coast Drive

This is a big trip, so you’ll want to prepare in advance! Here are a few common questions you might have.

How Long Does It Take to Drive the Oregon Coast?

If you were to drive from the south end to the north end in one day without stopping, it would take about eight hours. I know what you’re thinking – why can’t you drive it in one day then?

Keep in mind that you will have to stop to get gas, use the restroom, and get meals, not to mention actually spend time at all of these stops. That’s why I don’t recommend taking a Portland day trip here, even if it’s technically possible.

That’s why I recommend a few days at minimum to do this drive so you won’t be rushed and can even add extra stops to your itinerary if you want. You could do many more, and you’ll see signs on 101 telling you about them and where to get off, so a longer itinerary allows a chance to do this.

How Many Days Do You Need on the Oregon Coast?

At the minimum, I would allow 3 days to drive the Oregon Coast. This allows you to make plenty of stops along the way without having to rush your trip. That will also enable you to make plenty of side trips, especially if you make it a long Seattle weekend getaway, and if you have longer, even better.

What is the Best Month to Visit the Oregon Coast?

You’re always going to have the best weather in the summer when visiting Oregon, but of course, that means these stops will be a lot more crowded since everyone has the same idea. This can quickly be done in the rainier seasons, as some are short stops where you can take pictures and get back into your car.

That’s why I think the best time to drive the Oregon Coast is late spring in Oregon or early fall in Portland if possible, so you have a good chance of decent weather but don’t hit the summer crowds (summer in Portland is particularly crowded). However, if you want to spot whales on your Oregon Coast drive, the best months are late January through mid-May.

Can you do the Oregon Coast road trip from Seattle?

Yes – most people start in Astoria, which is about 2.5 hours from Seattle. From there, you head south down Highway 101 all the way to the California border. It makes for a natural extension of a Pacific Northwest road trip.

Is the Oregon Coast road trip worth it?

Absolutely. It’s one of the most scenic drives in the US with dramatic sea stacks, towering sand dunes, historic lighthouses, and charming small towns packed into a single route. Most people who do it say they wish they’d allowed more time.

What is the most scenic part of the Oregon Coast?

The stretch between Cannon Beach and Florence is generally considered the most dramatic, with iconic spots like Thor’s Well, Devil’s Churn, and Heceta Head Lighthouse all within a relatively short distance of each other.

Do you need a car for the Oregon Coast road trip?

Yes – a car is essential. Public transport along Highway 101 is extremely limited, and most of the best stops require driving to trailheads, viewpoints, and small towns that aren’t accessible any other way.

What is the best direction to drive the Oregon Coast?

North to south is the most popular direction, starting in Astoria and finishing near Brookings. Driving south keeps you on the ocean side of the road for better views and easier pull-offs at scenic overlooks.

I’d love to hear what other places you’d add to an Oregon Coast road trip if you’ve been before!