Posted in Oregon Nature June 23, 2021 by

Where This Awesome Oregon Coast Road Trip Will Take You Is Unforgettable

Oregon’s Pacific Coast is absolutely stunning. From gorgeous beaches and dramatic cliffs to scenic highways and charming seaside towns, the Oregon coast will dazzle you and blow you away. No matter where your starting point is, everyone can enjoy this awesome road trip. Simply get on Route 101 and head North or South for as many miles as your heart desires. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite landmarks and destinations to check out along the way, as well as charming seaside towns to stay the night in. This coastal expedition is of the most scenic road trips you can take in Oregon. Let’s go!

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
Google Maps

Here’s a link to the map we created.

First stop: Astoria
Flickr/ Rennett Stowe
Located in the Northwesternmost corner of Oregon, Astoria is a beautiful city with amazing history, restaurants, and scenery. Astoria is also home to many incredible hotels and B&Bs like the award-winning Cannery Pier Hotel, photographed above. While you're in the area, be sure to also check out the nearby Ecola State Park and Fort Stevens State Park. There's also a scenic river walk in Astoria that's absolutely divine!
Cannon Beach
Flickr/ Anupam_ts
Cannon Beach is an absolute must see. This cute little town is right on the ocean where you'll find miles of stunning beaches as well as the famous Haystack Rock. It's one of the most iconic places in Oregon, and regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!
Pacific City
Flickr/ Thomas Shahan
A bit further down the 101 you'll find Pacific City, a lovely town with an amazing coastline. Check out the Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area to see some of the most unique scenery on the coast. The camping here is phenomenal, too!
Newport
Flickr/ Sandy Horvath-Dori
Newport is a gem of a town, home to some truly beautiful white sand beaches. While you're there, be sure to check out the awesome Oregon Coast Aquarium and Yaquina Bay Lighthouse.
Yachats
Flickr/ John Fowler
Yachats is a wonderful, charming seaside village with amazing food, culture, and nature. Just south of Yachats is the beautiful Heceta Head Lighthouse, which doubles as a B&B. Be sure to also check out the nearby Cape Perpetua.
Florence
Flickr/ Stephanie Sarles
Florence is a historic coastal town with great seafood and beautiful scenery. It's also home to the Sea Lion Caves - a beautiful natural wonder that happens to be the biggest sea cave in America.
The Oregon Dunes
Flickr/ callandresponse
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is out-of-this-world beautiful. Spend the day exploring this amazing place, full of rolling sand dunes, lovely beaches, lakes, and more. This is a great place to go camping as well.
Shore Acres State Park
Flickr/ JR P
Make a stop at Shore Acres State Park, a beautiful park located just south of Coos Bay. Stroll through the serene botanical gardens or look out over dramatic cliffs where whales can often be spotted.
Bandon
Flickr/ m01229
Bandon is a wonderful and underrated little town, and it's basically heaven on earth for lovers of golf. You can grab a cup of coffee at a cute cafe, walk along sandy beaches dotted with amazing sea stacks, and enjoy world-class golf courses in this charming town.
Brookings
Flickr/ Cary Bass-Deschenes
On the southernmost stretch of the Oregon coast, you'll find the beautiful town of Brookings, as well as dramatic cliffs, rocky shorelines, and some amazing hiking trails. Be sure to check out the Natural Bridges, photographed above. This viewpoint can be reached by a brief, scenic hike and the landscape is absolutely enchanting.

Wow – what a road trip! How many of these places have you visited? What are some other great spots to check out on the Oregon coast?

For more scenic road trips in Oregon, be sure this lighthouse adventure along the Oregon Coast and the Three Capes Scenic Loop day trip.

Address: Astoria, OR 97103, USA
Address: Cannon Beach, OR, USA
Address: Pacific City, OR, USA
Address: Newport, OR, USA
Address: Yachats, OR, USA
Address: Florence, OR 97439, USA
Address: Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, 855 US-101, Reedsport, OR 97467, USA
Address: Shore Acres State Park, Coos Bay, OR 97420, USA
Address: Bandon, OR 97411, USA
Address: Brookings, OR 97415, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Scenic Road Trips In Oregon

June 28, 2021
Sarah

How many miles is the Oregon Coast?

It doesn’t get any better than the Oregon Coast. Known as “The People’s Coast,” the Oregon Coast is 363 miles of pristine, picture-perfect, PNW shoreline. The coast is divided into three regions: North Coast, Central Coast, and South Coast, each boasting an abundance of attractions and places of interest.

What are some scenic road trips on the Oregon Coast?

The Oregon Coast was made for scenic road trips, and The Three Capes Scenic Loop is one of the best. This 40-mile drive is easy to tackle in a day, providing lots of time to stop and enjoy the views and landmarks you’ll pass along the route. This scenic drive begins at U.S. 101 in Tillamook, where you’ll head northwest toward Cape Meares. Along the way, you’ll pass by amazing Oregon wonders such as the Octopus Tree, a contorted Sitka spruce that looks like something from a fairy tale! The journey continues through several incredible towns along the Oregon Coast, including Oceanside, Netarts Bay, and Pacific City. Be sure to stop for fresh-caught seafood while you’re exploring these coastal towns in Oregon! Three Capes Scenic Route is one of the best ways to experience the Oregon Coast and will leave you with a newfound appreciation for our beautiful state.

Does the Oregon Coast have many beaches?

The Beaver State’s 363 miles of shoreline is home to some truly remarkable beaches. One of the best things about Oregon’s beaches is that they are all free and open to all! The Beaver State’s beaches are incredibly beautiful, full of sea stacks, tide pools, caverns, and unique formations. There’s even an Oregon beach that has its very own waterfall! Cannon Beach is perhaps the most well-known and beloved. This picturesque beach was featured in National Geographic as one of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world back in 2013, and ever since, numerous publications have agreed. This beach is iconic — its most prominent feature, Haystack Rock is unmistakable. The 235-foot-tall seastack towers over the landscape, and it offers tide pools for star fish and anemones below, and nesting spots for puffins and terns on its walls. This beach truly is a bucket-list must for all Oregonians!

Address: Astoria, OR 97103, USA
Address: Cannon Beach, OR, USA
Address: Pacific City, OR, USA
Address: Newport, OR, USA
Address: Yachats, OR, USA
Address: Florence, OR 97439, USA
Address: Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, 855 US-101, Reedsport, OR 97467, USA
Address: Shore Acres State Park, Coos Bay, OR 97420, USA
Address: Bandon, OR 97411, USA
Address: Brookings, OR 97415, USA