Here in Oregon, the wanderlust is real. There are simply so many places to see and explore, and there's no better way to do this than a road trip! If you've ever wanted to explore some of Oregon's most charming small towns, we have just the road trip for you. One of the best road trips in Oregon, this scenic adventure will lead you all along the Oregon Coast, through the Willamette National Forest, all the way to lovely Jacksonville, stopping by some of the most charming small towns in Oregon along the way. Fuel up the car, and let's go!

Looking for one of the best road trips in Oregon? It's right here!

When it's all said and done, this road trip clocks in with 14 hours of drive time, and the journey can take as many days and nights as you'd like. Check out the customizable Google Map here. Let's go!

1. Vernonia

The first stop on the trip is Vernonia, a lovely little town in northwest Oregon. This scenic town has tons of charm, natural beauty, and history. Be sure to check out Vernonia Lake Park, where you can explore an incredible abandoned mill!

2. Astoria

The next stop on the road trip is the beautiful, historic town of Astoria. This historic town is the oldest U.S. settlement in Oregon (and the entire West Coast), and to this day it’s full of fascinating historical points of interest as well as unique modern amenities and beautiful scenery. The town is located at the mouth of the Columbia River, and is full of wonderful shops, restaurants, museums, hotels, and more.

3. Cannon Beach

Driving down the coast, you'll find many beautiful beaches, hikes, and small towns. One fabulous small town is Cannon Beach, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the world. Cannon Beach is home to the iconic Haystack Rock as well as many great restaurants, galleries, shops, and pubs. Cannon Beach has a population of 1,691.

4. Depoe Bay

Choosing between the many charming towns on the coast of Oregon is not a simple task! We recommend pulling over anywhere that catches your eye. One place that's definitely worth a visit is the tiny town of Depoe Bay, which is home to some absolutely amazing restaurants like Tidal Raves and Restaurant Beck, as well as the smallest navigable harbor in the world.

5. Yachats

Continuing south along the coast, you'll come across the beautiful town of Yachats. This quaint fishing village (home to just 550 full-time residents!) is positively enchanting. There are some great restaurants and unique places to stay the night, including the nearby Heceta Head Lighthouse, where you can spend the night in the historic lightkeeper's house bed and breakfast. Charming coastal vibes, spectacular natural wonders, an abundance of outdoor recreation, and an amazing cultural scene — Yachats, Oregon is peak PNW living!

6. Florence

For the final stop on the coast, visit the magical town of Florence. This incredible town is full of character and breathtaking beauty, and it's a wonderful place to visit year round.

7. Drain

Heading inland, you'll pass through the town of Drain. Silly name aside, this unique place is full of historic buildings and pretty scenery.

8. Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove isn't as small as some of the other towns mentioned, although it is packed full of charm. One great activity is checking out the Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Tour (a self-guided biking or driving loop) to see why Cottage Grove is called the Covered Bridge Capitol of the West!

9. Sisters

Surrounded by stunning scenery, Sisters is a charming, outdoorsy town that's home to lots of great local shops, galleries, cafes, inns, and even two spas. The town also hosts several fun annual events, including a rodeo, a folk festival, and a quilt festival.

10. Jacksonville

Last but not least, you'll reach the old gold mining town of Jacksonville, Oregon. This incredible town is full of history -- in fact, the entire downtown district is listed as a National Historic Landmark. You'll want to spend some time wandering through the town and exploring the local shops, cafes, and museums. There are some great B&Bs where you can stay the night, or you can book a room in the historic Jacksonville Inn.

Do you enjoy Oregon's small towns as much as we do? Each and every one of these winsome little locales makes for an amazing day trip adventure!

For more of the best road trips in Oregon, check out these bucket-list-worthy adventures.