Oregon is a land of adventure, beauty, and perpetually changing landscapes, and nowhere is that better encapsulated than along Highway 101. For approximately 360 miles, the Oregon Coast highway stretches from Astoria to the California border, taking travelers on a journey that winds through charming small towns, past towering mountains, and through old-growth forests, while always—mostly—keeping the ocean in sight. This is the stuff road trips are made of: scenic drives and seemingly endless miles. Traveling southbound on this magical highway is the adventure of a lifetime—so if you’re ready to live yours, then buckle up and prepare to experience the Oregon Coast on this southbound road trip itinerary.
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Table of Contents
- 21 Places You Have to Stop and See on Your Road Trip Along the Oregon Coast
- Your Oregon Road Trip. Itinerary? Check. Flight?
21 Places You Have to Stop and See on Your Road Trip Along the Oregon Coast
Ready to dive into a one-of-a-kind road trip? They say Oregon is for adventure, and these 21 stops along Highway 101 prove it. So fill up your tank and step on the gas; Oregon’s beauty awaits.
Astoria
Start your Oregon Coast road trip off right in the charming town of Astoria. Originally envisioned as a West Coast version of New York City, Astoria feels a lot more like a little San Francisco, with its very own hillside, bay, and famous bridge to match. Check out the panoramic views from the Astoria Column, walk the scenic riverfront trail, and dive into a seemingly endless number of breweries. Astoria may be small in size, but its personality stands tall, and you’ll love every minute of exploring this quirky town.
Ecola State Park
After leaving Astoria, Ecola State Park is next on the road trip itinerary. And though it requires a $10 day pass to enter, this is one spot that’s well worth the price of admission. From the moment visitors enter the park, they’re swept up in the lush beauty, from a verdant spruce forest at the entrance to a grassy bluff with jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean—you can even see Cannon Beach from here and the iconic Haystack Rock! Hike the scenic trails, hunt down filming locations for iconic movies, and if your timing is right, look out for elk in the park and whales off the coast. Ecola State Park is a destination that keeps on giving.
Cannon Beach
No road trip along the Oregon Coast would be complete without a stop at this famous stretch of shore. Named one of the 100 Most Beautiful Places in the World by National Geographic, the picturesque town of Cannon Beach and its sandy shore boast beauty by the bucketload. The iconic sight to see is Haystack Rock, a 327-foot sea stack that’s taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. But there’s plenty to discover at Cannon Beach, from your favorite artwork to hidden coves along the coast. You can top off your evening with a bonfire on the beach, toasting marshmallows and savoring an epic West Coast sunset.
Oswald West State Park
It’s hard to find a disappointing stretch of shoreline along the Oregon Coast, and you certainly won’t find it in Oswald West State Park. Spanning 13 miles along the coast, from Arch Cape to Manzanita, the park encompasses a plethora of spectacular panoramas, picturesque forest trails, and quintessential Oregon Coast experiences.
Climb Neahkahnie Mountain, a 1,661-foot-tall coastal mountain, for breathtaking views. Head over to Devils Cauldron to stare into a cove bordered by hundred-foot-tall cliffs and listen to the ocean waves thundering below. Settle in at Short Sand Beach for a scenic picnic and wildlife watching. Or hike the forested trail of Cape Falcon to be rewarded with cliff and cove views in the end. This is one stop you’ll want to don your hiking boots for.
Tillamook Creamery
After the adventures encompassed in your last stop, the Tillamook Creamery may feel a bit on the slower side, but it’s a well-deserved treat you can see and taste. Self-guided tours allow you to set your own pace as you explore the factory, watch how cheese is made, and sample some delicious cheeses, the dairy for which is sourced from local farmers. Just be sure to save room for dessert; you can’t leave without a scoop—or two—of your preferred flavor of Tillamook ice cream.
It’s a fun, short stop, but if you’re looking for a little more to do, pair a trip to the creamery with a stop at the Blue Heron French Cheese Company. From charcuterie and cheeses to wine flights, explore the tastes of the Oregon Coast and even pet a goat or two at the Blue Heron Petting Farm. Between the two, it’s flavor-focused coastal charm you can’t miss.
Cape Kiwanda
Want those quintessential West Coast vibes? Then the next stop on your Oregon Coast road trip will certainly deliver. Cape Kiwanda has it all: sand dunes, sandy beaches, sea stacks, and more. Part of the Three Capes Scenic Route, what Cape Kiwanda lacks in size, it makes up for it in surf, with some spectacular waves.
But whether or not you venture out on the water, there’s plenty to do here. Climb a 250-foot-tall sand dune. Explore the sandstone cliffs and rock arches of the Cape Kiwanda Natural Scenic Area. On Pacific City Beach, keep your eyes on the ground for tidepooling or up in the sky for kite flying. And for a singular experience you’ll remember for a lifetime, go driving on McPhillips Beach. The wind in your hair and the ocean out your window will ensure this stop is one you never forget.
Devils Punchbowl
There are a lot of devils along the Oregon Coast, from the Devils Cauldron to the Devils Churn, but the Devils Punchbowl may be the most intriguing. During high tide, it’s impossible to approach; waves spill into the bowl and turn it into a violent brew not unlike a witch’s bubbling cauldron.
But low tide introduces another side to the Devils Punchbowl, one that’s less violent but just as infinitely breathtaking. When the water recedes, you can travel inside the Devils Punchbowl, entering a cavernous amphitheatre of sandstone that offers up views of the beach, the cliffs, and the ocean. Whether viewed from above or within, it’s not to be missed.
Otter Rock
While visiting the Devils Punchbowl, you can’t miss the opportunity to explore Otter Rock. Sitting just behind the Devils Punchbowl, this quaint little town is the perfect place to branch out and explore while you wait for high or low tide to hit the bowl. Despite its humble presence, the town packs a whallop of activities, from hunting for sea creatures in tidepools to hitting the waves on a surfboard.
For more relaxed activities, you can always take a break from the shore to sip wine at the Flying Dutchman Winery or feed your sweet tooth cravings at Cliffside Coffee & Sweets. The views alone make this spot worth a stop, but it’s the little things that will make Otter Rock a treat.
Oregon Coast Aquarium
Would it be a true trip to the coast without a visit to the aquarium? We don’t think so. And as far as aquarium experiences go, the Oregon Coast Aquarium delivers. Ranked among the top ten aquariums in North America by Coastal Living, the Oregon Coast Aquarium takes a love of the sea to a whole new level, with multiple dedicated exhibits for native creatures, walk-through tubes for deep-water marine animals, a seabird aviary featuring tufted puffins, and much more.
Whether you’re dying to see some crazy cool sea critters or just learn more about the sea creatures that call the Oregon Coast home, you won’t regret tearing yourself away from the coast and popping into the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
Devils Churn
Power and the sea go hand in hand, and the Devils Churn is a perfect display of when these two elements collide. Located in Lincoln County, Oregon, this narrow inlet, littered with craggy rocks, doesn’t seem all that unique or impressive. Until the water rushes in, then you’ll quickly see firsthand how this spot earned its name, as the waters froth and wild waves kick up.
This is one area you’ll want to be extra careful and check the tides before visiting, as you could easily get swept up in the surf. Even when the ocean is calm, it’s not uncommon to see the water inside the Devils Churn churning up a storm. But as long as you’re careful, this is one rugged spot of coast worth seeing and a powerful reminder of nature’s inherent danger and beauty.
Thor’s Well
Don’t expect to find Thor’s hammer here, but you may just discover a portal to Asgard. This natural hole along the Oregon Coast is eerily otherworldly in that it seemingly drains the water from the sea. Or at least, that’s what it looks like.
In reality, what appears to be a bottomless well is actually estimated to be around 20 feet deep. So, while it’s not exactly a bottomless wonder, it is a spectacularly enchanting sight. From photographers to nature lovers, this “infinite” well will astound, amaze, and maybe just make you believe that the stormy waves have something to do with their godly namesake after all.
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Oregon has no shortage of scenic viewpoints, but this next one may just steal your heart and never give it back. Called the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint, the name might be a bit of a mouthful, but it’s your eyes that’ll be kept busy in this park.
The crowning feature is an iconic lighthouse that was built in 1894. Situated 206 feet above the Pacific Ocean, the beauty of the setting makes it no surprise that this is one of the most photographed lighthouses along the Oregon Coast. Historic and beautiful, it’s a must-stop along the way on your Oregon Coast Road Trip. You can even plan to spend the night at the assistant lightkeeper’s house, a converted bed and breakfast. After a full day of snapping photos of the lighthouse, heading down to the beach to watch for whales and sea lions, and hitting the scenic trails for some nature therapy, it’s the perfect spot to lay your head down and get some much-needed rest.
Sea Lion Caves
Arrr—Arrr—Arrrr! If you’ve been driving along the Oregon Coast for this long, then you’re probably already familiar with this sound. But whether you’ve seen them or just heard them, it’s worth popping into the Sea Lion Caves to get another look at these quirky creatures in one of the largest sea caves in America. The privately owned sea caves serve as a wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary, where sea lions come and go freely. If you’re traveling in late fall, they may, in fact, be all gone!
But throughout the year, they can usually be found swimming in the water or lounging on the rocks. On the way to the caves, it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled on the ocean, where you’ll likely spot younger sea lions playing among the waves. An elevator will take you down to the sea cave area, where you can tour exhibits or head into the main cavern for a closer look at these wild and wonderful creatures.
Florence
This quirky coastal town has a history full of weird and wonky stories, from the time they blew up a dead beached whale in 1970 to the time they accidentally banned sex in 1977. Suffice it to say, the 70s were a weird time for Florence, but that just adds to the city’s charms.
The best thing you can do in Florence is appreciate the city’s past. Take a breather at the Exploding Whale Memorial Park. Although it’s not where the beaching or subsequent explosion occurred, it’s a scenic memorial dedicated to the incident, featuring a sandy beach and beautiful views of the Siuslaw River Bridge. But if you want to learn more about the whole thing and actually see what happened, then a trip to the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum is a must. That’ll put you right in Historic Old Town Florence, where you can explore the shops and storefronts, take in the view, and most importantly, grab a bite.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Travelers road tripping down Oregon’s Pacific Coast are no strangers to sand; in fact, by the time they reach Florence, they’ve likely enjoyed their fair share of it. But the truth is, they ain’t seen nothing yet. Stretching for 40 miles between the towns of Florence and Coos Bay, Oregon’s sand dunes are a unique and awe-inspiring sight.
Formed over thousands of years, the sand dunes tower 500 feet over the sea, creating a breathtaking playground unlike any other along the Oregon Coast. Because it’s not just sand you’ll find here, but everything from coastal lakes and rivers to marshes and forests. Whether you decide to keep it calm, kayaking on the water and hiking the John Dellenback Dunes, or opt for more heart-pumping thrills, like sandboarding and riding around in a dune buggy, there are seemingly endless miles to explore and so much fun to be had.
Shore Acres State Park
Oregon’s dazzling parks shine up and down the coast, but there’s one park that shines brighter than all the others. Touted as the Jewel of the South Coast, Shore Acres State Park strikes that perfect blend of meticulously designed and irrefutably wild. Originally the private estate of a timber baron, the state purchased it in 1942, making it into a public park.
The picture-perfect coastal gem of the park is the bluff, sandstone cliffs that overlook the mutable Pacific. Calm in the summer and chaotic in the winter, it’s something to just sit and watch the waves crash against the bluff, sending spray flying into the air. The other half of the park is the garden area, a six-acre space featuring artfully designed gardens with plants from all over the world, ensuring there’s always something in bloom. In short, you won’t run out of places to explore or beauty to behold.
Cape Blanco State Park
The next stop on your Oregon Coast road trip is another cape, but this one is special. Cape Blanco is the most westerly point in the lower 48 states, making it the perfect spot to sit and watch the sunset. But before that happens, there’s a lot to do in this park, the first of which is visiting the historic lighthouse.
This 19th-century lighthouse is the oldest on the Oregon Coast, situated 200 feet above the sea and perched atop the chalky white cliffs that give the area its name. The lighthouse is open from May to October, but it’s worth a visit at any time of year simply for the spectacular coastal views. Clear days reveal magnificent panoramas of Sixes Beach and Gull Rock on the north side and rugged waves and a wild coast to the south. Hit the trails for scenic hikes, dive into history with a visit to the Hughes House, and go beachcombing on either side of the cape. With plenty of beauty and history at your fingertips, your time at this park will fly by.
Humbug Mountain State Park
Humbug Mountain might sound like it was named by Ebenezer Scrooge, but considering the exploring party that named it got lost and, in a fit of frustration, named it Tichenor’s Humbug after their captain, you wouldn’t be far off the mark. The sentiment is certainly there. But despite the less-than-complimentary name, Humbug Mountain is far from a deceptive beast and much more of a straightforward delight—so long as you know where you’re going, of course.
The mountain sits 1,756 feet above sea level, making it one of the tallest headlands in Oregon. Hiking the forested hills up to the summit is a must for unparalleled ocean vistas, but you can also head in the complete opposite direction and wander out to the water to windsurf over the waves or scuba dive down in the deep. Humbug Mountain does have one deceptive trait. Despite its proximity to the ocean, the surrounding mountains block much of the cool ocean breezes, gifting the Humbug campground some of the warmest weather along the coast.
Gold Beach
While it may not be a top-of-the-list spot for many traveling along the Oregon Coast, Gold Beach’s eclectic vibes and rugged beauty make it a worthwhile stop anyway. Tucked between the Rogue River, the Siskiyou Mountains, and the Pacific Ocean, adventure and scenic views lie at your fingertips. Grab a fishing pole to try your hand at scoring a big one, jet cruise along the Rogue River, hike the woodland trails of Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor, or explore the sandy dunes of Pistol River State View Point. Here, there’s a little something for everyone, and best of all, you’re not likely to encounter a swarm of crowds or long lines of cars. This is the easy West Coast living you’ve been dreaming of.
Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
The Oregon Coast is a masterpiece of rugged coastline and scenic views, and nowhere is that more apparent than driving along the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor. This iconic 12-mile stretch between Gold Beach and Brookings takes beauty and runs with it for mile after glorious mile. And while you can take it in from your window, that’s not even half as fun, or rewarding, as getting your tires off the pavement and putting your boots to the dirt. And don’t worry—there are plenty of turnoffs to do just that.
Park your car and dive into the scenic stops along this scenic corridor, from Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint and House Rock Viewpoint, both of which offer epic sunset views and whale-watching vantages, to Arch Rock and Natural Bridge, which feature offshore sea stacks and a collection of natural bridges. Whether you stay for minutes or hours, it won’t take long to get swept up in the beauty of this natural wonder.
Brookings
Nearly 350 miles from where you started your journey along the Oregon Coast, you’ll arrive at Brookings. Touted as one of the best stops on the Oregon Coast, it’s the perfect place to end your road trip with a bang. Admire the view while chowing down on fresh seafood and ice cream at the Brookings Harbor, explore the ocean via kayak, and head out to Harris Beach State Park for whale-watching.
Or, if you’ve had your fill of the coast, then head a bit inland to Azalea Park, where you can stroll scenic trails, wonder at the scenery of lights in winter and azaleas in spring, and maybe even embrace your inner child while playing among the traditionally built forts and bridges. But there’s so much more to do, from wandering the dramatic cliffs of Chetco Point Park to admiring the beauty of Myrtlewood trees in Loeb State Park. And with the vast beaches that Brookings boasts, it’s the perfect place to reflect on your journey and walk off into the sunset.
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