Ultimate Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary (+ Free Map!)

As local Oregonians, we spend lots of time exploring the coast. We’ve put together a detailed guide filled with things to do, where to eat, and driving times so you can plan the perfect Oregon Coast road trip itinerary. We even have a free map just for you!

With 363 miles of rugged coastline, it’s no surprise that road tripping the Oregon Coast is a must-do. The iconic Highway 101 hugs the shore, passing through charming fishing towns and epic scenery.

Some of my favorite childhood memories come from classic West Coast road trips—and now I live here! Well… in Central Oregon, to be exact.

After 6+ years in Bend and countless trips to the coast, we’ve gathered tons of tips (and memories!) to help you plan your own unforgettable adventure.

Whether it’s your first time in Oregon or you’ve lived here for years, this guide has something for everyone.

Oregon Coast Road Trip Guide

• Route overview
• More or less time
• Planning your road trip
• Route map
• Transportation
• Best time to visit
• What to pack

Note: We’ve included plenty of tips for vanlife travelers in this article. If you’re curious about vanlife and want to test it out, here are some resources that will be super helpful:

• This guide to the best campervan rental companies in the US includes exclusive discounts for our readers.

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Oregon Coast road trip itinerary overview

• Day 1: Astoria
• Day 2: Seaside, Ecola State Park & Cannon Beach
• Day 3: Hug Point, & Oswald West State Park
• Day 4: Tillamook & Oceanside
• Day 5: Lincoln City, Depoe Bay & Newport
• Day 6: Yachats, Cape Pertepua, Heceta Head Lighthouse & Sea Lion Caves
• Day 7: Florence

Day 1: Astoria

With a pretty decent food and brewery scene, as well as lots of things to do, Astoria makes a great first stop on your Oregon coast road trip (especially if you’re coming from Portland, as it’s not a long drive).

This quaint riverside town on the very northern edge of the Oregon coast has a special, unpretentious kind of charm. We’ve heard people describe it as a “small San Francisco”. 

We have a big ol’ guide of the best things to do in Astoria, so definitely check that out before planning your trip. But here’s a glance at some of the highlights:

Things to do in Astoria

• Explore the Astoria Column for panoramic views
• Walk the Riverwalk along the Columbia River
• Grab lunch at Buoy Beer Co. (we recommend the clam chowder & oyster shooters) or Bowpicker Fish & Chips (order at the walk-up window)
• If you need a sweet treat, grab ice cream at Frite & Scoop
• Optional: Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum or walk the Cathedral Tree Trail

26 Awesome Things to do in Astoria, Oregon

Day 2: Seaside, Ecola State Park & Cannon Beach

Today you’ll make your way down the coast from Astoria to Cannon Beach, with a few stops… 

Our honest option about Seaside: We didn’t love it. So decide for yourself if it’s worth a stop or make straight to Ecola State Park to spend more time exploring. 

Seaside 

If you ask us, this popular Oregon Coast town has a bit of a mini Atlantic City vibe. Not exactly our vibe, but some people love it. 

There are some diner-style restaurants, an arcade, and souvenir shops with cheesy graphic tees. And to top it off, there’s a towering timeshare resort that’s kind of an eyesore right along the beach. 

If you decide to make a stop on your way to Cannon Beach, we’d recommend you walk the “Prom” (aka the 1.5-mile long promenade that borders the ocean). Lined with beachgrass and sandy dunes, this walk is a good place to people-watch or just get a morning jog in. 

Insider tip: Sea Star Gelato totes a sign that reads “voted best ice cream in Oregon,” and while we cannot vouch for its accuracy, we will say the cheesecake and berry was one of our favorite cones on the Oregon Coast. 

Ecola State Park

Sprawling along 9 miles of coastline between Seaside and Cannon Beach sits Ecola State Park, and it is well worth a stop on your road trip.

With cliffside lookouts, secluded beaches, clusters of sea stacks, and thick old growth forest, Ecola State Park is a coastal gem.

• Check out Indian Beach: Beautiful beach for surfing, or relaxing (and watching the surfers!). There are also tide pools on this beach.
• If you’re feeling up for it, hike the Clatsop Loop Trail: This 2.5-mile hike follows a historical interpretive route.

Cost: $5 per car to enter (or free with an Oregon State Parks Pass)

Cannon Beach

Unlike its larger neighbor (Seaside), Cannon Beach still retains some small town charm despite it also being a very touristy town.

The shops and houses all have the cedar shingles and white shutter combo that are ubiquitous in upscale ocean towns. The attraction for which Cannon Beach is most well known is the iconic Haystack rock formation that sits just off the beach.

• Grab happy hour at Driftwood Restaurant – Get there for happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily for $6 Chowder Bread Bowls and $6 glasses of wine to enjoy around an outdoor fire pit.
• Explore the shops, galleries and cafes in town
• Stop into Ecola Market to pick up fish & chips to-go and bring them out to the beach to enjoy.
  • Their 4-piece Pacific cod and chips ($18) is super delicious and splittable between two people. We also typically order a bowl of clam chowder ($8) for good measure! 
• Spot starfish (& other critters) in the tide pools
• Build a bonfire on the beach and photograph Haystack Rock at sunset

Check out our complete guide to Cannon Beach for all the information you need to plan your visit.

13 Cool Things to Do in Cannon Beach, Oregon

Day 3: Cannon Beach, Hug Point, & Oswald West State Park

Start your morning at Sleepy Monk: With excellent coffee and the best pastries in town, this is an excellent place to get your morning fix before heading to the beach. Their entire bakery case looked amazing, but this is what we ordered (and loved!):

• signature lemon poppyseed cake with layers of yummy lemon zest frosting
• savory scone… bacon, bleu cheese and chives, can I get a hell yeah?!

Another good spot for a caffeine fix is Insomnia Coffee Co. With a cozy feel, friendly staff and strong coffee, we sure didn’t have any complaints.

Hug Point

As you drive south of Cannon Beach, keep your eyes peeled because it can be easy to miss the small parking area. If you’re there on a weekend (like we were), you might notice cars clustered along the side of the highway before you even get to the turnout, signaling that the parking lot is likely full.

The beach itself isn’t all that large, but the thing that makes this beach special is the small waterfall that spills out onto the beach and flows into the Pacific. Next to it is a shallow cave that provides a nice spot of shade for those wanting to get out of the sun. 

Oswald West State Park

Located just south of Hug Point, stopping at this state park should definitely be on your itinerary!

A short and easy hike through an old growth forest will bring you to an idyllic beach, bordered by towering trees, strewn with smooth rocks and driftwood, and dotted with surfers trying to catch a wave.

This was one of our favorite beaches along the Oregon coast!

→ Check out our guide to Oswald West State Park on our sister site, Go Wander Wild. 

Good to know: If you visit on a sunny Saturday in July (like we did!), you might barely find a spot to park. But even on the most crowded of days, a visit to this gem of a state park is well worth your time.

Neahkahnie Beach Viewpoint

There are countless viewpoints along Highway 101, and we’d encourage you to pull over whenever you get the urge (safely, of course!). You can find some serious gems this way! 

However this one is specifically worth flagging: the vantage point from the cliffside overlooking a long stretch of sandy beach is absolutely breathtaking—especially on a sunny day when the water shimmers with turquoise hues, almost resembling a tropical destination.

If you have extra time, consider hiking Neahkahnie Mountain for even more epic coastal views.

Day 4: Tillamook & Oceanside

The drive to Oceanside juts inward around Tillamook Bay and makes the perfect opportunity to stop at the famous Tillamook Creamery on your way. 

Optional: Take the train to Garibaldi

The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad runs between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach. You can begin your journey in Rockaway Beach, enjoy a 30-minute layover to check out Garibaldi, then return to your starting point. The train runs daily during the summer months, and only on weekends during the fall. Check their website for times and ticket availability.

Cost: $32 for adults

Optional: Crabbing at Kelly’s (Brighton Marina)

Grab your camping chairs and bring them out to the dock at Kelly’s to try your hand at crabbing! It’s pretty simple, really. You’ll be given a crab ring (essentially a ring the size of a small hula hoop with a rope netting around it and bait inside). You’ll toss it out into the water and wait 10-15 minutes before pulling it in. 

You’re only allowed to keep male crabs, so the females can continue to reproduce more (delicious) crabs! And they must be over a certain size.

Chances are you’ll have to throw many back into the water, but cross your fingers that you get one big enough to keep. If you do, Kelly’s will cook it for you for free. That’s right, FREE!

Tillamook Creamery

The farmer-owned Tillamook Creamery is a must-stop on any Oregon Coast road trip.

If you’re new to Tillamook, get ready to fall in love with their cheese and ice cream. And if you’re a true Oregonian, you already know the magic.

Take a self-guided tour to see how your favorite dairy treats are made, then dig into the menu at the onsite restaurant—think gourmet grilled cheese, squeaky cheese curds, mac ’n cheese, and, of course, their famous ice cream.

Unless you’re lactose intolerant… in which case, I’m very sorry!

Insider tip: If dairy isn’t your thing, stop in to enjoy fresh oysters and wine at JAndy Oyster Co.

Oceanside

This is one of the most picturesque towns on the Oregon coast (in my humble opinion) and worth a quick stop.

With cliffs dotted with cedar-shingled houses that jut up from the ocean, sea stacks just off shore, and far fewer tourists than many other coastal towns, Oceanside kind of feels like a hidden gem.

First things first… this town is very small. There are only a couple cafes in town, and not much going on. But it’s a nice spot to stretch your legs on a beach walk. 

• There are sea stacks just off the shore that you’ll see as you drive into town. One of the rock formations has an arch!
• Tunnel beach: This is kind of just what it sounds like… a tunnel that leads to a “hidden” beach! Compared to many beaches on the Oregon coast, this one tends to be less crowded and is a good place to spot mussels, starfish and cool rocks. Plus, from this beach, you’ll see even more sea stacks off in the distance.
• Just north of town, you can venture to the beautiful Cape Meares Lighthouse.
• See the Octopus Tree! This massive spruce tree appears to have many trunks, making it look like an octopus! Located near the Cape Meares Lighthouse, stop by the tree while you’re in the area.
• Cozy up in one of the cute cafes in Oceanside:
  • Blue Agate Café: excellent breakfast and lunch with a focus on fresh seafood.
  • Rosemary’s: Breakfast, lunch and dinner with an ocean view.

Good to know: We got very patchy cell service in Oceanside, and it seemed kind of like a dead spot (at least for Verizon), so just be prepared!

Three Capes Scenic Route

This scenic drive starts just north of Oceanside and ends at Pacific City. It passes by — you guessed it! — three scenic capes along the way (they didn’t get very creative with naming the route!).

• Cape Meares: Just north of Oceanside, this steep bluff is great for spotting whales during migration season. Also, Cape Meares has two extremes — the largest Sitka Spruce in Oregon as well as the shortest lighthouse in Oregon.
• Cape Lookout: This day use area is popular with families and has lots of excellent picnicking areas, walking trails and secluded beaches.
• Cape Kiwanda: The smallest of the three capes, this area just north of Pacific City is known for some epic waves! There are also some nice hiking trails in the area.

For this section of your road trip, you’ll want to veer off Highway 101, which takes a more inland route at this point. Instead, you’ll hug the shoreline.

Day 5: Depoe Bay, Yaquina Head Lighthouse & Newport

Today you have the option to explore more of Pacific City (get an early morning surf in if that’s your thing!), or you can pack up early and head straight to Lincoln City for a quick stop before making your way down to Depoe Bay and the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.

Pacific City

Pacific City is really popular with surfers. And to us, it felt like the closest thing to southern California that you’ll find on the Oregon coast. So if that’s the vibe you’re after, you may love it.

We were there on a weekend day and holy crap, it was BUSY! There were no parking spots in town whatsoever. We ended up parking on the highway in a kind of sketchy spot and walking to town. Yikes.

So, is it worth it? I suppose it depends.

In our experience (on a crazy-busy-sunny-summer-weekend), we didn’t love it. But that is mostly because of how crowded it was when we visited. Had we gone at a less busy time, our feelings may be different.

• Go surfing! If you’re up for it, Pacific City has great waves.
• The Great Dune is just off the main beach in Pacific City, and can be climbed to the top for a great view and a fun place to hang out for a bit.
• The original Pelican Brewing (a coast favorite!) is right on the beach, so that’s a must for all beer lovers like us.

Lincoln City (optional)

One of the bigger towns on the coast, Lincoln City is known for their bi-annual kite festivals, glass blowing community, and like just about every other coastal town, fresh seafood!

As we approached Lincoln City on Highway 101, the strip malls and chain stores made me question how much I’d like this town… but it turns out once you get off the highway, it gets progressively more charming.

While not as quaint as many of the smaller and less commercialized towns on the Oregon coast, Lincoln City has a relatively large and spacious beach as well as a burgeoning foodie scene, making it a good place to stop on your Oregon coast road trip.

• Barnacle Bill’s: Don’t let the no-frills exterior fool you—this roadside shop is famous for its smoked salmon (seriously, don’t skip it!). Just remember: it’s cash only (ATM on site).
• Finders Keepers: Local artists hide 3,000 blown glass floats along the beach each year—from Siletz Bay to Road’s End. Find one, and it’s yours to keep! (Wish we’d known about this before our visit!)
• See the Ghost Forest: At Neskowin Beach (just north of town), catch low tide to spot the eerie remains of a 2,000-year-old forest. Don’t miss Proposal Rock while you’re there.
• Hike to ‘God’s Thumb’: This 3.9-mile trail leads to a dramatic bluff with ocean views. The trailhead has moved recently, so follow updated directions—and be ready for mud!

Depoe Bay

Depoe Bay has traded the expansive sandy beach you’ll find in neighboring Lincoln City for a rugged coastline dotted with whitecaps and… resident whales!

Often touted as the “whale watching capital of Oregon”, Depoe Bay is the best place to try your luck at spotting these gentle giants on the Oregon coast.

Fun Fact: Apparently Depoe Bay has the world’s smallest harbor!

Grab coffee at Pirate Coffee Company or LEFT COAST Coffee Co. and stroll along the oceanfront walkway. (Be sure to look to the water for whales!). 

Try to spot a whale (or two!). Between the months of March through December, a resident pod of grey whales call the waters just offshore of Depoe Bay home, giving visitors an excellent chance of spotting them. In fact, after just a few minutes of strolling along the ocean walk, we saw a whale-tail-slap (is that what it’s called?!) in the distance.

Insider Tip: If you want a close up view of the whales, you might want to book a whale watching tour. There are several operators in town. According to them, the best time for whale watching is June through September.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Just north of Newport, this lighthouse is stunning and the rocks just offshore are perfect for birdwatching. I felt like we had been transported to Iceland for a minute!

We think it’s well worth a stop as you make your way down from Depoe Bay.

Dinner at Local Ocean’s Seafood

If you’ve got the budget for a nice seafood dinner on your trip, we’d highly recommend dining at Local Ocean’s Seafood in Newport. They call their restaurant concept “dock-to-table”, and you dine with a view of the dock where the catch is brought in daily. Can’t get much fresher than that!

Their dishes feature locally caught seafood in classic preparations (like crab cakes and fish and chips) as well as some inventive fusion styles (like salmon bruschetta and a tuna Rueben).

Okay, now the fun part; I’m going to tell you what we ordered! 

• Grilled Calamari Salad: We ordered this dish as an appetizer and it was fantastic. I’m usually a huge fan of the fried version (with yummy dipping sauces!), but this version was so fresh and had been grilled over charcoal and it beats the deep-fried stuff any day. Served as a “salad” with roasted fennel, nicoise olives, poblano peppers, orange, shiitake mushrooms, and queso fresco, it’s a combination that I never would have come up with, but damn, it was fabulous.
• Crab Po’ Boy: While the sandwich seemed a bit small at first, it was loaded with fresh crab! And of course, it was served with a generous portion of fries.
• Moqueca: This was the star of the show! If you order just one of these suggestions, let this be it. This seafood stew apparently has origins in Brazil, and has a light coconut milk base. It is absolutely stuffed with giant prawns, rockfish and piles of fresh Dungeness crab. Oh, and then there’s some veggies (tomato, bell pepper and mushroom) to balance it out. So, sooooo good.

Total Bill: We both ordered a drink, an appetizer, two entrees, and with gratuity, our total bill was just shy of $100. It’s not exactly cheap, but the food was of the highest quality and the portions were large. It was a fun “splurge” meal.

Day 6: Yachats, Cape Perpetua, Hecita Head Lighthouse & Sea Lion Cave

You can spend the morning exploring more of Newport, or make your way to Cape Perpetua first, and double back to have lunch in Yachats before continuing on down the coast. 

Newport 

The town of Newport is pretty big (one of the larger cities on the coast) and split in two sections — north of the river and south of the river.

You’ll smell the port before you see it… and if you’re there at the right time, you might see what you’re smelling as they transport it from the docks to the processing center.

• Walk the rocky jetty (especially the northern jetty) to spot sea lions.
  • We were told by a local that the north jetty is an excellent spot for viewing sea lions, but on the day we went it was so foggy that we couldn’t see more than 10 feet in front of us. However, the sandy dunes in the Yakina Bay recreation area were pretty cool to see and we watched a few surfers ride into the mist.
• Wander the historic Nye Beach neighborhood. If you work up an appetite, there are plenty of great restaurant options to choose from in this area.
• Shop Newport Farmer’s Market on Saturdays (Mar – Dec) from 9-1 p.m.

Seal Rock

Unlike the name suggests, you aren’t likely to find seals here. Apparently one of the large rock formations resembles a seal… but I didn’t really see it.

Don’t be disappointed though. This beach is well worth a stroll and is a fantastic spot for seeing tide pools filled with little creatures.

Yachats

Instead of sandy beaches, you’ll see waves crashing against rugged black basalt rock, for a very different vibe than some of the more northern coastal towns.

Yachats (pronounced ya-hots… yep, I was saying it wrong too!) is home to fewer than 700 people and the center is just a few blocks. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. 

It is said that Arthur Frommer (yes, of that Frommer’s), once listed Yachats as one of his top 10 destinations in the world.

On this itinerary, we recommend stopping into Yachats for lunch. Here are a few of our favorite restaurants: 

• Luna Sea Fish House: Fisherman-owned town staple featuring the best fish & chips in town
• Ona Restaurant & Lounge: The best fine dining seaside experience in town known for its imaginative global menu and seafood plates
• The Drift Inn Family Pub: With an extensive menu of scratch-made dishes and cozy atmosphere, this is a popular dinner spot for the whole family
• Green Salmon: A vegan and eco-friendly coffee house that serves up fair trade brews and counter-serve menu items for breakfast and lunch
• Bread & Roses: The most popular bakery in town and for good reason! (Only open on weekends)
• Topper’s Ice Cream & Candy: Homemade fudges and chocolates alongside scoops of ice cream and espresso shots for dessert

And in case you want to stay longer, we have a guide for things to do in Yachats that’ll keep you busy for at least a day or two. 

10 Fun Things to Do in Yachats, Oregon

Thor’s Well (Cape Perpetua Scenic Area)

Just south of Yachats lies Thor’s Well, a dramatic hole in the volcanic rock that appears to suck ocean water straight into the earth—earning it nicknames like “the drainpipe of the Pacific” and “gate to hell.” 

Good to know: Photos of the hole can be a bit misleading… We were expecting something much larger, but when we arrived we realized it is only about 10 feet across at the widest part. That said, it’s still impressive and worth seeing.

Formed from a collapsed sea cave, Thor’s Well is most impressive at high tide when waves crash in and disappear down the opening.

→ See our guide to Thor’s Well on Go Wander Wild to find out everything you need to plan your visit.  

Thor’s Well is the most famous attraction on Cape Perpetua, but there are other “blow holes” (is that a real term?) where you can see more activity. Devil’s Churn and Spouting Horn are two that you’ll find nearby.

Heceta Head Lighthouse

If you visit one lighthouse on the Oregon coast, Heceta Head should be it.

From the parking lot ($5 day use fee or state park pass required), you’ll follow a forested trail for a half-mile, passing the lighthouse keeper’s residence just before you reach the lighthouse.

Insider Tip: While it’s stunning to see it up close, we recommend taking the path to the right of the trail just before you reach the lighthouse. It’s a short hike up, but you’ll get views from the top overlooking the lighthouse with the ocean in the background. You can turn around and head back down the way you came, or you can continue on the trail which leads to Hobbit Beach.

The state park offers tours of the lighthouse and property between the hours of 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (summer) and 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (winter).

Looking for a splurge? If you’re into lighthouses and have the budget for it, you can rent out a room in the lightkeeper’s house at Heceta Head and let your imagination run wild. Starting at $385 for the cheapest room, it’s not a very budget-friendly accommodation, but it’s sure to be one of the most unique stays on your trip!  

Sea Lion Caves

We were skeptical about this one—cheesy signage, admission fees to see wild animals… it didn’t sound promising. But we were (mostly) wrong.

After a 45-minute wait, we made it to the outdoor viewpoint and spotted about 150 sea lions lounging on distant rocks. The real highlight came next: a short elevator ride down into America’s largest sea cave, where you can view wild Steller sea lions from a designated window—without disturbing their natural habitat.

The privately owned cave is massive (12 stories tall and a football field long) and includes exhibits, a short film, and views of Heceta Head Lighthouse.

Good to know: We returned to Sea Lion Cave with our daughter in August 2024 and learned that during the later summer months, the sea lions aren’t actually in the cave, they are just on the rock. In our opinion it was not worth the entry fee for the cave when there were no seals present. Before you decide to stay, it would be worth asking if the sea lions are in the cave. 

Dinner in Florence

You should make it to Florence in time for a late dinner. Here are a few of our top recommendations for places to eat: 

• Homegrown Public House & Brewery: We came for the beer and clam steamers and left super satisfied.
• Mo’s Chowder: One of the many locations of this famous coastal chain is located on the water in downtown Florence.
• Bridgewater Fish House & Zebra Bar: Cute restaurant in the heart of Old Town serving fresh seafood.

Insider Tip: There are two laundromats in town that have showers (yipee!), which was super helpful since we were traveling in our campervan. (We showered at this one.)

Day 7: Florence

On your final day of your Oregon Coast road trip, you’ll spend the morning exploring Florence before heading back to Portland in the evening.

→ Psst! Check out our custom PNW Map to find our favorite stops and hidden gems along the drive back to Portland.

Florence

Situated near the mouth of the Siuslaw River, Florence, Oregon is ah-freaking-dorable (the Old Town section, at least).  The center of Florence actually has a river view instead of looking out into the ocean, making it feel a bit different from many of the other towns on the Oregon coast. 

The combination of river + ocean + sand dunes makes this town pretty unique, and has some adventurous things to do to top it off.

If you’re adventurous and have time to do one thing in Florence, go sandboarding. It is such a fun activity you can’t do in very many places, so if you have the opportunity, take it! 

Sand Master Park is the place for all your sandboard questions and rentals. The guy who was working when we stopped in said he competes regularly in sandboard competitions (yep, that’s a thing!) and you could tell he was suuuuper passionate about the sport. He shared his favorite spots with us and answered all our silly questions. 

While you’re there, be sure to check out their HUGE collection of sand from around the world which is pretty fascinating.

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Have more or less time?

Short on time? This is just our opinion, but our favorite towns are south of Seaside. If you’re limited on time, we’d recommend heading straight to Cannon Beach (or further south, depending on where exactly you want to explore). 

Have extra time? If you have the luxury of extra time, be sure to stretch your route down to Samuel H. Boardman, because it is absolutely spectacular.

Here are some sample Oregon Coast road trip itineraries with more or less time:

Less time

• 3 days: Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, Oswald West State Park, Oceanside, Tillamook (circle back to Portland)
  • Insider Tip: If you like cheese, there’s a little goat cheese stand just off Highway 6 on your route back called Fraga and they have goats on site!
• 5 days: Astoria, Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, Hugs Beach, Oswald West State Park, Oceanside, Tillamook, God’s Thumb hike (Lincoln City)

More time

• 10 days: Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, Hugs Beach, Oswald West State Park, Oceanside, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport, Seal Rock State Park, Yachats, Thor’s Well and Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Heceta Head Lighthouse, Sea Lion Caves, Sandboarding in Florence.
• 14 days: Instead of repeating ourselves, start with the 10-day Itinerary above and then include: Shore Acres State Park, Bandon, Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, and then continue to California or then travel back up I-5 to Portland.

Our guide to Oregon Coast Towns & Stops has everything you need to know if you want to add to your route. 

17 Charming Oregon Coast Towns (+ best stops along the way!)

Planning your Oregon Coast road trip

We have some important advice to share with you before you hop in your car and head to the coast.

Entrance fees

• Ecola State Park: $5 (free with Oregon State Park Pass)
• Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad: $32 for adults round trip
• Yaquina Head Lighthouse: $7 parking/entrance fee (free with Oregon State Park Pass)
• Cape Perpetua Scenic Area: $5 (free with Oregon State Park Pass)
• Hecita Head Lighthouse: $5 (free with Oregon State Park Pass)
• Sea Lion Cave: $18 per adult, $12 kids, 4 and under go free!

Best time to plan your Oregon Coast road trip

The Oregon Coast is stunning year-round, but we think the best time to visit is in early fall—September to October—when you’ll have fewer crowds and the best chance of dry weather and clear coastal views.

• Summer (June–August) offers the warmest temps and long daylight hours, but it’s also the most crowded, especially in popular towns like Cannon Beach.
  
• Early fall (September–early October) is a sweet spot: the crowds thin out, the weather often stays pleasant, and everything is still open.
  
• Winter & spring bring moody skies, rain, and dramatic waves—perfect if you’re into storm watching and don’t mind bundling up. Plus, it’s prime whale-watching season (December through March)!
  

Whenever you go, bring layers—the weather can shift quickly from sunshine to fog, especially near the coast.

Weather on the Oregon Coast

The weather on the Oregon Coast can change drastically. It’s not uncommon for it to shift from fog and wind to cloudless sunny skies to rain all in one day.

Don’t plan on your trip being filled with sun-soaked beach days. (You’ll want to go to southern California for that.) But if you get a beautiful sunny day or two, stop everything and rejoice because you’re lucky.

Understand the Marine Layer. If you’re not already familiar, this phenomenon occurs in many coastal areas and makes for thick fog, cooler temperatures, and overall gloomy conditions (see picture).

Sometimes it can last all day, while other times the sun will burn it off by mid-morning and you’ll be rewarded with blue skies. Even if the marine layer is thick, you can often head inland just a bit and find very different weather, blue skies and all!

Be prepared for the wind! Some beaches and lookout points can get incredibly windy. Like, sand whipping in your eyes, windy! You’ve been warned.

A little history…

The first people to call the Oregon coast home are the following native peoples (in order from north to south):

• Chinook
• Tillamook and Siletz
• Alsea
• Siuslaw
• Coos
• Athabaskans

Find more info here.

Don’t make these common mistakes on your Oregon Coast road trip

There are some common mistakes people make, and we want you to be prepared!

• Cell service can be spotty.
  • Insider Tip: Download offline version of Google Maps and AllTrails because there will likely be times when you’re without service on the Oregon coast. 
• Put on sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy. Don’t be deceived, you can get burned through the marine layer (and also through clouds!).
• If you’re traveling in a campervan, pay careful attention to signage for overnight parking.

Where can you camp overnight in your campervan? 

You can’t park just anywhere, after all… Our advice is to download The Dyrt, an app that’ll take your campervan game to the next level. Use this link to get 30 days of the Pro Membership totally free (no strings attached). We’ve also got a whole article all about ways to find free camping if you want more info!

How to find Free Camping in the USA (+Tips & Apps)

Tips for enjoying your Oregon Coast road trip

• Seafood lovers will be in heaven! Plan to eat as much fresh fish, oysters, crab, and clams as you can while on the coast.
  • Mo’s Seafood & Chowder is a staple chain that you’ll see all over the coast, but the original location is in Newport.
  • Psst! This article is packed full of food suggestions, so be sure to take notes!
• Good hotels book up well in advance, especially in the summertime and even more so on the weekends. Same goes for campgrounds and Airbnbs, so book in advance if possible.
• Highway 101 winds along the coast and can get narrow in parts. Drive carefully.
• Plan to have picnics on your Oregon coast road trip. There are many perfect opportunities, so pack your favorite picnic foods, utensils, and a blanket so you’re prepared. 
• Pay attention to the tide tables. While you won’t be able to plan out every stop along the way according to high and low tides, it’s good to know what to expect. For instance, if you want to see tide pools, you’ll need to visit at low tide.
  • This website is a good resource for tide tables.

• Weekends in the summer can get crazy busy. Everyone from Portland migrates to the coast on the weekends… or so it seems. Be prepared.
• Trailheads can get super busy and oftentimes people park alongside the (narrow) road.
  • Tip: Check out all the best Oregon Coast hikes to plan your hikes before you arrive and get to the trailheads early!
• An Oregon State Park Pass is good to have and will likely save you money in the long run!
• You can have bonfires on the beach. There are places all along the coast that sell firewood for $5 a bundle.
• Catch as many sunsets as you can! You’re on the West Coast after all, and there are some spectacular opportunities for watching the sun sink into the deep blue oblivion of the ocean.

Oregon Coast road trip map

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Transportation for your Oregon Coast road trip

Most people will use their everyday car as the vehicle for their Oregon road trip. And that’s a great choice; however, there are other options to consider. Especially if you will be flying in from out of state. 

Campervan rental

It’s no secret we are big fans of #vanlife. If you want to give it a test drive, we’ve got tons of resources for you! 

Check out our list of top companies for USA Campervan Rentals, from budget to bougie, including exclusive discounts for our readers.

→ Related: If you already know you’re flying in and out of Portland, we also have a guide to the best campervan rentals in Portland specifically.

One company we’d recommend looking into is Escape Campervans. They have 12 different locations across North America (including Portland, making it a great choice for an Oregon coast road trip). They come fully loaded with all the gear you need for an epic road trip, and they are a good budget option.

BONUS: We’ve partnered with them to give you a 10% off discount when you use our link!

Rental cars

Renting a car is a great option for your road trip if you don’t want to put extra miles on your own vehicle, or are flying in from out of state. 

Personally, for road trips in the USA, we’ve had good experiences with Booking.com (formerly RentalCars.com). We’ve booked through them several times and have found some really great deals. For example, we rented a small SUV for a road trip in Washington State and paid less than $30 per day, and in Tucson, Arizona we paid just $17 a day. Heck yes!

Prices vary depending on your location, number of days, season, and type of car. Our advice is to compare Booking.com to other platforms with your specifics so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal.

Search & Compare Rental Car Prices

• Discover Cars: We personally use this aggregate site to compare rental car prices from all the big name companies and get the best price possible. 
• Booking.com: We’ve had good experiences finding rental cars with this site (formerly RentalCars.com) in the past. 

Discover Cars

Booking.com

Where to fly into

The best airport to fly into for an Oregon Coast road trip is Portland International Airport (PDX). It’s the largest airport in the state and about 2 hours from the northern coast (when starting in Astoria or Cannon Beach).

From there, you can easily rent a car or campervan and begin your journey south along Highway 101.

What to pack for an Oregon Coast road trip

• State Park pass: There are tons of state parks listed on this itinerary, and having a pass will save you money along the way (as well as the headache of having to pay at each individual point). Buy an annual pass for $30 at the first state park you stop at.
• raincoat and/or umbrella
• battery pack
• layers: The coast can be notoriously chilly even in the height of summer. Bring warmer clothes than you think you’ll need.
• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• Shoes that can get wet and are good for hiking
  • we usually pack Chacos as well as a pair of closed toe shoes
• Camera & tripod
• motion sickness remedies
• light hiking gear
• snacks
• picnic blanket
• cooler
• utensils
• binoculars (if you want to try your luck at spotting whales)
  • We spotted some with our naked eyes, but they were quite far away. So if you have binoculars, you may want to pack them!

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We want to hear from you!

Are you planning an Oregon coast road trip? What areas sound most appealing to you? What questions do you still have? Comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!