42 Best Things to Do on the Oregon Coast: Driving North to South
From beautiful, long, sandy beaches to winding scenic drives, rugged sea cliffs, small towns, and stunning places to catch sunset throughout, the Oregon Coast is one of the most renowned and iconic U.S. roadtrips, stretching some 344 miles (554 km) from Astoria along the Columbia River in the north to Brookings, just outside of the towering coastal California Redwoods, in the south!
There are great restaurants with amazing seafood, stunning yet not-too-challenging coastal hikes, one-of-a-kind vacation rentals, and, of course, the Tillamook Creamery! Yes, one cannot talk about the Oregon Coast without highlighting this iconic destination, and it’s for all these reasons that I truly believe there is something for every type of traveler to enjoy on the Oregon Coast!
Now, all this goes without saying that the Oregon Coast was once a place I called home. It’s a place I know very well, and that’s why I believe these are truly some of the best recommendations for a roadtrip at any time of year on the Oregon Coast!
My Print - Southern Oregon Coast
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Oregon Coast?
The Oregon Coast is one of the best year-round roadtrip destinations in the United States!
As long as you’re prepared to be outside in all conditions, the cool ocean temperatures make the coast very comfortable in the summer but not too cold in the winter.
However, it’s important to know that the summers are typically drier, while the winters are typically rainier. To add to this, the northern Oregon Coast is typically cloudier/ rainier, while the southern Oregon Coast toward Brookings is typically sunnier.
This is all to say that I’ve driven the entire coast in January and got lucky with some of the best weather imaginable! It was clear skies and beautiful sunsets every night. So who knows—you never know what the weather will bring, and you might get lucky!
My Print - The Oregon Coast
Hiking Checklist - Oregon Coast
There are Black Bears up and down the Oregon Coast, but hiking with or without bear spray is truly up to your own discretion and comfort level in Black Bear territory.
In addition, here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike on the Oregon Coast.
42 Best Things to Do on the Oregon Coast
The following list is not written in order of best or worst. Rather, it’s written from north to south, beginning in Astoria.
1. Astoria Column (Cathedral Tree Trail)
Distance: 2.0 miles / 3.2 km
Some may say that the Oregon Coast doesn’t start until Warrenton, but in my opinion, you can’t start a northern Oregon Coast roadtrip without first visiting the beautiful town of Astoria!
This is why the historic Astoria Column is first on this list, and it is truly an iconic landmark on the Oregon Coast, though the view from the top is not always guaranteed, as seen in the photos below.
In any case, there are two ways to visit the Astoria Column. The first is to simply drive all the way to the top, which is obviously the quickest and easiest way. Alternatively, there is the option to hike the short Cathedral Tree Trail, located just below Coxcomb Hill.
If you have the time, I recommend the latter, which you can learn more about in my separate post linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Cathedral Tree Trail
2. Wreck of the Peter Iredale
Just across Youngs Bay in Warrenton is a lesser-known stretch of coastline known as Fort Stevens State Park.
The highlight of the park is easily the Wreck of the Peter Iredale, but there’s more than 15 miles (24.1 km) of coastline that visitors can explore within Fort Stevens, making it a great place to simply run around and enjoy the coast along with the ship wreck!
Google Maps Directions: Wreck of the Peter Iredale
3. Ecola State Park
Ecola State Park is a beautiful, rugged stretch of coastline between Seaside to the north and the renowned Cannon Beach to the south, and in my opinion, it’s a must-see when driving the northern Oregon Coast for the first time!
I believe this because within the park there are drive-up viewpoints, stunning beaches, and a number of trails that are all worth exploring—the most popular being the Crescent Beach and Indian Beach Trail.
That said, if you only have time for one hike, I recommend the trail to Crescent Beach over Indian Beach, which you can learn more about why I say this, and read my side-by-side comparison of the two, at the beginning of either of my separate posts linked below.
Read My Separate Posts: Crescent Beach Trail / Indian Beach Trail
4. Cannon Beach (Haystack Rock)
Cannon Beach is arguably the most iconic town on the Oregon Coast, as it is a favorite among day-trippers who visit from Portland and those looking for a beautiful, quiet place to stay near the beach!
That said, Cannon Beach could truly have a list of its own, as there is so much to see and do—from Haystack Rock to enjoying a bonfire on the sand, to exploring the beautiful town and eating at the local restaurants.
This is why I recommend taking it slow and searching for a place to stay in Cannon Beach, as this is truly the best way to relax and see it all without rushing through it!
My Print - Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach
5. Hug Point
Hug Point is a historic stretch of the world-renowned Oregon Coast, as the name quite literally comes from a historic road that travelers in the late 1800s would 'hug' when traveling between Cannon Beach and Arch Cape.
Today, visitors can see the remnants of the historic road at low tide, as Hug Point is a popular place to explore the beautiful cliffs, walk with your dog, and enjoy this expansive stretch of the rugged Oregon Coast, located only a short walk from the main parking area.
Google Maps Directions: Hug Point
6. Cove Beach
Cove Beach may be the most beautiful and least-trafficked beach on the northern Oregon Coast, as this secluded stretch of sand is not advertised in the same way as other, more popular places like Cannon Beach and Hug Point.
That said, hidden down Cove Beach Road, there are a number of little tucked-away beach accesses among the beautiful homes that visitors can use to get down to the water and explore this stunning stretch of the Oregon Coast that hasn’t received the same attention from social media as countless other places have!
Google Maps Directions: Cove Beach
7. Cape Falcon (Oswald West State Park)
Oswald West State Park is a beautiful, rugged stretch of the Oregon Coast with many different places to explore within the very diverse park, but on Cape Falcon specifically there are two trails worth considering—both of which can be combined into one longer loop!
The first, and longest, is the Cape Falcon Trail, which offers very beautiful views of the rugged, dramatic coastline. However, if you’re looking for something shorter and easier, consider the Short Sand Beach Trail, which is easily the better kid-friendly option—not to mention, it’s a popular place to surf among locals and those simply looking to walk their dog on the beach!
Read My Separate Posts: Cape Falcon Trail / Short Sand Beach Trail
8. Neahkahnie Mountain Trail (Neah-Kah-Nie)
There are a few places on this list that I consider to be must-sees, and the view from the summit of Neahkahnie Mountain is certainly one of them!
However, it must be said that, at certain times of the year, finding a clear day to hike the mountain is no easy task. If the clouds do look chancy, I recommend driving down to the Bunkhouse Restaurant in Nehalem and looking up at the mountain to see if it’s clear.
All this aside, there are two routes up Neahkahnie Mountain with varying levels of difficulty. The first is the North Neahkahnie Mountain Trail, which is slightly harder but less confusing route. Alternatively, the South Neahkahnie Mountain Trail is a bit easier physically but, in my opinion, slightly more confusing, which you can read about and compare in either of my separate posts linked below.
Read My Separate Posts: North Neahkahnie Trail / South Neahkahnie Trail
9. Tillamook Creamery
I mean… did you even visit the Oregon Coast if you didn’t stop to get ice cream at the Tillamook Creamery?
I hope it goes without saying, but visiting the Tillamook Creamery is one of the best and most iconic things to do in all of Oregon! You can book a tour, shop for gifts, and most of all, order ice cream to eat both indoors and out!
Before visiting, know that the Tillamook Creamery is arguably the most popular destination on the Oregon Coast, meaning that everything from the parking, the shopping, and the lines for ice cream will almost always be very busy on any given day of the week!
Google Maps Directions: Tillamook Creamery
10. Cape Meares
Cape Meares is a little-known National Wildlife Refuge on the northern Oregon Coast, where visitors can simply drive up, enjoy beautiful south- and west-facing views, and hike the Cape Meares Beach Trail down to the water!
Cape Meares is only a short drive away from the Tillamook Creamery, and if you decide to add this quick stop to your itinerary, don’t forget to check out the largest Sitka Spruce in the State of Oregon!
Read My Separate Post: Cape Meares Beach Trail
11. Short Beach & Larson Creek Falls
On the drive in and out of Cape Meares from the south, there’s a lesser-known beach access down to the beautiful Short Beach and Larson Creek Falls.
Compared to the Cape Meares Lighthouse and nearby Tillamook Creamery, this secluded little cove is considerably less busy and a great place to explore with the whole family!
Google Maps Directions: Short Beach
12. Cape Lookout State Park
Cape Lookout is a prominent peninsula between Tillamook and Pacific City that sits high above the surrounding beaches, both to the north and south.
That said, Cape Lookout is, through and through, a hiking destination, as the only way to truly see what it has to offer is to set out on one of three beautiful trails that all branch out from the same parking area.
The first and easiest is the Cape Lookout Trail, as it has the least amount of elevation change.
However, there is also the South Trail and the North Trail, which connect Cape Lookout to the beaches on either side. Personally, if you are looking for more of a challenge, I recommend the South Trail over the North Trail because Cape Lookout Beach at the bottom of the North Trail can be driven to, while the beach at the bottom of the South Trail cannot.
Read My Separate Posts: Cape Lookout Trail / South Cape Lookout Trail
13. Neskowin Beach (Proposal Rock)
In terms of places to stay, Neskowin Beach feels like a hidden gem on the Oregon Coast!
I say this because the town of Neskowin is considerably smaller than the neighboring Lincoln City to the south, which is truly one of the best things about staying in a beautiful vacation rental right on Neskowin Beach!
You can take a walk down the cliffs of the stunning beach, explore Proposal Rock, or my personal favorite, hike the Lower Cascade Head just a few minutes down the road!
Either way, Neskowin is truly an amazing place to slow down and enjoy the Oregon Coast away from the crowds!
Google Maps Directions: Neskowin Beach
14. Lower Cascade Head Trail
Distance: 4.5 miles / 7.2 km
The Lower Cascade Head Trail is a little-known day hike just north of Lincoln City that, in my opinion, is arguably the best sunset hike on the Oregon Coast!
I believe this because far fewer visitors hike the Cascade Head Trail compared to the much more popular God’s Thumb Trail in Lincoln City down the road, which is why if you’re looking for a beautiful place to escape the crowds and enjoy the views, I could not recommend the Lower Cascade Head Trail more!
Read My Separate Post: Lower Cascade Head Trail
15. God’s Thumb Trail
Distance: 4.5 miles / 7.2 km
The God’s Thumb Trail is a stunning yet very popular day hike just to the north of Lincoln City that, for good reason, is easily one of the most beautiful sunset hikes on the Oregon Coast!
That said, the crowds that the trail has attracted over the years have unfortunately degraded (meaning eroded) the beautiful trail from what it used to be.
This is all to say that I think the God’s Thumb Trail is a must-see when visiting the Oregon Coast for the first time, but it’s important to arrive prepared, as everything from finding parking to finding a quiet place to enjoy the view can be challenging, given the traffic that God’s Thumb attracts.
Read My Separate Post: God’s Thumb Trail via the Knoll
16. McMenamins Lighthouse Brewpub
If you hiked for sunset on either the Lower Cascade Head or God’s Thumb Trail, I highly recommend McMenamins for some late night food nearby!
I say this because not only are they one of the few places open late in Lincoln City, but in my opinion, they have the best pizza in town!
17. Whale Cove
South of Lincoln City, the Oregon Coast Highway starts to transition into the central Oregon Coast, which is most notable in terms of the number of visitors, as the drive from Portland starts to become a bit too far to justify as a day trip.
That aside, Whale Cove in Depoe Bay is a beautiful overlook and little-known wildlife refuge that can be one of the most secluded places to stay on the Oregon Coast!
By this, I mean that Whale Cove Inn sits right atop the cliffs of the pristine and protected cove—but know that, if you are interested in staying, Whale Cove Inn typically sells out months in advance because it’s such a beautiful and popular place to stay!
Google Maps Directions: Whale Cove (Rocky Creek)
18. Devil’s Punchbowl
Devil’s Punchbowl is a drive-up lookout over a collapsed sea cave just to the north of Newport, where visitors can walk around and explore the rugged sea cliffs along a number of easy paths within the state park.
Additionally, there are a number of great restaurants within walking distance of the scenic overlook, making the whole area a great stop to enjoy the beautiful views and grab a quick lunch before driving further south.
Google Maps Directions: Devil’s Punchbowl
19. Agate Beach
On the central Oregon Coast, Newport is the biggest and busiest town, which is something that certainly cannot be said about most of the Oregon Coast south of Lincoln City.
For this reason alone, staying in Newport is not necessarily one of my top recommendations when driving the full Oregon Coast. However, I don’t write that to suggest that Newport is bad in any way. It’s simply busier, though there are a ton of great places to stay, eat, and explore nearby—which is exactly why Agate Beach easily makes this list!
I say this because the beautiful rolling dunes across this expansive, nearly 4.0-mile (6.4 km) beach make it one of the best places to go on the central Oregon Coast for a long walk on the beach with the whole family!
Google Maps Directions: Agate Beach
20. Cape Perpetua Overlook
Cape Perpetua, also called the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, is a federally managed site within the Siuslaw National Forest that encompasses a number of different trails and overlooks, including the Cape Perpetua Overlook, the Devil’s Churn, and Thor’s Well!
This is why I like to say that if you’re going to stop for one, it makes the most sense to stop for all three!
That said, be aware that the Cape Perpetua Overlook is a federal U.S. fee area, meaning that if you have a federal interagency pass, be sure to bring it on your roadtrip, or you can save time by purchasing your interagency pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before visiting the Oregon Coast.
In any case, the Cape Perpetua Overlook is a beautiful viewpoint atop a steep and rugged coastal peak that can be reached either by hiking one of two trails or by simply driving up, which is where the federal recreation pass comes in handy!
Google Maps Directions: Cape Perpetua Overlook
21. Devil’s Churn
The Devil’s Churn is a unique inlet carved into the steep coastline, where powerful ocean waves are funneled into a narrow chasm, creating dramatic bursts and churning water as the tide surges in and out!
That said, the Devil’s Churn is the second must-see stop within Cape Perpetua, and there is both an overlook just off the road and a short 0.5-mile (0.8 km) loop trail down to the coast that visitors can enjoy.
Google Maps Directions: Devil’s Churn
22. Thor’s Well
Thor’s Well is a unique collapsed sea cave that creates a waterfall effect, as the waves flow in and out against the coast, and it’s what I see as the third and final must-see stop within Cape Perpetua!
To get there, visitors must walk down a somewhat slippery stretch of coastline from the parking area, but photographers love Thor’s Well for the opportunity to take beautiful long-exposure photos, which can be quite exceptional on a clear night at sunset!
Google Maps Directions: Thor’s Well
23. Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is a little-known and often overlooked destination on the southern Oregon Coast, as the beautiful, quiet beach is not located next to any major towns!
This is exactly what I think makes Ocean Beach so special, as it is one of the better beaches in the area to simply hang out and walk around, away from the busier areas both in Newport to the north and Florence to the south.
Google Maps Directions: Ocean Beach
24. Heceta Head Lighthouse
Distance: 3.0 miles / 4.8 km
The Heceta Head Lighthouse, just to the north of Florence, is a historic lighthouse built in the early 1890s that can be enjoyed and visited in one of two ways.
The first option is to simply drive directly to the paid parking area at Heceta Beach and walk the short path to the lighthouse.
Alternatively, there is the option to hike the moderate Heceta Head Lighthouse Trail, which is what I recommend, as it’s a much less crowded way to explore the coast—not to mention, there’s a secret view of Hobbit Beach from the trail that is truly something to highlight on its own!
Read My Separate Post: Heceta Head Lighthouse Trail
25. Sea Lion Caves
The Florence Sea Lion Caves are the largest sea caves in North America, at roughly 1,315 ft. (401 m) long and 125 ft. (38 m) high!
That said, visiting the Sea Lion Caves is one of the most popular things to do on the Oregon Coast—and for good reason!
This is why, if you know your travel dates, I recommend reserving your tour in advance—especially during the busy summer travel season!
Google Maps Directions: Florence Sea Lion Caves
26. Oregon Dunes
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a 49-square-mile (127-square-km) area of sand dunes, broken into a number of beautiful dune fields between Florence on the northern end and Coos Bay to the south!
Personally, I think the Oregon Dunes should be one of the biggest bucket list items when driving the Oregon Coast for the first time, as there is truly nothing quite like running around barefoot in the sand dunes—especially at sunset!
Before visiting, know that there isn’t one specific trailhead that I recommend over another. Rather, just pick one of the dune fields between the Sea Lion Caves and Coos Bay, and you’ll be sure to have a great time!
Google Maps Directions: Oregon Dunes
27. Blacklock Point Trail
Distance: 4.0 miles / 6.4 km
The Blacklock Point Trail is an easy day hike within Floras Lake State Park that leads out to a stunning and remote section of the Oregon Coast that few who drive the full Oregon Coast ever see!
By this, I mean that the Blacklock Point Trail is completely flat from the trailhead to the viewpoint, which is why, even though the trail is one of the longer day hikes on the Oregon Coast, it’s certainly not a difficult adventure by any means.
This is all to say that I highly recommend turning the Blacklock Point Trail into a sunset adventure, as it truly can be one of the most beautiful and secluded places to enjoy the sunset on the Oregon Coast, provided you come prepared for the roughly 2.0-mile (3.2 km) hike back in the dark.
My Print - Blacklock Point Trail
28. Port Orford Heads State Park
Port Orford Heads is a quiet little state park along the southern Oregon Coast, as most visitors tend not to slow down for many stops between Coos Bay and Brookings.
That said, the Port Orford Heads Trail is a very easy hike that should take less than an hour, but if nothing else, Port Orford Heads makes for a great place to eat lunch and learn about the history of the Coast Guard in the area at the small museum.
This is why I highly recommend grabbing some food at the next place on this list and driving up the road to enjoy it at Port Orford Heads before walking around to explore the area!
Read My Separate Post: Port Orford Heads Trail
29. Golden Harvest Herban Farm & Bakery
The Oregon Coast certainly has no shortage of fish and chips, clam chowder, and traditional American food, but if you’re looking for something a little different and a little healthier, make sure to check out the Golden Harvest Herban Farm and Bakery in Port Orford!
Their smoothies and grilled paninis are amazing, and when you get your food, they encourage you to add whatever toppings you like from their salad bar!
30. Humbug Mountain Loop Trail
Distance: 5.6 miles / 9.0 km
Similar to Neahkahnie Mountain farther north, Humbug Mountain is one of only a few actual peaks along the Oregon Coast!
That said, the Humbug Mountain Trail is one of the longer day hikes on the Oregon Coast, but this is exactly what I think makes it so special, as very few visitors who drive the full Oregon Coast Highway stop for such a long, uphill adventure.
If you decide to hike the beautiful Humbug Mountain Trail, I recommend completing out both sides of the loop, which I show in detail in my separate post linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Humbug Mountain Loop Trail
31. Arizona Beach
Arizona Beach is a beautiful black sand beach on the southern Oregon Coast that is often overlooked compared to the many other things to do along the drive—which, again, is exactly what I think makes it such an amazing place to spend some time!
I say this because this remote little stretch along the Oregon Coast is truly an uncrowded hidden gem, and if you’re looking for a place to camp, sites can be reserved during the summer months through Oregon State Parks!
Google Maps Directions: Arizona Beach
32. Sisters Rock State Park
Distance: 1.0 miles / 1.6 km
The Sisters Rock Trail is a quick and easy out-and-back day hike between Port Orford and Gold Beach, and, similar to the Port Orford Heads Trail just a few miles to the north, it is one of the easiest, uncrowded day hikes on the southern Oregon Coast!
For this reason, I recommend hiking the short trail down to the water, which I think makes for a great, quick adventure at any time of the day!
Read My Separate Post: Sisters Rock Trail
33. Double D’s Café (Gold Beach)
Double D’s Café in downtown Gold Beach is truly the quintessential American diner and, in my opinion, one of the best places to get breakfast on the Oregon Coast!
I say this because if you’re looking for a great place to sit down and enjoy big breakfast before heading out on one of the countless adventures in the area, I couldn’t recommend Double D’s Café more, which has consistently been one of my go-to stops every time I find myself on the Oregon Coast!
Yelp: Double D’s Cafe
34. Cape Sebastian
Distance: 3.6 miles / 5.8 km
Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor is a beautiful, windy section of the Oregon Coast Highway that encompasses a number of beaches, viewpoints, and trails!
That said, of all the day hikes within Cape Sebastian, the best is easily the Cape Sebastian Trail, which has panoramic views at the beginning and leads down to a remote beach along Hunters Cove—an area of the Oregon Coast that would require a roughly 0.9-mile (1.4 km) hike to get to from the nearest parking area off the highway.
Read My Separate Post: Cape Sebastian Trail
35. Ariya’s Beach
Ariya’s Beach is a unique, rugged beach between Gold Beach and Brookings to the south that is renowned for a number of beautiful islands located just a short walk from the parking area!
In my opinion, Ariya’s Beach is a must-see when driving the full Oregon Coast, especially on a clear evening at sunset, as the beach is one of the most photogenic places to capture beautiful photos among the giant rock islands that line the sand!
Google Maps Directions: Ariya’s Beach
36. Secret Beach (Samuel H. Boardman)
Among both locals and visitors alike, many consider the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, just north of Brookings, to be the best and most beautiful stretch of the entire Oregon Coast!
That said, there are a number of reasons why I recommend dedicating more than one night in Brookings, which are largely centered around this unique stretch of the coast, along with a number of other things to do in the area.
The first reason I say this is because there is so much to see and do within Samuel H. Boardman. Specifically, catch the sunset from one of a few different places within the scenic corridor, like Secret Beach or the Natural Bridges mentioned below.
The second reason is that when you’re not exploring Samuel H. Boardman, there are a ton of other things to do within or just outside Brookings such as the Oregon Redwoods, which is why Brookings is one place I strongly recommend not rushing before continuing south to the California Redwoods.
Google Maps Directions: Secret Beach
My Print - Secret Beach
37. Natural Bridges (Samuel H. Boardman)
Natural Bridges is a beautiful drive-up viewpoint within the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor that can be a great place to simply enjoy the sunset from the overlook or hike around on one of a number of social trails created by curious visitors.
That said, the trails surrounding the main overlook and across the bridge are absolutely not meant for people of all abilities, and visitors have unfortunately taken fatal falls from the steep cliffs in Samuel H. Boardman in the past, which are much taller and more exposed than they may appear from far away!
I write all this to say, know your limits, as there is essentially no room for error here and elsewhere—especially at some of the more secret, lesser-known viewpoints off the Oregon Coast Highway along this stretch.
Google Maps Directions: Natural Bridges
38. Slugs 'N Stones 'N Ice Cream Cones
This certainly may be a controversial opinion, but Slugs ‘N Stones, near the mouth of the Chetco River in downtown Brookings, is my favorite ice cream shop on the Oregon Coast!
That said, I very much believe that the Tillamook Creamery is a one-of-a-kind, must-see stop, but it’s definitely not the small-town, local ice cream shop that it once was when it opened in 1949!
This is why I love little hidden gems like Slugs ‘N Stones, because even though the little shop can get busy in the summer, they’re definitely worth the wait!
39. Kayaking the Chetco River
Up to this point, much of the Oregon Coast can be—and should be—explored on your own, but there are a few things that are much better experienced with a local guide, such as kayaking the scenic Chetco River just to the east of Brookings!
I say this because the turquoise-blue Chetco River, which begins high in the Coastal Range, is truly a one-of-a-kind hidden gem and is often overlooked by those who don’t venture a few miles away from the coast!
That said, one of my favorite things about booking through Viator is the reserve-now-and-pay-later option. As long as you’re booking more than three days in advance, you have the option to book ahead and cancel in the future if you change your mind.
My Print - Chetco River
40. Redwood Nature Trail
Distance: 1.2 miles / 1.9 km
The Redwood Nature Trail is one of two small pockets of Redwoods found north of the border in southern Oregon, this first located just 8.8 miles (14.2 km) into the Coast Range from downtown Brookings.
If you’re trying to decide between the two, the short 1.2-mile (1.9 km) Redwood Nature Trail is the more practical Oregon Redwood grove to visit, largely because it’s an entirely paved road to get there!
Read My Separate Post: Redwood Nature Trail
41. Oregon Redwoods Trail
Distance: 2.0 miles / 3.2 km
Between the Redwood Nature Trail and the Oregon Redwoods Trail, the Oregon Redwoods Trail is, without a doubt, the better of the two, as the trees are simply bigger!
That said, most hikers generally have questions about the 4.0-mile (6.4 km) unpaved dirt road to get there, which I highly encourage you to learn more about—and how to check current conditions—in my separate article linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Oregon Redwoods Trail
42. Oregon Coast Day Trip (Portland)
If one thing stands out above anything else, I hope this list shows that there is a ton to do off the 344-mile (554 km) Oregon Coast Highway, many of which are things that didn’t even make it onto this list!
This is why I thought I’d finish off this list by highlighting that there is the option to explore the Oregon Coast from Portland with a local guide, which can certainly be a great option if you’re visiting Oregon without a rental car!
My Print - Oregon Coast
5 Best Things to Do Near the Oregon Coast
When considering things to do near the Oregon Coast—including northern California, southern Washington, and Oregon itself—the California Redwoods are one of the most obvious choices, and for good reason!
However, there are a number of other amazing and surprising destinations I recommend considering, like climbing Mt. Saint Helens, which is really not as big of an adventure as it may initially seem!
1. Redwood National & State Parks
The Oregon Coast and the California Redwoods are seemingly synonymous when it comes to a West Coast roadtrip, meaning one isn’t typically visited without seeing the other.
That said, Crescent City, the town where the California Redwoods begin, is only a 33-minute drive from Brookings in southern Oregon.
This is why, if you’re already planning to visit the Oregon Coast and the California Redwoods on one trip, I highly recommend reading my separate post, as I have visited and revisited the northern California Redwoods many times, just as I have the Oregon Coast!
Read My Separate Post: Redwood National & State Parks
My Print - California Redwoods
2. Lassen Volcanic National Park
In this part of the country, both the Oregon Coast and Lassen Volcanic National Park are often paired together into one roadtrip.
In fact, it’s only a 5-hour, 30-minute drive from Brookings to the Manzanita Lake entrance on the north side of Lassen Volcanic National Park.
This is why, if you enjoyed reading everything I’ve written about the Oregon Coast, I recommend checking out my separate article about Lassen Volcanic National Park, where I share the same inside information about everything there is to see and do on all sides of the park.
Read My Separate Post: Lassen Volcanic National Park
3. Crater Lake National Park
In addition to Lassen Volcanic, Crater Lake National Park is also a very practical addition to an Oregon Coast–California Redwoods roadtrip, as it’s only a 4-hour drive from the Brookings to the Steel Visitor Center near the south entrance of Crater Lake.
That said, I have also written an entirely separate, detailed article about Crater Lake National Park, where I again share the same inside information about everything there is to see and do on all sides of the park.
Read My Separate Post: Crater Lake National Park
4. Mount Saint Helens
Distance (One Way): 4.4 miles / 7.1 km
If you’re starting your Oregon Coast roadtrip from Portland, I think it’s important to mention that Mount Saint Helens is only an hour and 52-minute drive from the airport.
I mention this because Mount Saint Helens is often considered to be the easiest of the Washington Cascade summits to climb, which is why it can be a great and somewhat challenging adventure on either the front or back end of your trip.
To learn more about the full climb up the easiest and most straightforward route, including the best time of year to go and how to secure permits, I recommend reading all the details in my separate article linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Mount Saint Helens (Ptarmigan Trail & Monitor Ridge)
5. Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is a beautiful and iconic hiking and climbing destination in central Oregon, less than 40 minutes north of Bend, where visitors can enjoy one of many short but stunning trails around the towering volcanic rock spires that make up the majority of the park.
Before arriving, be aware that there is a small entrance fee, but I can confidently say it’s well worth it, as Smith Rock State Park is certainly worth spending a few hours exploring one or more trails, whether on your drive to or from Crater Lake or the California Redwoods.
Google Maps Directions: Smith Rock State Park
3 Things to Know Before Visiting the Oregon Coast
1. Three days is not enough time to see the Oregon Coast.
When trying to plan an Oregon Coast roadtrip, my recommendation is to not be too rigid with an itinerary.
By this, I mean that outside of a few very specific busy places to stay, the Oregon Coast can and should be enjoyed leisurely, understanding that many hotels can be booked last second, outside of a few specific busy summer holidays and weekends.
With that in mind, I like to say that three days is far too short and would almost certainly mean missing many of the best things to do, but a week may be too long for some people.
This is why I think five full days, not including any driving to and from the coast, is a perfect amount of time to dedicate to the Oregon Coast Highway—though I am biased myself for longer and slower trips to try and see it all!
2. The Oregon Coast is very dog-friendly.
This is a statement that certainly cannot be said about National Parks around the country, which largely stems from wildlife activity, such as Black or Grizzly Bears, or even Mountain Mions.
Even Crater Lake National Park, just on the other side of the Coastal Range, is not the most pet-friendly outside of a few specific trails.
However, on most beaches up and down the coast, you will find families with dogs running around, with the only thing needing to be considered is places to stay that are also pet-friendly.
3. The entire Oregon Coast is public land.
Under the Oregon Beach Bill from 1967, all beaches up to the vegetation line are open and accessible to the public.
This means that locals and visitors alike can access and enjoy the coastline wherever it is safe to do so, provided that they remain below the vegetation line and respect any posted restrictions, protected areas, and adjacent private property lines.
