42 Best Things to Do on the Oregon Coast: Driving North to South
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 road trip at any time of year along the Oregon Coast.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Oregon Coast?
The Oregon Coast is one of the best year-round road trips in the United States!
As long as you’re prepared to be outside in all types of conditions, the cool ocean temperatures make the coast very comfortable in the summer but not too cold in the winter.
However, generally speaking, the summers are typically drier, while the winters are typically rainier. On top of 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 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 - Southern Oregon Coast
42 Best Things to Do on the Oregon Coast
The following list is not written in order of best or worst, but rather, it’s written from north to south, beginning in Astoria.
That being said, the following list is a very aggressive itinerary, and it’s likely not practical to see and do everything if you’re only planning to spend a couple of days on the coast—especially if you’re planning to visit the California Redwoods immediately after.
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 opinon, you can’t start up north without first spending some time in the beautiful town of Astoria.
For this reason, the Astoria Column is first on this list, and it’s truly an iconic landmark on the Oregon Coast. However, as you can see, the view from the top is not always a guarantee. I have seen one of the most beautiful sunrises, as well as no view at all.
In any case, there are two ways to visit the Astoria Column. You can either drive all the way to the top, or you can walk 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.
Read My Separate Post: Cathedral Tree Trail
2. Wreck of the Peter Iredale
Just across Youngs Bay in Warrenton is the lesser-known 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 you can explore within Fort Stevens, making it a great place to run around and enjoy the coast!
Google Maps Directions: Wreck of the Peter Iredale
3. Ecola State Park
Ecola State Park is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places to explore on the northern Oregon Coast.
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 being said, if you only have time for one hike, I recommend the trail to Crescent Beach more than Indian Beach. To learn more about why I say this and to read my comparison of the two, be sure to read the opening section in either of my separate posts.
Read My Separate Posts: Crescent Beach Trail / Indian Beach Trail
4. Cannon Beach (Haystack Rock)
The town of Cannon Beach could truly have a list of its own!
By this, I mean there’s so much to see and do, from Haystack Rock to enjoying a bonfire on Cannon Beach, to exploring the beautiful town and eating at the local restaurants. Therefore, I recommend searching for a place to stay in Cannon Beach, so that you can really slow down and see it all!
To this point, the Oregon Coast is all about beautiful vacation rentals, so if you started your day up in Astoria, Cannon Beach makes for a great place to stop and stay the night!
My Print - Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach
5. Hug Point
Hug Point is a popular place to explore the beautiful cliffs along this expansive stretch of the Oregon Coast.
Additionally, if you’re traveling with dogs, Hug Point is also one of the best places to let them roam free along the rugged cliffs, which are located only a short walk from the 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!
The beach is not as advertised as other, more popular places, like Cannon Beach and Hug Point, but if you make your way down the little Cove Beach Road, you can find a number of little tucked-away beach accesses that haven’t seen the light of social media.
Please share this information sparingly, and park legally when you’re down there. There’s a lot of small, narrow roads.
Google Maps Directions: Cove Beach
7. Cape Falcon
There’s a lot of different places to see within Oswald West State Park, but within Cape Falcon specifically, there are two trails worth considering, and both can be combined into one longer loop.
The first and longest is the Cape Falcon Trail, which in my opinion has the most beautiful views of the coast, but if you’re looking for something shorter, consider the Short Sand Beach Trail.
The Short Sand Beach Trail is the better kid-friendly option, and it’s a popular place to surf among locals.
Read My Separate Posts: Cape Falcon Trail / Short Sand Beach Trail
8. Neahkahnie Mountain (Neah-Kah-Nie)
There are a few places on this list that are absolutely must-see locations, and the view from the summit of Neahkahnie Mountain is one of them!
However, at certain times of the year, it can be no easy task to find a clear day to see the view, but if you think the clouds look chancy, I recommend driving down to the Bunkhouse Restaurant in Nehalem and looking up at the mountain to see what the clouds are doing.
In any case, there are two different routes up Neahkahnie Mountain, with the varying levels of difficulty. The North Neahkahnie Mountain Trail is slightly harder but less confusing, and the South Neahkahnie Mountain Trail is a bit easier but there are more places to get turned around.
You can read and compare both in my separate posts 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 at the Tillamook Creamery?
I hope it goes without saying, but visiting the Tillamook Creamery is one of the 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 going, 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 busy on any day of the year.
Google Maps Directions: Tillamook Creamery
10. Cape Meares
Only a short drive away from the Tillamook Creamery, you can find the beautiful Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse.
Within the refuge, the most popular trail people hike is the Cape Meares Beach Trail, and don’t forget to go out of your way to see 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 little lesser-known beach access down to the beautiful Short Beach and Larson Creek Falls.
Compared to the Cape Meares Lighthouse and Tillamook Creamery, this secluded little cove is considerably less busy!
Google Maps Directions: Short Beach
12. Cape Lookout
Through and through, Cape Lookout is a hiking destination.
By this, I mean that you need to get on a trail to truly enjoy it, and the two best trails within Cape Lookout State Park are the Cape Trail and the South Trail.
Additionally, there is also the North Trail that connects Cape Lookout with Cape Lookout Beach below, but I recommend the other two over the North Trail because Cape Lookout Beach can be driven to, while the other destinations 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 an Oregon Coast hidden gem!
The town of Neskowin is considerably smaller than the neighboring Lincoln City, which is truly one of the best things about staying in a beautiful vacation rental right on the beach in Neskowin.
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 a place to slow down and enjoy the view!
Google Maps Directions: Neskowin Beach
14. Lower Cascade Head Trail
Distance: 4.5 miles / 7.2 km
In my opinion, the Lower Cascade Head Trail is arguably the best sunset hike on the Oregon Coast!
To learn more about this beautiful must-see trail, check out my separate post below.
Read My Separate Post: Lower Cascade Head Trail
15. God’s Thumb Trail
Distance: 4.5 miles / 7.2 km
For good reason, God’s Thumb may be the most popular trail on the Oregon Coast!
However, its beauty and popularity can draw a large number of people on any given day, which has unfortunately degraded the trail from what it used to be.
I would also label the God’s Thumb Trail as a must-see location, but please do your part to minimize your impact, as the erosion near the viewpoint only continues to get worse and worse.
Read My Separate Post: God’s Thumb Trail via the Knoll
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.
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.
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
Whale Cove in Depoe Bay is not only a beautiful overlook, but it’s also one of the most secluded places to stay on the Oregon Coast.
The beautiful Whale Cove Inn sits right atop the cliffs across from the untouched National Wildlife Refuge that is Whale Cove.
Click the link below to book your room, but know that the Whale Cove Inn typically sells out months in advance because it’s such a beautiful place to stay!
Google Maps Directions: Whale Cove (Rocky Creek)
18. Devil’s Punchbowl
The Devil’s Punchbowl is a beautiful, easy-to-see lookout of a collapsed sea cave just north of Newport on the central Oregon Coast.
Additionally, there’s also a number of restaurants within walking distance of the scenic overlook, making it a great stop for a quick lunch before driving further south.
Google Maps Directions: Devil’s Punchbowl
19. Agate Beach
Compared to most of the Oregon Coast, Newport can be quite the busy area.
However, there’s tons of great places to stay, eat, and explore nearby, which is exactly why Agate Beach easily makes this list.
The beautiful rolling dunes across this expansive beach is one of the best places to go in Newport for a long walk on the beach!
Google Maps Directions: Agate Beach
20. Cape Perpetua Overlook
The Cape Perpetua Overlook, the Devil’s Churn, and Thor’s Well are all within a very short drive of one another.
For this reason, if you’re going to stop for one, it makes the most sense to stop for all three.
That being said, the Cape Perpetua Overlook is an easy-to-see drive-up vantage point that faces south toward Cooks Chasm and the rugged Oregon Coast.
However, be aware that the Cape Perpetua Overlook is a federal U.S. fee area for all vehicles, meaning that if you have a federal interagency pass, leave it on your dash.
Google Maps Directions: Cape Perpetua Overlook
21. Devil’s Churn
The Devil’s Churn within Cape Perpetua is both an overlook and a short trail down to the coast.
There is a main viewpoint adjacent to the parking area, but if you want to get closer to the water, there is also the option to walk the short 0.75 mile (1.2 km) loop trail around the area.
Google Maps Directions: Devil’s Churn
22. Thor’s Well
Thor’s Well is a collapsed sea cave that creates a unique waterfall effect, as the waves flow in and out.
The cave is only a short walk from from parking area, and photographers love Thor’s Well for the opportunity to take beautiful long exposure photos, which can be exceptional on a clear night at sunset!
Google Maps Directions: Thor’s Well
My Print - The Oregon Coast
23. Ocean Beach
Since Ocean Beach doesn’t sit next to any towns, it is often an overlooked destination on the southern Oregon Coast, as most people drive by without stopping to enjoy this beautiful stretch of sand!
I love spending time to explore little spots like this because they’ll almost always see few other people compared to other areas along the coast!
Google Maps Directions: Ocean Beach
24. Heceta Head Lighthouse
Distance: 3.0 miles / 4.8 km
The Heceta Head Lighthouse can be visited from either one of two ways.
First, you can drive directly to the paid parking area at Heceta Beach and walk the short path to the lighthouse, or you can hike the moderate Heceta Head Lighthouse Trail, which is what I recommend.
I say this not only because it’s the free option, but also, the view of Hobbit Beach from the trail is something to see on its own!
Read My Separate Post: Heceta Head Lighthouse Trail
25. Sea Lion Caves
This is America’s largest sea cave, which is why the Florence Sea Lion Caves is one of the most popular tours on the Oregon Coast!
If you’re interested in reserving this privately operated tour, make sure you book in advance, especially during the busy summer season!
Google Maps Directions: Florence Sea Lion Caves
26. Oregon Dunes
The Oregon Dunes should be one of your biggest bucket list items on the Oregon Coast!
The dunes are a fun place to run around barefoot, and for photographers, there’s really no limit to all of the different shots you could take.
That being said, there’s not one specific trailhead that I recommend visiting, but pick one of the dune fields between Florence and North Bend and you’ll be sure to have a great time.
The bigger the dune field the better, but watch out for OHVs. Some of the Oregon Dunes that look like they are for hiking can be busier with OHVs.
Therefore, if one trailhead you try doesn’t work out, just drive to the next. They are all beautiful, which is why I don’t think there’s any point in being location specific here.
Google Maps Directions: Oregon Dunes
27. Blacklock Point
Distance: 4.0 miles / 6.4 km
Generally speaking, Blacklock Point is one of the easiest hikes on the Oregon Coast.
I say this because the trail is completely flat from the trailhead to the viewpoint. However, I have hiked in Floras Lake State Park both in the summer and winter, and during the winter, much of the trail was under water.
In either case, this lesser-known stretch of the Oregon Coast makes for a great sunset hike if you’re prepared with headlamps to hike back in the dark.
My Print - Blacklock Point
28. Port Orford Heads State Park
Port Orford Heads is a rarely visited park along the Oregon Coast, as most visitors tend not to slow down for stops between Coos Bay and Brookings.
That being said, the Port Orford Heads Trail is a very easy hike that will 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 at the small museum.
I highly recommend grabbing some food at the next place on this list and driving up the road to enjoy it in Port Orford Heads!
Read My Separate Post: Port Orford Heads Trail
29. Golden Harvest Herban Farm & Bakery
The Oregon Coast has no shortage of fish and chips, clam chowder, and traditional American food, but if you’re looking for something a little different and/ or healthier, make sure you check out the Golden Harvest Herban Farm and Bakery.
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
Along with Neahkahnie Mountain, Humbug is one of only a few peaks along the Oregon Coast.
That being said, Humbug Mountain is one of the longer trails that you will find on the coast, but if you decide to hike this beautiful trail, I recommend checking out both sides of the loop, which can be seen in detail in my separate post.
Read My Separate Post: Humbug Mountain Loop Trail
31. Arizona Beach
Arizona Beach is often an overlooked destination among the many other things to do along the Oregon Coast, but as you can see, there’s no one else here!
This remote little stretch along the southern Oregon Coast is truly a hidden gem, and if you’re looking for a place to camp, you can reserve a site during the summer months!
Google Maps Directions: Arizona Beach
32. Sisters Rock State Park
Distance: 1.0 miles / 1.6 km
Along with the Port Orford Heads Trail, the Sisters Rock Trail in southern Oregon is one of the easiest hikes on the Oregon Coast.
For this reason, I recommend the short trail down to the water that makes for a great quick adventure at any time of the day.
Read My Separate Post: Sisters Rock Trail
33. Double D’s Cafe (Gold Beach)
Personally, small town breakfast cafes are my specialty, and I love nothing more than a big plate of eggs, some hashbrowns, and a hot cup of coffee!
That’s why I’ve spent my fair share of time driving the Oregon Coast trying all sorts local breakfast spots, and one of my consistent favorites is Double D’s in Gold Beach.
Yelp: Double D’s Cafe
34. Cape Sebastian
Distance: 3.6 miles / 5.8 km
There are a few trails within the Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor, but without a doubt, the best of all is easily the Cape Sebastian Trail.
The views you get up the coast are second to none, and when the trail ends down at Hunters Cove, you are greeted with a beautiful remote stretch of sand that typically has very few people compared to other areas.
Read My Separate Post: Cape Sebastian Trail
35. Ariya’s Beach
Ariya’s Beach is a must-see location for photographers because of the beautiful, unique rock formations only a short walk from the parking lot.
The beach is definitely an Oregon Coast favorite during sunset, which is somewhere that can make for some amazing angles if you get creative with the scattered rocks lining the coast!
Google Maps Directions: Ariya’s Beach
36. Secret Beach
Many would agree that the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, just north of Brookings, is the best stretch of the Oregon Coast!
That being said, there’s a number of reasons why I recommend dedicating more than one night in Brookings.
The first is that there is so much to see and do within just Samuel H. Boardman. Therefore, I recommend picking a different spot to watch sunset each night you’re there because I would also agree that this is the best stretch of the Oregon Coast!
The second reason is that when you’re not exploring Samuel H. Boardman, there tons of other things to do within or just outside Brookings that are all listed below on this article, like the Oregon Redwoods!
Google Maps Directions: Secret Beach
My Print - Secret Beach
37. Natural Bridge
For good reason, the Natural Bridge is easily the most popular destination within Samuel H. Boardman.
However, the trails surrounding the main overlook and across the bridge are absolutely not meant for all people, of all abilities.
Warning
People have and will continue to take fatal falls off the steep cliffs up and down Samuel H. Boardman. In many areas, there is no room for error, and the areas around and across the Natural Bridge are just one of many!
All said, these cliffs are beautiful, but please know your limits.
38. Slugs 'N Stones 'N Ice Cream Cones
I love recommending local businesses, and Slugs 'N Stones in Brookings has always been my favorite ice cream shop on the Oregon Coast!
That being said, the Tillamook Creamery is a one-of-a-kind experience, but it’s definitely not the small-town local ice cream shop that it once was.
For this reason, I love little hidden gems like Slugs 'N Stones because, even though this 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 seen on your own. However, there are a few things that are better experienced with a local guide, and spending a few hours on the scenic Chetco River is one of them!
The Chetco River, just east of Brookings, is a hidden gem of an experience, as the beautiful pristine river flows down from the high Coastal Range to the coast.
Additionally, 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 different pockets of Redwoods found in southern Oregon.
For most people, this short 1.2 mile (1.9 km) loop is the more practical of the two Oregon Redwood groves to visit because it’s an entirely paved road to get there, which can’t be said about the trail below.
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!
Generally speaking, most hikers have questions about the 4-mile (6.4 km) dirt road to get there, which you can read more about and how to see the current conditions in my separate post.
Read My Separate Post: Oregon Redwoods Trail
42. Oregon Coast Day Trip (Portland)
Finally, I thought I’d finish off this list with the option to explore the Oregon Coast from Portland with a local guide.
If you’re visiting Oregon without a rental car, then this is best option for you!
The local guides out of Portland will take you to some of the best things to do on the Oregon Coast, many of which are written about in this article.
However, on top of this, you’ll get to drive through the beautiful Coastal Range twice, as you make your way over from the Willamette Valley.
My Print - Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast to the Redwoods
If you’re driving south on the Oregon Coast, I recommend that you continue on from Brookings into Crescent City and the California Redwoods that follow.
If you have the time, go as far south as the Humboldt Redwoods before turning around.
I wrote a separate post about some of the best things to do throughout the Redwoods in both the National and State Parks.
Read My Separate Post: Best Things to Do Redwoods
My Print - California Redwoods
My Print - Oregon Coast Mushrooms
