AndiThe Oregon coast has some of the most breath-taking views and beautiful beaches! It is 337 miles Brookings to Astoria, which equals about 8 hours of drive time without stopping. In other words, an epic road trip! This could easily be a week-long vacation. We were on a time budget and only had one day to dedicate to this incredible area. Obviously, we didn’t see everything, but we still accomplished a lot!
Oregon Coast on Highway 101
Starting from the south, here are some of the best things to include on your itinerary.
Samuel Boardman State Park- picture perfect Oregon coast scenic views! Several different areas to view over the rugged 12 mile coastline and huge jagged rocks. Arch Rock and Natural Bridge are the most photographed areas.
Myers Creek Beach- scenic pull out right off the highway
Gold Beach
Gold Beach- One of the bigger cities on the coast. You can find restaurants right on the beach for that ocean view and enough area attractions if you decide to stay awhile.
Cape Blanco Lighthouse- offer tours
Face Rock State Park- a little off the highway and a small walk
Umpqua Lighthouse- not the most scenic lighthouse, but a great spot to look for whales.
Other Pull Offs-
Oregon Sand Dunes
Sea Lion Caves- If you are traveling in the summer, chances are the sea lions can be seen from the viewpoint close by. If heading into the caves, make sure to ask if the seals are there before paying admission.
Heceta Head Lighthouse- iconic lighthouse, tours offered
Cape Perpetua- Thor’s Well is located here. You must time it perfectly to do this place justice. You need to catch the medium incoming tide. To high or to low, will not show the amazingness of the place.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse
Yaquina Head Lighthouse- this was one of our coolest stops! We explored the black pebble beach and watched the tide come in. A sea lion was playing in the water close to the shore. On our way to the lighthouse we saw whales in the distance! They hung out there for a good hour. Plus, there were more sea lions hanging out on rocks.
Tillamook Cheese Factory- Cheese Factory tours run daily. Must try their ice cream.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach- walkable area with gift shops and restaurants, great beach and Haystack Rock. Haystack Rock is known for being a film location for The Goonies movie.
Seaside- Feel the seals at the aquarium!
Lewis And Clark National Historic Park- Lots to do! Ranger guided tours, paddling tours, Fort programs where they reenact history, and lots of hiking.
Wreck of Peter Iredale Site- See the wreckage of a ship from 1906!
Astoria- This city has a lot to offer. We didn’t have time to explore here, but there are museums, great places to hike and historical sights. Plus more Goonies film locations!
The Oregon Coast is a must see! It can be done in a day if you are on a time crunch, like we were. However, there are enough activities to fill a few days to an entire week.
