Hey there! This site utilizes ads to pay the bills so that we can continue bringing you free travel advice. We are also part of several affiliate programs, which means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for reading and supporting Live Like it’s the Weekend!
Ready for an epic road trip down the Oregon Coast? Here are all the best Oregon coast towns that should be on your itinerary.
The Oregon Coast remains one of the most beautiful road trip destinations I’ve visited in my US travels. But with so many stunning beaches, interesting rock formations, and endless hiking opportunities dotting the coast, it can be overwhelming trying to narrow down which stops are worthwhile additions to your itinerary.
It only takes a little more than seven hours to drive the entire Oregon Coast from north to south. The truth is, with the amount there is to see along the 101, you need a lot more time to properly take in all that this area has to offer.
As I was initially planning this trip, I remember meticulously trying to figure out not only the sights we wanted to see, but which places would be best to use as a base to explore from there.
I’ve put together this travel guide on the best Oregon coast towns to help you maximize both your time and your experience. No matter how much time you have for your trip, this post should act as a helpful guide so you can pick and choose the best stops for your trip.
Also, don’t miss my guide to the Northern Oregon Coast’s most scenic spots.
Ultimate Guide to the Best Oregon Coast Towns to Add to Your Itinerary
Map of the Best Coastal Towns of Oregon
To help you better visualize all the best places to stop, here’s a handy map with the stops I’d recommend from north to south.
14 Best Oregon Coast Towns to Visit on a Road Trip
There is a lot more to see and do along the Oregon Coast than you might expect. For this reason, it can take quite a bit of time to properly do it all. Depending on how much time you have for your trip, you may want to consider breaking up your trip into the Northern or Southern portion. So you’re not trying to do too much in a time crunch.
Below, I’m sharing the best towns to visit along the way. There are top things to do in each, where to stay, and also which ones act best as a base to explore the surrounding areas.
Astoria
Astoria, Oregon sits right on the Columbia River at the Washington border, very close to the Pacific Ocean. With a population of about10,000 people, Astoria is definitely on the smaller side. It packs a punch in the way of history and a thriving restaurant and also brewery scene.
This is a great place to start your Oregon road trip if you’re flying into Portland and planning to do the whole coast. Astoria is one of the northernmost towns worth exploring and is filled with unique history. It’s also the oldest permanent American settlement west of the Rockies!
If you’re an 80s baby like me, you’ll also love the fact that the beloved movie The Goonies was filmed in Astoria. It’s a great place to check out for any fan of the cult classic. You can even plan your visit with their annual Goonies Weekend if you’re visiting in the summer.
What to Do in Astoria
- The Astoria Column – Built in 1926, the Astoria Column is a hilltop monument that features beautiful murals depicting the history of Astoria. It’s along the breathtaking views of the Columbia River.
- Wreck of the Peter Iredale – If you’ve ever wanted to visit a shipwreck up close, check out the Wreck of the Peter Iredale. It’s located at Fort Stevens State park. Be sure to visit at low tide in order to see this over 100-year old shipwreck up close.
- Flavel House Museum – The Flavel House Museum has been described as one of the most beautifully preserved examples of Queen-Anne architecture on the entire West Coast! If you love time period pieces and museums, this one is a must see (plus it was famously featured in The Goonies).
- Astoria Sunday Market (seasonal)- With food, art, and live music, the Astoria Sunday Market is the perfect place to get some local shopping done all while enjoying a day outside in Astoria during the warmer months.
- Check out the Local Brewery Scene – There’s a nice selection of breweries in Astoria worth checking out. Some local favorites are Fort George Brewery, Obelisk Beer Co., as well as Bridge & Tunnel Bottleshop & Taproom.
Where to Stay in Astoria
Cannon Beach
Probably one of the more famous pit stops along the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach. It is also one of my personal favorite places to visit here. With Ecola State Park to the north and the iconic Haystack Rock as the focal point along the beach, this area is beautiful from every angle.
Whether you stay overnight here or not, a visit to Cannon Beach is an absolute must. It’s also worth spending a day strolling through the charming downtown. You’ll find lots of cute restaurants and even a Pelican Brewing Co.
However, Cannon Beach is undoubtedly most famous for its stretch of beautiful coastline. It’s punctuated by many sea stacks, so prioritize spending a sunrise or sunset on the sand.
What to do in Cannon Beach
- Ecola State Park Overlook – This was by far my favorite view of the entire Oregon coast (shown above). Ecola State Park has hiking trails and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, coves, and the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Be sure to go at sunset for the best viewing experience!
- Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach – Haystack Rock is one of Oregon’s most iconic landmarks. It was formed from ancient Columbia River Basalt flows ~15–16 million years ago. Between April and July you can view Tufted Puffins that nest on Haystack Rock.
The Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge – The Wayfarer is a seafood-based restaurant that offers tasty bites with an even better view. It is super close to Pelican Brewing Co. So, be sure to head there for a beer either before or after! - Sea Level Coffee & Bakery – One of the best pit stops in town for good coffee, casual breakfast items and pastries.
Where to Stay in Cannon Beach
Manzanita
Manzanita was one of the towns I really fell in love with along our Oregon Coast road trip. Looking back, I wish we’d had the time to just stay put in this little town and relax there for at least three days. But alas, we had other places to tick off our list.
The beach here is absolutely gorgeous. There are surfers and paragliders constantly playing in the waves. The entire vibe of the town is also super warm. Even though Manzanita has a population of about 600, there were a surprising number of great dining and drinking options too!
What to do in Manzanita
- Manzanita Beach – This 7-mile stretch of dog-friendly coastline is gorgeous and is situated right next to town, making it a great spot for a casual beach day.
- Oswald West State Park – Just north of Manzanita, this park spans four miles of coastline that will have you in heaven! Make sure to check out Short Sand Beach while you’re there, as well as Devil’s Cauldron and Cape Falcon.
- Neahkahnie Mountain Loop Hike – If you’re up for a challenge, hike this trail for epic views overlooking the entire Manzanita coastline. There’s an 8-mile loop option or you can make it a shorter 3-5 mile out and back hike.
- Yolk – If you’re looking for a cute spot for brunch or lunch, Yolk is a popular day-time eatery in the area that both locals and visitors love.
- Sand Dune Pub – The Sand Dune Pub has been around since 1935, and while it does have a very casual atmosphere, their battered seafood baskets are to die for!
Where to Stay in Manzanita
Explore More Small Coastal Towns
13 Easily Driveable Getaways from Los Angeles
What to Do in Catalina Island for a Weekend
Things to Do in Mendocino, California
Oceanside
Oceanside is posted up on a beautiful hillside that overlooks the beach, and it really does have a special energy. In my opinion, it was one of the most breathtaking parts of the Oregon coastline.
Oceanside differs from many of the other coastal towns of Oregon. It’s because it hasn’t been too commercialized yet, giving you a more lowkey and local experience. However, it’s still a great base for exploring many things in the area including the inland part of Tillamook. It’s the most well-known for the Tillamook Creamery.
If you’re wanting to explore the Three Capes Loop or other sites such as the Cape Meares Lighthouse and Netarts Bay, Oceanside is the perfect place to set as your home base.
What to do in Oceanside
- Cape Meares – This area provides beautiful vistas of the Oregon Coast. From here, you can visit Cape Meares Lighthouse (the shortest lighthouse tower in Oregon at 38 ft!), check out the famous Octopus Tree, and explore the surrounding hiking trails.
- Netarts Bay – The coastal landscape of Netarts Bay is quite unique in that it’s an estuary where freshwater rivers meet the Pacific Ocean. There are even sand bars here popular for crabbing and clamming. Don’t miss Cape Lookout State Park as well which offers eight miles of trails for scenic hiking and walking.
- Roseanna’s Cafe – Roseanna’s Cafe is an adorable spot to grab a filling dinner after a day full of hiking and exploring. The rustic restaurant is right on the beach, giving you nice views while you chow down on some amazing crab cakes and clam chowder.
- Schooner Restaurant & Lounge – Come here for the crab mac and cheese, stay for the views.
- Tillamook Creamery – Head inland to tour the famous Tillamook Creamery and try samples of their cheese and ice cream. This activity is super family friendly and is fun to learn about the cheese-making process.
Where to Stay in Oceanside
- Three Arch Inn
- Tranquility 2
- Oceanside A-Frame
- Mid-Century Riverfront Cabin (if you want to stay a bit inland in Tillamook)
Pacific City
Ample opportunities to post up on the beach at sunset and sit around a bonfire is something that makes Pacific City special. It’s home to the gorgeous Cape Kiwanda. The area also has some insane sand dunes that make for some great hiking and viewpoints. We witnessed A LOT of people getting wedding photos and family portraits done here. It is a testament to just how stunning the area is.
Though this town is definitely on the much smaller side compared to other coastal towns in Oregon, Pacific City is absolutely worth a stop for its natural beauty.
What to do in Pacific City
- Cape Kiwanda – Cape Kiwanda is the headland of Pacific City, and seeing it is an absolute must. This sandstone headland is known for having one of the best viewpoints on the coast, and I would have to confirm that this is true!
- Giant Sand Dune – Hiking up here is not for the faint of heart—you’ll absolutely get your heart rate going! With that said, it’s worth it for the views of Cape Kiwanda from the top.
- Original Pelican Brewing Co. – We love an OG spot, which is exactly why visiting the Original Pelican Brewing Co. in Pacific City should be at the top of your list. The beachside taproom also serves some awesome pizza, pasta, and seafood.
Where to Stay in Pacific City
Neskowin
I was initially intrigued to visit Neskowin after seeing pictures of the Neskowin Ghost Forest on social media—it’s a sort of bizarre looking sitka spruce forest that has been buried in sand over thousands of years. You can witness the tree stumps dotted along the beach, which are a truly unique sight along the Oregon Coast.
Of course, there are some other great things to see in the area, which I’ll get into more below.
What to do in Neskowin
- Neskowin Ghost Forest – You can’t miss this ancient sitka spruce forest, where the stumps remain in tact on the beach after thousands of years. Keep in mind, you need to visit at low tide in order to witness them. To get here, head to the public parking lot at Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site and then follow the trail to Neskowin Beach. From there, you’ll want to head south along the sand past the large sea stack (Proposal Rock) on the beach (you’ll have to cross a narrow stream to do so).
- Proposal Rock – This is the famous sea stack at Neskowin Beach, which you’ll pass by if you head to the Ghost Forest.
- Neskowin Provisions – Head here for coffee, baked goods, wine and gourmet provisions.
- Neskowin Farmer’s Market – This seasonal farmer’s market is a great way to experience the local vibes of Neskowin and pick up some goods for a beach picnic. It’s typically held on Saturdays from mid-May to late September.
Where to Stay in Neskowin
There isn’t much here in terms of hotels, so you’re best off staying at an Airbnb or basing yourself overnight in Pacific City or Lincoln City and then coming in for the day to explore. Here are a couple Airbnbs to check out:
Lincoln City
Lincoln City is one of the bigger coastal towns of Oregon. We were able to find several nice accommodation options here. That being said, the city itself isn’t necessarily the prettiest, so while I would base here, I’d use it more as a jumping off point to explore the surrounding areas.
I personally preferred the charming, small towns along the coast. However, Lincoln City is for sure one the best places to base yourself due to the hotel offerings and central location.
What to do in Lincoln City
- God’s Thumb– Set mostly in the forest, God’s Thumb is an incredibly popular hike that is nearly 5 miles, resulting in epic coastal views. Parking here can be limited, so arrive early to snag a spot.
- Roads End State Recreation Site – Lincoln City’s Road’s End State Recreation Site is filled with tide pools, islands, and even a hidden cove. This is the perfect place to spend a morning exploring at low tide before setting off to explore some smaller Oregon coastal towns!
- Kyllo’s Seafood & Grill – Between the ocean views and the amazing seafood, Kyllo’s is a local favorite that has some of the best grilled garlic toast in the PNW!
Where to Stay in Lincoln City
Depoe Bay
The thing that I found most enjoyable about Depoe Bay was the fact that the geology of the rocky coastline here reminded me so much of my time growing up in Maine.
If you don’t share my Maine childhood nostalgia though, you’ll love that Depoe Bay is known for having the best whale watching along the entire Oregon coast. If you’re into whale watching, then you’ll definitely want to stop here. Try to spot some of the local gray whales, which can be witnessed year-round.
From what I was able to see and experience, the town seemed to have only one main stretch of shops right along the coast. So come here for the scenic beauty and you won’t be disappointed.
What to do in Depoe Bay
- Whale Watching – The coolest thing about Depoe Bay is that whales can often by witnessed right off the coast. Gray whales are easiest to spot mid-December through mid-January as they migrate south, and then starting in late March as they migrate back north. Even in summer and fall you can witness gray whales feeding near the shoreline, so there’s ample opportunities to spot them year-round without having to hop on a boat.
- Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area – One of the most unique rock formations along the Oregon Coast, Devil’s Punchbowl is a fun place to explore the caves and coves at low tide, before hitting up Mo’s Seafood & Chowder for some local bites.
- Tidal Raves Seafood Grill – From oysters to crab cakes to steamed clams, Tidal Raves Seafood Grill offers excellent seafood in the area, and also a beautiful coastal view to boot.
Where to Stay in Depoe Bay
Newport
Newport was definitely one of the most bustling towns that we visited on our Oregon road trip. Here you’ll find working fishing docks, plentiful seafood joints and also a historic bayfront.
From bird watching, to spotting sea lions, to the iconic Yaquina Bay Bridge and also Yaquina Lighthouse, Newport provides a great escape. Since there are many more hotel options here, Newport can be an ideal option for basing yourself while you head out for day trips to explore nearby areas like Yachats and Depoe Bay.
What to do in Newport
- Yaquina Head Lighthouse – The Yaquina Head Lighthouse is Oregon’s tallest lighthouse. It’s an amazing landmark where you’ll want to snap some photos.
- Agate Beach – Agate Beach is a little less rocky than the rest of the beaches on the Oregon coast. It’s also a good spot for swimming and surfing.
- Nye Beach – Another great local beach option that sits in an artsy and historic part of Newport with fun boutiques and cafes.
- Clearwater Restaurant – This is a fancier spot that serves up some delicious seafood and craft cocktails, all right on the edge of the marina.
- Chowder Bowl – This family owned spot since 1980. Highly recommended to us for its clam chowder and homemade bread pudding, and I have to say neither disappointed!
- Oregon Coast Aquarium – Head here for a great family friendly afternoon.
Where to Stay in Newport
Yachats
If you’re into quirky little coastal towns with personality, then Yachats should be at the top of your list. Out of all of the coastal towns of Oregon that we visited, this was the most funky of all.
The main streets were filled with crystal shops, art galleries, vintage record stores, adorable bakeries, and of course some amazing seafood restaurants. It is a very small town so most of the businesses are locally and independently run. It’s giving a very unique and authentic vibe.
What to do in Yachats
- Cape Perpetua Scenic Area – This is an absolute must see while in Yachats. The Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is a gorgeous 2,700 acre strip of coastal habitat that houses the highest accessible viewpoint by car on the entire Oregon coast. Make sure you stop to see Thor’s Well. It’s a rock formation that looks as though it is a drain into the ocean!
- Luna Sea Fish House – Fresh seafood and live music make Luna Sea Fish House one of the most popular restaurants in Yachats. Be sure to order the Slumgullion Chowder. It’s an appetizer and indulge in the Fish and Chips for your main course.
- Green Salmon Coffee Company – Start your day with a custom cup of organic roasted coffee or breakfast from Green Salmon Coffee Company. If you want to take some beans back home, I recommend the Campfire Blend!
Where to Stay in Yachats
Coos Bay
As you get into the Southern Oregon Coast, you’ll absolutely want to make a stop at Coos Bay. It’s a working waterfront that is the largest city along the Oregon Coast. It’s known as the gateway to some of the Southern coast’s best state parks. Together, they make up “Oregon’s Adventure Coast.”
You’ll also find great oysters here. It’s one of the most unique accommodations along the coast in my opinion, Bay Point Landing.
What to do in Coos Bay
- Shore Acres State Park – Come here for formal gardens in bloom most of the year, cliff-top viewpoints, an indoor observation shelter for winter storm watching, and migrating-whale views.
- Sunset Bay State Park – A protected crescent beach for tidepooling and picnics, plus a year-round campground a mile north of Shore Acres.
- Cape Arago State Park – This scenic headland offers big ocean panoramas, seal viewing, and tidepools at the end of the scenic loop. The Cape Arago Beach Loop is a great trail for witnessing some of the best of the area including the Cape Arago Lighthouse.
- Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area – For a little adrenaline rush, book an off-road tour here to ride along the sand dunes. Learn more about ATV and buggy rentals here.
Where to Stay in Coos Bay
Bandon
With a population just over 3,000, Bandon is a small town with Irish roots. It’s best known for year-round fishing, hiking and beach exploring. They even host an annual Cranberry Festival that starts every fall when the cranberry harvest begins.
Like most of the coast, many of the beaches are extraordinary. It features unique rock formations that make for incredible photographic opportunities during golden hour.
If you’re a golf fanatic, then you’ve likely heard of Bandon’s famous Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.
What to do in Bandon
- Coquille Point – Walk down a flight of 129 steps to experience this wide and clean stretch of stunning Oregon coast. The beach has some incredible rock formations that you’ll want to capture during sunset or sunrise.
- Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint – Here you can view the famous “Face Rock” which is steeped in local legends.
- Explore the Local Beaches – There are a number of wonderful beaches here to enjoy including Bullards Beach and also Bandon Beach.
- Old Town Bandon & Boardwalk – Stroll here for a number of boutiques, seafood shacks and seasonal outdoor art shows to explore.
- Bandon Dunes Golf Resort – For golf enthusiasts, this one is a must featuring seven different public courses to choose from.
- Tony’s Crab Shack – A local icon, you have to stop here for some fresh crab.
- Face Rock Creamery – An award-winning pit stop for all the dairy treats like cheeses and ice cream.
Where to Stay in Bandon
Gold Beach
Gold Beach is tucked right between the Pacific Ocean, the Rogue River, and also the Siskiyou Mountains. They’re giving visitors some unique scenery to take in. If you are into fishing, Gold Beach is very popular for that. Their beaches are also known for being relatively uncrowded when compared to some other coastal cities in Oregon.
What to do in Gold Beach
- Arch Rock Brewing Company – Stop by Arch Rock Brewing Company for a local flight or pint. If you like pale ales, then try their Pistol River Pale!
- Otter Point State Recreation Site – If you’re looking for some time out in nature, either by the beach or on a hike, Otter Point State Recreation Site has an abundance of space for you to explore in peace and quiet.
- Hop on a Jet Boat Tour – One of the more popular things to do in the area are speed boat tours on the Rogue River. Get a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.
Where to Stay in Gold Beach
Brookings
Brookings is another option that could make a great home base for your coastal Oregon explorations. It is situated just north of the California border, making it a wonderful place to start your drive on the epic Samuel H. Boardman scenic corridor, should you be starting your road trip from California.
What to do in Brookings
- Samuel H. Boardman Corridor – This 12-mile stretch of scenic highway is one section of the Southern Oregon Coast that absolutely cannot be missed. The road winds through some of the state’s most jaw-dropping vistas, between Brookings and Gold Beach. It’s offering a ton of different hiking trails, viewpoints, beaches and also natural rock formations. So, don’t forget your camera for this one. Some stops to check out along the way: Arch Rock, Whales Head Beach, Natural Bridges, Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint, Secret Beach Trail, and also House Rock Viewpoint.
- Harris Beach State Park – Whether you are looking to camp or simply want to visit and relax for the day, Harris Beach State Park is a beautiful state park to post up at and enjoy a picnic during the day or at sunset.
- Off the Wagon Food Truck – Located at Chetco Brewing Company, the food at the Off the Wagon Food Truck is simple yet delicious—and it’s actually vegan. Then pair it with a beer from Chetco for the ultimate flavor experience.
Where to Stay in Brookings
Did this post inspire some stops along your Oregon Coast road trip? Let me know in the comments below!
Pin it for Later
Planning a trip right now? Make your life easier with this checklist of my favorite travel resources.
Booking Accommodations:
Over the last decade of travel, Booking.com has consistently been my favorite site for finding great deals on hotels, boutique inns, home rentals and more. Plus, they have an amazing filtering system making it super easy to find the best accommodation that fits your needs.
Booking Flights:
Skyscanner is always the first place I look to compare and contrast routes and find the best flight deals.
Find the Best Tours and Experiences:
Viator is always my go-to when searching for the best experiences around the globe. They have everything from group tours and private experiences, to airport transfers and much more.
Book Car Rentals:
Discover Cars is my favorite site for booking easy and affordable car rentals in any country I visit. They make the process super simple and transparent, so you know you’re getting the best price up front with no surprises later.
Stay Connected:
The days of purchasing physical sim cards are over. Airalo is the best and easiest way to stay connected around the globe with the best international eSim plans. Take 10% off your plan with code MICHELLE10.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance:
World Nomads has personally saved me thousands with their flexible travel insurance. Don’t leave for an international trip without this one!
Lastly, wherever you go. Don’t forget to check visa requirements, make sure your passport is up to date and purchase any travel adapters you might need on the ground!
