Pristine nature. Jagged ocean cliffs. Vast empty beaches. These are just a few of the things that you can expect when you visit the Oregon Coast.
If it’s your first time traveling to the Oregon Coast, you’re in for a treat! And it’s much different than its counterpart – the California coastline.
In Oregon, you won’t find many big chain hotels, piers stuffed full of tourists, promenades, and bougie brunch spots. Think more along the lines of small fishing villages, charming oceanfront lodges, lonely lighthouses perched on top of grassy hills, and moss-covered hiking trails.
In this guide, we cover 30 incredible things to see & do along the Oregon Coast!
This travel itinerary includes beaches, viewpoints, natural wonders, and unique attractions that you don’t want to miss!
What Is There To Do On The Oregon Coast?
We’ve made the Oregon coastline trip multiple times, sometimes starting from Portland in the North and sometimes starting from California in the South.
The entire Oregon coastline, from Astoria to Brookings, is around 340 miles.
If you’re limited on vacation days, you can also just visit smaller sections at a time. This is something that we did quite often when we lived in Portland for a year and wanted to head out to the coast for quick weekend adventures.
To help make your trip planning easier, I have divided our guide into three different parts:
The entire Oregon coastline is just jaw-dropping but each of these regions is slightly different in landscape, town size, and attractions that you can visit there.
The northern part is where people from Washington and Portland go-to vacation. Here you’ll find cute beachfront cottages and other more touristy amenities. The central part mostly consists of charming fishing towns with fresh-off-the-boat seafood (if you’re a foodie – you will love this region!). The southern part of the Oregon Coast is best known for its rugged landscapes and volcanic black sand beaches.
Before we dive into the details of what attractions to visit, here are some frequently asked questions about the Oregon Coast.
How Many Days Do You Need?
The quick answer – as many vacation days as you can squeeze in!
340 miles is a lot of ground to cover. If you plan to travel down the entire coastline, we recommend that you give yourself at least a week, although you could pack in most of the major attractions within 5 days if you rush through.
If you’re not able to dedicate an entire week, you can also take on sections at a time.
For those flying into Portland, the Northern Oregon coastline is a very popular destination. You can spend 2-3 days just exploring Cannon Beach.
If you’re coming from California, consider visiting the southern part of the Oregon Coast. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor has a lot of great stops that you can see in 2 days including my all-time favorite – the Secret Beach. But more on that later!
When To Go?
There is no such thing as a bad time to do the Oregon Coast road trip. But there is a rainy season in Oregon which usually lasts from November to March.
Most people visit the coast in the summer when winter gloom finally clears up and sunshine replaces rainy days.
But that doesn’t mean you should wait all winter at home for warmer weather to come!
It doesn’t snow along the Oregon Coast making it one of the best road trips to do in the PNW during winter months when other trails and attractions are not as easily accessible.
Just be sure to pack a rain jacket, some warmer sweaters, waterproof hiking boots and you’ll be all set!
Where To Stay?
The lodging options along the Oregon Coast include hotels & Inns, private stays, and State Campgrounds.
The northern part of the Oregon Coast has the majority of the hotels to accommodate visitors coming from Portland and Washington. Then, as you travel south, the hotel and lodging options become more limited because the towns get smaller and more spread out.
Here are some of the most popular beach towns for staying along the Oregon Coast:
- Cannon Beach. Cannon Beach is an iconic beach town that has a ton of hotel options to choose from. Our personal favorite is the Hallmark Resort Hotel & Spa that’s located right on the sandy beach and has a direct view of the ocean. The rooms have spacious patios so you can enjoy watching colorful sunsets right from the comfort of your room. As a fun treat, for $25 get the S’mores Package that comes with firewood and marshmallows and set up a romantic bonfire on the beach right outside of the hotel. Hallmark Resort is where we recommend our friends and family to stay whenever they come out to Cannon Beach.
Click here to check out more from Hallmark Resort!
- Pacific City. Pacific City is another wonderful beach town that offers a lot of great adventures including climbing the towering Cape Kiwanda sand dune and exploring sea caves. Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa is a luxury lodge that’s situated on the beach next to the sand dune and offers sweeping oceanfront views.
- Lincoln City. As you head more south your best option is to look for private accommodations and stays. For about $220/night, you can stay in this beautifully crafted oceanfront home with floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to the beach.
Click here to check out more from this Oceanfront Vrbo
- Newport. Newport is a solid size town in the central part of the coast that is also home to the famous Oregon brewery Rogue. If you’re driving the entire Oregon Coast, this is a great town to stop, rest, and stock up on any road trip supplies that you may need. Browse the top Newport, Oregon vacation rentals here!
- Coos Bay. As you keep heading south, the coastline becomes more rugged and the towns more scarce. Coos Bay is the largest city in the southern part of the Oregon Coast where you will find Inns, Motels, and RV parks. For something a bit more refined, check out this recently remodeled Vrbo with its own private beach and direct views of Cape Arago Lighthouse.
Click here to book this charming home!
- Brookings. This is the last major coastal town in Oregon before you reach California so many people start or end their road trip in Brookings. Although the town itself is not very big, you can stay in an oceanfront cottage in Brookings falling asleep to the relaxing sounds of the waves crashing against the shore.
Camping At State Campgrounds
There are State Campgrounds scattered throughout the entire Oregon coastline so if you plan on camping in a tent, campervan, or an RV, these will be the best places to stay at. A couple of things to note about Oregon State campgrounds:
- If you go in the summer, you will need to make reservations ahead of time. State campgrounds can get booked up quickly so plan accordingly.
- In the winter you will find plenty of open campsites so you don’t need reservations. You can just arrive, find a spot and pay the park ranger there.
- Each campground and types of site vary in price. In general, we paid around $20-$40 to camp in State Campgrounds per night.
- All of the Oregon State campgrounds that we stayed in had steaming hot showers – a nice perk for winter road trips!
- Most sites come with a picnic table, a flat spot to park your car, and a fire pit.
- Oregon State campgrounds allow dogs and many of the State Beaches do as well (unless it’s a protected area – which it will usually specify at the parking lot or trailhead). When it comes to pets, Oregon State parks are much more dog friendly than California ones where pets are usually confined to campgrounds, parking lots, and paved trails.
Browse Oregon State Park Campgrounds Here
What Should I Pack For The Oregon Coast?
If you’re wondering what you should pack for an Oregon road trip, check out our post that covers literally every single item that we bring for road trips in our car.
Or maybe you’re getting into van life and want to take your home on wheels for a spin on the coast? Well, we have a WHOLE separate list with 85 essentials that you should be packing in a campervan.
Along with the basics, here are some Oregon-specifics that we recommend bringing:
- Rainjacket. This is a MUST for any Oregon adventure. You never know when it will start raining (from our experience, probably just as soon as you head out of the door) so pack one along. I recommend a rainjacket over an umbrella especially if you plan to do a lot of hiking.
- Waterproof hiking boots. Bring two pairs of hiking boots because they will get wet and muddy so you can wear one pair while the other one dries out.
- Comfy leggings. For road trips, leggings are a must. I recommend darker simple colors that won’t get as obviously dirty when you slip and fall down a trail (or is that just me?).
- Cozy but breathable sweaters and plenty of layers.
- A towel to wipe your boots or your dog’s feet before getting into the car.
Now that you have an idea of what to expect, here are 30 incredible things to see & do along the Oregon Coast!
Northern Oregon Coast
The northern section of the coast is one of the most visited regions in Oregon. A few of the must-see locations include Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach and enormous ocean caves at Cape Kiwanda.
If you’re flying into Portland and don’t have the time to do the entire coastal route, we recommend spending 1-2 days on the northern coast, a couple of days in Portland, and one-day exploring waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge.
1. Astoria
Astoria is the first city south of the Washington-Oregon border and an excellent place to start your Oregon Coast road trip.
Spend some time along Astoria’s riverfront that overlooks Columbia River and stop at Bowpicker Fish & Chips for an order of mouthwatering beer-battered albacore tuna.
Then head out to the beach to explore the Peter Iredale shipwreck that can be found partially embedded in the sand. This ship ran ashore and got stuck in the sand in 1906 after bad weather made it impossible to navigate it out of the sandy shore. Now only the skeleton of the ship remains but over the years it’s become a popular tourist attraction for being one of the most accessible shipwrecks in the PNW.
Location: Peter Iredale Rd, Hammond, OR 97121
2. Ecola State Park
Situated directly north of Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park is a recreational area consisting of 2700 acres of land that was once a site for private homes. The main attraction of this park is an overlook that offers panoramic views of the Cannon Beach coastline and the Terrible Tilly lighthouse which took over 500 days to construct in brutal weather and is now abandoned.
To get there you will need to drive along the Ecola State Park Road that leads through a moss-covered rainforest. Although the drive is short, it feels very magical!
The entrance to Ecola State Park costs $5 which grants you a day pass to enjoy the park’s day-use area. The best views of the beach are located within a short (but often muddy and slippery) 5-minute walk from the parking lot.
Location: Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach, OR 97110
3. Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is one of the most popular coastal towns in Oregon. More than 750,000 visitors come to Cannon Beach every year to vacation in this beautiful beachfront city.
The most recognizable landmark of Cannon Beach is the towering Haystack Rock that you can spot standing tall in the ocean from just about anywhere in town. Cannon Beach also offers a variety of lodging options from charming private rentals to casual resorts and spas.
Whenever our friends and family come out to visit Portland, we always recommend spending a couple of days in Cannon Beach. This little beach town offers all the necessities for a relaxing vacation including easy beach access, charming mom-and-pop shops, and plenty of restaurant options.
Location: Haystack Rock, US-101, Cannon Beach, OR 97110
Read Next: 10 Incredible VRBO Vacation Rentals In Cannon Beach, Oregon
4. Tillamook Creamery
One of my personal favorite stops along the Oregon Coast is Tillamook Creamery. It’s like Disneyland for adults (except the souvenirs are edible). As a big Tillamook fan, I try to visit this factory store every chance I get!
The Tillamook Creamery gift shop features specialty items that are hard to find outside of here like aged cheeses and Pendleton whisky-flavored frozen custard.
After touring the factory and browsing the gift shop head over to the restaurant next door for lunch and a fresh scoop (or two, or three) of creamy Tillamook ice cream right out of the factory.
Location: 4165 N Hwy 101, Tillamook, OR 97141
5. Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is an essential stop on an Oregon Coast road trip. Cape Kiwanda features a scenic stretch of coastline with ocean caves and a giant dune that is an excellent place for photography, hiking, and watching sunsets.
Want to feel like a kid? You can even try to sandboard down the giant dune! Although, fair warning, every attempt we saw ended up with the person tumbling face forward into the sand.
After a fun day playing on the beach, head over to the Pelican Brewing Company for a dinner with a view.
Location: Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, Pacific City, OR 97135
6. Neskowin Beach
Looking for a secluded spot to head out on a walk? Be sure to stop by Neskowin Beach, an extremely picturesque stretch of the coastline that is not as crowded as the other beaches nearby because it’s not easily spotted from the road.
After parking follow the path along Neskowin Creek until you reach the beach. During our visit, the beach was empty except for a few locals who were walking their dogs.
The main attractions here at the Proposal Rock that you can walk up to during low tide and the Ghost Forest which consists of 2000-year-old petrified tree stumps.
Location: Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site, Neskowin, OR 97149
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Central Oregon Coast
The central part of the Oregon Coast is mostly known for small fishing towns and lots of quick drive-up viewpoints.
Here you’ll find a few incredible natural phenomena like Devil’s Punchbowl and Thor’s Well, but much of the central coast consists of viewpoints that look very similar to each other.
As you travel through this region, you’ll encounter fewer and fewer tourists because it’s further away from major cities. The visitors that mostly make it out here are local or driving the entire coastal route – start to finish.
We usually pick a few major highlights to see along the central Oregon Coast and then zoom down to the southern section where the landscape is more rugged and pristine.
7. Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
This viewpoint is a day-use area where those who are traveling along the Oregon Coast can stop to go on a walk, enjoy panoramic views and use the public restrooms or picnic tables.
This location also offers photo opportunities of the shoreline as you walk along the park and excellent bird watching – some of these brave guys sat on poles undisturbed by our presence just feet away from us!
Location: Boiler Bay State Wayside, Depoe Bay, OR 97341
8. Depoe Bay Scenic Park
Depoe Bay is a small coastal town with charming mom & pop candy shops, souvenir stores, seafood restaurants, and a lava-covered shoreline.
Depoe Bay is famous for having the smallest harbor in the world! But what really attracts people to this town is the ability to watch whales right from Highway 101 which runs through the city.
Although we personally did not spot any whales here, we did enjoy walking next to the Depoe Bay Scenic Park and seeing water splash dramatically in the air out of the Spouting Horn. Just be careful not to stand too close to the edge or you’ll get soaked by a sneaky wave!
Location: Depoe Bay Scenic Park, Depoe Bay, OR 97341
9. Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint
Rocky Creek is an easily accessible drive-up viewpoint where you can see a jagged shoreline made of 15-million-year-old volcanic sediments. During high tide, you can watch stark white waves crash against the dark basalt shoreline, quite the sight!
Location: Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint, Depoe Bay, OR 97341
10. Devil’s Punchbowl
Devil’s Punchbowl is one of the most remarkable stops along the Oregon Coast. Despite limited parking, it’s a natural geological wonder that attracts many visitors.
Devil’s Punchbowl formed after the ceiling of an ocean cave collapsed creating a giant hole in the rock. During stormy days you can watch the waves crash against it with sheer power.
There is a designated trail on the top of a cliff overlooking Devil’s Punchbowl that offers pretty good views. If you visit it during low tide, you can also take a trail down to the beach to explore Devil’s Punchbowl from underneath it.
Location: Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area, Otter Rock, OR 97369
11. Beverly Beach State Park
From December to March, Beverly Beach State Park is an excellent place to come whale watching along the long stretch of the beach. Just steps away from the beach is a State Park campground that offers secluded campsites tucked away in between the woods.
Location: 198 NE 123rd St, Newport, OR 97365
12. Yaquina Head Lighthouse
Oregon has quite a few scenic lighthouses scattered throughout its shores. At Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area you can explore the grounds of a 147-year-old lighthouse that still actively signals ships, or take the Lighthouse Trail down to a cobblestone-covered beach.
Cobble Beach has one of the richest tide pools in Oregon and the surrounding area is also part of a wildlife refuge. At low tide, you can walk around the beach and see the thriving marine garden up close.
After exploring Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Cobble Beach, follow the paved path down to the Quarry where you can see Harbor Seals lounging on nearby rocks.
There are information plaques scattered throughout the park so visitors can learn more about the conservation efforts done to protect seabirds, marine mammals, and ocean species. We personally had one of the coolest wildlife encounters here witnessing two bald eagles hunting for food along the shoreline.
Cost: It costs $7 per car for a 3-day pass
Location: 750 NW Lighthouse Dr, Newport, OR 97365
13. Luna Sea Fish House
Luna Sea Fish House is a casual café that is run by a local fisherman and offers fresh seafood at affordable prices. We stopped by here to try out one of their famous Fish & Chips plates along with a cup of clam chowder and marinated fish tacos.
You can grab the food to go or enjoy the meal at their rustic outdoor patio furnished with picnic tables and heaters that will keep you cozy on colder days!
Location: 153 US-101, Yachats, OR 97498
14. Thor’s Well
Thor’s Well is one of the most unique attractions on the coast and offers great photo opportunities, especially around sunset. Located on the edge of a sharp volcanic formation, it’s a natural wonder that you shouldn’t miss!
Thor’s Well is a hole in the rock that’s almost perfectly round and as the waves wash over, it first erupts and spouts the water up, then swallows it down into the hole.
This can be a dangerous location to visit, especially during high tide when sneaker waves can happen unexpectedly. Keep a safe distance from Thor’s Well and from the brim of the rock where it drops off into the ocean.
Location: Thor’s Well, Yachats, OR 97498
15. Heceta Head Lighthouse
Heceta Head Lighthouse is another gorgeous historical landmark and a beach along the central Oregon Coast. Here you can park next to the ocean and enjoy walking down the shoreline or head up to visit the lighthouse that is located on top of a nearby hill (hint: it looks amazing at sunset!).
For a unique experience, you can also stay at the 125-year-old Heceta Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast which used to be the light keeper’s home. For more on Heceta Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast see here.
Location: 725 Summer St, Florence, OR 97439
16. Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area
Although a slight detour off Highway 101, Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area offers visitors the chance to see majestic elk up close in a safe and environmentally friendly way.
You can keep an eye out for elk from your car in the designated parking lot or by walking to one of the viewpoints. The elk may not always be out in the pasture but it’s well worth a shot!
Location: Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area, 48819 OR-38, Reedsport, OR 97467
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Southern Oregon Coast
The Southern part of the Oregon Coast is my personal favorite! If you like pristine natural scenery minus the crowds, this is the area that you’ll want to spend a lot of time in.
The best part about the Oregon Coast is that within a few hours of driving you can experience a variety of landscapes.
With secluded black-sand beaches, ancient coastline forests, and jagged cliffs, the southern Oregon Coast is just unbelievable. In some ways, it reminds me of the landscape that we witnessed during our trip to Iceland.
Psst! Check out our post where we compare 10 sights in Oregon that are just like Iceland!
17. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
At the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, you can hop on an ATV for a thrilling ride, explore trails that lead into sweeping sand dunes, and hang out on sandy beaches.
For Hiking: We recommend checking out the John Dellenback Dunes Trail. This is a 1-mile-long interpretive loop that starts in the forest and leads to an easy access point of the tallest dunes in Oregon. This area is solely used for foot traffic so you don’t need to worry about watching out for off-roading vehicles.
On the second part of this trail, you will come across rare plant species like the red fescue that are almost extinct except for here.
The John Dellenback Trail is named after a US Representative who helped turn the Oregon dunes into a National Recreation Area for protection and preservation.
Rentals: There are several places at Oregon Dunes where you can rent quads, dune buggies, and ATVs to take them out for a spin:
Location: 855 US-101, Reedsport, OR 97467
18. Shore Acres State Park
Shore Acres State Park is a day-use area where you can see views of the jagged ocean shoreline.
This is a fascinating place to visit in the winter or during a storm when massive waves come to a halting stop as they crash against the shore. The power of nature can be so mesmerizing, but also feel so humbling.
This is one of the few State Parks in Oregon where you do need to pay for the day-use area and the park closes at dusk. The current fee is $5 per vehicle.
Location: 89039 Cape Arago Hwy, Coos Bay, OR 97420
19. Cape Arago State Park
If you’re looking for a place to observe nature, the offshore islands at Cape Arago State Park serve as the largest natural habitat in Oregon for birds and marine animals.
Multiple viewpoints offer easy access to see sea lions and seals swimming between the shores or lounging on the rocks. Often you can spot them popping up through the waves and hear barking sounds in the distance.
Much of this area is a protected wildlife refuge and is closed to the public to provide a safe area for marine animals to rest, take care of their pups, and regulate their body temperature.
From the parking lot, there is a short trail to the right that leads to a great viewpoint of the North Cove, Shell Island, and Simpson Reef.
Location: Cape Arago State Park, Coos Bay, OR 97420
20. Tony’s Crab Shack
If you love seafood, be sure to stop by Tony’s Crab Shack for fresh-off-the-boat-finger-licking-good lunch or dinner. Don’t let the little shack exterior fool you – this place serves top-notch food that will leave you craving for more!
Their famous crab sandwich served on toasted sourdough bread is an absolute must! Pair it up with fresh local oysters on the half shell along with a cup of clam chowder – and you’ll have a meal that you won’t soon forget!
Location: 155 1st St SE, Bandon, OR 97411
21. Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint
Face Rock is one of my favorite viewpoints along the Oregon Coast. Here you can get a clear view from an overlook that opens up to a vast beach with enormous rock formations scattered along the shore. At low tide, you can also walk down to the beach and explore sea caves, tide pools, and hollowed arches.
For an unforgettable time, enjoy a horseback riding adventure right on the beach! Bandon Beach Riding Stables offer horse riding on the beach daily. You can get more info and make a reservation on the Bandon Stables Facebook page here.
Location: Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, Bandon, OR 97411
22. Devil’s Kitchen Vista Point
Devil’s Kitchen Vista Point is a gorgeous spot for sunset along the Oregon Coast. Here you can witness amazing views of the beach and towering haystack rocks within a short walk from the parking lot.
Location: 87108 Saturn Ln, Bandon, OR 97411
23. Bandon State Natural Area
If you’re looking to take a break from driving and stretch your legs in solitude, Bandon State Natural Area is an enormous beach along the southern Oregon Coast. Here you are likely to be greeted by a vast empty beach without another person in sight for miles.
For those who are traveling with a dog, keep in mind that between March 15 – September 15 Bandon State Natural Area is a nesting ground for endangered Snowy plover shorebirds, and dogs are not allowed on the beach during these months.
Location: 53969 Beach Loop Rd, Bandon, OR 97411
24. Cape Blanco Lighthouse
Cape Blanco is a State Park that’s situated on a beautiful peninsula offering panoramic views of the craggy shoreline. One of the most recognizable landmarks here is Needle Rock which stands tall in the ocean.
At Cape Blanco you can explore several historic landmarks:
- Cape Blanco Light House. This lighthouse is the most popular of the sites here and is perched at the edge of a cliff.
- Hughes Historic House. This is an original Victorian house from 1898 where a local dairy farmer and businessman used to live.
- Port Orford Lifeboat Station. This station was used by the U.S. Coast Guard to rescue wrecked vessels.
If you don’t have the time to visit all three sites, I recommend stopping by the lighthouse. Within a short walk from the parking lot, you can reach the pristine lighthouse and its adjacent workroom. Back in the day, the lighthouse keepers used to live on the premises along with their families and farm animals.
Cape Blanco Lighthouse is a 10-minute detour off Highway 101, but it’s well worth the stop!
Location: 91100 Cape Blanco Rd, Port Orford, OR 97465
25. Secret Beach
When I first came across a photo of the Secret Beach online, it was hard to believe that a place like this exists!
The Secret Beach is named accordingly – I didn’t know the name nor the location at the time and it took me several different road trips and tries until I found the exact location of this beach. Ironically, it’s marked on the map as “Secret Beach” – pretty obvious if you spend enough time browsing through Google Maps.
The entrance to Secret Beach is located right next to Highway 101. There is a turn-off Highway 101 that leads to a small dirt lot where you can leave your car.
Once you park, follow the short trail that takes you down to the beach. As you come out of the forest clearing, you will be greeted with one of the most remarkable sights along the Oregon Coast.
I recommend visiting Secret Beach for sunrise or sunset when it looks extra magical, often covered in a layer of fog.
From there you can scramble down to the sandy beach and roam around freely. The beach is made of black volcanic sand that adds a mystical element and makes this place look out of this world!
Location: Secret Beach, Brookings, OR 97415
26. Natural Bridges
Natural Bridges is a unique wonder like no other. Natural Bridges is the most iconic spot of the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor that spans across the southern section of the Oregon Coast.
This location is recognizable for a set of giant rocks and a natural bridge that are scattered along the ocean cove. Natural Bridges is best viewed from a platform perched up on a cliff directly across from the beach.
The designated overlook is located less than 5 minutes from the parking lot. If you’re feeling up for an adventure, you can take a narrow trail to get much closer to the rock formations for photos.
Location: Natural Bridges, Brookings, OR 97415
27. Whaleshead Viewpoint
Whaleshead Beach is a stunning coastline stop that has a lot of large rocks on its shore, including one that’s shaped like a whale’s head.
There are two ways to access the beach here – by taking a small trail from Whaleshead Viewpoint or by driving down to Whaleshead Beach.
Not knowing better, we parked at the Whaleshead Viewpoint and hiked down a narrow path carved into the cliff until we reached the beach. The hike offered incredible views but sections of it were very slippery and steep. Once we got to the beach, we realized there was an easier access point from Whaleshead Beach down the road.
The main attraction here is the Whaleshead Rock but the beach itself is enormous and very scenic!
Location: 19694 Oregon Coast Hwy, Brookings, OR 97415
28. House Rock Viewpoint
House Rock Viewpoint is a quiet stop along the Oregon Coast Highway where you can pull off the road, get out of the car and stretch your legs. There is a short trail that leads to a viewpoint, although some of it is obstructed by overgrown bushes.
Location: 18982 Oregon Coast Hwy, Brookings, OR 97415
29. Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint
Cape Ferrelo is a quick viewpoint that you can easily stop by and see within a few minutes. This is a drive-up viewpoint so here you can witness those sweeping Oregon coastline views for very little work. You can also head out on some smaller side trails that travel along the coast.
If you come here in the winter or spring, you might even spot migrating whales that travel between Alaska and Baja California.
Location: 18550-, 18592 Oregon Coast Hwy, Brookings, OR 97415
30. Harris Beach State Park
Harris Beach State Park is the last State Park along the Oregon Coast. This recreational site is also one of my favorite places to camp because it’s located just a short walk from the beach.
The campsites at Harris Beach State Recreational Area feel very private and secluded, sheltered by trees in a dense forest. One year we even spent Christmas at this campground with our friends, hanging around the campfire.
Harris Beach State Park is the perfect place to kick off (or finish up) the Oregon Coast road trip.
From the campground, you can take a short trail down to the beach. Keep going to the right along the shore and you will come across secluded coves with very few people around, except for some locals walking their dogs.
During low tide, you can also walk out onto giant rock formations in the ocean. But do watch out for rising tide because some of the areas can get harder to access once the water levels start rising.
Location: Harris Beach State Park, U.S. 101, Brookings, OR 97415
Easily one of the most beautiful places in the western part of the United States, the Oregon Coast has unforgettable scenery and natural beauty.
Ready for an Oregon vacation? Before you go, check out some of these popular Oregon posts for some more travel inspiration!
- The 11 Best VRBOs On The Oregon Coast
- Guide To The Best Waterfalls Near Portland, Oregon
- 10 Reasons To Skip Iceland And Head To Oregon Instead
- 10 Unreal Waterfall Hikes In Oregon
- 15 Best Things That Make Portland Awesome
Interested in stepping up your photography game? Here is the camera gear that I carry everywhere I go to create amazing travel photos:
- Main camera: Sony a7c Camera. The Sony a7c is tiny, light, full-frame, and durable – in other words, amazing!
- Polarizer Filter: Hoya 40.5 mm Filter. Polarizing filters reduce glare in water, protect the lens from getting scratched and bring out the best colors when it’s bright outside. Having a polarizing filter is a must-have if you plan to photograph lakes, oceans, rivers, and waterfalls.
- Wide Lens: Sony 16-35 mm F4. Great for capturing wide panoramas, nature landscapes, and cramped city streets. Mounts to any Sony mirrorless camera and features autofocus, image stabilization, and incredibly sharp images.
- Lightweight Travel Tripod: Manfrotto Carbon Fiber Tripod. A good tripod is essential for capturing images in low light conditions, such as during sunset and sunrise, or creating smooth water effects when shooting waterfalls. The Manfrotto Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod is very sturdy, light, and folds small so you can take it on all of your adventures!
- Memory Cards: SanDisk Extreme 256 GB. It’s always good to bring a few extra memory cards on trips. SanDisk Extreme is ultra-fast for capturing high-quality images, bursts, long exposure night shots, and 4k videos. This memory card is also durable and reliable yet very affordable.
- Camera Batteries: Wasabi Power Battery Set. I’ve made the mistake of getting to a location to realize my camera is out of battery. Always keep your batteries charged with this camera charger set.
- Camera Bag: Lowepro adventure shoulder bag. A camera bag is something you should definitely invest in! Without having a proper place to store it I would get my camera scratched, sandy, or even occasionally drop it.
Some of the links used in this blog may be affiliate links, which means that if you place an order through one of those links, we may get a small percentage of the order amount at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
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Love this article! Do you have any recommendations on where to stay one night on the coast? We would be traveling from the Bandon area up the coast to Portland.
Hey Kristen! If you plan to stop by Cannon Beach, I recommend spending the night here. Cannon Beach has a lot of great hotels and vacation rentals to choose from. We usually stay at the Hallmark Resort & Spa Cannon Beach that’s situated right on the beach!