
The Oregon Coast stretches for roughly 370 miles, from the Columbia River in the north to the California border in the south, and it is one of the most distinctive coastlines in the United States. The entire coastline is public land and every beach is open to everyone. The Pacific Ocean here is cold year-round, and the weather is unpredictable. You’ll find rugged basalt cliffs, towering sea stacks, foggy mornings, powerful waves, and pristine beaches. The coast is dotted with small towns and is meant to be explored slowly, with short drives, frequent stops, and staying in different towns along the way.
Places

- Astoria. The oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific.
- Seaside. One of the most popular tourist towns on the Oregon Coast. A carnival-like downtown, an old-school promenade along the beach, and tons of shops, arcades, and kid-friendly attractions.
- Cannon Beach. This charming and fun town on the northern coast also has some of the best beaches on the coast, the famous Haystack Rock sea stack, and bike rentals for beach exploration.
- Highway 101. This road spans the length of the 370-mile coastline, providing access to all the beaches, towns, and main sites.
- Tillamook. A working-class town famous for its dairy industry.
- Bandon. Just as amazing as Cannon Beach, but more authentic, Bandon has great food and our favorite beaches on the coast.
- Brookings. Known for being sunny and having good weather thanks to the “Brookings Effect” weather pattern.
- Depoe Bay. Quaint and compact, with oceanfront restaurants, shops, and viewpoints all clustered along a walkable main strip and easy whale watching opportunities.
- Newport. It is a working port town with two great lighthouses, the best aquarium on the coast, a cool historic old town, and an interesting bridge that crosses over the bay.
- Florence. Located where the Siuslaw (pronounced sai-oo-slaw) River meets the Pacific, with a charming little downtown on the river.

Planning a Trip to the Oregon Coast? Copy Our 7-Day Itinerary
Get our done‑for‑you, 3-7 day plan with exact drives and must‑see stops so you don’t waste time in traffic or miss the best views
Inside the guide:
*Step-by-step plan that will take you to the best beaches, lighthouses, and tidepooling
*Exact time-frames and star-ratings so you can make the best use of your time and money
*Best Friend Guarantee: love it or get your money back
*Visiting more in the PNW? Save big $ and get guides for Olympic, Mount Rainier, the Oregon Coast and the Columbia River Gorge with our PNW Bundle.
Plan Your Trip
Start Here
- 13 Absolute Best Things To Do On Your Oregon Coast Road Trip (+ Where to Eat)
- What We Wish We Knew Before Visiting the Oregon Coast
Where to Stay and Eat
Best Sites
- PERFECT One Day Itinerary for Astoria Oregon (+ Where to Eat)
- PERFECT Cannon Beach One Day Itinerary (+ Ecola State Park)
- One Day in Depoe Bay: Itinerary + Whale Watching Tour Review
- Seaside vs Cannon Beach: Which Oregon Coast Town Should You Visit?

Nearby
More About the Oregon Coast
- Driving the Oregon Coast HWY 101: 10 Things to Know Before You Go
- 10 BEST Beaches on the Oregon Coast (+ the Ones You Can Skip)
Prefer to Watch?

Planning a Trip to the Pacific Northwest? Copy Our 7‑Day Road Trip
Get our done‑for‑you, 7‑17 day route with exact drives, maps, and must‑see stops so you don’t waste time in traffic or miss the best views
Inside the guide:
*Day‑by‑day plan for Olympic, Mount Rainier, the Oregon Coast, & the Columbia River Gorge
*Details You Need: Time frames, driving routes, and where to sleep each night to reduce back-tracking
*Best Friend Guarantee: love it or get your money back