Stretching over 360 miles, the Oregon Coast is a breathtaking mix of rugged cliffs, serene beaches, and charming small towns. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, scenic drives, or fresh seafood, the Oregon Coast has something for every traveler. Here’s your guide to the best places to stay, eat, and explore along this stunning stretch of the Pacific.
Best Time to Visit the Oregon Coast
The best time to visit the Oregon Coast is during late spring, summer, and early fall when the weather is mild and the skies are clear.
• Summer (June to September): With temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C), summer is the perfect time for beach days, hiking, and outdoor activities. However, it’s the most popular season, so expect some crowds, especially in tourist areas like Cannon Beach.
• Fall (September to October): Early fall is a great time to visit, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. The coast’s autumn colors make the scenic views even more magical.
• Winter (November to February): While the coast is rainy and windy during winter, it’s a popular time for storm watching, especially from cozy lodges with ocean views.
Getting to the Oregon Coast
Most visitors fly into Portland International Airport (PDX) and then drive to the coast. The drive from Portland to the coast takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your destination.
• Driving from Portland: US Route 26 and Highway 101 are the main routes leading to popular coastal towns like Cannon Beach, Seaside, and Newport. You can rent a car at the airport for the best flexibility while exploring.
• From Seattle: It’s about a 3-4 hour drive to reach the northern section of the Oregon Coast from Seattle, using I-5 and US-101.
Once on the coast, having a car is the best way to explore the scenic routes and hidden gems along Highway 101, which runs the entire length of the coast.
Best Places and Lodges to Stay at on the Oregon Coast
• Stephanie Inn (Cannon Beach): This luxury beachfront inn offers stunning views of Haystack Rock and the Pacific Ocean. With cozy rooms, fireplaces, and a spa, Stephanie Inn is perfect for a romantic getaway.
• Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa (Pacific City): Located at Cape Kiwanda, this lodge provides a luxury escape with oceanfront views and direct access to the beach. It’s also a great spot for adventure lovers, with activities like surfing, hiking, and horseback riding.
• Salishan Coastal Lodge (Gleneden Beach): Nestled in the forest overlooking the ocean, this eco-friendly resort offers spa services, golfing, and easy access to nearby hiking trails.
• Inn at Nye Beach (Newport): This boutique hotel offers stunning ocean views and direct access to the beach. It’s also close to Newport’s historic bayfront, making it a great base for exploring the town.
Best Restaurants on the Oregon Coast
• The Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge (Cannon Beach): A local favorite, The Driftwood serves fresh seafood like Dungeness crab, oysters, and clam chowder. Their outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying a meal with views of Haystack Rock.
• Local Ocean Seafoods (Newport): This waterfront restaurant offers some of the freshest seafood on the coast, with a sustainable, ocean-to-table menu. Try the fish tacos or the famous crab po’ boy.
• Pelican Brewing Company (Pacific City): Known for its award-winning beers and oceanfront location, Pelican Brewing offers pub-style food with a focus on local ingredients. It’s a great place to relax after exploring the nearby dunes.
• Bridgewater Bistro (Astoria): Located in a historic cannery building, this restaurant offers a refined menu featuring fresh, local seafood and a beautiful view of the Columbia River.
• Restaurant Beck (Depoe Bay): This intimate fine-dining restaurant focuses on creative, farm-to-table dishes, with a special emphasis on fresh seafood. The tasting menu paired with coastal views is an unforgettable experience.
Best Activities to Do on the Oregon Coast
• Explore Haystack Rock (Cannon Beach): One of the most iconic landmarks on the Oregon Coast, Haystack Rock is a must-see. During low tide, explore the tide pools filled with sea stars, anemones, and other marine life.
• Visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium (Newport): Located in Newport, this popular aquarium is home to sea otters, sharks, and the region’s unique marine life. Don’t miss the underwater walk-through tunnels.
• Cape Kiwanda Sand Dunes (Pacific City): The giant sand dunes at Cape Kiwanda are perfect for climbing, hiking, or simply admiring the panoramic views of the Pacific. Surfers will also find some of the best waves in Oregon here.
• Storm Watching (Lincoln City): During winter, Lincoln City is a prime spot for watching dramatic ocean storms. Cozy up in a beachside lodge and watch the waves crash against the rocky shore.
• Explore the Tillamook Creamery (Tillamook): Take a tour of the famous Tillamook Creamery to learn about cheese production and sample their world-renowned cheeses and ice creams.
Best Hikes on the Oregon Coast
• Cape Falcon Trail (Oswald West State Park): This 5-mile round-trip hike offers sweeping views of the coastline, lush forests, and dramatic cliffs. It’s a moderate hike perfect for exploring Oregon’s rugged beauty.
• Cascade Head Trail (Lincoln City): This 6.8-mile round-trip trail offers panoramic views of the coastline, the Salmon River Estuary, and the surrounding forests. It’s an incredible spot to watch for wildlife, including elk and bald eagles.
• God’s Thumb (Lincoln City): A unique coastal hike with a grassy summit that juts out over the ocean, offering stunning 360-degree views. The hike is about 4.4 miles round trip and is moderately challenging.
• Hobbit Trail to Heceta Head Lighthouse (Florence): This easy 4-mile round-trip hike takes you through a magical coastal forest to the historic Heceta Head Lighthouse, offering panoramic ocean views.
• Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor (Brookings): For those exploring the southern coast, this stretch offers multiple short hikes and viewpoints, including the stunning Natural Bridges and Secret Beach.
Best Beaches on the Oregon Coast
• Cannon Beach: Famous for its wide sandy beach and iconic Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach is a must-visit destination for beachcombing, tide-pooling, and watching sunsets.
• Manzanita Beach: This quieter stretch of beach offers seven miles of sand, framed by Neahkahnie Mountain. It’s perfect for a peaceful beach day.
• Cape Lookout State Park: Known for its dramatic cliffs and long sandy beaches, Cape Lookout is a great spot for beachcombing, hiking, and watching for migrating gray whales.
• Seal Rock State Recreation Site: Located just south of Newport, Seal Rock is known for its unique rock formations, tide pools, and seals basking in the sun.
Additional Tips for Traveling to the Oregon Coast
• Weather: The Oregon Coast is known for its ever-changing weather, so be sure to pack layers. Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be chilly, and rain showers are possible year-round.
• Tide Tables: Check local tide tables before heading out to explore tide pools or secluded beaches. Low tide offers the best opportunities for beachcombing and tide pool exploration.
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for gray whales, which migrate along the Oregon Coast from December to May. Seals, sea lions, and puffins can also be spotted throughout the year.
• Driving the Coast: The Oregon Coast is known for its scenic drives along Highway 101, which runs the length of the coast. Make sure to plan for extra time, as you’ll want to stop at the many viewpoints along the way.
Conclusion
With its diverse landscapes, charming coastal towns, and endless outdoor activities, the Oregon Coast is the perfect destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re hiking through lush forests, enjoying fresh seafood, or simply relaxing on a pristine beach, the Oregon Coast offers an unforgettable travel experience. Safe travels, and enjoy the beauty of this incredible region!
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