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An Oregon Coast Road Trip is the best way to experience the Pacific Coastline in the northwestern United States! Characterized by dramatic cliffs and long stretches of sand, the Oregon Coast is absolutely stunning.
Epic lighthouses, beautiful nature trails and incredible viewpoints are top Highway 101 Oregon attractions. We include them all (and more) in our Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary!
Planning an Oregon Coast Road Trip
There are hundreds of things to do along the Oregon Coast – which can make it extremely overwhelming to plan an Oregon Coast Trip.
We have driven the coast on numerous occasions in various seasons. Our Ultimate Oregon Coast Road Trip includes all the top attractions. Plus, for each day of our Oregon Coast Itinerary, we detail the best stops, where to stay and what to eat.
However, because some US road trippers may have various timeframes or different interests than what’s on our Oregon Coast driving itinerary, we also share tips for alternate stops along the same route.
Furthermore, we understand that there is a lot more to planning the best PNW road trip than deciding which things to see along the Oregon Coast.
Therefore, in our Oregon Coast trip planner, you will also find our recommended accommodations, and packing tips. Additionally, we provide an Oregon coast road trip map and useful Highway 101 Oregon road trip tips.
With our Oregon Coast drive itinerary, you do not need to stress about planning your trip – we’ve already done all the hard work for you!
Oregon Coast Trip Planning Organization
Planning an Oregon Coast Itinerary will still require some organization. In order to keep track of all the details, use our Trip Planning Printables!
Oregon Coast Highway 101 Road Trip Itinerary FAQs
Before we jump into the details of what to see along the Oregon Coast, let’s review a few of the frequently asked questions.
What is the Best Place to Visit on the Oregon Coast?
In our opinion, there isn’t just one best place to visit on the coastline. That is why we are detailing an Oregon Coast drive that will take you to several of the most beautiful places along the shoreline!
Throughout our itinerary, we highlight the best stops and top things to do along the 101 in Oregon from the North to Central Coast. Additionally, we provide tips to extend your trip down the coast of California at the end of the article.
How Many Days for a Coastal Oregon Itinerary?
For this Oregon Coast scenic drive, we are detailing a 3-night, 4-day Oregon road trip. That said, this Oregon 101 road trip can easily be modified for more (or less) time with just a few adjustments.
How Long is the Oregon Coast Trip from Portland?
Our Oregon road trip is designed in a loop that begins and ends in Portland. The total distance is about 400 miles. How long the Oregon Coastal drive will take depends on a multitude of factors – including your interests, number of stops and traffic.
What Vehicle to use on a Road Trip to The Oregon Coast?
In our opinion, a mid-size SUV is the best car for your Oregon Coast driving tour. In addition to the extra comfort, sitting higher off the road you will have a better view of the incredible Pacific shoreline. Read our top tips for finding the best rate, then hop online to book your car rental.
Where are the Overnight Oregon Coast Road Trip Stops?
One of the biggest questions when planning a coastal vacation is, Where should I stay on the Oregon Coast Road Trip?
Our Oregon Coast Itinerary 4 Days Route includes 3 overnight stays – Cannon Beach, Pacific City and Florence. We carefully chose these specific Oregon Coast cities for their location along the route, places to eat and things to do.
When is the Best Time to Travel the Oregon Coast?
Every season has pros and cons for an Oregon Coast road trip. Below, we cover some of those based on our experiences.
Summer and Autumn Oregon Coast Travel
We believe the best time of year to take a Pacific Northwest Coast road trip is in the summer or autumn. Oregon Coast weather is typically cool throughout the summer and tends to be dry and very pleasant. Longer summer days are also perfect for enjoying the outdoor Oregon Coast attractions.
Of course, summer is the busiest time on the Oregon coastal road. The heavy crowds can cause road delays, stressful sightseeing and more expensive accommodations.
Winter and Spring Oregon Coastline Road Trip
These seasons tend to be rainy and windy, making an Oregon winter road trip less favorable weather-wise. Furthermore, the winter Oregon Coast sunset time will likely limit your exploration.
The upside is that the crowds are gone and accommodations are cheaper. While not our personal favorite time to make the drive, traveling the Oregon Coast in spring and winter can still be enjoyable.
Which Direction is Best on an Oregon Coastal Road Trip?
Our 4-Day Oregon Coast road trip is from north to south – which is the best direction, in our opinion.
Oregon Coast North to South
There are two reasons why we planned the road trip from Portland north to the south. First, we prefer driving along the ocean so that we have a full view of the coast (rather than looking across traffic). The second reason is that it allows drivers easy access to the numerous scenic roadside overlooks and Oregon Coast viewpoints.
Oregon Coast Road Trip South to North
Of course, it’s not bad to plan a trip to the Oregon Coast in the opposite direction. To do so, simply reverse our outlined Best Oregon Coast Road Trip Plan!
Oregon Coastal Road Trip Day-by-Day Itinerary
Our Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary is packed with detailed information so that you can easily plan your adventure. Organized to be completed over 4 days, our Oregon Coastal road trip planner includes the best attractions, some short hikes and all the outstanding Oregon Coast views!
Save, Bookmark or Pin our Oregon Coast Itinerary for planning your trip!
Day 1: Portland, Oregon Road Trip to Cannon Beach
Route: Portland to Cannon Beach; US Highway 26 west to Highway 101, then south to Cannon Beach. Distance: 80 miles. Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes. Map (Map with Stops).
Embark on your Oregon Coast road trip from Portland early in the day. The drive from Portland to the Oregon Coast leaves the city behind, weaves into forests and crosses over the Coastal Mountain Range.
A good mid-way stopping point to stretch your legs (or hop on a bicycle if you have one) is near Buxton on the Banks-Vernonia State Trail. The paved path was formerly railroad tracks that connected the cities of Banks and Vernonia and was used to haul timber. The trail extends 21 miles, has multiple trailheads and can be used by hikers, bikers and horseback riders.
For lunch, stop at Camp 18 Restaurant. The log cabin eatery is decorated in classic mountain motif. Offering hearty home cooked meals and huge cinnamon rolls, there’s also an on-site museum that details the logging history of the region.
Cannon Beach: An Oregon Coast Must-See
Named for a cannon that floated onto the shore in the mid-1800s, Cannon Beach is a top Oregon Coast destination. The small beach town is highlighted by locally owned shops and restaurants and is one of the best stops on any Oregon Coast road trip.
The iconic Haystack Rock, a sea stack monolith that rises 235-feet-high, sits at the south end of the flat, wide beach.
North Oregon Coast Travel Tips and Sightseeing
Sights near Cannon Beach include Ecola State Park (hiking trails and viewpoints), Seaside (a cute touristic town) and Neahkahnie Mountain (a challenging summit trail with amazing views south of Cannon Beach).
Fun Fact: Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock have been featured in numerous movies, including The Goonies, Twilight and Point Break.
Where To Stay in Cannon Beach, Oregon
We think the best place to stay is at Hallmark Resort, which faces the ocean and offers impeccable views of Haystack Rock. In addition to multiple pools, the resort also has an on-site spa and fitness center, free movies and popcorn along with fresh cookies in the lobby. Check rates and availability!
If the Hallmark Resort is unavailable, you can also check out Schooner’s Cove Inn and The Waves, which are both on the water and get rave reviews.
Alternate Oregon Road Trip Ideas for Day 1
While Hwy 26 is our preferred method of driving from Portland to the coast, it is not the only route. In fact, there are two other popular roads that can be used for trips to Oregon Coast from Portland.
Highway 30 via Astoria
Also called the Columbia River Highway, Hwy 30 leaves Portland to the north and follows the Columbia River west to Astoria, where it meets up with Highway 101.
Travelers who want to take a coastal Oregon road trip that covers the entire length of the state should take this route.
The distance to Cannon Beach using Hwy 30 is 120 miles and takes about 2.5 hours. We do recommend stopping in Astoria to see some of the top sights. These include the shipwreck at Fort Stevens State Park, the fort at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, the famed Astoria Column and the impressive Astoria-Megler Bridge (connecting Oregon to Washington).
Highway 6 through Tillamook
Another route to the coast from Portland is to take Hwy 26 to Hwy 6. This direction meets the coast south of Cannon Beach at Tillamook. Those taking a day trip from Portland could use this route to shave some time off the drive.
2-Day Northern Oregon Coast Itinerary
For a quick 2-Day Oregon Coastal Itinerary of the North Coast, you could take Highway 30 to Astoria, then stay the night in Cannon Beach. On Day 2, drive south to Tillamook and use Hwy 26 and 6 to complete your loop back to Portland.
Day 2: North-Central Oregon Coast
Route: Cannon Beach to Pacific City; Highway 101 South and the Three Capes Scenic Route. Distance: 65 miles. Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes. Map (Map with Stops).
After a leisurely breakfast, depart Cannon Beach and continue on your Oregon trip itinerary by traveling south on Highway 101.
If you are up for a big trek (and didn’t do it the day before), stop at Neahkahnie Mountain to hike the trail to the summit. Otherwise, make your way leisurely down the coast through the towns of Manzanita and Rockaway Beach to Tillamook Bay.
For lunch, stop at Tillamook Creamery – one of the best stops while driving the Oregon Coast. The local creamery is a cheese factory, museum and restaurant all in one. Take a self-guided tour of the facility, then tuck into a cheesy lunch…but definitely save room for an ice cream dessert!
Day 2 Road Trip Oregon Coast Highlight: Three Capes Scenic Drive
Just south of the Tillamook Creamery, detour off the 101 onto the Three Capes Scenic Route. One of the Oregon Coast highlights, the route includes Cape Meares, Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda.
Stop at the Cape Meares Lighthouse, which was built in the 1890s, and if time permits join one of the free lighthouse tours. Other attractions at the lighthouse include super ocean viewpoints (look for whales and seals), walking trails and the famous “Octopus Tree.”
Continue your Oregon Coast sightseeing drive around Cape Meares to the Netarts Bay Shellfish Preserve along Whiskey Creek Road – then on to Cape Lookout State Park.
Make this one of your Oregon Coast stops and hike the length of the Cape Lookout Trail. The trek features a lush forest lining the top of the Oregon Coast cliffs. The trail leads to spectacular viewpoints – and, in our opinion, is an Oregon Coast road trip must-see!
Pacific City: An Oregon Road Trip Destination
A laid-back beach town, Pacific City is a perfect place for a relaxing night on the coast. It’s one of our favorite Oregon road trip stops.
Highlights of the area are the gigantic haystack rock (named Chief Kiwanda Rock), a 240-foot sand dune on Cape Kiwanda and the local beachfront brewery.
Pacific City Travel Tips and Sightseeing
After getting settled into your accommodations, head straight for the Cape Kiwanda Beach. Fly a kite, sink your feet in the sand or start a beach bonfire and enjoy the Pacific Ocean view and the sound of the waves.
When you have worked up a thirst and appetite, head into the Pelican Brewing Company oceanfront taproom for refreshing craft beers and satisfying eats. If fermented grapes are your preference, unwind with a glass of Oregon wine at PC Pour or Twist Wine Company.
Where To Stay in Pacific City
When we visit Pacific City, we stay at the Inn at Cape Kiwanda – and couldn’t imagine staying anywhere else!
The ocean view boutique hotel is just across the street from the Pacific City Beach and Pelican Brewery. It’s just mere steps from the Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area. The large, clean rooms have comfortable beds with a cozy fireplace. They also offer other amenities; like on-site bike rentals, a spa and the Stimulus Coffee + Bakery to jump-start your day!
Alternate Oregon Coastal Road Trip Itineraries for Day 2
The Three Capes Scenic Route is one of the best spots on the Oregon Coast – so we do not recommend skipping it!
Plan a Longer Oregon Coast Driving Tour
In fact, we like the Three Capes region so much that if you are planning a longer Oregon Coast 101 Road Trip, we suggest spending an additional night in the area. Perhaps stay two nights in Pacific City or one night in Cape Meares and one night in Pacific City.
A Shorter Road Trip along Oregon Coast
On the other hand, if you really need to shorten your trip, eliminate the overnight stay in Pacific City. If you get an early start from Cannon Beach, you should still have time for the sights along the Three Capes Scenic Loop. Then drive on to Florence.
Day 3: Central Oregon Coast
Route: Pacific City to Florence; Highway 101 South. Distance: 96 miles. Time: 2 hours and 10 minutes. Map (Map with Stops).
In the morning, make the tough climb up the Cape Kiwanda sand dune for a solid morning workout. Pick up some delicious baked goods from Grateful Bread Bakery on your way out of town and start driving south on the 101 Oregon Coast.
Pacific City to Yaquina, OR
The road winds through forests slightly inland until Devils Lake, where it meets back up with coastline. The scenery along this section is utterly beautiful; consider making one or more stops.
Day 3 Road Trip: Oregon Coast Stops
Roads End State Recreation Site is a good place to stop for a picnic. Fogarty Creek State Scenic Area is well known for its tide pools. Depoe Bay is an ideal Oregon Coast whale watching spot. Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area features a collapsed sea cave (and is a popular place for experienced surfers).
Yaquina Lighthouse
Ranking as the tallest lighthouse in Oregon at 93 feet, Yaquina Lighthouse has been in operation since 1873. It still utilizes the original lens and is open for tours (hours vary, so check ahead).
Newport, Oregon
Make the short drive south to Newport, where there are a handful of sights. Popular choices include the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Hatfield Marine Science Center and the funky shops at Aquarium Village. Newport is also a good spot to stretch your legs on Nye Beach or South Beach State Park. In fact, if you are planning an Oregon Coast family road trip, Newport is a top destination!
For lunch, dine at Rogue Ale & Spirits on the south side of the arched Yaquina Bay Bridge. It’s one of our favorite eateries on our Oregon Coast road trip! Patrons can sign up for a brewery tour, top up a growler to take with you or feast from a full menu of pub grub.
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
After lunch, continue south on your Oregon Coastal road trip to Yachats. This cute town for a quick stretch of the legs and then drive onwards to Cape Perpetua. The cape itself offers stunning shoreline views and trails, but the nearby attractions are worth stopping by as well.
Top area sights are Devil’s Churn (an inlet that sprays when waves crash into the shore), Thor’s Well (a unique rock formation that appears to be draining the ocean at high tide), and Sprouting Horn (an ocean geyser that launches misty water into the air).
Heceta Head
An absolute must-see stop for your Oregon Coast road trip planner is the Heceta Head Lighthouse. One of the most beautiful lighthouses on the Pacific Coast, Heceta Head cannot be missed on a Oregon road trip down the coast!
Visitors can park at Cape Cove, where there is plenty of parking (but a fee is required). If it is low tide, spend some time exploring the tidal pools before making the walk to the lighthouse.
Top Tip: Beyond the lighthouse a trail crosses over the Heceta Headland through a mossy forest and leads to a hidden beach. It’s one of our favorite hikes on the Oregon Coast! We share the complete details in our article: Hikes Near Florence, OR.
Sea Lions and Scenic Viewpoints
The distance from Heceta Head to Florence is about 20 miles – and there are a few stops you might want to make along this stretch as well.
Shortly after leaving the lighthouse parking lot, pull into the small scenic overlook offering the best view of Heceta Lighthouse. Keep an eye on the sea, we’ve often spotted sea lions and whales just offshore!
Just beyond the viewpoint is the Sea Lions Cave, which is a very popular (yet smelly and noisy) coastal Oregon attraction.
Just as Hwy 101 begins to descend inland towards Florence, there are a few pullouts for phenomenal viewpoints that look directly south over Heceta Beach. After making these great Oregon Coast scenic stops, complete the day’s drive to Florence Old Town.
Florence: A Gem Along Oregon Coast
Old Town Florence, Oregon is nestled along the Siuslaw River. It’s a bit easy to miss if you don’t follow the signs before crossing over the Siuslaw Bridge.
The charming town has a long history as a fishing village but is now more of a quaint tourist destination. The main drag, Bay Street, runs parallel to the river and features souvenir shops, a variety of restaurants and fun bars and cafes.
After three amazing days on the best Oregon Coast road trip, spend your time in Florence strolling along Bay, Laurel and Maple Streets and popping into the local shops.
For dinner, eat at the delightful Waterfront Depot (make reservations in advance). Order their signature dish, Crab-Encrusted Halibut (believe us, it’s divine!).
Pro Tip: Florence is a fabulous spot to spend a day – or longer – checking out the immediate area. For more, use our complete guide to the Best Things To Do in Florence!
Where To Stay in Florence, OR
There are numerous, mostly uninspiring, motels along Highway 101 in Florence. Don’t panic, we know the best place to stay in Florence is right in the heart of the Old Town. The River House Inn has a prime waterfront location right on Bay Street.
If a beach stay is more your style, check out Driftwood Shores Resort, which is a short drive from the Old Town. The classic beach hotel offers direct Heceta Beach access and excellent Pacific Ocean views.
Alternate Oregon Coast Road Trip Ideas for Day 3
Because we think the Central Oregon Coast is the most beautiful section of the drive, we include a lot of stops in Day 3 of our itinerary.
Add an Overnight Stay in Newport to your Oregon Coast Vacation Itinerary
If you have time to plan a 5-Day Oregon Coast road trip, we recommend stopping and spending the night in Newport. This will break up your Oregon coast drive time into two days of Highway 101 sightseeing on the Central Coast for a more leisurely pace.
Day 4: Oregon Coast Back To Portland
Route: Florence to Portland; Highway 126 east, 569 Beltline to bypass Eugene and Interstate 5 north to Portland. Distance: 162 miles. Time: 3 hours. Map (Map with Stops).
The final day of your Oregon Coast vacation itinerary is spent making the long drive back to Portland. Grab coffee and a pastry at the always delicious River Roasters, then breathe in the fresh sea air with a brisk morning walk along the Florence Harbor or at North Jetty.
Waterfall Hike
When you are ready to complete the loop of your Portland-Oregon Coast road trip, take Highway 126 east to Mapleton. After making the righthand turn to stay on 126, consider detouring to the Sweet Creek Falls trail (another one of our favorite Oregon Hikes).
Drive through the Coastal Range toward Eugene and I-5
Hop back on 126 and start the climb over the mountains. Stop by the Gingerbread Village Restaurant for a tasty home-cooked lunch and super friendly service. Afterwards, continue driving east towards Eugene.
If you are interested in visiting Eugene, it’s a fun university city with a few museums, lots of bars and a working class yet youthful vibe.
Otherwise, veer north onto the 569 Beltline to I-5 and make the relatively flat and boring drive back to Portland. Or…
Columbia River Gorge
If you’re an early riser and ambitious driver, make a detour to the Columbia River Gorge. Just east of Portland, the scenic drive through the gorge features spectacular waterfalls and beautiful landscapes.
Use our guide for details about the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Drive!
Portland, Oregon
Hopefully you’ve left time for some sightseeing in Portland, too. Explore the Pearl District and Chinatown before stopping into a local craft brewery – like Deschutes Public House – for good eats and local beers.
Check out our guide, The Best Things To Do in Portland for more tips and attractions.
Pro Tip: Vancouver, Washington – just north of Portland – is a fun city to visit or base yourself in, as well! Much smaller and easier to navigate than Portland, Vancouver is steeped in history and boasts a phenomenal craft beer scene. Use our guide to Visiting Vancouver, WA for tips on what to do and see!
Alternate Plans for Day 4 of Your Oregon Coast Driving Trip
Most of the final day of our 4 Day Oregon Coast Road Trip is spent on the road. While it is the direct way to get back to Portland, we do have a few alternate route suggestions if time permits.
Complete the Oregon Coastal Drive in Reverse
If the fast-yet-dull route back to Portland is not enticing, consider backtracking and doing the complete Oregon Highway 101 road trip in reverse!
The northbound drive – without stops and traffic – could take as little as 4 hours. When completing this Oregon Coast travel itinerary in reverse, we recommend using Highway 18 from Lincoln City to get back to Portland, rather than traveling all the way north to Cannon Beach.
The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum – home to the famed Spruce Goose – is on Highway 18 and makes an interesting place to stop. You may even have time to see any Oregon Coast sights that you might have missed traveling south.
Plan a One-Way Oregon Coast Travel Itinerary
We organized our Oregon coastline drive as a loop that begins and ends in Portland – but it doesn’t have to be done that way.
Instead, book your flights into Portland and out of Eugene for a one-way trip. To save money, try to find a rental car company that will allow you to pick up in Portland and drop off in Eugene without extra fees.
Extend Your Oregon Road Trip Itinerary
If time allows, extend your Oregon Coast 4-Day Itinerary into a longer trip! We provide tips below for an extended Southern Oregon Coast Itinerary that dips into California.
Alternatively, you could plan an longer Oregon Itinerary that includes top inland destinations. Before making your way back to Portland, we suggest checking out What To Do and See in Bend!
Oregon Road Trip Planner Map
This Oregon Coast Map features the recommended stops on our Highway 101 Road Trip. Use this Google Map for an interactive Oregon Coast road map that shows detailed information.
Prefer a hard copy? This Highway 101 Map by National Geographic is an excellent Coastal Oregon Map that is both waterproof and tear resistant.
More Oregon Coast Road Trips
We have designed the ultimate Oregon Coast road trip from Portland. That said, there are an endless number of routes that explore the West Coast.
We are highlighting a few of the top Oregon Coast trip ideas that we did not include in our itinerary 4 Days.
Portland to Southern Oregon Coast Road Trip
The Southern Coast can easily be added to your Oregon trip planner by adding 1, 2, or 3 days to your trip plan. Very different from the central and northern coastlines, the Southern Oregon Coast features more rugged nature, secluded beaches and fewer crowds.
Coos Bay
From Florence, travelers can continue driving south on Hwy 101 on a Southern Oregon Road Trip to Coos Bay. The route passes through the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (a popular spot for ATV riding and challenging sand dune hikes).
While Highway 101 turns inland at Coos Bay, we recommend following Cape Arago Highway to the coast. There, three state parks – Sunset Bay State Park, Shore Acres State Park and Cape Arago State Park – are nestled along the shoreline and connected by a system of hiking trails.
Consider staying the night in the Coos Bay area – or continue heading south on Highway 101 until it meets back up with the coast at Port Orford.
Port Orford
The small town of Port Orford has two big claims. It ranks as the oldest town on the Oregon Coast and holds the title as the most westerly town in the Lower 48. Although a sleepy little stop, the viewpoint from Battle Rock of the rock strewn sea is stunning.
Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor
Highlighted by a spectacular viewpoint – aptly named the Cape Sebastian Viewpoint – the Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor is a fantastic place to stop for a picnic lunch. Gold Beach, Kissing Rock and Myers Creek Beach Viewpoint also offer excellent vantage points.
Experienced hikers will want to lace up their boots and set off on the Cape Sebastian Trail that ends at the beach. Allow for a couple of hours to complete this hike.
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
The drive through Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is one of the most stunning stretches of the entire Oregon Coast.
Visitors should plan on making stops at the Arch Rock Picnic Area (which has multiple scenic viewpoints) and Natural Bridge (which features a viewing platform and an incredible hiking trail that puts you right on top of the natural rock bridge).
The Thomas Creek Bridge – which ranks as the tallest bridge in Oregon – is an interesting man-made marvel along the corridor, as well. Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint is another gorgeous place to stop – especially on clear days.
Crescent City, California
We know this is an Oregon Road Trip Itinerary, but Crescent City, California is just 20 miles south of the state line and well worth visiting! If you plan on discovering Southern Oregon, we highly recommend extending your Oregon Coast highway road trip into Northern California.
The small town has a handful of attractions; a beautiful offshore lighthouse and a lively brewery among them. However, the top reason to make the trip to Crescent City is to visit Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
The park is home to some of the most incredible redwood groves in the world. Hiking, rafting and a scenic drive through the forest are popular activities.
Find out more in our guide of Things To Do in Crescent City!
Oregon to California Road Trip
On an ideal 10-day to two-week West Coast road trip, visitors can make their way from Portland to San Francisco. Depending on your pace, it’s possible to reach Los Angeles or even San Diego.
What To See on an Oregon to California Coast Road Trip
To create your ideal California-Oregon Road Trip Itinerary on the Coast, use our outlined Oregon Coast Road Trip, including the additional southern section. Then continue driving south on the 101 from Crescent City.
Northern California
On this section of the Oregon to San Francisco road trip along the coast, highlights include the town of Eureka, Redwood National and State Parks (and the famed Avenue of the Giants), Mendocino County (and Fort Bragg) and California wine country. Consider overnight stays in Eureka and Mendocino before arriving in San Francisco.
San Francisco
If you’re going to San Francisco…use our San Francisco Itinerary for tips on what to see and where to stay in SF! We highlight for you the best San Francisco sights – and recommend staying at least two days to really experience the city.
Southern California
To plan the rest of your trip on the coastline to Los Angeles, Malibu or San Diego use our detailed California Highway 1 Itinerary. It’s the perfect Cali West Coast road trip planner!
Pro Tip: If you are planning an Oregon Coast road trip from California, simply flip our itinerary around. Make a stop in Crescent City and then drive up the Oregon Coast!
Oregon to Washington Coast Road Trip
Planning a Pacific Northwest coastal road trip that includes both Oregon and Washington is a fabulous idea!
Highway 101 crosses the Columbia River (and state border) at Astoria, making a Washington-Oregon road trip fairly easy to plan. Again, we recommend driving south, so a good route would be a Seattle to Oregon Coast Road Trip. Use our tips on the Best Things To Do in Seattle before starting your drive.
On an Oregon Coast Road trip from Seattle, drivers start at Olympic National Park, wind around North Bay and Willapa Bay to the Columbia River. Once crossing into Oregon, continue to Cannon Beach.
Travelers could easily spend a week or longer on an Oregon-Washington Coast road trip. Creating a longer road trip around Washington State? We recommend adding Spokane to your journey!
Oregon Coast Tours
While road trips allow for freedom to explore, they also require an attentive and careful driver. Rather than coming up with Oregon Coast vacation ideas on your own and sitting behind the wheel, leave the details to a pro and join an Oregon Coast tour!
Oregon Coast Tours from Portland
Those who would rather leave the driving to someone else can join an organized, small-group, day tour from Portland. This Oregon Coast day trip itinerary includes stops at Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park and Oswald West State Park. Reserve your spot!
Oregon Coast Package Tours from Eugene
From Eugene, join an Oregon Coast travel guide for a full day tour. This coastal Oregon trip itinerary includes visiting Yachats, Heceta Lighthouse and Florence – three of the must see destinations. Get the details!
What You Need for an Oregon Coast Road Trip
Before setting off, we have a few hacks for what to pack for the Oregon Coast. Be sure to check out all our packing tips and grab your FREE Checklist, too!
Weather Appropriate Apparel
Oregon Coast weather will be unpredictable – and the coastal air is often cooler than anticipated. Therefore, we recommend packing clothing that can be layered. It is also a good idea to bring a packable raincoat, as well as a wide-brimmed travel hat for sunny days!
Hiking Boots
Anyone planning a trip to Oregon will likely want to hit a few nature trails. Most of the Oregon Coast trails we recommend are easy to moderate hikes. Even so, it is always best to hike with proper footwear – so you may want to add hiking boots to your packing list for the Oregon Coast.
Binoculars
The amazing viewpoints are one of the best things about the Oregon Coast! To get a better look at the vistas on the Oregon Coast, we suggest carrying a good pair of binoculars. They are great for spotting whales and other wildlife, too!
Day Pack
Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase for your Oregon Coast drive itinerary, we highly recommend using a day pack for your daily adventures. A great day bag will help to organize all of your necessities and other everyday travel items.
Travel Camera
More and more people are relying on their phones to take pictures. However, a good travel camera with a zoom lens is necessary to truly capture the scenes during your road trip on the Oregon Coast.
We shoot with a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens. We believe this is an excellent set-up and use it for all our travels. Best of all, the it comes bundled with a complete accessory kit – which also makes for a great budget camera for beginner photographers!
Playlist for an Oregon Coast Drive
The best road trips in Oregon are accompanied by great music! Before you set off to the Coast, create an epic playlist.
Some of the tunes we recommend for road trips from Portland to the coast are “Where the Streets Have No Name” by U2 and “Lumberjack” by Johnny Cash. We love folk music for road trip playlists, and would also add these songs from Oregon bands. “Furr” by Blitzen Trapper, “Half Moon” by Blind Pilot and “Down by the Water” by The Decemberists.
Start planning your trip to Oregon! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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