An Oregon Coast Road Trip is a fantastic way to experience the Pacific Northwest! 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) on our Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary!
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Planning an Oregon Coast Road Trip
We have driven this route on numerous occasions in various seasons. For each of the 4 days on our Oregon Coast Itinerary, we detail the prime stops, where to stay and what to eat.
We also provide an Oregon coast road trip map and useful Highway 101 tips. Still, planning this Oregon Trip will still require some organization. In order to keep track of all the details, use our Trip Planning Printables!
Oregon Coastal Road Trip Itinerary 4 Days
Our Pacific Coast Road Trip Itinerary is packed with detailed information so you can easily plan your adventure.
Organized over 4 days, our Oregon Coastal road trip planner includes the best attractions, some short hikes and all the outstanding views!
Day 1: Portland to Cannon Beach
Route: 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 coast leaves the city behind, weaves into forests and crosses over the Coastal Mountain Range.
A good mid-way stopping point is near Buxton on the Banks-Vernonia State Trail. The paved path is over old train tracks that connected the cities of Banks and Vernonia and was used to haul timber. The trail extends 21 miles 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
Named for a cannon that floated on 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 trip.
The iconic Haystack Rock, a sea stack monolith that rises 235-feet-high, sits at the south end of the flat, wide beach. Fans of The Goonies movie will certainly recognized it!
North Oregon Coast 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).
Where To Stay in Cannon Beach
We prefer the Hallmark Resort, which faces the ocean and offers impeccable views of Haystack Rock. In addition to multiple pools, the property also has an on-site spa and fitness center, free movies and popcorn along with fresh cookies in the lobby!
If the Hallmark is unavailable, 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 way to the coast from Portland, it is not the only route. In fact, there are two other popular roads that will get you to the ocean.
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.
Those 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 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 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 to shave some time off the drive.
Day 2: North-Central Oregon Coast
Route: Cannon Beach to Pacific City; Highway 101 South and 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 to hike the trail to the summit. Otherwise, make your way through the towns of Manzanita and Rockaway Beach to Tillamook Bay.
Have lunch 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 ice cream!
Day 2 Road Trip Oregon Coast Highlight: 3 Capes Scenic Drive
Just south of the Tillamook Creamery, detour off the 101 onto 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 tours. Regardless, take in the super ocean viewpoints (look for whales and seals) and find the famous “Octopus Tree.”
Continue your Oregon Coast sightseeing drive around Cape Meares to the Netarts Bay Shellfish Preserve along Whiskey Creek Road. Stop at the hackery if you’d like, then continue on to Cape Lookout State Park.
Here, hike the length of the Cape Lookout Trail. The trek features a lush forest lining the top of the cliffs. The trail leads to spectacular viewpoints – and, in our opinion, is an Oregon Coast must-see!
Pacific City
Laid-back 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 Sightseeing
After getting settled in, head straight for Cape Kiwanda Beach. Fly a kite, sink your feet in the sand or start a beach bonfire and enjoy the sound of the waves.
When you have worked up a thirst and appetite, head into Pelican Brewing Company for refreshing 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, the Inn at Cape Kiwanda is our go-to spot. The ocean view property is just across Pacific City Beach and Pelican Brewery. It’s also just 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!
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.
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, so pull over as many times as you’d like!
Day 3 Oregon Coast Stops
There’s an abundance of scenic spots along this stretch, so we’ll give a brief description and leave it up to you where to stop.
- Roads End State Recreation Site is a good place 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.
- The tallest in Oregon at 93 feet, Yaquina Lighthouse has been in operation since 1873.
Newport, Oregon
Continue 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. For lunch, dine at Rogue Ale & Spirits on the south side of the Yaquina Bay Bridge. You can also sign up for a brewery tour or top up a growler to take with you.
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
After lunch, continue south to Yachats. This cute town is good 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. It’s one of the most beautiful lighthouses on the Pacific Coast.
Park at Cape Cove (fee required), and if it’s low tide, spend some time exploring the tidal pools before making the walk to the lighthouse.
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!
Sea Lions and Scenic Viewpoints
The distance from Heceta Head to Florence is just 20 miles, but there are a few stops you might want to make along this stretch.
Shortly after crossing Cape Creek Bridge, 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 from here!
Just beyond the viewpoint is Sea Lions Cave, which is a very popular (yet smelly and noisy) coastal Oregon attraction.
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 taking in the view from this great Oregon Coast scenic stop, complete the drive to Florence Old Town.
Florence, Oregon
Old Town Florence, Oregon is nestled along the Siuslaw River. It’s a bit easy to miss if you don’t follow the signs just 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 driving the Oregon Coast, 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. Read our complete guide to the Best Things To Do in Florence!
Where To Stay in Florence, OR
There are numerous 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 beachfront 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.
Day 4: Florence 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.
If you have time, consider detouring to Sweet Creek Falls. It’s a lovely trail with pleasant waterfalls and another one of our favorite Easy Oregon Hikes!
Drive through the Coastal Range toward Eugene
Hop back on 126 and start the climb over the mountains. Stop by the Gingerbread Village Restaurant for a tasty home-cooked lunch and 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 Driving Columbia River Gorge!
Portland, Oregon
Hopefully you’ve left time for some sightseeing in Portland, too. Explore the Pearl District and Chinatown before stopping into a 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.
Vancouver, Washington is a fun city to visit, 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!
Alternatively, you could plan an longer Oregon vacation 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 version that shows more detailed information.
Prefer a hard copy? The Highway 101 Map by National Geographic is waterproof and tear resistant!
More Oregon Coast Road Trips
We have designed the ultimate Oregon Coast road trip starting in 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 4 day itinerary.
Portland to Southern Oregon Coast Road Trip
The South Coast can easily be added to your Oregon trip planner by extending your trip 1, 2, or even 3 days.
Very different from the central and northern coastlines, this section features rugged nature, secluded beaches and fewer crowds.
Coos Bay
From Florence, continue driving south on Hwy 101 to Coos Bay. The route passes through the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (a popular spot for ATV riding and challenging sand dune hikes).
When Highway 101 turns inland at Coos Bay, follow Cape Arago Highway to the coast. There, three state parks – Sunset Bay, Shore Acres and Cape Arago – are nestled along the shoreline and connected by a system of hiking trails.
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 settlement in the Lower 48. Although a sleepy little stop, the viewpoint from Battle Rock out to sea is stunning.
Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor
Highlighted by a spectacular aptly named viewpoint, the Cape Sebastian Corridor is a fantastic place to stop for a picnic lunch. Gold Beach, Kissing Rock and Myers Creek Beach Viewpoint also offer excellent vistas.
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 the trek.
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.
Plan on making stops at the Arch Rock Picnic Area (which has multiple scenic viewpoints) and Natural Bridge (which features a platform and hiking trail that puts you right on top of the rock span).
The Thomas Creek Bridge – which ranks as the tallest 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!
If you plan on discovering Southern Oregon, we highly recommend extending your 101 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 visit Crescent City is 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.
Get it all 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, make your 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 a California-Oregon Road Trip Itinerary, continue driving south on the 101 from Crescent City to San Francisco.
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 either Eureka and Mendocino.
San Francisco
If you’re going to San Francisco…read our San Francisco Itinerary! We highlight for you the best SF sights to see and of course have suggestions on what to eat and where to stay.
Southern California
If you’re pressing on from San Francisco to Los Angeles, Malibu or San Diego use our detailed California Highway 1 Itinerary.
Pro Tip: If you are planning an Oregon Coast road trip from California, simply flip our itinerary around. After making a stop in Crescent City, continue north into Oregon and right up the Pacific coastline!
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. So, grab our FREE Checklist and let’s get you out on the road!
Weather Appropriate Apparel
Oregon Coast weather will be unpredictable – and the ocean 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!
Binoculars
The amazing viewpoints are one of the best things about the Oregon Coast! To get a better look, we suggest carrying a good pair of binoculars. They are great for spotting whales and other wildlife!
Day Pack
Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase for your Oregon Coast drive itinerary, we highly recommend using a day bag. It will help to organize all of your everyday travel items.
Travel Camera
We believe an actual camera with a zoom lens is necessary to truly capture the scenes during your road trip on the Oregon Coast. All our photos are with a Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens.
This is an excellent set-up and use it for all our travels. Best of all, it comes bundled with an accessory kit – which also makes for a great budget camera for all photographers!
Start planning your US Trip! 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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