If you’re looking for a road trip that combines stunning coastal landscapes, charming small towns, and a taste of the great outdoors, look no further than the beautiful state of Oregon. Located in the Pacific Northwest, Oregon offers an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. One of the best ways to experience this splendor is by embarking on a road trip up the coast.
In this post, I’ll take you on a journey through Oregon’s stunning coastal region, from the rugged cliffs of Brookings to the iconic Cannon Beach. I’ve outlined options for a 5 day roadtrip below, but it is easy to add or remove any of the stops to customize your own trip!
Starting Point: Brookings
Begin your Oregon coastal road trip in the southernmost town of Brookings. Nestled against the California border, this charming seaside town is known for its picturesque beaches, lush forests, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Start your day at Harris Beach State Park, where you can explore sea stacks and tide pools. Don’t forget to take a hike along the nearby trails for some breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline.
Day 1
Quick Stops
Start your first day on the road trip by heading north on Highway 101 to House Rock Viewpoint. It’s only about 6 miles north of Brookings. You can park in the lot and take a short walk to the viewpoint. It can be quite windy up there but the views are every bit worth it!
Next drive another 6 miles north to the Natural Bridges. This is another park and short walk with a really cool view.
Secret Beach Trail
1.8 miles | 416 ft. of elevation gain | Moderate | Hike info
Get back in your car for 0.1 miles (or just walk!) to the Secret Beach Trailhead. This is a great, pretty, short hike if you are up for a little walking. There are basically three viewpoints with three arms of the trail. You can go to any and as far as you’d like, but I highly recommend going to all three. And the secret beach is amazing! If you catch it at the right time, you may have the beach to yourself.
If you want another quick stop, drive 1 mile north to Arch Rock. You can park and take a quick walk to the viewpoint.
Gold Beach and Port Orford
16 miles north of Arch Rock lies Gold Beach, a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Consider taking a jet boat tour on the Rogue River. This is also a great time to stop for some lunch!
Drive another 29 miles up north to the Port Orford Heads State Park, a beautiful area on the coast with a little cove. There are some great short hiking options here, like the 1.2 mile Port Orford Heads Trail.
Bandon
Drive 28 miles north to the small town of Bandon. It’s known for its dramatic sea stacks, stunning beaches, and a charming Old Town filled with shops and restaurants. This is a great place to stop for the night! There are plenty of hotel/motel options, especially along the coast and lots of cute restaurant options for dinner. Maybe head to the beach or the Coquille River Lighthouse to catch the sunset.
Day 2
Charleston and North Bend
In the morning, grab some coffee in town, maybe take a stroll along the beach, and get ready to get back to the road trip! Drive 22 miles to the town of Charleston. Visit the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, where you can paddle through serene waterways and observe wildlife. Don’t miss the Charleston Marine Life Center, which provides an interactive learning experience about marine creatures.
Then drive 9 miles to North Bend. This is a great place to stop for some lunch with plenty of restaurant options.
Explore the Dunes
If you are interested in exploring the Oregon Dunes, what better way to do that then an ATV or dune buggie? There are a few different places where you can enter the dunes and rent vehicles to explore the massive sand dunes for an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Try this one that’s on the way from North Bend to your next stop.
As you continue north, the town of Florence is a must-visit destination. The charming Old Town area is a great place to stop for the night and enjoy fresh seafood.
Day 3
Sea Lions and Heceta Head Lighthouse
In the morning, grab some breakfast in town and head back out on the road 11 miles to the Sea Lion Caves. This is the largest sea cave in America and is home to hundreds of sea lions. It’s a privately owned attraction and charges a small entrance fee. But once inside you can walk out to the south lookout where you can see sea lions taking in the sun on rocks way below the cliff. You can also take the elevator down 215 feet into the cave to see where they sleep at night. The cave is truly a sight to see!
Next visit the famous Heceta Head Lighthouse. The lighthouse is not only a historical gem but also boasts one of the most spectacular views of the Oregon coast. It’s a short walk to get to the lighthouse, and then you can opt to do an additional small hike up a trail behind the lighthouse to get an even better look at the coastline.
Thor’s Well, Newport and the Oregon Coast Aquarium
Next up, drive 11 miles north for a quick view stop at Thor’s Well and the Spouting Horn. There’s a parking lot off the road and then you can walk the quick 0.6 mile paved trail down to see the beautiful ocean geyser.
After that, head north about 27 miles to the town of Newport, a vibrant coastal city with a bustling harbor and a historic bayfront. This is a great place to stop for the night. Grab some dinner and spend some time exploring the Oregon Coast Aquarium. See the marine life exhibits, including the Passages of the Deep, where you can walk through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks and other ocean creatures.
Day 4
Devil’s Punchbowl, Lincoln City and Depoe Bay
In the morning, grab some breakfast and coffee and continue north about 8 miles to Devil’s Punchbowl State Park. Here you can see the Devil’s Punchbowl Arch, a really cool rock formation on the coast where the water comes in during high tide and swirls around.
Head another 6 miles north to Depoe Bay. This town is famous for its Whale Watching Center, where you can spot majestic gray whales year-round using binoculars.
Next up, you’ll come across Lincoln City. If treasure hunting is your thing, this place is a haven. You can spend hours scouring the beaches for colorful agates and other coastal gems. If it’s not your thing, head to Cascade Head and do some hiking! There are 4 hiking trails in the preserve that offer great views.
Tillamook
Head 44 miles north to the town of Tillamook, home to the famous Tillamook Creamery, where the delicious cheese and ice cream is made. The town of Tillamook is cute and a great place to spend the night. Grab some dinner in town and walk around a bit. There are a couple breweries in town worth checking out.
Day 5
In the morning, sleep in a little bit and head to the Tillamook Creamery (it opens at 10 am). You can choose your own adventure here! Admission is free and you can do a self-guided tour to see the factory from above. Or you can book one of their premium experiences, which include a tour and tasting, an exclusive ice cream experience or they may be offering a special experience depending on the time of year. No matter what you do, be sure to taste some cheese and check out their food options in the dining area!
Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock
After some daily-filled time in Tillamook, continue along the Oregon coast to the town of Cannon Beach. This will be your last stop of the journey! Here, you’ll find one of the state’s most recognizable landmarks, Haystack Rock. The beach’s dramatic scenery and charming downtown area make it a perfect place to relax and reflect on your coastal adventure.
If you’d like a more adventurous end, you can spend some time exploring Ecola State Park. There are some great hiking trails that take you along the coast, and even give you a view of the Tillamook Lighthouse off the coast. Try the Clatsop Loop Trail from Indian Beach, a moderate 3 mile trail along the coast.
Conclusion
A road trip up the coast of Oregon is an unforgettable experience, offering a diverse range of natural beauty and outdoor activities. From the rugged cliffs of Brookings to the iconic Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, the Oregon coast is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes and charming towns. So, load up your car, hit the road, and embark on a coastal adventure that will leave you with lifelong memories of the Pacific Northwest’s pristine beauty. Oregon’s coast is calling—will you answer?