Things to Do on the Oregon Coast | 28 Must-See Attractions |

Things to Do on Oregon's North Coast

The Northern Coast of Oregon is the most popular of the three, as it is very close to the city of Portland. Famous for its beaches, rock formations, and small headlands, its northern boundary is marked by the mouth of the Columbia River, where the historic city of Astoria is located.

Astoria

This small town of 10,000 people on the banks of the Columbia River is the oldest in the country west of the Rocky Mountains and boasts over 200 years of history. It also has a rich cinematic history, having served as the filming location for several famous movies, including The Goonies, Kindergarten Cop, and Free Willy.

For the best views, head up to Coxcomb Hill, where the Astoria Column is located. You can also visit one of the city’s four museums, such as the Columbia River Maritime Museum, to learn about its maritime history; the Heritage Museum, located in the old courthouse; the Flavel House Museum, housed in a former mansion; and perhaps the most interesting of all, the Oregon Film Museum, located in the old prison.

Another must-do in the city is taking a stroll along the Columbia River on the Astoria Riverwalk to enjoy the best views of the impressive Astoria-Megler Bridge with the iconic Cannery Pier in the background, or stopping by the Buoy Beer Company for a beer.

Just outside Astoria, we recommend visiting Fort Stevens State Park, where you can take one of the city’s most iconic photos: the wreck of the Peter Iredale. The remains of the hull are still stranded in the sand! Don’t forget to visit Clatsop Spit, the sandbar located right at the mouth of the Columbia River.

And finally, visit Fort Clatsop, located within Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. This historical reconstruction commemorates the first American expedition to the Pacific Ocean (1804–1806), commissioned by then-President Thomas Jefferson.

Ecola State Park

This state park on Oregon's northern coast offers a wide variety of trails through the forest, access to overlooks of the ocean, cliffs, small coves, and an old abandoned lighthouse. It's also an ideal spot for wildlife viewing, observing starfish, anemones, mussels, and more in the pools that form at low tide, surfing, or having a picnic.

It’s also a very cinematic park, as scenes from several movies—including The Goonies, Kindergarten Cop, Free Willy, Twilight, and Point Break*—have been filmed there. This guided tour from Portland to the Oregon coast includes a stop at this location.

Cannon Beach

Its long stretch of golden sand, with the iconic Haystack Rock rising from the water, and its proximity to Portland make Cannon Beach the most popular beach in the state of Oregon. It’s an ideal spot for a stroll, taking in the views, or simply relaxing. You can also wander through the small town of the same name, grab a bite to eat at one of its restaurants, or visit one of its art galleries or shops. On this guided tour from Portland to the Oregon coast, you’ll be taken there and have free time to explore.

Nehalem Bay State Park

This small state park on the Oregon coast is located on a sand spit with dunes at the mouth of the Nehalem River. It’s an ideal spot for enjoying the beach, kayaking, walking, or spotting wildlife, as it’s quite common to see deer grazing in the area.

Cape Meares

This small but fascinating cape is a state-protected area in Oregon. Some of its highlights include the chance to watch gray whales migrate or spot dolphins and porpoises from its overlook; observe the thousands of birds that nest on its cliffs, such as cormorants and peregrine falcons; visit its tiny but powerful lighthouse; and admire the immense Octopus Tree, a massive Sikta spruce with very unusual shapes.

Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge

These nine islets off the coast of Oregon are vital to the conservation of various endangered species of birds and marine mammals that live there, and they form the largest bird colony in the entire state. That is why they are protected and off-limits to visitors; they can only be viewed from the shore, either from the town of Oceanside or from Cape Meares. Some of their regular residents include cormorants, tufted puffins, hawks, pelicans, bald eagles, geese, sea lions, and seals. 🦅

Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda

Both are part of a scenic detour off Highway 101, along with Cape Meares, known as the Three Capes Scenic Route. Cape Lookout is a protected area ideal for hiking, camping, or spending the day at the beach. But to reach the various spots, you’ll have to leave your car and walk; the viewpoint at the tip of the cape is a 4.5 miles (7.2 km) round-trip hike.

Cape Kiwanda, on the other hand, is a small sandstone headland with a large sand dune on its inner side. It’s the perfect place to experience the power of the ocean and watch as it constantly shapes the coastline. Plus, if you climb to the top of the dune, you’ll be treated to wonderful views of this stretch of the Oregon coast.

Things to Do on Oregon's Central Coast

Oregon's central coast is incredibly diverse, featuring rocky formations, idyllic lighthouses, long golden-sand beaches, wildlife, and unusual carnivorous plants. This stretch of coastline between Lincoln City and Florence is well worth a visit on any Oregon Coast Road Trip.

Whale Cove

From the Whale Cove Viewing Platform, you can see this picturesque cove, which is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. It is home to a colony of about 100 seals, bald eagles, cormorants, and many other bird species.

Devil's Punchbowl

This small protected area along the Oregon coast is famous among surfers for its waves, but its main attraction is the rock formations on this small headland. Known as the Devil’s Punchbowl because of its circular shape, it was likely formed when the ceilings of two caves collapsed, and the ocean did the rest. 🏄🏻

In addition to being a great spot for whale watching from the shore, it’s also known for the sight of waves crashing against the rocks on stormy days, especially in winter.

Yakina Head

The Yakina Head Outstanding Natural Area is a protected area and a must-see in any Costal Oregon Road Trip, where you can observe wildlife and flora, explore rock formations, visit a historic lighthouse, or simply take in the views of the ocean and the coastline.

Located in the town of Newport, this natural area is famous for its lighthouse, but there are many other things to do there, such as:

• Spot seals resting on Cove Beach and Quarry Beach at low tide.
• Visit the visitor center to discover and learn about everything the cape has to offer.
• Whale watching during their winter and spring migrations, although resident gray whales can also be seen during the summer.
• Go looking for small animals and seaweed at low tide, such as anemones, barnacles, starfish, sea urchins, nudibranchs, crabs, conch shells, limpets, and mussels. ⚠️ Remember that you must not touch, disturb, or walk on them.
• Observe the many species of birds that nest in the area throughout the different seasons, such as seagulls, cormorants, eagles, hawks, vultures, harriers, pelicans, etc.
• Admire the rock formations created by thousands of years of erosion.

Seal Rock State Recreation Site

Another overlook along Route 101 where you can observe wildlife, flora, and scenery. From the parking lot itself, you’ll enjoy great views of the coast, with a beach on either side of Elephant Rock and the islets that make up the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, where various bird species nest and seals and sea lions can be found. If you’d like, you can also take a walk along the beach or explore the small marine life during low tide.

Alsea Bay

A colony of seals lives on the sandbars in this bay, in the town of Waldport. However, there is no viewing platform here, nor is it possible to stop on the bridge that crosses the bay.

Cape Perpetua Special Interest Area

One of the most famous sites on Oregon's central coast, as it features as many as three points of interest. The best known of these is Thor’s Well, a circular hole in the rock about 20 feet (6 m) deep, where ocean water gushes to the surface and then disappears due to the effects of high tide and the waves. Ideally, you should visit 1 hour before or during high tide. ⚠️ Remember that it’s very dangerous to get too close!

Next to Thor's Well is the Spouting Horn, a cave with an opening at the top through which waves enter, creating a marine geyser effect. And the third is called Devils Churn, a crack in the rock up to 24 meters wide where waves enter and crash against the basalt walls, sending water up to 200 feet (61 m) high. In both cases, the peak activity occurs during high tide or storms.

If you want to visit these three sites, there are several parking lots on either side of the road, a visitor center, informational signs, overlooks, and trails connecting the three points, such as the Captain Cook Trail, the Cape Cove Trail, and the Trail of the Restless Waters.

Ocean Beach

This pristine beach features a long stretch of golden sand where you can stroll, rest, or relax by the sea. It has parking and a picnic area in the central section, making it easy to access. 🏖️

Heceta Head Lighthouse

Undoubtedly one of the most photogenic spots along the entire Oregon Coast Road Trip and a must-see on any trip through the Pacific Northwest, the Heceta Head Lighthouse was built in 1894 and is situated on a cliffside with a golden-sand beach at its base.

From the 207-foot-high (63 m) cliff, you can enjoy excellent views of the ocean, and it’s an ideal spot for whale-watching during their twice-yearly migrations, or for spotting other wildlife such as sea lions and birds. You can visit the first floor of the lighthouse from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from March through October and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. from November through February. The keeper’s house is now a bed-and-breakfast, the Heceta Lighthouse B&B, though it’s not exactly cheap.

If you want the best view of the lighthouse with the ocean and cliffs in the background, there’s a lookout point with parking on the side of the road 0.6 mile (1 km) further south, just before the Sea Lion Caves.

Sea Lion Caves

Very close to Heceta Head are the Sea Lion Caves, one of the largest marine cave systems in the world. You can access the interior through the gift shop via an elevator. Both inside the cave and in the surrounding area, you can see a wide variety of wildlife, including two species of sea lions, cormorants, crested puffins, eagles, and hawks.

In addition, there is a viewing platform on the cliff where you can spot gray whales and, if you're very lucky, orcas, both during their annual migrations. There is an admission fee to access this site; here are the prices in case you're interested:

• $18 Adults
• $17 and older
• Children ages 5 to 12: $12
• Children under 5: free

Darlingtonia State Natural Site

This nature reserve is dedicated exclusively to the protection and conservation of Darlingtonia californica (or cobra lily), a carnivorous plant found only in northern California and southwestern Oregon. But don’t worry—it only eats small insects. 😅

Insects are lured inside the plant through a hole in the leaf by nectar deposited on colorful, petal-like appendages. Once inside, they are unable to escape and eventually fall to the liquid bottom, where they are digested.

This tiny park has a parking lot and wooden walkways that allow visitors to get a closer look at these curious plants.

Things to Do on Oregon's Southern Coast

Oregon's southern coast is the wildest of the three, with its small coves, cliffs, dunes, and fishing villages. This stretch of coastline, between the town of Florence at the mouth of the Siuslaw River and the California state line, isn't as heavily visited but is well worth the trip.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

This nature reserve, located between the towns of North Bend and Florence, encompasses the largest dune field in North America, with some dunes reaching heights of up to 492 feet (150 m). Its sandy landscape, interspersed with forests, lakes, and the ocean in the background, creates a stunning setting on the southern coast of Oregon.

Some of the places we recommend visiting include Hall Lake, where you can explore a lake surrounded by forests and sand dunes; Saunders Lake, a quick stop to see a pond filled with water lilies and geese and lined with trees and small cottages; the Oregon Dunes Overlook, for excellent views of the area or a hike through the dunes to the beach along the Oregon Dunes Loop Trail; the Taylor Dune Trailhead, another trail leading to the beach through the dunes; and Siltcoos Beach, where you can park and relax by the water’s edge.

For more information about the area, visit the Reedsport Visitor Center, where you’ll find exhibits, maps, brochures, and books about the area, as well as a gift shop.

Cape Aragon

Cape Arago is a small cape and state park located at the end of a road in the town of Charleston. It is part of a series of state parks that protect this stretch of the Oregon coast, including Shore Acres, Sunset Bay, and Yokam Point.

There are mainly two trails: the North Cove Trail, which leads to a viewpoint overlooking the ocean, and the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, where you can see seals, sea lions, and, if you’re very lucky, even migrating whales. On the South Cove Trail, you can reach a sandy cove where you can observe animals such as starfish, mussels, barnacles, etc., as well as seaweed that is exposed at low tide—please do not touch them.

On your way to or from Cape Arago, you can also take the opportunity to stop at one of the area’s beaches, such as Sunset Beach, Lighthouse Beach, or Bastendorff Beach. Between Sunset Beach and Lighthouse Beach, there’s a path leading to a small headland where you can get a close-up view of the Cape Arago Lighthouse, a very photogenic lighthouse built in 1934 and situated on a small islet.

Point Shell

This spot at the mouth of the Coquille River, in the town of Bandon, is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and is an ideal place for wildlife viewing, including seals, sea lions, and 13 different species of birds—some resident and others migratory. Bird species that can be seen here include tufted puffins, cormorants, pelicans, and others.

The views of the cliffs and Bandon Beach are absolutely stunning, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. Don't forget to snap a photo with the statue of Cosmo the Tufted Puffin, made from recycled plastic!

Sisters Rock State Park

This tiny headland, formed by two large rocks connected to the shore by a narrow strip of land, is the perfect spot for a quick stop to take in the views right from the road. Plus, directly across from them stands a third rock that juts out into the sea, forming a small islet.

Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor

Another cape on this list of places to see on an Oregon Coast Road Trip . It was named by the Spanish explorer Sebastián Vizcaino in 1603 in honor of Saint Sebastian. The parking lot, located about 656 feet (200 m) above sea level, offers stunning views of the coastline, both to the south and to the north.

Ariya's Beach and Meyers Creek Beach

Ariya's Beach and Meyers Creek Beach are two very picturesque beaches located along Highway 101, each with its own parking lot. These two coves are situated side by side and surrounded by large boulders between the sand and the sea, making them truly idyllic.

Arch Rock

This arch-shaped rock formation off the coast is one of the most photographed landmarks on Oregon's southern coast. There is a parking lot with a lookout point where you can view and photograph it at your leisure from the top of the cliffs; it is part of the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.

Natural Bridge

Another famous arch along Oregon's southern coast is Natural Bridge. Although less photogenic than the previous one, this rock formation with two arches is still connected to the mainland and also has its own parking lot and overlook next to Highway 101. It is also part of the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.

Whaleshead Beach

This beautiful golden-sand beach offers parking, a picnic area, and easy access. In addition, the overlook provides stunning views of the beach and the surrounding rock formations that give it its name. It is also part of the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.

House Rock Viewpoint and Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint

Small sandy coves dotted with large boulders, forests that stretch right up to the cliffs, and an abundance of flowers in the spring make Cape Ferrelo one of the best viewpoints along the entire Oregon coast. Plus, in the spring and winter, it’s a great spot for whale-watching. Add to all this the trails that connect to House Rock Viewpoint, where you can enjoy another panoramic view, and this place becomes truly wonderful.

Brookings

This small fishing village is considered the southernmost point of the Oregon coast. With its charming harbor at the mouth of the Chetco River, it’s the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy a drink. If that sounds like your kind of thing, we recommend the Hungry Clam restaurant, where you can try their famous fish and chips, and Slugs 'n' Stones, a candy and ice cream shop where you can treat yourself while you stretch your legs.

Although it may seem hard to believe, on March 1, 2011, the port of Brookings was devastated by the Fukushima tsunami, which originated on the other side of the Pacific Ocean. A 8-feet-high (2.4 m) wave struck the port, and many boats were damaged, sank, or were swept out to sea, as several of the docks were torn away and the pilings holding them in place broke. The damage was estimated at $30 million!

Oregon Coast Road Trip

3-Day Coastal Oregon Road Trip

On a 3-day road trip along the Oregon coast, we’d spend a day in each area; although time is a bit tight, it’s enough to discover many of its charms. Starting from Portland or Washington, we’d begin the trip in the north; if you’re coming from California, you should reverse the order of the stops.

Day 1: From Astoria to Lincoln City

• Astoria: head up to the Astoria Column for the best views. Afterward, take a short stroll along the Astoria Riverwalk to the Astoria-Megler Bridge, with the iconic Cannery Pier in the background.
• Ecola State Park:. take a walk to the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse Viewpoint to enjoy the ocean views from the historic lighthouse.
• Cannon Beach: take a short stroll along the beach to marvel at Haystack Rock.
• Three Capes Scenic Route: stop at Cape Meares to take in the views from its lookouts and marvel at the Octopus Tree; then continue on to Cape Lookout, making a few brief stops at Natarts Bay and Anderson’s Viewpoint; and finally, visit Cape Kiwanda and climb its large dune.
• 🏨 Stay in Lincoln City—for example, at the Captain Cook Inn.

Day 2: From Lincoln City to Florence

• Devil's Punchbowl: take a quick look at this rock formation.
• Yakina Head: make the most of this spot to spot wildlife, enjoy the views, and learn at the visitor center.
• Cape Perpetua: marvel at the power of the ocean at Devils Churn, Spouting Horn, and Thor's Well.
• Ocean Beach: take a stroll along the beach or snap some photos from the lookout point.
• Heceta Head Lighthouse: enjoy one of the most beautiful and rugged spots along the entire coast.
• Darlingtonia State Natural Site: discover these strange carnivorous plants.
• 🏨 Stay in Florence, for example at the Park Motel and Cabins.

Day 3: From Florence to Brookings

• Oregon Dunes: visit Hall Lake and the Oregon Dunes Overlook; if you like, you can walk down to the beach.
• Coquille Point: stop here to see the wildlife, enjoy the views, and take a short walk along the beach.
• Sisters Rock State Park: take a moment to stop, snap some photos, and enjoy the scenery.
• Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint: stop at one of the best viewpoints along the Oregon coast and enjoy the panoramic view.
• Brookings: take a stroll along the harbor and grab an ice cream at Slugs 'n' Stones.
• 🏨 Stay in Crescent City, —for example, at the Curly Redwood Lodge.

4-Day Coastal Oregon Road Trip

If you have an extra day to spend on the 4-day Oregon Coast Road Trip, we recommend spending it in the northern part of the state, exploring the area around Astoria—such as Fort Stevens State Park and Lewis and Clark National Historical Park —and spending more time in Cannon Beach, where you can browse the shops and art galleries.

Day 1: From Astoria to Cannon Beach

• Astoria Column and Astoria Riverwalk.
• Lewis and Clark National Historical Park: discover this historic site in the United States.
• Fort Stevens State Park: head to Fort Stevens to see the wreck of the Peter Iredale; the remains of the hull are still stranded in the sand. And visit Clatsop Spit, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean.
• 🏨 We recommend staying in Cannon Beach—for example, at the Ecola Creek Lodge.

Day 2: From Cannon Beach to Lincoln City

• Ecola State Park.
• Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock.
• Three Capes Scenic Route (Cape Meares, Natarts Bay, Andersons Viewpoint and Cape Kiwanda).
• 🏨 We recommend staying in Lincoln City—for example, at the Captain Cook Inn.

Days 3 and 4: From Lincoln to Brookings

• Same route as days 2 and 3 of the 3-day itinerary.

7-Day Coastal Oregon Road Trip

If you have three extra days to take a 7-day Oregon Coast Road Trip, we recommend spending three days in the northern coast, two in the central coast, and another two in the southern coast.

Days 1 and 2: From Astoria to Cannon Beach

Same as the 4-day itinerary, but on the second day, spend more time in Cannon Beach and Ecola State Park. 🏨 Stay in Cannon Beach for both nights—for example, at the Ecola Creek Lodge.

Days 3 and 4: From Cannon Beach to Florence

On the third day, you can spend the day exploring the Three Capes Scenic Route in depth, including a hike at Cape Lookout. 🏨Spend the night in Lincoln City, for example at the Captain Cook Inn.

On the fourth day, focus on Devil's Punchbowl, Yakina Head, and Cape Perpetua, and finish up by enjoying Ocean Beach. 🏨 Stay two nights in Florence, at the Park Motel and Cabins.

Day 5: Florence

Head to the Heceta Head Lighthouse and take the opportunity to go down to the beach and visit the fascinating Sea Lion Caves and Darlingtonia State Natural Site.

Day 6: From Florence to Bandon

Visit various spots in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area or go for a hike there, and in the afternoon head to Cape Arago. 🏨 We recommend staying at the La Kris Inn in Bandon.

Day 7: From Bandon to Brookings

Drive through Coquille Point and Sisters Rock State Park, make a quick stop at Arch Rock Viewpoint or Natural Bridge Viewpoint, take a stroll through Cape Ferrelo, and finish up in Brookings. 🏨 We recommend staying in Crescent City— , for example, at the Curly Redwood Lodge.

Best time to visit the Oregon Coast

Although the weather is milder during the summer months, there’s no single right answer to this question, since every season has something unique and special to offer along the Oregon Coast. Here’s a brief overview of each season to help guide you.

Spring 🌼

During March, April, and May, storms are less frequent than during the winter months; there are more sunny days and, consequently, significantly less rain. Average temperatures range from a low of 41ºF (5°C) to a high of 57ºF (14°C).

From late March through June is a great time to spot gray whales migrating to Alaska with their calves. In addition, many species of birds also pass along the coast during their migration, and the flowers begin to bloom.

Summer ☀️

June, July, and August are the driest and hottest months of the year, making them ideal for enjoying the beach and going hiking. Average temperatures range from a low of 52ºF (11°C) to a high of 19°C (66ºF). By June, the gray whale migration has come to an end, but resident whales take the opportunity to come closer to the coast to feed.

Fall 🌥️

During September, October, and November, rainfall increases and storms return; it rains a bit more than in the spring. Average temperatures range from a low of 46ºF (8°C) to a high of 63ºF (17°C). Although some resident whales remain until late November, this isn’t the best time to see them.

Winter 🐳

December, January, and February are by far the rainiest months of the year and account for most of the storms. Average temperatures range from a low of 36ºF (2°C) to a high of 52ºF (11°C).

Between mid-December and mid-January, some 20,000 gray whales migrate from Alaska to Baja California, some of them pregnant. If the weather cooperates, this is the best time to spot them, as you can see up to 30 in an hour. These same storms create spectacular waves at sites like Thor's Well and Devil's Punchbowl.

Tips for exploring the Oregon coast

The Oregon coast is a very rainy part of the United States, especially during the fall and winter months, so we recommend packing waterproof clothing and an umbrella. In addition, temperatures don’t get very high at any time of year, and the nights are cold, so we suggest bringing something warm to wear.

Fog can appear at any time of year, which lowers the temperature and reduces visibility while driving. If you decide to explore the beaches and rocky areas, be sure to check the tide schedule, as the water level can rise quickly. Check a tide table!

Highway 101, which runs north to south along the entire coast, is a beautiful, well-maintained road—perfect for exploring the Oregon Coast. But keep in mind that it’s mostly two-lane with sections featuring many sharp curves, steep ascents, and descents. Drive safely! 🚗

Where to Stay on the Oregon Coast

If you're looking for hotels on the Coast of Oregon, whether you're traveling along the state's coastline or exploring other areas, you'll want to stay in Cannon Beach, Lincoln City, Newport, Florence, Bandon, Gold Beach, or Crescent City. That's why we've selected 7 accommodations that offer great value for the money—we hope you like them!

Oregon Coast Map

This Oregon Coast Map shows all the places we've mentioned in this post, along with our accommodation recommendations. We hope you find it helpful!

And that wraps up our recommendations on Things to Do on the Oregon Coast—we hope you enjoy them!

King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. aselfcallednowhere, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Oregon State Archives, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons