So you’re planning an Oregon Coast road trip and need to decide on the best route? I packed this route into an Oregon Coast 3 day itinerary. You could definitely make it 5 days if you have more time! Use this Oregon itinerary to plan what to see on the Oregon Coast.

The USA has some of the best road trips in the world. Oregon holds a special place in my heart. I never planned to visit Oregon—it wasn’t really on my radar. I met my partner in Japan in 2017. He lives in Portland. I’ve visited the state three times over the past year. I explored different parts of the coast on each trip.

The Oregon Coast is stunningly wild and rugged, featuring unique and breathtaking landmarks and views along its entire stretch. This area is home to the iconic Highway 101. The highway is also known as the Pacific Highway. It is the ideal starting point for a memorable Highway 101 road trip.

There are countless beautiful ways to experience and explore the Pacific Northwest. Here is my Oregon Coast road trip itinerary, traveling from north to south. I completed this trip in 3 days. I started from Portland. These stops would be perfect additions to a longer Pacific Northwest road trip. Consider them if you’re visiting the area or coming down from Washington.

I’ll also share my absolute favorite spot in Oregon—a must-visit destination if you find yourself on the Southern Oregon Coast. This itinerary takes you from Astoria, Oregon, all the way down to the California Redwoods.

Additionally, you might enjoy my guide to 5 of the best day trips from Portland, Oregon.

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

How long does it take to drive the Oregon Coast?

If you were to drive from Astoria to Brookings, OR then the total Oregon Coast distance would take just 7.5 hours and covers 338 miles.

This length is great and doable. It can easily be turned into a 3 day Oregon Coast road trip with a couple of stops.

Portland to Oregon Coast is approximately 1.5 hours if you’re coming from the city.

For more tips, check out A First Timer’s Guide and New York trip itinerary.

If you were to drive from Astoria to Brookings, OR then the total Oregon Coast distance would take just 7.5 hours and covers 338 miles.

This is a great length. It is doable. You can easily turn it into a 3 day Oregon Coast road trip with a couple of stops.

Portland to Oregon Coast is approximately 1.5 hours if you’re coming from the city.

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What’s the best time of year to visit the Oregon Coast

Summer is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit, but it’s also the busiest. I’ve driven parts of the Oregon Coast in November and March. The weather was unpredictable. However, the dramatic views enhanced the atmosphere and showcased the stunning scenery.

If you’re planning to explore the Oregon Coast in winter, check the opening hours of state parks and attractions. Details are provided below. The hours can change depending on the weather.

Useful information for an Oregon Coast road trip

• Oregon State Parks website is your go-to source for rates and fees. It provides permit details, hiking, and camping information. Plus, you will find travel, weather, and safety alerts.
• Oregon Coast website provides comprehensive guides for every city. Discover attractions and stories for your scenic drive along the Oregon Coast.
• Travel Oregon website – find local events, useful resources, and maps to enhance your visit.
• Tide Tables – essential for staying safe by knowing accurate tide schedules when near the water or on the beaches.
• Water Safety – here are important tips for beach and coastal water safety. This includes advice on rip currents, tsunamis, and sneaker waves. It also covers floating logs and cliff hazards.
• Is Portland Safe? – get informed to stay safe and plan your trip to Oregon’s largest city with confidence.

Where to stay on your Oregon Coast 3 day itinerary

Your trip duration will influence your choices. Your travel pace matters too. There are a few options for places to stay along the Oregon Coast.

Cannon Beach is a great option in the north. If you stop in Cannon Beach, check out this stunning beachfront property. Another option is this cozy lodge just minutes from the centre of Cannon Beach.

Lincoln City – The perfect destination for a beach getaway with a variety of accommodations to choose from! Consider this hotel featuring a balcony and fire pit overlooking the beach, ideal for watching stunning sunsets. Stay at this charming motel. It has a rustic northwestern wood interior. Enjoy ultimate relaxation with a hot tub on the deck. For great value, check out this cozy motel located just steps from the beach.

Coos Bay – There are loads of cute cabins and rentals here. You can find options like this cabin on the riverfront or this one.

If you’re on a budget, this hotel in nearby North Bend is a great choice too.

Brookings is the southernmost coastal town on the Oregon Coast. This makes it an ideal stop. It’s great whether you’re heading back or continuing into California. It’s also a budget-friendly option! Explore this beautiful, light-filled home with stunning ocean views, or consider this affordable bed and breakfast in Smith River.

Or check out this amazing cabin with a hot tub for a romantic getaway.

For more tips, check out A First Timer’s Guide and New York trip itinerary.

Starting From the North on your 3 day Oregon Coast road trip

This guide will highlight the best Oregon Coast stops. These stops are ideal for when you’re short on time. They will help you maximise your Oregon Coast itinerary.

Astoria, Oregon

In my opinion, one of the more underrated stops along Oregon Coast highway!

Start your Oregon Coast drive at the most northerly point in Oregon. It is perhaps not quite on the coast but in the mouth of the Colombia River Gorge.

Astoria is a beautiful coastal town and is a great starting point if you’re crossing over the River from Washington. Even the 101 Highway across the Meglar Bridge is a must-do drive, and a must-see for photographers. I visited Astoria on a very atmospheric January day. The mist was low and obscured the houses on the hill. The huge hillside with residential homes are so pretty to explore and feel like you’re driving in San Francisco!

The Astoria Column

Head to the summit of the hill. Visit the Astoria Column, which offers stunning views of the city, river, and coastline. Climb the 126-foot column adorned with murals depicting Oregon’s history. Parking requires a fee, but access to the column is free.

Buoy Beer Company

Whether you drink or not, this riverside brewery has some great food as well as craft beers. The bonus is the glass floors. You can see and hear the sea lions resting on the pier beneath you!

Of course good refreshment is essential for driving Oregon Coast and Oregon itself is famous for its craft brewery scene!

Or check out some of the great Astoria restaurant options to refuel before your next stop!

Ecola State Park

One of the best stops on the Oregon Coast is also one of the most famous. You can bet this is one of the best places to visit on Oregon Coast road trips!

Ecola State Park was the first destination I explored on the Oregon Coast during a day trip from Portland, Oregon. The drive to the coastal viewpoint is breathtaking, winding through lush green forests with mist softly hanging in the air. There is a $5 entry fee to access Ecola State Park. The park offers stunning coastal vistas and seven miles of hiking trails. It’s absolutely worth it. Here are some of my favorite views from the viewpoint.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is home to the iconic Haystack Rock. Its charming town lies just a short distance south of Ecola State Park. This makes it easy to visit both in one trip. Cannon Beach is known as one of Oregon’s most beautiful beaches. It is stunning in any weather. The beach is especially beloved by families and dog walkers. Don’t forget to capture photos of the distinctive and striking rock formations. The town of Cannon Beach is equally delightful. It features independent boutiques and cozy holiday homes. There are also a variety of local shops and galleries waiting to be explored.

Hug Point State Recreation Area

Just a little further down the coast from Cannon Beach is another stunning spot. This location is a favorite for beach weddings in the summer. It features a sheltered sandy cove and small caves to explore. There are also waterfalls that cascade directly onto the shore. A rocky path offers elevated views of the beach. The car park is conveniently situated right above the beach, so there’s no long hike required to reach the sand. Parking at Hug Point is free, and the spot is clearly marked on Google Maps.

Drive the 101 Oregon Coast highway road trip route

I mentioned I wouldn’t recommend a specific route. However, even driving just a short stretch of Highway 101 offers countless breathtaking views along the Oregon Coast. There are plenty of spots to pull over, step out, and fully take in the scenery. The coastline is so dramatic. It looks stunning in both the wildest storms and the clearest sunshine. Oregon Coast weather is famously unpredictable!

Newport, Oregon

From Cannon Beach to Newport OR, it’s around 2.5 hours drive. The scenic stops on the way are incredible. Make sure you allow time for that!

Famous for the Oregon Coast Aquarium, marina and bridge, Newport marks the centre of the Oregon coastline. It makes a great stop halfway on your Oregon road trip. There are plenty of options for activities and accommodation if you’re looking to stay somewhere overnight.

Thor’s Well

Plan your visit to coincide with high tide, when this natural rock well becomes a photographer’s paradise. As the waves surge over the rocks, it looks as if water is flowing directly into the earth. Using a slow shutter speed will create a silky smooth effect on the water. I arrived when the tide wasn’t quite at its peak. The massive crashing waves and vibrant rock pools still made for an exciting experience. Exploring the Oregon Coast reveals countless dramatic rock formations, and we found ourselves frequently stopping to capture their beauty.

Oregon Sand Dunes

Did you know Oregon is home to vast sand dunes? Neither did I! These impressive dunes stretch from Florence all the way to Winchester Bay.

There are multiple access points to explore the dunes. The Sand Dunes Day Use Area is very convenient. It offers parking and provides easy walking access to some of the larger dunes. Parking here costs $5, or it’s free if you display a Northwest Forest Pass.

For those wanting to stay overnight or enjoy dune activities, there are camping spots. There are plenty of opportunities for ATV riding—one of the most exciting things to do on the Oregon Coast. You can also try sandboarding. These activities are available along Highway 101 from Dunes City to the southern end of the dunes. If hiking is your preference, the John Dellenback Dunes Trailhead offers a family-friendly trail. Just be sure to bring water, as hiking uphill on sand can be quite tiring!

This is truly one of the must-visit destinations on the Oregon Coast.

For more tips, check out A First Timer’s Guide and New York trip itinerary.

Coos Bay

We arrived in Coos Bay at dusk. We were captivated by the charming coastal fishing houses. The vibrant industrial atmosphere of this working port city added to our fascination. As the largest city on the Oregon Coast, Coos Bay offers a wide range of accommodations and activities. We enjoyed dinner at 7 Devil’s Brewing Company. The friendly staff, live music, and delicious poutine made for a memorable evening. Each July, Coos Bay hosts the Oregon Coast Music Festival, a lively two-week celebration of music and culture.

Gold Beach

There isn’t much to see or do directly in the town of Gold Beach. However, I recommend it as an ideal overnight stop if you plan to visit Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor at sunrise—it’s just a 20-minute drive south of Gold Beach. It’s also a convenient spot if you’re continuing your journey into California.

Gold Beach offers a variety of accommodation options, all very reasonably priced. We stayed at the Pacific Reef Hotel for $60 a night. We enjoyed a spacious double room. It included an ensuite bathroom and a kitchen area.

Samuel H Boardman Scenic State Corridor

This stunning stretch of coastline is one of my favorite places in Oregon. It is arguably one of the most breathtaking sights on the Oregon Coast. I had admired photos of this natural wonder for years. I particularly loved the iconic image of sunlight streaming through a natural stone archway. Finally, I got to experience it in person. The natural arches and unique rock formations create a mesmerizing landscape. There are numerous vantage points to explore. This destination is a must-see when planning your Oregon Coast itinerary.

The most popular spot is the Natural Bridges Viewpoint, featuring a scenic path and wooden platform that offers spectacular views. Keep in mind that Oregon Coast weather in January can be unpredictable. When I visited, the stormy conditions made the cliffs slippery and dangerous. I strongly recommend avoiding the rocky edges in high winds and rain.

If you want to find the famous viewpoint within the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, my guide will help you navigate there easily.

Other highlights include Secret Beach and Thunder Cove viewpoints. From Thunder Cove, you can enjoy a pleasant 1.5-mile roundtrip hike through the forest, leading to cliffside views before returning to the parking area.

Parking is limited, accommodating about 6-8 vehicles, so arriving early during peak season is wise. There is no fee to park. Below are some of my favorite photos from the visit—truly some of the most stunning sights along the Oregon Coast.

For more tips, check out A First Timer’s Guide and New York trip itinerary.

Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park

Technically, Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park is in California. However, if you find yourself in Samuel H. Boardman or Brookings, you might be continuing your Southern Oregon Coast road trip. Or, like us, you might realize you’re so close to the California border. A quick detour is well worth it!

Here’s a great idea for extending your Oregon Coast road trip!

Jedediah Smith is the northernmost of the Redwood State Parks. The Visitor Center staff were incredibly helpful. They showed us a hidden route—not found on Google Maps—along an unpaved road. It passes through some of the largest redwoods in the area. We explored this route before heading back north.

To explore this scenic drive, start at Howland Hill Road. It is marked on Google Maps. Follow signs to the Stout Grove Trailhead. This trailhead is just left of the Jedediah Smith Visitor Center. Stay on Howland Hill Road as it gradually turns into an unpaved track. This route is best suited for 4×4 or larger vehicles. Along the 10-mile stretch, there are numerous spots to stop and admire the towering trees. We only encountered two other cars. This made it a peaceful and unforgettable experience. It is especially memorable if you’re coming from Oregon or have never seen redwoods before!

The track leads you to Crescent City. We stopped at SeaQuake Brewing for fantastic food and craft beers. My favorite was their sour ale.

Summary: The best Oregon Coast road trip itinerary

I hope this Oregon Coast travel itinerary has inspired you. It offers ideas for the best stops and attractions along the Oregon Coast.

A combined itinerary of Portland and the Oregon Coast is an excellent way to explore the Pacific Northwest. This is especially true if you’re limited on time.

There you have it—my must-see Oregon Coast road trip highlights, with a touch of California too! Have you driven the Oregon Coast before? What’s your favorite spot in the state? Share your thoughts in the comments if you use this Oregon Coast trip planner!

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