10 Can’t-Miss Stops on the Oregon Coast

A drive along the coast of Oregon is one of the most scenic road trips in the country! From picturesque seaside towns and jaw-dropping ocean views to coastal forests and sand dunes, there are so many incredible sights across this Pacific Northwest drive. So many, in fact, it can be tough to narrow down which ones are a can’t-miss on your trip. I’ve gathered the best stops on the Oregon Coast that capture the diverse scenery of this incredible part of the state.

These are the ten stops on the Oregon Coast that you absolutely can’t miss during your road trip!

NORTH COAST

Astoria

Located on the northwesternmost tip of the state, Astoria is the perfect jumping-off point for any Oregon Coast road trip. There’s so much to do in this small city. Don’t miss the riverwalk with gorgeous views of the waterfront and Astoria-Megler Bridge. From there, be sure to stop in at one (or several) of the restaurants and microbreweries downtown. If you’re spending a bit more time here, there are also a number of hiking trails and parks (like the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park) that are worth checking out.

Astoria is also one of my favorite day trips from Portland! You can easily fill an entire day or weekend exploring this cool town.

Ecola Point overlook in Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach, Oregon - one of the best stops along the Oregon Coast

Cannon Beach | Ecola State Park

When you think of the Oregon Coast, the iconic Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach is probably the first thing that pops into your mind. For one of the best views of the beach, make a stop at Ecola Point in Ecola State Park before you get into town. Here, you’ll find an incredible overlook of the beach and the jagged Oregon coastline. This view is one of the highlights of the entire coast! If you have time, check out the trail that starts here or head to nearby Indian Beach in the park as well.

After leaving the park, head to the town of Cannon Beach itself. Walk around the picturesque Hemlock Street and then head down to the sandy beach to see for yourself just how giant Haystack Rock really is. Time your visit for low tide to get up close to Haystack Rock where you can search for sea life in the tide pools! If you visit between April and early July, you might also catch a glimpse of the puffins that hang out here.

Three Capes Scenic Loop

Take the slight detour off Highway 101 to drive the Three Capes Scenic Loop. This coastal drive will bring you past Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda. Stop for a beer or some grub at Pelican Brewing where you can sit with your feet in the sand, looking out at Cape Kiwanda!

Neskowin Ghost Forest

There really is something a bit eerie about this underwater forest. The remains of these decaying stumps you see on the beach today were hidden under the sand for centuries. It wasn’t until 1997 that powerful storms eroded the sand enough to expose the ancient forest. Alongside this phantom forest is Proposal Rock – an impressive, towering sea stack.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: You’ll need to get your feet wet to reach this one! There’s a shallow creek that runs along the beach and into the ocean, and you’ll need to cross it to reach the Ghost Forest. Also, be sure to enter “Neskowin Beach Recreation Site” into your GPS rather than just “Neskowin Beach”, otherwise you’ll end up on a random residential street rather than the parking lot. It’s about a five-minute walk to the Ghost Forest from the parking lot.

CENTRAL COAST

Rocky Creek Scenic Viewpoint

I don’t think I’ve ever hit the breaks as hard as when we passed this little number along the Pacific Coast Highway. This stunning viewpoint is also a great spot for watching gray whales during their migration from December through early May. Keep an eye out for seals or sea lions on the rocks below as well!

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Yaquina Head is Oregon’s tallest lighthouse, and the area surrounding it is breathtaking. The wildlife viewing here is excellent as well! Whales can often be spotted during their migration, and don’t forget to peek over the edge at the black rocks below. Seals love to hang out here!

The view from the Yaquina Head Lighthouse along the Oregon Coast.

HEADS UP: Be prepared for the possibility of some mighty winds when you get here. When I visited, getting the car door open was an Olympic feat that required a team effort.

Newport Sea Lion Docks

This might be one of the most entertaining stops along the Oregon Coast! This spot didn’t come up in any of my research prior to our road trip, but we ended up here after some locals recommended it. I’m so glad because it ended up being one of my favorite stops on the trip and is definitely a can’t-miss! Tons of sea lions can be found here playing, basking in the sun, or arguing over spots on the platforms. They’re so fun to watch! If you’re hungry, get a table outside at Clearwater Restaurant where you can watch the sea lions while you dine.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Leave it to the Pacific Northwest to mix towering evergreen forests with crashing waves on a rugged shoreline. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is part of the Siuslaw National Forest, so what you’ll find here are exquisite ocean views surrounded by coastal forests. Popular stops are Cape Perpetua Overlook, Devil’s Churn, and Thor’s Well (note that this last one is located at the pull-off for Cook’s Chasm – signs for Thor’s Well aren’t clearly marked on the highway).

SOUTH COAST

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

The Oregon Dunes are one of the largest expanses of temperate coastal dunes in the world! They stretch approximately 40 miles from Florence to North Bend, so there will be plenty of places for you to stop and take in the incredible landscape here. A great spot with beach access is the South Jetty day-use area near Florence.

Natural Bridges

This is one of the most photographed spots on the Oregon Coast. The Natural Bridges are the shining gem of Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor (oof, that’s a mouthful). Visit during sunrise or sunset to catch sun rays beaming through the arches!

A footpath from the parking lot will bring you to the perfect viewpoint of the rocks. If you want to walk out to the bridges themselves, head to the right rather than taking the footpath, but be careful! Hiking onto these rocks is dangerous, especially when they’re wet, and should only be attempted by advanced hikers (hi, that’s not me – I stuck to the viewing deck).

Whaleshead Beach

Another incredible stop in Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is Whaleshead Beach. This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Oregon Coast! This spot gets its name from the waves that crash into the large offshore sea stacks, spraying a large stream of misty water that resembles a whale spout. Whaleshead Beach is the perfect spot to close out your Oregon Coast road trip and watch the sunset.

Continue your road trip down the coast

First Timer’s Guide to Redwood National Park

Oregon is one of my favorite states in the country, and the coast is a clear example of why. No matter where you stop along the Oregon Coast, it’s sure to be an epic road trip you’ll remember forever. You’ll be ooh-ing and ahh-ing the whole way, but these ten stops really stand out as the ones you just can’t miss.

Have any questions about your upcoming trip? Throw ’em my way in the comments below!