Oregon Coast

The basics

Drive Highway 101 for ocean views of the Oregon Coast. While it's possible to do the drive in one day, it's better to make a multi-day trip. Stop in coastal villages, play on the beaches, and take detours to the Clatsop, Siuslaw, and Rogue River-Siskiyou forests. Opt for a guided Oregon Coast tour so you can ditch the map and instead soak up the scenery. Most tours stop at highlights including Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, and Neahkahnie Overlook.

Seasonally, whale watching is a popular draw off the coast, while you can golf, ride horses, walk the beaches, and hike year-round. Browse art and antique galleries or dine on fresh-caught seafood in towns such as Rockaway Beach, Yachats, and Coos Bay.

Things to know before you go

• All beaches are free and open to the public.

• State or national parks and forests may require a small visitor fee. The Oregon Coast Passport covers admission, parking, and day-use fees for 17 state and federal parks, recreation areas, and heritage sites located on the Oregon Coast; tickets can be purchased at a range of locations.  

• Most communities along Highway 101 have reduced speed limits, so be prepared to slow down when approaching towns.

• Gas up when you see a filling station, as they are far apart in some stretches.

How to get there

The Oregon Coast is divided into three subregions: north, central, and south coast. The best way to experience the coastline is to drive along scenic Highway 101.

When to get there

The Oregon coast is beautiful year-round, but skies are clearer and temperatures are higher in summer and fall. Winter often brings coastal fog and chilly rain.

Oregon’s best beaches

Dozens of beaches dot the Oregon coast, inviting you to stroll along the sand, explore tide pools, and admire coastal views. Cannon Beach near Portland is known for its striking Haystack Rock formation, which is home to tufted puffins, while Cape Kiwanda—shadowed by a massive sandstone cliff—draws adventure seekers to its sand dunes and surfing waves. Rockaway Beach is a family favorite for calm waters and candy shops. Wildlife watchers flock to Seal Beach in Waldport to see harbor seals and migrating seabirds.

What is the best month to visit the Oregon Coast?

September is the best month to visit the Oregon Coast. The weather is almost as warm as in August, but there are usually fewer crowds as children return to school. There are also many great September events, including the Lincoln City Fall Kite Festival and the Bandon Cranberry Festival.

How many days do you need to visit the Oregon Coast?

You can easily visit the Oregon Coast on a day trip, as it’s less than a 2-hour drive from many larger cities along the I-5 corridor, including Portland, Salem, Eugene, and Roseburg. However, give yourself a week if you want to drive the entire 360-plus-mile (580-kilometer) stretch of coast, with stops along the way.

How can you tour the Oregon Coast?

The best way to tour the Oregon Coast is by car. Although there is limited bus service between some coastal cities, a car allows you to stop at viewpoints or visit smaller towns. You can rent a car or join a tour that includes transportation, most of which depart from Portland.

Is the Oregon Coast worth visiting?

Yes, the Oregon Coast is worth visiting. It’s incredibly scenic, with a mix of ancient rock formations, towering cliffs, windswept conifers, and vast stretches of sandy shoreline. The Oregon Coast also has many state parks including Oswald West State Park, excellent hiking opportunities, and cozy resort towns with great art galleries, boutiques, and seafood restaurants.

How long does it take to drive the entire coast of Oregon?

It takes around 7.5–8 hours without stopping to drive the entire coast of Oregon, from Astoria on the border with Washington State to Brookings near California. However, breaking the drive into chunks is safer and more pleasant, and most people give themselves at least two days to tackle the journey.

What do you see on a tour of the Oregon Coast?

Most tours of the Oregon Coast depart from Portland and take you to popular North Coast towns such as Cannon Beach and Manzanita, as well as to scenic areas such as Ecola State Park. Tours from Eugene go to Central Coast cities such as Florence and may include a stop at a lighthouse.

Ways to explore

While it's possible to drive the Oregon Coast in one day, it's better to make it a multi-day trip. Stop in coastal villages, play on the beaches, and take detours to the Clatsop, Siuslaw, and Rogue River–Siskiyou forests. Browse art and antique galleries in Rockaway Beach, Yachats, and Coos Bay. Seasonally, whale watching is a popular draw, or you can golf, ride horses, walk the beaches, and hike year-round.

Opt for a guided Oregon Coast tour to ditch the map and soak up the scenery. Most tours stop at highlights such as Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, and the Neahkahnie Viewpoint.

Accessibility

Oregon was the first state verified as accessible by Wheel the World, and many cities offer beach wheelchairs and accessible infrastructure.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Extra layers, water bottle, road trip snacks, full gas tank, road map, GPS, camera, binoculars, beach gear

What to wear

Layers for changing weather, comfortable shoes for hiking and walking on sand, hat, sunglasses, raincoat

Not allowed

Disturbing flora/fauna, off-leash dogs on many beaches, fires outside designated areas

Amenities

There are picnic areas, viewpoints, restrooms, and scenic overlooks along US 101, plus more amenities in various parks and campgrounds.

Address 

The Oregon Coast stretches 340 miles (550 kilometers) along US Route 101, from Astoria in the north to Brookings in the south. It is rugged, majestic, and most accessible by car.

Driving

The drive from Astoria to Brookings along US 101 takes approximately seven hours and 30 minutes without stops, though most visitors to the area take several days to enjoy the journey.

Public transportation

The Amtrak Cascades route runs from north to south, with Portland being the northernmost stop in Oregon and Eugene being the southernmost. However, it travels inland along I-5 and not US 101. You’re better off combining tours and rideshares.

Best times to visit

Early morning offers the most peaceful beach experiences, thanks to excellent light, fewer crowds, and better wildlife viewing.

Best days to visit

Weekdays on the Oregon Coast usually mean lighter traffic and more available parking, and restaurant reservations tend to be easier to snag.

Best months to visit

Summer (July–August) is peak season, with the driest weather and all attractions open—expect crowds and premium prices. May–June and September–October are also good for warm days, fewer crowds, and more affordable rates.

Special events

Whale Watch Weeks run in late December and late March. Plus, summer brings plenty of festivities to coastal towns, including the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest in June.