Best Things To Do on the Oregon Coast

Driving Along the Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast has to be hands-down one of the prettiest places in the US. The rough coastline, expansive views, and many things to do make it one of the best places to visit for a weekend, week, or even a road trip! The coast is paralleled by the famous Highway 101, and there is no shortage of parks, views, and beaches to stop at on the drive.

However, with so many great attractions it can be hard to narrow down just what to do on your visit. Below are recommendations of some of the best things to do and places to see on the Oregon Coast. From Cannon Beach down to Samuel H Boardman, this guide is listed from North to South to help you plan your next Oregon Road Trip!

Camping on the Oregon Coast

The best way to experience the Oregon Coast has to be by camping. Waking up and falling asleep to the sounds of the ocean lets you make the most of your coastal trip. However, while the coast is 363 miles long, there are only a limited number of campgrounds.

Below I have compiled some of the best options for camping on the Oregon Coast. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list, but merely a jumping-off point for your planning. In the off-season, some campgrounds have first-come, first-served sites. However most campsites take reservations up to 6 months in advance during the summer, so start your planning early!

Northern Oregon Coast Campgrounds

• Cape Lookout State Park– Just a short walk from the beach, this campground is between Cannon Beach and Lincoln City and has tent sites, hookups, yurts, and cabins for reservation.
• Sandbeach State Park– Located in Siuslaw National Forest, not far from Cape Lookout, this campground is primarily a draw for ATV enthusiasts, as it is right next to the large Sand Lake Recreation Area.
• Beverly Beach State Park– Close to Newport, this campground has tents, hookups, and yurts, with some sites first-come, first-served between November and May.
• South Beach State Park– South Beach State Park is located close to the beach, Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, and many Newport attractions with year-round reservations and first-come, first-served sites in the off-season.

Central Oregon Coast Campgrounds

• Tillicum Beach Campground– Only 3 miles North of Yachats, Tillicum Beach Campground has beachfront sites, perfect for surfers or those who want to watch the sunset on the beach.
• Cape Perpetua Campground– Cape Perpetua is the closest campground to Thor’s Well and is available by reservation from March through September, with one week of first-come, first-served.
• Rock Creek Campground– Just North of Hecta Head and the Sea Lion Caves, Rock Creek is open May through September. These are rustic sites with no electric.
• Alder Dune Campground– Near Florence, this campground has nonelectric sites and is first-come, first-served November through May. There is nearby fishing and a trail that leads to the dunes.
• Eel Creek Campground– Located within the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Eel Creek has sites both near and on the sand dunes and is reservable year-round. This is a good choice if you are more interested in hiking than ATVing the dunes.

Southern Oregon Coast Campgrounds

• Cape Blanco State Park– This campground is close to Floras Lake State Natural Area and has electric sites, cabins, and horse camps.
• Humbug Mountain State Park– Fairly remote, Humbug Mountain Campground is super close to Humbug Mountain Loop Trail which overlooks the beautiful Southern Oregon Coast.
• Harris Beach State Park– Harris Beach State Park is in Brookings and one of the few campgrounds on the Southern Oregon coast. It is also the closest campground if you are visiting Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor.

Boondocking on the Oregon Coast

If you are planning a last-minute trip or don’t want to be tied down with reservations the best thing about the Oregon Coast is the options for boondocking in a van or vehicle, particularly on the Southern Coast. While it is difficult to get too remote, the Southern coast has several pullouts that you can park in for the night and wake up steps from the ocean! Be sure to check if where you are parking is legal. Many spots have “No Overnight Parking” or “No Camping” signs.

Below are a few of my favorite sites and apps to find free camping or locations that allow overnight parking.

Sites to Find Free Campsites

• Freecampsites.net
• iOverlander
• Campendium

Cannon Beach

Visiting Cannon Beach is one of the most popular things to do along the Oregon Coast. It is possibly the most visited beach in Oregon! This is partially due to its proximity to Portland, at only an hour and a half drive, but it is also a stunning beach in its own right. You can walk for miles on Cannon beach, playing with your dog, or just soaking in the sun (or rain, depending on the time of year in Oregon).

The most distinctive feature on Cannon Beach is of course Haystack Rock, a 235-foot basalt rock rising from the ocean. At low tide, you can walk close to the rock and observe the tide pools and smaller rock formations surrounding Haystack Rock. At high tide, you can see the beautiful reflection of the rock in the shallow water.

Things to do near Cannon Beach

• Ecola State Park– If you want even more rocky beaches and hiking options, check out Ecola State Park only 11 minutes from Cannon Beach. There are several hikes here with jaw-dropping views, or you can walk along the stunning Indian Beach.
• Wildlife Watching– The Oregon Coast is a great place for wildlife viewing. Along the coast, you can find Grey Whales, Roosevelt Elk, and Tufted Puffins which like to nest on Haystack Rock.
• Breweries and Seafood– Like most of the Pacific Northwest and Oregon, breweries are in no short supply along the coast, Pelican Brewing and Public Coast Brewing are two popular options in Cannon Beach. A trip to the coast also isn’t complete without some seafood. Ecola Seafood Restaurant and Market has a laid-back atmosphere and classic seafood options including Oregon’s famous Dungeness Crab. Dine-in or take some to go, and enjoy your food with an ocean view!

Oswald West State Park & Short Sand Beach

If you want to experience a beach with fewer crowds than Cannon Beach, head a few minutes South to Short Sand Beach. Short Sand Beach is such a gem on the Oregon Coast and one of the best beaches in Oregon! This beach is perfectly located in a little cove in Oswald West State Park.

The beach does require a short walk of 0.6 miles each way, from the parking lot down to the beach. Short Sand Beach is so picturesque, and the cove gives some nice protection from the weather. Even when all the surrounding coastline was blanketed in fog, Short Sand Beach was clear.

Other Hikes near Oswald West State Park

If you’re looking for more of a hike; there are several other great hikes near Oswald West State Park. These range from mountain summits with views of the coast to easy beach walks.

• Cape Falcon Trail– 4.6 miles, 623 feet elevation, Moderate– This trail starts from the same trail that leads to Short Sand Beach or an alternative trailhead. The end goal of this hike leads to a viewpoint of Cape Falcon.
• Neahkahnie Mountain– 2.8 miles, 866 feet, Difficult– This is the more maintained to two trails up Neahkahnie Mountain. This trail has amazing views of the coastline from the mountain.
• Devil’s Cauldron– 0.5 miles, 78 feet, Easy– This is a quick walk to an overlook of Devil’s Cauldron.
• Hug Point Trail– 0.7 miles, 68 feet, Easy– This is an easy beach walk that leads to a small cave that is accessible at low tide. If you explore all the way to the point make sure to watch tide charts.

Devil’s Punchbowl

The Devil’s Punchbowl is a natural arch off the Oregon Coast. Coming from Cannon Beach, the Devil’s Punchbowl is 100 miles South along the 101. If you are coming from Lincoln City, it is only an 18-mile drive or 8-miles North of Newport.

It is only a short walk from the parking area to the viewpoint of the Punchbowl. The higher the tide the more dramatic your view will be, as the waves come crashing in the small caves to the naturally formed bowl. It is possible to get inside the punchbowl in favorable conditions at low tide. This should only be done with much more research and understanding of the tides, as this can be very dangerous.

You do not need much time to see the punchbowl from the viewpoint. If you are looking to spend more time, there is a staircase down to the neighboring beach, or you can check out the winery, seafood place, or coffee and sweet shop nearby!

Yaquina Lighthouse

If you’re like me and have a love for lighthouses you will have plenty of options of lighthouses to visit on the Oregon Coast! The Yaquina Lighthouse in the Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site is one of the best because it will let you walk inside! You can check the park’s website for up-to-date information on if the lighthouse is open. Note: There is a fee to enter the park. An America the Beautiful (also called a National Parks Pass) will pay for entry.

Even if the lighthouse is not open inside, it is still worth the visit. Explore the surrounding grounds or take some memorable photographs of the lighthouse itself. From the same parking area as the lighthouse, you can walk down to Cobble Beach. Cobble Beach is a small beach with interesting black spherical rocks and many tide pools.

Exploring tide pools has to be without a doubt one of the best things to do on the Oregon Coast. At low tide, you will be able to wander around for ages, looking at all the sea creatures that reside in the pools until they can escape back to sea. Do be careful not to step on any creatures around the tide pools, and refrain from picking anything up!

Thors Well

Visiting Thor’s Well is something everyone must do on the Oregon Coast! This unique rock formation forms a hole in the coastline. At low tide, it is fun to watch the waves crash against the rock and soar up through the hole before being sucked back out to sea. However, it is high tide where Thor’s Well really shines.

High tide is the best time to see and photograph Thor’s Well. The ocean covers the hole, meaning the water drains right through, looking like a hole in the ocean! To time your visit right, check a tide chart and visit at high or close to high tide.

There is a short dirt path to get closer to a lookout of the well. This should be accessible for most people. The tide will depend on how close you can get to the well. Always be careful of high waves that can reach further than you may expect. If you can’t hike closer to the well, it is also visible right off the road.

Other Things To Do By Thor’s Well

• Spouting Horn– At the lower viewpoint, make sure to look to your left to see the Spouting Horn. Across the cove, a geyser or spout of water shoots out of the rocks at high tide.
• Cape Perpetua Overlook– To get to Cape Perpetua Overlook turn off the 101 onto NFD 55 and then after about a mile turn onto Cape Perpetua Lookout Road. Another mile of curvy road leads to the day-use area with fantastic views of the coast.
• Devils Churn– A little North of Thor’s Well is a turn-off to a parking area and a short trail to a lookout of Devil’s Churn, a chasm that traps the waves inside.

Hecta Head Lighthouse

Looking for more lighthouses to see on the Oregon Coast? Check out Hecta Head Lighthouse, only 15 minutes South of Thor’s Well. For a small fee, you can park in the day-use area and walk closer to the lighthouse. It is only 0.5 miles to the lighthouse. For a longer hike, continue on the Hecta Head Lighthouse Trail to Hobbit Beach, a 3.6-mile round trip walk.

You can’t go up the lighthouse, but you can have a ranger-led tour of the surrounding area and ground floor. If you plan ahead you can stay at the assistant lightkeeper’s house turned historic 1893 Bed & Breakfast, for the ultimate coastal experience.

If you don’t have time to walk to the lighthouse, you can get a good view of it by continuing on Highway 101 to the Lighthouse and Sealion Beach Vantage Point. This is a free pull-off that gives a good photo opportunity of Hecta Head Lighthouse and Cape Cove.

This spot is an extra fun thing to do on your coastal road trip due to the high chance of seeing sea lions on the beach. For an even more sea lion viewing, the Sea Lion Caves is nearby. For $14 tickets you can descend into the Sea Lion Caves and see the wildlife up close.

Oregon Dunes

The Oregon Dunes were the biggest surprise for me on the coast! I had heard about all the beautiful beaches, rocky coastline, and jaw-dropping cliffs of the Oregon Coast, but no one told me about the dunes! Don’t worry about driving past the dunes without seeing them. They are hard to miss!

The dunes stretch for ages, the sand spilling right up to the buildings, trailheads, and parking areas. The Oregon Dunes Recreational Area is very popular with off-roaders. There are even many areas you can drive right onto the beach to camp with four-wheel drive access. Off-roading is probably the most popular thing do to on this stretch of the coast. However, if you aren’t interested in renting an OHV you can enjoy the dunes by hiking on them and taking in the vast miles of sand.

Best Hikes Near the Oregon Dunes

Below are a few great hikes near the Oregon Dunes. When searching for hikes on the Oregon Dunes, be sure to check if the trail is hiking only. Many trails in this area are also ATV trails.

• John Dellenback Trail– 5.5 miles, 308 feet, Moderate– This is the trail we hiked part of, and it was so much fun! If you hike the entire trail it will lead you to the beach. You can also hike just part of the trail to experience walking on the dunes! Please note that dogs are not allowed from March through September.
• Threemile Lake Trail– 6.1 miles, 997 miles, Moderate– This trail leads to a lake near the shore, and leads you through both sand dunes and lush forests.
• Hall Lake Loop– 1.6 miles, 154 feet, Easy– This is a shorter trail in the sand around Hall Lake, and features a waterfall during certain times of the year.

ATV Rentals Near the Oregon Dunes

If you are looking for a truly unique way to visit the Oregon Dunes, consider renting an ATV! This has to be one of the top and most popular things to do between Florence and North Bend.

• Spinreel Dune Buggy and ATV Rental– Located near North Bend, Oregon, this rental company offers single to 4 person buggies at hourly and day rentals.
• Torex ATV Rentals– Located just South of Florence, Torex has single to 5 person vehicles.
• Sand Dunes Frontier– Sand Dunes Frontier is also located in Florence and in addition to ATV rentals has guided tour options if you don’t want to do the driving.
• Full Throttle Rentals– Rented on a first-come, first-serve basis, Full Throttle Rentals has ATVs, jet skis, and kayaks for rent if water activities are more your speed.

Samuel H Boardman State Park

Samuel H Boardman is the most scenic place on the Oregon Coast. Located 3.5 miles from Brookings, Oregon, it is near the Southernmost part of Oregon. This is the best way to end any Oregon Coast Road Trip!

Arch Rock

If you are coming from the North, the first stop you’ll see is the Arch Rock Picnic Area. This is a great place to stop for a lunch or just to check out Arch Rock. You can also hike to Secret Beach. There is a trailhead at Arch Rock and another trailhead several miles down, near Natural Bridges, that lead to this beach. Please know that many of the trails in this area are steep, have drop-offs, are partially eroded, or have loose dirt. Wear shoes with good traction and always make a judgment call or turn around if you feel unsafe.

Natural Bridges

The next major point of interest on your route will be Natural Bridges. This is the most beautiful and unique spot on the Oregon coast and one of the best places in all of Oregon. Countless photos have been taken here, and it’s easy to see why. There is a small platform near the parking lot that will give you a great view of the Natural Bridge.

Trails do lead to the bridge, but they are hard to find and quite dangerous. I got about halfway to the bridge before sliding much closer to the edge than I was comfortable and stopping. In my opinion, your time would be better spent seeing the bridges from the viewpoint, followed by seeing the rest of the area.

Whaleshead Beach

Continuing south, you will cross the impressive Thomas Creek Bridge, before reaching Whaleshead Beach. This is another amazing beach where you can stop and take in the beauty of Oregon’s wild coastline. There is also a viewpoint off the road if you don’t want to go all the way to the beach.

Continuing south, you will see several more scenic spots on the Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor including House Rock Viewpoint and Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint. Lone Ranch Picnic Area and Beach will be the last major beach in Samuel H Boardman.

Hikes Near Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor

Below are several hikes in the Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor. Always do your own research on a trail and have a physical or downloaded map, as service is quite spotty in this area. Several of these trails have been described as hard to follow or dangerous in parts.

• Thomas Creek Whaleshead Beach Trail– 2.9 miles, 587 feet, Moderate– Going from Whaleshead Beach to Indian Sands, this trail has a mix of ocean and forest views.
• Indian Sands Trail– 1.1 miles, 282 feet, Moderate– This stunning trail has a little bit of everything- vistas, forests, and sand. It has been noted that the trail can be hard to follow in spots.
• Secret Beach Trail– 1.6 miles, 374 feet, Moderate– This trail references several short trails, some that lead to viewpoints and some to the beach, with varying difficulty.
• Arch Rock to Secret Beach Trail– 2.1 miles, 413 feet, Moderate– This trail leads from Arch Rock down to, well, a beach. It has been noted that this trail can be hard to find in some areas.
• Lone Ranch to Cape Ferrelo– 1.6 miles, 291 feet, Easy– This is a slightly easier trail with views out over the coast.

When to Visit the Oregon Coast

When planning your visit, one of the first questions you may ask yourself is “When should I visit the Oregon Coast?” Of course, the cop-out answer is anytime! Like much of the Pacific Northwest the Oregon Coast is beautiful any time of year. See below for a quick comparison between visiting the coast in the summer vs. winter months.

Summer on the Oregon Coast

Summer is definitely the most popular time to visit the coast, and it is easy to see why. Between May and September, the days are longer and warmer, fluctuating between the low 50s and high 60s. While that may not sound extremely warm, that is about as warm as the coast gets. The Pacific keeps the climate cool year-round. There is also significantly less rain and clouds, making for altogether more pleasant days.

However, the coast is also much more crowded in the summer with vacationers coming from all parts of the country. This can make the traffic slow on the 101, the only main route down the coast. The beaches are also more crowded and parking hard to find at popular trailheads.

Overall, if you only have one chance to visit the coast, summer is still most likely your best time. There really is nothing like Oregon in the summer, and you can plan your trip without needing to worry too much about contingency plans due to poor weather.

Winter on the Oregon Coast

However, do not discount the Oregon Coast in the winter! While the weather is a bit cooler and windier, and the rain is heavier, there is something magical about the coast on a moody day. Listening to the waves crash and the wind blow is exciting and can make for a memorable experience. You might not want to plan a picnic in the winter. However, renting a cabin can make for a cozy winter getaway.

In addition, the winter is when you will have the best chance at seeing the Grey Whales as they migrate. Dungeness Crab season is also in the winter if you want to experience this delicacy at the best time.

Tips for Visiting the Oregon Coast

• Prepare for all weather– Even in the summer, the weather can change in an instant on the coast. On the same day, I’ve had rain, fog, wind, and sun. Layer up and be flexible if the weather takes a turn!
• Stay for sunset– Watching the sunset on the coast is a truly magical experience. As the sun gets low the coast is bathed in a beautiful, golden light, making it the best time of day to visit the coast. I highly recommend taking at least one day of your trip to watch the sunset when the skies are clear.
• Enjoy the drive– Don’t keep yourself to a strict schedule, but stop at any outlooks or attractions that catch your attention. My favorite views are random overlooks I had never heard of before!

Packing List for the Oregon Coast

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

• Sandals– The beach will be hard to walk on without sandals. Teva’s are my favorite sandal, but even a cheap pair of flip flops will do.
• Hiking Boots– If you are doing any hikes in difficult terrain or over long distances you will need some good hiking boots on the coast. Merrell’s are a great option for beginner hikers. If you are wearing hiking boots, make sure you are also wearing the right socks to avoid blisters.
• Rain Jacket– Anytime you are visiting Oregon it is a great idea to bring a rain jacket, especially on the coast. Marmot makes top-quality rain gear, and Columbia has a great, inexpensive option.
• Heavy Coat– Even in the summer the coast can get quite chilly in the wind. Bring a packable heavy coat, so you will be prepared for chilly mornings!
• Tote– If you are planning a beach day or long picnic, don’t leave without a beach tote! Out of the Woods makes sustainable totes made of paper that are perfect for the beach.
• Backpack– If you are going to be doing a lot of hiking, be sure to wear a good backpack! A proper daypack made for hiking can make all the difference.
• Water– When you’re right next to the ocean, water may not seem like something you need more of, but you can still get dehydrated from the sun, salt, and wind! Be sure to pack lots of water.
• Chapstick– Dry Oregon summers have made me love my chapstick when I never used to use it. Don’t forget it if you will be spending a lot of time exposed on the beach.
• Hat– I always bring both a beanie hat for warmth and a baseball cap if it warms up on the coast.
• Sunscreen– It may not feel very warm, but if you are exposing skin, remember your sunscreen.
• Headlamp or Flashlight– If you are staying for sunset bring a headlamp or flashlight to help you find your way back in the dark.
• Blanket– A beach blanket is a must if you are going to be having a picnic or spend a long time at Cannon Beach or one of the other great beaches on the Oregon Coast.
• Cooler– A cooler will both keep your lunch cold for that picnic and can be used to chill your snacks and drinks as you road trip along the coastal highway.

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