Dreaming of a coastal escape filled with scenic drives, charming seaside towns, and fresh ocean air? This Oregon Coast Travel Guide has everything you need to plan the perfect getaway—from the best beaches and hiking trails to where to eat, stay, and explore.
Here’s a quick look at the best things to do on the Oregon Coast:
🏖 Top Beaches: Cannon Beach, Seaside, Lincoln City, Rockaway Beach, Bandon, Gearhart
🚗 Scenic Road Trips: Thor’s Well, Cape Kiwanda, Sea Lion Caves, Astoria Column, Yachats Coastline
🐋 Wildlife & Family Fun: Whale watching, tide pooling, Seaside Aquarium, kite flying
🍴 Eat & Drink: Mo’s Chowder, Pelican Brewing, Sleepy Monk Coffee
🎉 Seasonal Events: Seaside Volleyball Tournament, kite festivals, July 4th fireworks, Whale Watching Week
🔌 EV Travel: Charging stations in Seaside, Cannon Beach, Newport, and Florence
🏡 Where to Stay: Family- and pet-friendly rentals in Seaside, Lincoln City, Warrenton, and more.
Book direct with Cascadia Getaways for the best rates and true local expertise.
Best Beaches on the Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast travel guide highlights some of the most iconic beaches along the coast. Here are the must-visit beaches:
Seaside Beach
“Golden sands and endless views—Seaside Beach is the perfect spot to relax and soak in the Oregon Coast vibes.”
Wide sandy shoreline, volleyball courts, bonfire pits, and the famous Seaside Promenade—perfect for families.
Lincoln City Beach
“Walk the peaceful shores of Lincoln City Beach. Enjoy perfect waves, dramatic cliffs, and endless ocean views!”
Seven miles of sand, known for Finders Keepers glass floats and kite festivals. A favorite for beachcombers and families.
Gearhart Beach
“Golden sands, rolling waves, and endless skies — unwind at Gearhart Beach. Perfect for a peaceful escape!
A quieter option near Seaside and Cannon Beach. Ideal for long walks, clamming, and horseback rides.
Stay Near Gearhart Beach at Hot Tub & Family Fun Today!
Cannon Beach
“Iconic Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach — one of the most photographed spots on the Oregon Coast.”
Oregon’s most iconic shoreline, home to Haystack Rock. Explore tide pools at low tide, spot puffins in summer, and stroll boutique shops.
Bandon Beach
“Discover the dramatic beauty of Bandon Beach. Towering sea stacks, endless sand, and ocean reflections make every moment magical!
Rugged southern coast beauty with Face Rock and Wizard’s Hat formations. Stunning sunsets make it a photographer’s dream.
Rockaway Beach
“The twin sea stacks stand sentinel over the calm, expansive sands of Rockaway Beach.”
A sleepier, laid-back town with seven miles of shoreline and views of the iconic Twin Rocks. Perfect for travelers who want space to relax, long beach walks, and a quieter atmosphere.
Nehalem Coastal Oasis – Steps from Rockaway Beach! 👉 Book Now!
Del Rey Beach
“A peaceful day at Del Rey Beach, with distant hills, gentle waves, and a lone horse enjoying the shore.”
Just north of Gearhart, Del Rey allows drive-on access—perfect for picnics, sunsets, and family beach days. A short walk from Blue Heron, Gearhart Getaway or Elk Ridge.
Explore Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals with Cascadia Getaways – oceanfront views, pet-friendly homes, and family-ready stays along Seaside, Lincoln City, and beyond.
Scenic Road Trip Stops
Highway 101 is one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. — and the Oregon Coast is its crown jewel. Don’t miss:
Thor’s Well (Yachats area) – A natural saltwater fountain that looks like it swallows the sea.
“Thor’s Well near Yachats — a natural wonder along Highway 101 and a must-see road trip stop.”
Safety note: Stay back during high tide and rough surf.
Cape Kiwanda (Pacific City) – Golden sand dunes and surfing spots.
“Where the Pacific meets incredible rock formations – Cape Kiwanda.”
Sea Lion Caves (Florence) – The largest sea cave in the U.S. with hundreds of sea lions.
“Witnessing the incredible gathering of Steller sea lions at the Sea Lion Caves.”
Astoria Column (Astoria) – A 125-foot tower with panoramic views of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean.
“A historic monument offering panoramic views of Astoria, the river, and the Pacific.”
Yachats Coastline – Rugged cliffs, tide pools, and access to Cape Perpetua Scenic Area.
“Waves rolling in towards the picturesque Yachats coastline.”
Wildlife & Family Activities
The coast is packed with family-friendly adventures:
Whale Watching – Spot gray whales in winter and spring migrations. Depoe Bay is the hub.
Tide Pooling – Cannon Beach and Yaquina Head offer colorful marine life.
Seaside Aquarium – Feed the playful harbor seals (a favorite since 1937).
Kite Flying – Join in at Lincoln City’s wide beaches.
For official whale watching schedules and coastal safety tips, visit Oregon State Parks.
Where to Eat & Drink
Fuel your Oregon Coast adventures with fresh, local flavors. From casual chowder houses to craft breweries, here are some must-try stops:
Seafood
Mo’s Chowder – A coast classic, famous for its creamy clam chowder.
Local Ocean Seafoods (Newport) – Dock-to-table dining right on the bayfront.
Ecola Seafood (Cannon Beach) – Fresh fish and chips from a longtime local favorite.
Breweries
Pelican Brewing – Award-winning ales with ocean views in Pacific City, Cannon Beach, and Lincoln City.
Fort George Brewery (Astoria) – Craft beer hub with a lively pub atmosphere.
Rogue Ales (Newport) – Iconic Oregon brewery with a coastal taproom and distillery.
Coffee & Cafés
Sleepy Monk Coffee (Cannon Beach) – Artisan small-batch roaster with strong local following.
Green Salmon (Yachats) – Quirky, eco-minded café with creative coffee blends.
Coffee Girl (Astoria) – Cozy café set inside a historic cannery with river views.
Extra Stops for Food Lovers
Tillamook Creamery (Tillamook) – Family-friendly spot for cheese, ice cream, and behind-the-scenes tours.
Bridgewater Bistro (Astoria) – Upscale dining on the Columbia River.
Barnacle Bistro (Gold Beach) – Farm-to-table comfort food with a coastal twist.
Annual & Seasonal Events
Plan your trip around these iconic Oregon Coast events:
February – Newport Seafood & Wine Festival
A beloved winter tradition pairing coastal seafood with Oregon wines. One of the largest and longest-running festivals on the coast.
March & December – Whale Watching Weeks
Hosted by Oregon State Parks, volunteers staff viewpoints during the gray whale migrations — southbound in late December and northbound in late March.
April – Astoria Warrenton Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival
A spring favorite with fresh crab, regional wines, arts, and live entertainment in historic Astoria.
June – Lincoln City Summer Kite Festival
Giant kites, family activities, and kite-making workshops fill the skies over Lincoln City’s beaches.
June – Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest
Artists and families transform the sand into elaborate sculptures before the tide sweeps them away.
July – Fourth of July Fireworks
Beachfront celebrations light up the night in towns like Seaside, Newport, Rockaway Beach, and Lincoln City.
August – Seaside Volleyball Tournament
The largest amateur beach volleyball tournament in the world, drawing thousands of teams and spectators.
September – Lincoln City Fall Kite Festival
The coastal winds return, bringing colorful kites and family-friendly fun to the wide beaches of Lincoln City.
Discover Seaside & Community’s Weekly Events 👉 Plan Your Visit Now!
EV Travel
The Oregon Coast is EV-friendly, with charging stations in Seaside, Cannon Beach, Newport, and Florence.
👉 Pro Tip: Use PlugShare or ChargePoint apps to plan charging stops.
Where to Stay
“Relax with panoramic views in a Cascadia Getaways oceanfront rental on the Oregon Coast.”
Seaside → Walkable and family-friendly, Seaside offers a classic Oregon Coast experience.
- Sand & Sea Condos – Spacious, oceanfront condos with kitchens. The Sand & Sea includes an indoor pool and sauna!
- Blue Heron (Design focus) & Elk Ridge (Ocean front Luxury) Vacation Homes – Hot tubs, perfect home-away-from-home experience minutes from downtown & the beach.
👉 Book your Seaside Getaway!
Lincoln City → top destination on the Oregon Coast, known for sandy beaches, whale watching, and family fun.
- Ohana Beach Park – Pet friendly with a fenced yard and private hot tub, this home is ideal for families and dog lovers.
- Tranquil Edge Retreat – A truly oceanfront escape with a hot tub, panoramic views, and direct beach access.
👉 Book Your Stay in Lincoln City!
Warrenton → A Gateway to Northern Coast Beaches.
- Gearhart Getaway – Stay at Hot Tub & Family Fun for quick access to Del Rey Beach and Gearhart Beach . Take a short scenic drive to Cannon Beach or for coastal charm, dining, and local adventures. 👉Book Now!
Nehalem → A charming coastal town along the Nehalem River and Bay, just minutes from the beach. Perfect for kayaking, crabbing, and exploring local shops.
- Secluded Hot Tub Retreat – Enjoy scenic views of the river, bay, and coastal mountains in Nehalem—just 10 minutes north of Rockaway Beach.
👉 Plan Your Nehalem Escape!
With Cascadia Getaways, you’ll find oceanfront rentals, pet-friendly homes, and family-ready stays.
Oregon Coast Travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit the Oregon Coast?
Summer: Beaches and festivals.
Spring & Fall: Whale watching and fewer crowds.
Winter: Great for storm watching, more value and less crowds.
What are the best beaches on the Oregon Coast?
Cannon Beach, Seaside, Lincoln City, Rockaway Beach, Bandon, and Gearhart. With each offering their own vibes. It’s worth trying them all!
Where can I go whale watching?
Depoe Bay, Cape Perpetua, Yaquina Head, and Cape Foulweather in winter and spring.
Can I drive on Oregon Coast beaches?
Some, like Del Rey, allow vehicles—check tides and regulations.
Family-friendly activities?
Whale watching, tide pooling, Seaside Aquarium, kite flying, sandcastle contests, and coastal hikes.
Conclusion
From tide pools to scenic road trips, the Oregon Coast offers year-round adventures. Use this Oregon Coast travel guide to plan your next trip and let Cascadia Getaways make it seamless.