Where to stay, where to eat, and what to do on the Oregon coast in a week

After Descending on Bend with a bunch of other rad van lifers and hanging with our amazing friends and family in Portland, we ended our time in Oregon by doing something we’ve long wanted to do—going on an epic Oregon coast road trip down HWY 101.

Pin this post for later >

Whether you’re a Pacific Northwest local or just visiting, a road trip down the Oregon coast is one of the best ways to take in the unique beauty and culture of the area. Rugged cliffs rise high above tumultuous waves and lush green forests meet the sandy shores of the ocean. You’ll find history, hikes, treasure hunts, shipwrecks, whales spouting, seals and sea lions singing (the “singing” part may be debatable, but you’ll certainly hear them), and of course loads of fresh seafood…and cheese (oh yes, there will be cheese).

Our original itinerary included 95 stops (not joking). That was a bit overambitious. Needless to say, we’ve trimmed this Oregon coast road trip itinerary down to the best stops, sights, sounds, and of course eats on HWY 101.

Here’s a short highlight reel of our Oregon coast road trip.

Budget Travel Tip: The Oregon Pacific Coast Passport is only $10 and gains you entry to the state parks and national lands in this itinerary for 5 days. You can buy the pass twice to visit all the parks in a week. Another budget tip is to stay at state park campgrounds the entire trip and forgo the multi-day pass completely. A state park camping receipt allows entry to all state parks until 10 pm on the departure day. Just display it on your dash like any other pass.

Top 5 Road Trip Essentials

Make sure you have everything you need for your Oregon coast road trip. Here are the top 5 items we find most useful when travelling long-term (aka living) on the road.

1. Leatherman Multi-tool We use our Leatherman for just about everything…even opening a bottle of wine in a pinch.
2. Sunglasses: If you’re lucky, you’ll need these on your Oregon coast road trip. We love budget friendly and “me proof” (aka can be dropped 10 times a day without breaking) sunglasses like these.
3. Headlamps If you want to make it back to your campsite or hotel after the coastal sunsets, be sure to pack some headlamps.
4. First Aid Kit Hopefully you won’t need this, but if you slip opening that bottle of wine with your Leatherman, you might need a bandage. Disclaimer: we don’t recommend using a Leatherman to open a bottle of wine (learn from our mistakes friends).
5. Emergency Kit This is another thing you hopefully won’t need, but we all too often do.

See the full Essential Road Trip Checklist here to make sure your vehicle is road trip ready.

Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Astoria > Cannon Beach

Astoria Area

Columbia River Maritime Museum: Tour a floating lighthouse and learn about the natural and seafaring history of the area.

Lewis & Clark National and State Historical Parks (Fort Clatsop): Located in the lush PNW forest, this park has hiking and history. You can visit a replica of Fort Clatsop—where Lewis and Clark spent the winter at the end of their great voyage west.

Fort Stevens State Park: This historic fort guarded the mouth of Colombia River from the Civil War through World War II. This park is also home to the Peter Iredale shipwreck—one of the most accessible wrecks in the “Graveyard of the Pacific”.

Sunset Beach State Rec Site: This is a relatively flat sandy beach with hills in the misty distance. It’s also the west trailhead of the 6.5-mile Fort-to-Sea Trail connecting Fort Clatsop to the ocean along the route of Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery.

Where to eat in Astoria

Buoy Brewery

Seaside Area

Promenade and Downtown: Walk along the 1920’s boardwalk with the ocean on one side and coastal architecture on the other. At the Lewis and Clark statue you can veer into the downtown area where you’ll find the Funland Arcade and a plethora of shops and restaurants.

Go Fly a Kite: Unlike telling someone to “Go take a hike” saying “Go fly a kite” is perfectly acceptable in Seaside. If it’s windy out, grab some gear at one of the local kite shops and hit the beach.

Where to eat in Seaside

Dooger’s Seafood & Grill

Cannon Beach Area

Where to stay in Cannon Beach

Campground: Wright’s for Camping
Hotel: Surfsand Resort

Where to eat in Cannon Beach

Driftwood Restaurant and Lounge and Wayfarer Restaurant

Day 2: Cannon Beach > Tillamook

Cannon Beach Area

Ecola State Park: Expansive views of the shorelines and haystack rock.

Haystack Rock: At low tide this is a great spot for tidepooling. See tons of multicolored starfish, sea anemones, and other ocean critters. Park at Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site or Haystack Hill State Park and walk down the beach to the imposing formation (you can’t miss it).

Hug Point State Rec Site Hike: This was one of our favorite hikes on the entire Oregon coast road trip. It’s a short stroll along the coast to a waterfall flowing onto the beach. A little further you’ll find sea caves carved into the sandstone cliffs. If you venture around the rocky “point” you’ll see another pristine beach. Just be sure to watch the tide as you may not be able to get around the point at high tide.

Oswald West State Park: This is a park we’ve visited a few times. It has secluded ocean shores edged by the lush rainforest. The Oregon Coast Trail runs through the park for 13 miles so it’s a good place to go take a hike (not to be confused with go fly a kite).

Rockaway Beach Area

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad: Keep an eye out for the steam engine that runs along the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. You can purchase tickets to ride in the caboose from Rockaway Beach to Garibaldi in summer months.

Garibaldi Area

Pier’s End: Visit Oregon’s longest pier—all 700 feet of it. You’ll find folks fishing along the pier and a historic Coast Guard boathouse near the end. You might even spot a bald eagle diving for dinner.

Where to eat in Garibaldi

SOURCE

Tillamook Area

Where to stay in Tillamook

Campground: Cape Lookout State Park
Hotel: Ashley Inn of Tillamook

Where to eat in Tillamook

Old Oregon Smokehouse and Five Rivers Coffee Roasters

Day 3: Tillamook > Lincoln City

Tillamook Area

Tillamook Creamery: I promised cheese on this Oregon coast road trip, and cheese you’ll find plenty of here! The Tillamook Creamery has free cheese tasting, a self-guided factory tour, a restaurant, and of course the ice cream counter. We recommend the Oregon Hazelnut Salted Caramel…ice cream that is, not cheese…although now I’m imagining what salted caramel nut cheese might taste like…hmmmm. Don’t judge.

Three Capes Scenic Route: Take this detour off HWY 101 following the signs for the Three Capes Scenic Route. It’s a lovely drive that weaves through dense forests and out to cliff edges with majestic coastal views. Not for those with a fear of heights or prone to car sickness though.

Cape Meares State Park: Two short strolls through this park will take you to the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon coast and the mysterious octopus tree.

Cape Lookout State Park: 8+ miles of hiking trails with expansive ocean views. The beach here is a good place to hunt for glass floats.

Pacific City Area

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area: This is the home of the second Haystack rock on the Oregon coast. It’s actually taller than the one in Cannon in Beach. This is a popular spot for surfers and the cape features sandstone cliffs and sea caves.

Where to eat in Pacific City

Pelican Brewery

Lincoln City Area

Where to stay in Lincoln City

Campground: Devil’s Lake State Rec Area
Hotel: Coho Oceanfront Lodge

Where to eat in Lincoln City

Wildflower Grill and Pig ‘N Pancake

Day 4: Lincoln City > Newport

Lincoln City Area

Seven Miles of Smiles Glass Float Treasure Hunt: Start your day with a morning walk along this 7-mile stretch of beach looking for treasure. You might not find any buried chests of gold, but you could find beautiful glass floats created by local artists. New floats are placed on the beach between Roads End in the north and Siletz Bay in the south every day. Check out the Explore Lincoln City website for more details.

Barnacle Bill’s: This is a great place to pick-up some fresh or smoked seafood. If you’re wondering, smoked jerky and cheese make a delightful (albeit pungent) road trip snack. They also offer fried fish-n-chips at certain times of the year.

Depoe Bay Area

Whale watching: Our campsite host at Devil’s Lake assured us that we’d see whales here and she was right! Swing into one of the pull-offs in downtown next to HWY 101 and get out your binoculars.

Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area: Thought to be two collapsed sea caves, this is now a giant formation shaped like…can you guess? A punchbowl. The ocean water enters through an open arch, then swirls and froths over the rocky bottom.

Doctor Who TARDIS and Buoy Tree: On your way out of the park don’t miss these two road side stops. They’ll be on your left just after the park entrance.

Where to eat in Depoe Bay

Gracie’s Sea Hag

Newport Area

Yaquina Head Lighthouse: Go on the guided tour and climb the stairs of Oregon’s tallest lighthouse.

Agate Beach State Recreation Site: You can end your day with another treasure hunt—as the name implies this is one of the best beaches for finding agates. It’s also a popular spot to dig for razor clams.

Newport Area

Where to stay in Newport

Campground: South Beach State Park
Hotel: Sylvia Beach Hotel

Where to eat in Newport

Ove Northwest and Café Mundo

Day 5: Newport > Florence

Newport Area

Oregon Coast Aquarium: Spend the morning learning about the marine creatures that live in the different ocean habitats. Make sure to visit the impressive aviary as it’s the largest outdoor seabird aviary in North America.

Seal Rock State Rec Site: Seals and sea lions are often hanging out in the rock formations here. Even if you don’t see seals, the walk around the beach and rock stacks is stunning.

Cape Perpetua Area

Cape Perpetua Overlook: A good place to take in the expansive views of this beautiful Oregon coast road trip.

Devil’s Churn: This was one of our favorite stops. Walk the half mile loop trail to get a close look (but not too close, these waves are intense) at the churning waters in the coastal crevasse and feel the thunderous explosion of waves pelting the rocky shore.

Thor’s Well: Another impressive formation, another collapsed sea cave. Déjà vu anyone? The ocean fills and drains endlessly in this cavernous hole that is a favorite of photographers.

Florence Area

Where to stay in Florence

Campground: Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park
Hotel: Driftwood Shores Resort & Conference Center

Where to eat in Florence

The Waterfront Depot and Big Dog Donuts & Deli

Day 6: Florence > Bandon

Florence Area

Heceta Head Lighthouse: Here you can see not only the lighthouse, but the caretaker’s home from the late 1800’s which is now a Bed and Breakfast. The views from this lighthouse are particularly magnificent as it overlooks Cape Cove with the Cape Creek bridge rising high above in the misty distance.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: This site spans a large area from Florence to North Bend. It’s a surreal place where lush forests meet vast pale dunes and tumultuous ocean shores.

Sandboarding: If you’re feeling adventurous try your hand (well, feet I guess) at sandboarding. You can rent gear from the Sand Master Park in Florence and ride their course, or venture out on your own at one of the many sandboarding locations in the area including Jessie M Honeyman Memorial State Park.

Coos Bay Area

Sunset Bay State Park: Primarily a campground and day use area there is an inlet beach nestled between tree covered rocky cliffs. It’s a nice place to relax and have lunch.

Shore Acres State Park: Punctuate the natural wilderness with this stop. The former estate of a timber baron, this park features manicured grounds including Japanese and Rose gardens.

Simpson Reef Lookout: This is the best place we found to see (and hear) seals and sea lions. They were literally piled all over the rocks just off the shoreline.

Where to eat in Coos Bay

7 Devils Brewing Company

Bandon Area

Where to stay in Bandon

Campground: Bullards Beach State Park
Hotel: Lamplighter Inn

Where to eat in Bandon

Edgewaters and The Rolling Pin Bake & Brew

Day 7: Bandon > Brookings

Bandon Area

Historic Old Town Bandon: 10 blocks of shops, art galleries, and plenty of tasty eats. Spend an hour or half a day strolling around this historic district.

Devils Kitchen – Oregon State Parks Vista Point: Here you’ll find the third and last Haystack rock on your Oregon Coast road trip. Take the trail from the parking lot down to the beach and turn right. There are multiple rock stacks here. One of the unique things about this area is the accessibility of the formations. They’re just along the shoreline and you can easily walk right up to them for a closer look at the unique habitats that these rocks create for ocean life.

Cape Blanco State Park: Take a tour of the Cape Blanco Lighthouse and the historic Hughes house which used to be part of a large ranch and dairy operation. If you happened to have brought a horse with you on your road trip, this is the place to ride it. There are 7 miles of horse trails in the park as well as hiking trails.

Humbug Mountain State Park: Here you’ll find black sand beaches and views of the dark rugged cliffs that make up Humbug Mountain.

Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor: Get panoramic views of the area from the parking lots along this scenic corridor.

Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor: This is a long scenic drive with 12 miles of rock formations, bluffs, and sparkling sea. There are multiple pullouts and viewpoints with short hikes to overlooks and shore access.

Brookings Area

Harris Beach State Park: Here you’ll find the largest island off the Oregon Coast. It’s a National Wildlife Sanctuary and breeding ground for rare birds like the tufted puffin. The sunsets at Harris Beach are particularly lovely and the perfect way to end your Oregon coast road trip.

Where to stay in Brookings

Campground: Harris Beach State Park
Hotel: Ocean Suites Motel

Where to eat in Brookings

Oxenfrē Public House and Mattie’s Pancake House

Oregon Coast Road Trip Map

All the places included in the Oregon coast road trip can be found this map.

Here’s a re-cap of where to stay and where to eat on your Oregon coast road trip.

Where to Stay on the Oregon Coast

Cannon Beach: Wright’s for Camping or Surfsand Resort
Tillamook: Cape Lookout State Park or Ashley Inn of Tillamook
Lincoln City: Devil’s Lake State Rec Area or Coho Oceanfront Lodge
Newport: South Beach State Park or Sylvia Beach Hotel
Florence: Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park or Driftwood Shores Resort & Conference Center
Bandon: Bullards Beach State Park or Lamplighter Inn
Brookings: Harris Beach State Park or Ocean Suites Motel

If you’re camping for this trip—which we highly recommend (shocking right?)—check out our top outdoor gear guide that includes all our favorite and most indestructible outdoor equipment.

Where to Eat on the Oregon Coast

Astoria: Buoy Brewery
Seaside: Dooger’s Seafood & Grill
Cannon Beach: Driftwood Restaurant and Lounge and Wayfarer Restaurant
Garibaldi: SOURCE
Tillamook: Old Oregon Smokehouse and Five Rivers Coffee Roasters
Pacific City: Pelican Brewery
Lincoln City: Wildflower Grill and Pig ‘N Pancake
Depoe Bay: Gracie’s Sea Hag
Newport: Ove Northwest and Café Mundo
Florence: The Waterfront Depot and Big Dog Donuts & Deli
Coos Bay: 7 Devils Brewing Company
Bandon: Edgewaters and The Rolling Pin Bake & Brew
Brookings: Oxenfrē Public House and Mattie’s Pancake House

Have you ever taken a coastal road trip? Where did you go and what was your favorite thing to do? Let us know in the comments below.

Related Posts

• Essential Road Trip Checklist: Get Your Vehicle Road Trip Ready
• Ultimate Utah Road Trip – 2 Weeks in the Mighty 5 National Parks
• Top Outdoor Gear Guide

Pin this post for later >

Affiliate Disclaimer
This post uses affiliate links. What does that mean exactly? Just that if you click a product link and make a purchase we’ll get a small commission on the sale (at no extra cost to you). The official legal speak for this is: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program (and others), an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.