Oregon Coast Road Trip Must-Haves
Highway 101 in Oregon takes you along the coast, just feet from the Pacific Ocean. It winds through tall dunes, misty forests, and dense evergreen forests. The Oregon coast road trip is a must-do for all US explorers and travelers. The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is known for its moody beauty, and there’s no better way to experience it than driving through it mile by mile.
If you’re planning an Oregon road trip soon, consider this your go-to guide for the must-see spots, hidden gems, and essential packing supplies to make your trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
How to Plan Your Oregon Coast Road Trip
The Oregon coast is chock full of charming towns, salty ocean air, and stunning views. Here’s how to map out an unforgettable journey.
Start by choosing your starting and ending points to determine your travel direction. Most people start north and head south, so their car is always closest to the ocean for the best views.
Next, determine the time frame of your travels. It’s possible to traverse the entire coast in as little as 3 days, but to give yourself enough time to enjoy each stop, plan for at least 5 to 7 days. Extra time is never a bad thing, either. Build a buffer so you can stay and enjoy your favorite places, or add a few spontaneous stops to the itinerary.
Now, you must determine the stops you’ll make along the way. We have great recommendations for must-see destinations and hidden gems to explore, but more on that later. We recommend creating an itinerary with a blend of beaches, state parks, and charming towns.
Book your lodging ahead of time. Whether you want to stay at hotels or camp in your car, plan where to sleep each night and book your accommodations in advance to ensure a spot. Pro Tip: Stay oceanfront as much as you can for breathtaking views.
Packing can make or break your trip. The PNW can be cold and rainy, but summers can get hot, and winters can experience snow. Consider the weather and the time of year of your adventure.
While a schedule is helpful to give your trip structure, remember to go with the flow once your road trip starts. Stop if something piques your interest because some of the best moments are unplanned.
What is the Best Month to Travel to the Oregon Coast?
What type of trip do you want to take in Oregon? Your answer will determine the best month to plan your road trip.
In the summer months, July to September, you’ll enjoy the best overall weather the PNW offers. Temperatures are warm, and there’s little rain and clear skies. If you’re looking forward to beach days and hikes without fog, this is the time to go. You’ll enjoy sunny days and clear ocean views. The only trade-off is that higher prices and crowds are more common. Book early to save.
If you want a less crowded experience and wouldn’t mind seeing beautiful blooms, consider a spring trip between May and June. This is the peak season for wildflowers and migrating whales as the weather begins to warm up. It’s a peaceful time of year in Oregon, but rain and wind may occasionally occur.
October is a secret sweet spot for Oregon travel. There are few tourists, but there’s plenty of fall foliage and crisp air to breathe in. It’s ideal for a cozy romantic getaway. However, remember that the days are shorter in the fall, and storms may start brewing this time of year.
If you want the full PNW experience—storms, clouds, dramatic waves, and all—then you might want to visit in the winter, from November to April. It’s a moody time of year, perfect for introspective drives, ethereal photography, and an off-the-grid atmosphere. You may face consistent rain and strong winds, so remember that for your road trip if you’re not a strong driver.
How Many Days Do You Need To Drive Oregon Coast?
The Oregon Coast can take as little as 3 days to see, but that won’t give you much of an immersive experience. You’ll quickly tick off sights and move on to the next one, with little time for spontaneous stops or extra enjoyment in your favorite spots.
We recommend giving yourself at least 5 days, but a week is better to soak in the area's magic. This allows you to extend your stay in an area you love, add more pitstops, and take in all the beauty around you.
Must-See Spots
As you build your itinerary, include these fan-favorite spots for a heavy dose of natural beauty, coastal views, and charming local activities.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is an iconic postcard destination. It feels eerily similar to those famous beach scenes in the Twilight movie series. Go here for tide pools, wide sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, sunset walks, and Haystack Rock. It’s also an excellent stop for browsing local boutiques or taking moody photos.
Tillamook
Feeling hungry? Don’t miss Tillamook Creamery, complete with a cheese-tasting room experience and a cafe with delicious bites that feature the brand’s renowned cheeses. Plus, you get a front-row seat to see how the cheese is made. It’s a unique way to break up all the nature stops on the journey.
Pro Tip: Treat yourself to some cheese and snacks and store them in the EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator for the ultimate road trip munchies.
Bandon Beach
Bandon Beach is home to wild rock sea stack formations like Face Rock along its dramatic shoreline. There’s a vast beach to roam, perfect for a pitstop picnic and some ocean air. There are also several charming local galleries nearby for a dose of art.
Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
This is less of a stop and more of a beautiful journey. This stretch of coastal wonder houses dense forests, hidden beaches, jaw-dropping cliffs, and other-worldly coves with turquoise water. You can make stops for a closer look at Arch Rock, Secret Beach, or Natural Bridges. It’s a bucket-list ride.
Devil’s Punchbowl
A natural sea cave? Yes, please! Try to time your arrival at Devils’ Punchbowl with high tide when the water churns and crashes along the shore. It’s an excellent spot to see some whales, followed by a bite to eat at Otter Rock, which isn’t too far away.
Hidden Gems in Oregon Coast
Want to add more Oregon wonders to your escapade? These hidden gems are loved by locals and discerning tourists alike.
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
This is the highest accessible point on the Oregon Coast, so visit and cross it off your bucket list. You’ll enjoy tall cliffs, ocean views, features like Thor’s Well, a saltwater sinkhole, and plenty of coastal trails to explore.
Sea Lion Caves
This one’s a noisy stop due to the colonies of Steller sea lions that call America’s largest sea cave home. Take an elevator down the cavern or keep your distance from the above cliffs.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse
Explore Oregon’s tallest lighthouse and the basalt headland from high above, then trek back down to check out the tide pools filled with starfish. You may even catch a few whales breaching offshore.
What to Pack
Don’t forget to pack these road trip essentials.
Layered clothing: Hoodies, flannels, fleece, jackets, and rain gear
Sturdy shoes: Hiking boots or sneakers
Cozy extras: Hat, gloves, thick socks, and other warm accessories
Reusable water bottle
Beach towel or picnic blanket
Binoculars for whale watching or closer coastal views
Offline maps or GPS
Power source: The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Stations are excellent on-the-go power solutions.
Camera
Toiletries
Emergency kit: Jumper cables, warm blankets, first-aid supplies, spare tire
Hand sanitizer
Sunscreen
Anti-nausea medication for windy roads
Travel journal
Camp or beach chair
Flashlights and extra batteries
What Car is Best to Drive the Oregon Coast?
The drive along the Oregon coast features steep cliffs, twisty roads, and often rainy and windy weather conditions. Because of all these factors, it’s usually best to make the trip in a 4WD or AWD vehicle that can handle the harsh elements and dramatic terrain. These cars are generally larger, which also lends them well to comfortable car camping. Don’t forget the portable power station to make those nights in the car more comfortable.
Whatever car you take the journey with, consider upgrading the experience and using your car’s engine to simultaneously keep your power station topped up with the EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger, which can charge while you drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Part of Oregon Coast To Go To?
The best part of the Oregon Coast to visit on a road trip depends on your vibe. Do you want easy access to iconic views? Go to Cannon Beach. Are you partial to rugged hikes? Head to the central coast near Newport. Would you prefer secluded beauty? The southern coast near Bandon Beach is unbeatable.
Final Thoughts
Oregon has so much to explore and enjoy. The coast is unlike any other in the United States, making it a bucket list road trip for any true adventurer. From dense forests to rugged shorelines and charming towns everywhere you look, there’s something incredible around every twist and turn of Highway 101.
Prepare for the trip of a lifetime with the right gear, like the EcoFlow RIVER 3, a light and portable power station ready to follow you wherever the journey takes you.