Stretching for over 360 miles, the Oregon Coast is one of the most scenic drives in the United States. Along the way, you’ll find dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, historic towns, lighthouses, and small fishing harbors. Every few miles the landscape shifts, so there’s always another spot worth pulling over to see. For that reason, an Oregon Coast road trip is one of the best ways to experience it all, whether you’re interested in nature, food, or just the simple joy of driving along the Pacific.
In this guide, I’ll share our full itinerary from Vancouver, BC down through the Oregon Coast and then back up through Portland and Seattle. You’ll see exactly where we stopped, what each place is like, and, most importantly, tips for making the most of your time. To make planning easier, I’ve also included GPS locations for each stop so you can get directions with a click. Altogether, this article is a real trip you can follow or adapt, with ideas for food, hotels, and the kinds of experiences you’ll find along the way.
Start: Vancouver, BC to Tumwater
4:30 PM
- Departure from Vancouver, BC
We started our Oregon Coast road trip by leaving Vancouver in the late afternoon. The plan was to cross the border and drive straight to Tumwater, Washington, where we had booked a hotel for the night. The drive took about four hours and was mostly highway, making it an easy first stretch of the trip. Ending the day here put us in a good position to reach the Oregon coast the next morning without rushing.
8:30 PM
- ETA @ Tumwater
- Hotel @ La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tumwater – Olympia
La Quinta Tumwater — 4600 Capitol Blvd SE, Tumwater, WA 98501, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Tumwater is just south of Olympia and makes a practical overnight stop. It’s nothing fancy, but it breaks up the long drive and puts you in a good spot to reach Astoria the next morning. The hotel is modern, clean, and convenient, exactly what you want after hours on the road. It’s close to the highway, so checking in and getting settled is quick. Dinner options in Tumwater are basic chains, but it’s easy to grab a quick bite to bring back to the hotel.
Day 1: Tumwater to Newport
6:00 AM
- Departure from Tumwater
9:00 AM
- ETA @ Astoria
- Breakfast @ Coffee Girl
Coffee Girl — 100 39th St, Astoria, OR 97103, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
The first real stop of the Oregon Coast road trip is Astoria, a historic town at the mouth of the Columbia River. It’s the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies and has a strong fishing and shipping history. Coffee Girl is a cozy café set right on the pier. You can sit outside at the back where tables are placed directly on the dock, giving you breakfast with a view of the Columbia River flowing by. It’s a relaxed way to start the morning before continuing the drive.
9:30 AM
- ETA @ Astoria Column
Astoria Column — 1 Coxcomb Dr, Astoria, OR 97103, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Built in 1926, the Astoria Column is a 125-foot tower decorated with murals showing key events from Oregon’s past. A spiral staircase leads to the top, where you get wide views of Astoria, the Columbia River, and the Pacific Ocean. It’s one of the best vantage points on the trip. The short climb is worth it for the panorama alone.
10:00 AM
- Departure from Astoria
11:00 AM
- ETA @ Cannon Beach
Public Parking — 1172 S Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Street Parking — 1016 Ecola Ct, Cannon Beach, OR 97110, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Cannon Beach is one of the most iconic sights on the Oregon Coast road trip. The wide sandy beach is famous for Haystack Rock, a massive sea stack rising out of the water. At low tide, you can explore tide pools filled with starfish, crabs, and anemones. It’s a good place to slow down, walk the shoreline, and take in the scenery. I put the location of the main public parking lot but it got full quick when we were there so we drove around and found a street parking right by the beach.
1:00 PM
- Departure from Cannon Beach
2:00 PM
- ETA @ Tillamook Creamery
Tillamook Creamery — 4165 N Hwy 101, Tillamook, OR 97141, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
The Tillamook Creamery is a popular stop for anyone driving the Oregon Coast. Inside, you can walk through exhibits that explain the cheese-making process and see parts of the production floor. The highlight is sampling their cheese and trying the ice cream counter. It’s touristy but fun and a good break in the drive.
4:00 PM
- Departure from Tillamook
6:00 PM
- ETA @ Newport
- Hotel @ Hotel Sylvia
Hotel Sylvia — 267 NW Cliff St, Newport, OR 97365, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Newport is one of the main towns along the central Oregon Coast, with a busy fishing harbor, a historic downtown, and several nearby attractions. It’s large enough to have plenty of restaurants and hotels, yet it still feels like a small coastal town. We stayed overnight at Hotel Sylvia, which sits right above the ocean and gives you a direct view of the waves below. The hotel is full of history, and on the fourth floor you’ll find a library where they’ve kept guest notebooks from the past 40 years. Reading through them feels like stepping back in time, seeing how travelers from completely different lives experienced the same Oregon Coast road trip. Staying here made Newport a great base to explore the surrounding sights the next day.
7:00 PM
- Option 1
- Dinner @ Sorella
- Option 2
- Dinner @ Nana’s Irish Pub
Sorella — 526 NW Coast St APT C, Newport, OR 97365, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Nana’s Irish Pub — 613 NW Third St, Newport, OR 97365, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Newport has plenty of places to eat, from local pubs to family-run restaurants. Seafood is a big part of the menus here, but you’ll also find other options. We had planned to eat at Sorella but decided to skip it since we still had food left from Tillamook. A friendly couple we met at Hotel Sylvia suggested Nana’s Irish Pub, so between that and Sorella you’ve got two good options for dinner in Newport. Our first night in Newport was foggy, a reminder of how quickly the weather can change along the Oregon Coast, even in the middle of summer.
Day 2: Newport to Florence
8:30 AM
- Checkout from Hotel Sylvia
9:00 AM
- Option 1
- Breakfast @ La Maison
- Option 2
- Breakfast @ Fishtails Cafe + Aquarium Village
La Maison — 315 SW 9th St, Newport, OR 97365, USA
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Fishtails Cafe — 3101 Ferry Slip Rd, South Beach, OR 97365, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Aquarium Village — 3101 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, OR 97365, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
We had planned to eat breakfast at La Maison, but instead we went to Fishtails Café, another spot recommended by the couple we met at Hotel Sylvia. It’s a relaxed diner near the marina, and right behind it you’ll find the Aquarium Village, a quirky little cluster of shops you can explore after eating. Breakfast here made for an easy start before heading out to more coastal stops.
10:00 AM
- ETA @ Devils Punch Bowl
Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area — 122 1st St, Otter Rock, OR 97369, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Devils Punch Bowl is a natural rock formation shaped like a giant bowl. When the tide comes in, waves crash into it, swirling around dramatically inside. It’s easy to view from the cliffs above, and there are trails nearby. The stop doesn’t take long but gives you a sense of the power of the Pacific.
11:00 AM
- ETA @ Yaquina Head Lighthouse + Cobble Beach
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area — 750 NW Lighthouse Dr, Newport, OR 97365, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Yaquina Head Lighthouse has been guiding ships since 1873 and is the tallest lighthouse in Oregon. It sits on a rocky headland with sweeping ocean views. Below it, Cobble Beach is covered with smooth black stones and dotted with tide pools full of marine life. It’s both historic and naturally striking.
12:00 PM
- ETA @ Sea Lion Docks
Sea Lion Docks — Port Dock One, 325 SW Bay Blvd., Newport, OR 97365, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Parking — 1118 SW Canyon Way, Newport, OR 97365, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Down by the harbor, sea lions usually crowd the floating docks, barking and fighting for space while people watch from the boardwalk. When we visited, they were in the water instead, but it was still interesting to see them swimming around. The strip also has plenty of little shops and food options to wander through, which makes the stop even more worthwhile. There is a public parking lot right up the street next to the Newport Brewing Company.
2:00 PM
- ETA @ Yaquina Bay State Park
Yaquina Bay State Park — 846 SW Government St, Newport, OR 97365, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
This turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. We came in with no expectations and found a massive, quiet beach backed by sand dunes. Walking through the soft sand was a bit challenging but also a lot of fun. It’s easy to see why this place is protected as a state park.
3:30 PM
Rogue Ales & Spirit Brewery — 2320 SE Marine Science Dr, Newport, OR 97365, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Rogue is one of Oregon’s best-known breweries, but for us it was more of a quick pit stop than a full visit. Unless you plan to eat at the restaurant, it’s mainly worth stopping to look around. Be sure to walk out onto the long dock, which gives you a great view of the marina and the boats in the harbor.
4:00 PM
- Departure from Newport
5:00 PM
- ETA @ Florence
- Hotel @ River House Inn
River House Inn — 1202 Bay St, Florence, OR 97439, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Florence is a small coastal town along the Siuslaw River, with a historic district full of colorful shops and restaurants. We stayed overnight at the River House Inn, set in a quiet spot right next to Old Town, which made it easy to explore on foot. The riverfront is lined with local places to eat and is worth a stroll in the evening. Just south of town, the Oregon Dunes stretch for miles, making Florence a great base before heading farther down the coast. We didn’t have time to visit the sand dunes, but in hindsight it would have been a memorable experience to see them up close.
Itinerary Options
At this point, you’ve got three options for how to continue your Oregon Coast road trip:
- Keep heading south along the coast to see more small towns and beaches. The only drawback is figuring out the return, and with just five days we couldn’t make it work, even though we would have loved to.
- Head back north and stop in some of the smaller towns you may have skipped on the way down. In hindsight, this probably would have been the best choice to stretch out the relaxed “vacation” vibe a little longer.
- Turn inland and visit the bigger cities — Portland in Oregon and Seattle in Washington. If you like city life, it’s a fitting way to end the trip, just be ready for the busier pace that comes with big cities.
We ended up going for option 3.
Day 3: Florence to Portland
7:00 AM
- Breakfast @ River Roasters
River Roasters — 1240 Bay St, Florence, OR 97439, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
We started the morning with coffee and breakfast at a riverside café. It’s a very short walk from the hotel, five minutes at most. This place is very popular and the baked goods are very fresh and delicious. The pace in Florence is slower, and the setting along the water makes it a pleasant stop. There aren’t many big-name restaurants here, but the local spots are welcoming. It was a good way to begin the day and remains one highlight of our Oregon Coast road trip.
8:00 AM
- Departure from River House Inn
8:30 AM
- ETA @ Hobbit Beach Head Trail
Hobbit Beach Head Trail — 91892 Oregon Coast Hwy, Florence, OR 97439, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
The Hobbit Trail is a short hike through forest and thick vegetation that leads to the coast. The narrow, twisting path feels enclosed until it suddenly opens up to a wide beach. It’s quiet and less visited than some of the bigger beaches. The trail itself makes the walk as memorable as the beach at the end.
9:30 AM
- Departure from Florence
10:00 AM
- ETA @ Yachats 804 Trail
Smelt Sands State Recreation Site — 1793 US-101, Yachats, OR 97498, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Just north of Yachats, the 804 Trail follows the coastline. It runs along rocky cliffs with tide pools below, making it a good place for a walk. There are benches along the path where you can sit and watch the waves. Always keep an eye on the waves and avoid climbing onto the rocks, as the water can be rougher than it looks. With that in mind, the trail is still an easy and safe way to enjoy the rugged side of the Oregon Coast. Just make sure to go left at the fork when going off the main road, our GPS sent us right for some reason. You can see the roundabout with parking on the map.
11:00 AM
- ETA @ Pacific Sourdough
Pacific Sourdough — 740 NE Mill St, Waldport, OR 97394, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Pacific Sourdough is a small local bakery in Waldport. It’s best known for its breads and pastries, and many travelers stop in for fresh loaves. The place is unassuming but has a strong local following. They’re open Thursday to Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM. Be prepared for up to an hour-long lineup, but I’m telling you, it’s worth the wait (the view of Lint Creek and the surrounding trees makes up for it). The bakery is set up as an L-shaped counter where a staff member walks with you, gathers what you choose, and puts it all together on a tray. You need to try the pretzel sourdough bread with their homemade Boursin cheese. Another memorable highlight of our Oregon Coast road trip.
12:00 PM
- Departure from Yachats / Waldport
2:00 PM
- ETA @ Riverfront City Park
Riverfront City Park — 200 Water St NE, Salem, OR 97301, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Salem, Oregon’s capital, was a midway stop on the drive north. We paused here at the riverfront park and had a short break before continuing. The city has government buildings and a historic downtown, but we didn’t stay long. It worked mainly as a chance to stretch after hours in the car.
4:00 PM
- Departure from Salem
5:00 PM
- ETA @ Portland
- Hotel @ Hotel deLuxe
Hotel deLuxe — 729 SW 15th Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Portland was the next overnight stop after leaving the coast behind. It’s Oregon’s largest city, known for its food scene, parks, and lively neighborhoods. After several days of small towns, arriving in a big city felt like a shift. Staying here gave us time to enjoy a different side of Oregon. The hotel has an old Hollywood cinema theme and is set just outside the downtown core, which felt safer but still within walking distance. A 20–30 minute stroll takes you through downtown to the riverfront. Parking is simple too, with a public parkade next door, and the hotel covers the cost.
6:30 PM
- Dinner @ Xin Ding Dumpling House + Voodoo Doughnut
Xin Ding Dumpling House — 71 SW Second Ave, Portland, OR 97204, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Voodoo Doughnut — 22 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
The city is famous for its food, from food carts to sit-down restaurants. We chose dumplings for dinner, but if you’re still hungry afterward or just want something sweet, Voodoo Doughnut is a popular spot right on the corner. Portland makes it easy to eat well without much planning, and you’ll always find something nearby.
Day 4: Portland to Seattle
9:30 AM
- Checkout from Hotel deLuxe
10:00 AM
- ETA @ Portland Japanese Garden
Portland Japanese Garden — 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
The Japanese Garden is one of Portland’s most visited attractions. Designed to reflect traditional Japanese landscaping, it has paths, ponds, and tea houses. The garden is calm and well kept, making it a good break from the busyness of the city. It’s considered one of the most authentic outside Japan.
12:30 PM
- ETA @ Target
Target — 1555 N Tomahawk Is Dr, Portland, OR 97217, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Oregon has no sales tax, which makes shopping here appealing. We made a stop at Target, but there are obviously plenty of other options if you want to browse. For travelers, it’s a chance to pick up supplies or small items at a lower cost. This was a practical stop before heading north.
2:00 PM
- Departure from Portland
5:30 PM
- ETA @ Seattle
- Hotel @ The Mediterranean Inn
The Mediterranean Inn — 425 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Seattle was the final city of the trip, and we stayed at the Mediterranean Inn in the Queen Anne neighborhood. It’s a quieter area outside of downtown that still gives easy access to the main sights. The hotel has paid underground parking with gated access behind the building, and a rooftop terrace with views over the city and the ocean. There are plenty of food options nearby, but we decided to keep it simple and ordered UberEats back at the hotel.
Day 5: Seattle to Vancouver, BC
9:00 AM
- ETA @ Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market — 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Public Parking — 1531 Western Ave P, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s best-known attractions. It’s a lively market with stalls selling seafood, flowers, and local crafts, and the atmosphere is always busy with street performers adding to the energy. You can get there on foot for a stroll along the waterfront or by car, with their public parking location linked above. It’s also home to the original Starbucks, which many visitors like to check out.
12:00 PM
- Departure from Seattle
2:00 PM
- ETA @ Birch Bay
- ETA @ The C Shop Candy Shop
The C Shop Candy Shop — 4825 Alderson Rd, Birch Bay, WA 98230, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Before heading back to Vancouver, BC, we stopped in Birch Bay, which is right along the way and made for a nice final pause on the trip. It gave us one last Pacific beach to fully close the coastal loop before returning home. While there, we visited the C Shop, a spot that’s been running since the 1970s. It’s part candy store, part bakery, and part ice cream shop, with an old-fashioned feel that makes it a fun stop for families.
2:30 PM
- Option 1
- ETA @ Birch Bay Beach
- Option 2
- ETA @ Birch Bay County Park
Birch Bay Beach (BP Heron Center) — 7290 Birch Bay Dr, Blaine, WA 98230, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Birch Bay County Park (parking along the beach) — 7878 Birch Bay Dr, Blaine, WA 98230, United States
- View on Google Maps
- View on Apple Maps
Birch Bay Beach sits next to Birch Bay State Park, where you’ll find picnic tables right along the ocean, though there’s a $10 state park fee that can be paid online through the link provided. If you’d rather skip the fee, you can head a little farther north to Birch Bay County Park, which is free and has easy beach access. Either way, it’s a great place to take in the fresh Pacific breeze one last time and officially wrap up your Oregon Coast road trip.
3:00 PM
- Departure from Birch Bay
5:00 PM
- ETA @ Vancouver, BC
Tips
- Go on weekdays to avoid traffic.
- Download the offline maps on your phone; Google Maps and Apple Maps offer that feature.
- Buy a 24-pack of bottled water for the road.
- Always have a rain jacket or windbreaker close by. It can get cold on the coast even during summer.
- Always set your GPS to where you’re going to park as you might need to walk to get to your destination.
- Talk to local people, they know the best spots.
- Wear comfortable clothes and definitely bring sunscreen and a hat. Here’s a quick guide on backpacking essentials that works great for road trips too.
- Before you head out, take a look at my travel safety tips. I originally wrote them with backpacking abroad in mind, but many of the ideas apply just as much to a road trip, especially around situational awareness.
- Take your time, enjoy the drive, and don’t forget to relax!
