Oregon Coast Travel Guide: 12 Best Towns & Things to Do
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, the Oregon Coast was our annual summer vacation spot. I remember so fondly flying kites in Manzanita, exploring tide pools at Haystack Rock, and finishing beach days with ice cream while our toes froze in the (always chilly!) Pacific. Now that I’m exploring it with my own family, I’m rediscovering just how special this stretch of coastline really is.
The Oregon Coast is one of the most beautiful and accessible coastlines in the U.S. Thanks to Oregon’s long-standing commitment to keep beaches public, the entire shoreline is open to explore. That means sweeping views, wide sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming coastal towns are yours to enjoy Whether you’re road-tripping, looking for family-friendly adventures, or planning a relaxing getaway — the Oregon Coast is a prime destination.
In this guide, I’ll take you through 12 of the best stops along the Oregon Coast, running north to south. You can drive it in either direction (or just visit a few favorites), but this list gives you a clear route and plenty of inspiration. Along the way, I’ll share our favorite towns, beaches, and activities—from tide pooling and kayaking to bonfires and lighthouses.
1. Astoria
Astoria is the northern gateway to the Oregon Coast, sitting right where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. It’s full of history, charming Victorian houses, and a fun mix of coastal and river views. Fans of pop culture will especially love Astoria since it famously was the filming location for The Goonies and other classics.
Best Activities in Astoria
- The Goonies House & Movie Sites: Movie buffs can’t miss a drive-by of the Goonies house (privately owned, so view respectfully from the street). You can also spot filming locations from Kindergarten Cop and Free Willy.
- Peter Iredale Shipwreck: Located at Fort Stevens State Park, the Peter Iredale is the hauntingly beautiful remains of a 1906 shipwreck. It’s right on the beach, easy to access, and incredibly photogenic.
- Astoria Column: Climb the spiral staircase of this historic tower for panoramic views of the town, the Columbia River, and the surrounding hills. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Pacific.
- Maritime Museum: The Columbia River Maritime Museum is a fascinating stop, especially for kids. It has exhibits on shipwrecks, lighthouses, and the treacherous Columbia River Bar.
Where to Eat
- Bowpicker Fish & Chips — legendary tuna fish & chips served from a converted boat.
- Buoy Beer Company — great craft beer and seafood, with a glass floor inside where you can watch sea lions.
- Astoria Coffeehouse & Bistro — a cozy spot for breakfast or lunch.
Parking & Fees
Fort Stevens (where the Peter Iredale shipwreck sits) requires a parking permit: $10 for Oregon residents and $12 for non-residents. You can buy a one-day pass at kiosks in the parking area. If you’re visiting multiple fee parks, an annual Oregon State Parks pass ($30 for 12 months, $50 for 24 months) may be worthwhile.
Why We Love It
Astoria is one of those places where history, scenery, and quirky charm all come together. Whether you’re chasing Goonies nostalgia, exploring shipwrecks, or just enjoying the views, it’s a town worth lingering in at the start (or end) of your Oregon Coast adventure.
2. Seaside
Seaside is one of the most kid-friendly towns on the Oregon Coast. It has a lively, boardwalk-style feel with arcades, shops, and amusement rides. The beach itself is wide and sandy, but it’s often busy. We usually save beach time for elsewhere unless we’re staying in Seaside. Still, it’s a great base for families looking for lots of activities in one place.
Best Activities in Seaside
- Arcades & Shops: The main strip is packed with arcades, candy shops, toy stores, and souvenir stands. Perfect for kids to explore on a rainy day or after some beach time.
- Carousel (Dog-Friendly!): The Seaside Carousel is a charming spot, and fun fact: it’s dog-friendly! Our pups even rode with us, which made for some unforgettable photos.
- Amusement Park: Just a few blocks from the beach, you’ll find go-karts, mini-golf, and small rides. It’s not huge, but our group of kids (ages 6-13) had a blast.
- Laser Tag: Another fun option if the weather turns, as this is great entertainment for kids and teens.
Good to Know
The Seaside Aquarium is small and could be a quick stop on a rainy day, but if you’re really excited about an aquarium visit, we recommend holding out for the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport instead.
Where to Eat
- Dooger’s Seafood & Grill — casual seafood and family-friendly atmosphere.
- Pig ‘N Pancake — a breakfast staple, especially with kids.
- Seaside Brewing Co. — good for the adults in the group, with hearty food and local beer.
Why We Love It
Seaside feels more like a classic “beach town carnival” than anywhere else on the Oregon Coast. It may not be the most peaceful stop, but it’s packed with fun, especially for families with younger kids.
3. Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is one of the most iconic stops on the Oregon Coast — and for good reason. With its dramatic Haystack Rock, wide sandy beach, charming downtown, and easy access to nearby natural wonders, it offers something for everyone.
Best Activities in Cannon Beach
- Stroll the Beach at Sunset: Cannon Beach is famous for its long, sandy shoreline with Haystack Rock rising in the distance. Sunset is the perfect time to walk, relax, and take in the views.
- Browse the Shops & Galleries: The downtown area is full of art galleries, boutique shops, and little treasures. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon off the beach.
- Tidepooling: Haystack Rock is the most convenient spot for tidepooling, especially for families. But if you’re up for a short drive, Indian Beach (our favorite!) or Hug Point offer even more spectacular tide pools. 👉 [See our full tidepooling guide here.]
- Scenic Views: Just a few minutes away, Ecola State Park offers sweeping coastal views, hiking trails, and famous filming locations for the beach scenes in The Goonies.
- Exploring nearby Hug Point: At low tide, Hug Point reveals sea caves, waterfalls, and a unique glimpse of coastal geology. Parking can be really challenging here, so try to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Where to Eat
- Try the Cannon Beach Puff, a sweet, flaky treat at Cannon Beach Bakery.
- Grab a cone at Osburn’s Ice Creamery — a perfect beach-day stop.
Parking & Fees
Parking downtown is free but can fill up quickly on weekends and in summer.
Ecola State Park requires a parking permit: $10 for Oregon residents and $12 for non-residents. You can buy a one-day pass at kiosks in the parking area. If you’re visiting multiple fee parks, an annual Oregon State Parks pass ($30 for 12 months, $50 for 24 months) may be worthwhile.
Fun Fact
Parts of the 80s classic The Goonies were filmed here! From the Ecola State Park viewpoint, you can enjoy the same sweeping views that appeared on the big screen.
4. Manzanita
Manzanita is one of the Oregon Coast’s most peaceful and charming towns. With its wide sandy beach, small-town feel, and easy access to outdoor adventures, it’s a great place for families or couples looking for a quieter coastal getaway.
Best Activities in Manzanita
- Beach Bonfire & Sunset: The wide beach is perfect for evening bonfires (check local fire rules first). Watching the sun sink into the ocean while bundled up around a fire is a true Oregon Coast experience.
- Flying Kites: Manzanita can get windy, which makes it one of the best spots for kite flying. Bring your own or grab one at a local shop. It’s a fun activity for all ages.
- Kayaking Nehalem Bay: Just inland from town, Nehalem Bay offers a calm, scenic place to paddle. You can rent kayaks in Wheeler and explore the bay, spotting birds and maybe even seals along the way.
Where to Eat
- Left Coast Siesta — a local favorite for burritos and comfort food.
- Manzanita Coffee Co. — perfect for a morning latte before hitting the beach.
- Big Wave Café — good seafood and casual eats.
Why We Love It
Manzanita has a quieter, more laid-back vibe compared to nearby Cannon Beach or Seaside. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, fly a kite, or watch the waves roll in without big crowds.
Insider Tip
Manzanita Beach is extra wide and flat, making it one of the best for long walks. On summer evenings, you’ll often see multiple bonfires dotting the sand. Bring marshmallows and join in!
5. Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach offers a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere compared to some of the larger coastal towns. It’s a great place if you want wide open stretches of sand without the big crowds.
Best Activities
- Ride the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad: This vintage train runs between Rockaway and Garibaldi. The ride isn’t about dramatic new views (you’ll see much of the same scenery as you would driving), but the experience of riding in a historic open-air car is unique. We found it to be a fun afternoon outing, especially with kids.
- The train runs daily during the summer but only on select days the rest of the year. You can check the current schedule here: Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad.
- Beach Walks: The long sandy beach is perfect for walking, playing, or just enjoying a quiet moment away from busier towns.
- Farmers Market: During the summer months, Rockaway hosts a small but charming farmers market. It’s a nice way to sample local produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts while supporting the community.
Where to Eat
Rockaway has a handful of casual spots for seafood and ice cream, perfect for a quick stop while exploring the coast.
6. Tillamook
If you are a dairy-lover, it’s definitely worth a stop in Tillamook for the amazing cheese and ice cream at the famous Tillamook Creamery. Families flock here for cheese samples, self-guided factory tours, and some of the best ice cream on the coast. It can be busy, but it’s worth doing at least once.
Best Activities
- Tillamook Creamery: Watch cheese being made, grab a meal in the cafe, and don’t skip the ice cream counter.
- Tillamook Air Museum: Housed in a giant WWII blimp hangar, this small aviation museum is interesting if you’re passing through.
- Birdwatching in Tillamook Bay: The mudflats and wetlands draw shorebirds, herons, and bald eagles. Oyster Drive (near Bay City, just north of town) is especially good for spotting wildlife.
Other Tips
- Tillamook works well as a base for nearby scenic spots like Oceanside, Netarts, and Cape Meares.
- Expect crowds at the Creamery in summer. Mornings or weekdays are usually calmer.
7. Oceanside & Cape Meares
Just a short drive west of Tillamook, these two stops are small but packed with charm and natural beauty. Oceanside is especially known for its Tunnel Beach, a hidden gem you reach by walking through a man-made tunnel carved into the rock. On the other side, you’ll find a quieter beach that’s great for hunting agates, exploring sea caves, and enjoying dramatic coastal views.
Cape Meares, just up the road, has a classic lighthouse perched on a cliff, along with the quirky Octopus Tree — a centuries-old Sitka spruce with branches that twist out in wild directions. Both are short, easy visits and make for a perfect afternoon outing.
Best Activities
- Tunnel Beach (Oceanside): Walk through the tunnel to discover a more secluded beach, known for agates and unique rock formations.
- Cape Meares Lighthouse: Small but iconic, with panoramic views over the ocean.
- Octopus Tree: A natural oddity worth the short walk from the lighthouse parking lot.
Other Tips
- The tunnel at Oceanside can be slippery, especially after rain. Wear sturdy shoes.
- These stops don’t take long — they’re perfect to pair with a visit to Tillamook Creamery.
8. Pacific City
Pacific City is one of our absolute favorite spots on the Oregon Coast. It’s a little quieter than some of the bigger towns, but it’s packed with character and natural beauty. The huge sand dune at Cape Kiwanda is the star of the show — climbing it is a challenge, but the views from the top are incredible. Kids (and adults!) love running, rolling, or sliding down the sandy slope.
Right next to the dune sits Pelican Brewing Company, one of the best places on the coast for food and craft beer with a view. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a dune climb or to watch the sunset. The beach itself is stunning, with wide sandy stretches and the iconic Haystack Rock (the smaller cousin of Cannon Beach’s rock) rising out of the ocean just offshore.
Pacific City is also a hotspot for surfers, so even if you’re not catching waves yourself, it’s fun to sit back and watch the action. For something more upscale, Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa has a fantastic restaurant with sweeping ocean views.
Best Activities
- Climb the Sand Dunes at Cape Kiwanda: A must-do for families, with amazing views from the top.
- Relax at Pelican Brewing Company: Great food and beer right on the beach.
- Beach Walks & Sunsets: Wide, flat beach that’s perfect for strolling.
- Surfing: One of the best surfing spots on the coast, fun to watch or try if you’re adventurous.
Other Tips
- The sand dune climb is steep and tiring, but the view from the top is really spectacular. Bring water and take it slow if needed.
- Parking at Cape Kiwanda is limited and fills up quickly in summer. Arrive early if you can.
9. Lincoln City
Lincoln City is one of the most family-friendly stops along the Oregon Coast, with a nice mix of beach activities, good food, and unique traditions. The wide sandy beach here is perfect for walking, playing, and especially for kite flying. Lincoln City is known for its windy conditions and even hosts kite festivals that draw visitors from all over.
Another fun local tradition is the Finders Keepers glass float hunt. Throughout the year, local artists hide beautiful hand-blown glass floats on the beach for visitors to find and keep. It adds a little treasure-hunting magic to your beach walks, and kids absolutely love it. We haven’t been lucky enough to find one yet, but we will always keep looking!
When it comes to food, Mo’s Chowder is a must-stop for a hearty bowl of clam chowder with ocean views. Lincoln City also has plenty of other restaurants worth exploring, from casual seafood shacks to sit-down spots.
Best Activities
- Kite Flying: Bring your own or buy one in town — the beach is perfect for it.
- Glass Float Hunt (Finders Keepers): A unique local tradition where you might just walk away with a piece of art.
- Beach Walks: Wide stretches of sand, great for families.
- Mo’s Chowder: Iconic coastal stop for clam chowder.
Other Tips
- Check Lincoln City’s event calendar if you’re visiting during a festival (like the kite festival or sandcastle competition).
- If you find a glass float, you get to keep it! Be sure to check the Lincoln City Visitor Center for details about the program.
10. Depoe Bay
Depoe Bay is known as the whale watching capital of the Oregon Coast. The harbor is tiny (in fact, it’s the smallest navigable harbor in the world), but the town has big charm. Gray whales can often be spotted right from the shoreline, especially between March and December when they migrate along the coast.
Best Activities
- Whale Watching: Spot whales right from the seawall, or book a boat tour for a closer look.
- Harbor Stroll: The harbor itself is unique and worth a quick stop.
- Seafood Restaurants: There are a few small spots in town to enjoy fresh seafood while watching the waves.
Other Tips
- If whale watching is a must-do for you, plan ahead and check tour availability before your trip.
- Even if you don’t catch whales, the ocean views from town are beautiful year-round.
11. Newport
Newport is one of the busiest and most diverse towns on the Oregon Coast, offering a mix of family attractions, working waterfront charm, and natural beauty. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a full day (or more) and still have plenty left to see.
Best activities in Newport
- Oregon Coast Aquarium: One of the best family attractions on the coast. The aquarium features touch tanks, otters, and fascinating exhibits about marine life in the Pacific Northwest.
- Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area: A must-visit. The historic lighthouse sits on dramatic cliffs, and the tide pools here are among the best on the coast. At low tide, you can see starfish, anemones, and crabs. You may spot harbor seals, too.
- Old Town & Marina: Stroll the waterfront to see working fishing boats, grab fresh seafood, and browse quirky shops. Sea lions often lounge on the docks.
- Devil’s Punchbowl – north of town: This natural rock formation is especially dramatic at high tide when waves swirl inside the bowl. Be sure to enjoy from a safe distance.
Parking:
Parking at Yaquina Head Lighthouse is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management, and there is a $7 entrance fee. Alternatively, an America The Beautiful pass also qualifies.
Where to eat
- Mo’s Original — This is the original Mo’s Chowder spot, famed for clam chowder and ocean views. There are other Mo’s locations in Lincoln City and Tolovana (near Cannon Beach), but Newport is where it all began.
- Local Ocean Seafoods — Fresh, sustainably sourced seafood right on the bayfront.
- Rogue Brewer’s on the Bay — A brewery with great food and views, plus tours of Rogue’s brewing operations.
Why We Love It
Newport is the perfect mix of family fun and authentic coastal character. Between the aquarium, tidepools, historic lighthouse, and bustling marina, there’s something for everyone. It’s one of those towns you’ll want to linger in before moving on down the coast.
12. Yachats
Yachats is one of the most dramatic stretches of the Oregon Coast. The shoreline here is rocky and rugged, with waves crashing against black lava rock formations. It feels different from the sandy beaches further north and makes for some spectacular views.
Best activities in Yachats:
- Cape Perpetua Scenic Area – The highlight of Yachats, with breathtaking viewpoints and short hikes that are family-friendly. Don’t miss Thor’s Well, a natural rock formation that looks like the ocean is draining into the earth.
- Hiking trails – Cape Perpetua offers several trails ranging from easy to moderate. You can hike through old-growth forest, find overlooks above the Pacific, or take short loops down to the tidepools.
- Exploring tide pools – At low tide, you can find plenty of marine life clinging to the rocks along the shoreline.
- Downtown Yachats – The town itself is small but charming, with a few local restaurants and shops worth exploring.
The vibe: Yachats feels quieter and more rugged than other towns on the coast. It doesn’t have wide sandy beaches like Cannon Beach or Seaside, but that’s part of the appeal. It’s a destination for people who want dramatic views, hiking, tidepooling, and a slower-paced, nature-focused experience.
💬 Your Turn: Where are your favorite places on the Oregon Coast? Are there any hidden gems you’d recommend? Please share in the comments!
