surfers and beachgoers enjoy the rugged coastline of Short Sands Beach on a sunny day surfers and beachgoers enjoy the rugged coastline of Short Sands Beach on a sunny day
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Beautiful Short Sands Beach is a popular destination for surfers, swimmers and beachgoers.

Oregon Coast

Discover the Oregon Coast's rocky vistas, miles of public beaches, artistic enclaves, fishing towns, family attractions, microbrews, seafood and surfing.

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Lined by Highway 101 to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, the expansive and exclusively public Oregon Coast is 363 miles (584 km) of rugged shoreline, where tide pools and hiking trails share sunsets with beach towns and lighthouses from the state border with Washington to the north to California to the south. While Afar magazine recommends a multi-day roadtrip to soak it all in, the iconic beauty of Cannon Beach’s Haystack Rock or the kid-friendly Funland Seaside Arcade are just 80 miles (129 km) from downtown Portland.

Tips for Visiting the Oregon Coast

When is the best time to visit the Oregon Coast?

The best time to visit depends on your interests. Some people love the Oregon Coast’s winter storms and clam digging. Others prefer the lively summer scene with sandcastles and sunsets.

If you have a limited travel budget or dislike crowds, plan your trip for spring or autumn (and bring a raincoat). Most of the Oregon Coast’s top attractions are accessible during these shoulder seasons, and you’ll save a little money on lodging.

What are the best things to do on the Oregon Coast?

If you love nature and the outdoors, there are plenty of hikes, scenic vistas and campsites. Depending on the time of year, you can golf, surf, rent a dune buggy, or sign-up for a whale-watching trip.

Kid-friendly activities include aquariums, tidepools, kite flying and the Tillamook Cheese Factory (they sell ice cream too).

The Oregon Coast is packed with historical sites, including Fort Clatsop and Astoria, the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. If road trips are your thing, there are nine historic lighthouses along Oregon’s coastline and plenty of scenic views in between.

Can you swim in the ocean in Oregon?

It’s possible to swim in the ocean in Oregon, but it’s not encouraged. Conditions are often rough, there are dangerous rip tides, and the water is cold. The water temperature peaks around 58 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) at the end of summer and drops to 46 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius) in winter, so it’s common to see people give up their swimming ambitions once the water passes their ankles.

There are plenty of nearby swimming options, depending on where you are on the coast. Several state parks, including Fort Stevens and Honeyman, feature great swimming lakes. Many coastal towns — from Astoria to Brookings — have aquatic centers or municipal pools for family-friendly swimming at enjoyable water temperatures.

How far is the Oregon Coast from Portland?

While you can reach the beach in as little as 90 minutes by car, there are multiple coastal towns and routes worth considering. Popular North Coast towns, including Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach and Mazanita, can be reached in two hours or less via Highway 26 West from Portland. A scenic drive through the Willamette Valley will deliver you to towns like Pacific City, Lincoln City and Depoe Bay in approximately 2.5 hours, assuming you don’t stop to taste wine on the way. South Coast towns such as Coos Bay and Bandon are 4–5 hours away after heading south on I-5 through Eugene. The official website of the Oregon Coast offers helpful tips on travel times and destinations, including this map.

Are there tours or shuttles available?

For those preferring to leave the driving to someone else, there are a number of tour and shuttle options from Portland. The North Coast Express runs on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. EcoTours of Oregon offers a full-day Whale Watching & Coastal Sightseeing tour, while America’s Hub offers day-trip and brewery options.

What’s the weather like on the Oregon Coast?

Generally mild with mixed periods of sun, rain, fog and wind, the key to mastering coastal weather is layers. If you’re always prepared for the elements, then the common afternoon wind or surprise warm spell won’t derail the fun!

Should I be concerned about a tsunami?

According to official counts, 21 tsunamis have impacted the Oregon Coast since 1854. The last damaging tsunami arrived in 2011 as a result of the Great Tohoku Japan Earthquake. When traveling in a tsunami zone on the Oregon Coast, you will notice signage with guidance on the evacuation routes and warning system in place for ensuring safety in the event of an earthquake or tsunami. General guidance during an active earthquake is to duck and cover, then proceed away from the ocean toward higher ground when safe to do so.

Coastal Activities

Whale Watching

Twice a year, approximately 18,000 whales can be seen migrating in both directions along the length of the Oregon Coast. The Whale Watch Week program stations volunteers at prime viewing spots along the coast for a week in December and in March. Visit the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay for a quick study of local aquatic plants and wildlife and year-round whale spotting tips.

Hiking and Camping

All along the coast, dozens of Oregon state parks offer great spots for hikers and campers. Popular parks for camping include Fort Stevens State Park outside Astoria, Nehalem Bay State Park in Manzanita and Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park in Florence.

For hiking, Neahkahnie Mountain, Cape Lookout and Cape Perpetua all offer trails that, on a clear day, provide stunning views of old-growth trees and the vast Pacific Ocean. On the central coast, check out the Umpqua Dunes in the Oregon Dune Recreation Area, where you’ll find the state’s highest dunes and widest beach — and no off-road vehicles.

a view of the Oregon coast from high on Neahkahnie Mountain, with verdant evergreens in the foreground and sandy shores and blue water in the distance
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Watch for whales from Neahkahnie Mountain on the Oregon Coast.
Credit: Thomas Shahan via Flickr
people walk on the wet sand on a sunny day at the beach with sand grass in the foreground and large rock formations in the background
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Visitors to Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area will enjoy views of Haystack Rock and the Pacific Ocean.
Credit: NASHCO Photo

Another way to soak in the scenes is with Oregon Coast Rail Riders. Explore the Oregon Coast by causually pedalling along decommissioned railways with the whole family.

Surfing

The Oregon Coast may not offer the epic breaks of the North Shore or the crystalline blue waters of The Maldives, but our surfing community is strong. Pack a wetsuit and head for Short Sands Beach at Oswald West State Park or Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City for consistent waves and good vibes.

Crabbing, Clamming & Fishing

The Oregon Coast is popular for shellfish and charter fishing. The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife offers helpful tips for getting started with clamming and crabbing. Charter boats can be rented up and down the coast from operations like Garibaldi Charters, Tradewinds Charters in Depoe Bay, and Brookings Fishing Charters on the South Coast.

North Coast

In Oregon’s northwestern corner, the busy port city of Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains, and a beautiful home for art galleries, restaurants and antique shops among many must-see attractions. Be sure to buy a balsawood glider to toss from the towering 125-foot (38 m) Astoria Column, with its breathtaking views and murals depicting Oregon’s early history. History buffs will also enjoy Fort Clatsop, where living history demonstrations depict Lewis and Clark’s 1805-06 winter encampment. The Columbia River Maritime Museum offers visitors the chance to tour a floating lighthouse, the Lightship Columbia.

About 15 miles (24 km) south, the beach town of Seaside is where local families go to play in the surf and enjoy a beach day, complete with salt water taffy and ice cream. Stroll or bike the two-mile (3.2 km) oceanfront promenade with its Coney Island-like attractions.

person in blue shirt and orange hat leans on railing overlooking river and town with a bridge and hills in the distance
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Peek at the mouth of the Columbia River from atop the Astoria Column.
Credit: NASHCO Photo
bright blue sky with white and black lighthouse, people gathered in front of doorway on a path near coastal viewpoint
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Just south of Tillamook Bay sits Cape Meares Lighthouse, offering stunning views of the Oregon Coast and a gift shop.
Credit: NASHCO Photo
entrance of tourist attraction, large painting of cow, people waiting in lines
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One of the Oregon Coast's most popular destinations, the Tillamook Creamery features free, self-guided tours offering insights into the co-op's 100-year-plus traditions of dairy farming and cheese making. The dining hall offers fried cheese curds, grilled cheese, ice cream and more, while the shop lets you take your favorite products home.
Credit: Justin Katigbak
side of building with large, yellow lettering spelling Tillamook
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One of the Oregon Coast's most popular destinations, the Tillamook Creamery features free, self-guided tours offering insights into the co-op's 100-year-plus traditions of dairy farming and cheese making. The dining hall offers fried cheese curds, grilled cheese, ice cream and more, while the shop lets you take your favorite products home.
Credit: Justin Katigbak

Cannon Beach, 20 minutes further down the road, can seem a world away, with a laid-back, artsy beach-town vibe that compels visitors to take it slow — especially when the sun is setting behind picturesque Haystack Rock.

For a taste of the dramatic Oregon coastline, drive 10 miles (16 km) west of Tillamook to Cape Mears, the first stop on the popular Three Capes Scenic Drive. Enjoy Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda before rejoining Highway 101 about a half-hour south of Tillamook.

Wondering where you’ve heard the town name “Tillamook” before? Taste the answer at the Tillamook Cheese Factory, where samples of cheddar, cheese curds and freshly-made ice cream demand a stop. Always popular with kids (of all ages)!

5 to try

Breweries of the Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast offers first-rate scenery and world-class beer.

More Beer

  • Fort George Brewery

    Fort George crafts original beers distributed only in the Northwest. Whether in cans or kegs, at the pub in Astoria or on your front porch, their brews bring people together in aromatic headiness and lupulin ecstasy.

  • Public Coast Brewing Co

    Named in honor of Oregon’s exclusively public coastline, this brewpub offers fare sourced from their own Public Coast Farm and other local businesses alongside a robust tap list of year-round and seasonal craft beers brewed on site.

  • de Garde Brewing

    A small brewery with a loyal following in Tillamook and beyond, De Garde specializes in spontaneous fermentations and barrel aging inspired by European tradition.

  • Pelican Pub & Brewery

    The Pelican Pub and Brewery, located 22 miles south of Tillamook on the majestic Oregon Coast, has become a Northwest landmark for craft beer and fine food enthusiasts.

  • Arch Rock Brewing

    Located just across the street from its Gold Beach brewery, the Arch Rock Taproom is a kid- and dog-friendly place to sample award-winning brews at their freshest.

Central Coast

The Oregon Central Coast starts at Lincoln City where you can fly a kite or roll the dice at the popular Chinook Winds Casino. Watch for the world’s shortest river, “D” River, here, too, as well as shopping at the 65+ stores of the Lincoln City Outlets.

Continuing south 25 miles (40 km), you’ll find the historic fishing and shipping town of Newport. There’s lots to do here, from coming face-to-fins with hundreds of sharks at the Oregon Coast Aquarium to sampling chowder at Mo’s. Newport is also home to an active arts community, as well as one of the state’s nine historic lighthouses. Illuminated in 1873, Yaquina Head Lighthouse stands 93 feet (28 m) tall and still guides ships today.

sunset on a beach, looking up the sand with purple-blue clouds and the sun catching the windows of the buildings that line the shore
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Lincoln City is a town on the central coast of Oregon. At the D River State Recreation Site, the short D River connects Devil’s Lake to a sandy Pacific beach. The Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area has trails and a campground. A collection of Japanese glass fishing floats is a highlight at the North Lincoln County Historical Museum. The Roads End State Recreation Site features tide pools, islands and a hidden cove.
child holds red bucket, ankles in the ocean, surrounded by rock formations and tide pools on an overcast day at the Oregon Coast
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Lincoln City is a town on the central coast of Oregon. At the D River State Recreation Site, the short D River connects Devil’s Lake to a sandy Pacific beach. The Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area has trails and a campground. A collection of Japanese glass fishing floats is a highlight at the North Lincoln County Historical Museum. The Roads End State Recreation Site features tide pools, islands and a hidden cove.
two whale tails emerge from blue ocean waters
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Migrating whales can be seen from many viewing points along the Oregon Coast.
Credit: Courtesy of Travel Oregon

Another 25 miles (40 km) or so south on Highway 101, Yachats State Recreation Area and Cape Perpetua are favorite stops for their tide pools populated with starfish, sea anemones, crabs and other coastal critters.

Florence, 49 miles (79 km) south of Yachats, marks the gateway to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, a 40-mile-long (64 km) playground for sand-boarders, dune buggies and off-highway vehicles (ATVs).

Further South

The Southern Oregon Coast includes the towns of Coos Bay, Bandon, home to the acclaimed Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Gold Beach, and Brookings-Harbor, renowned for its reliably warm weather. Shore Acres State Park, Ko-Kwel Casino Resort, and water activities are popular visitor attractions. Jerry’s Rogue River Jet Boat tours offer high-speed adventure into the wilderness with excursions ranging from two hours to multiple days in the secluded paradise of the Rogue River.

Additional Resources

Oregon Coast Visitors Association

Welcome to the People's Coast

Oregon State Parks

Find a Park

Region

Oregon Coast Activities

Explore new places, enjoy some fresh seafood and maybe even a whale sighting on a trip to Oregon's coast.

More of Oregon
an aerial view of the Oregon Coast with the coast mountain range in the background, a sea of green

Adventures in Seaside and Cannon Beach

Just 80 miles from Portland, the Oregon Coast communities of Cannon Beach and Seaside host attractions like Ecola State Park, dish fresh-caught seafood, offer sweeping views and welcome visitors with small-town charm.

an aerial view of a whale watching center and the surrounding town

Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast

Up to 20,000 gray whales migrate along Oregon’s coast every winter and spring — this handy guide to whale watching on the Oregon Coast covers prime spots to see migrating whales, top whale-watching charters, when to go and more.

four people illuminated by campfire at a dimly lit campsite, backed by a serene lake and a large mountain obscured by mist

Camping Near Portland

To truly appreciate the wilds of the Pacific Northwest, you can spend a memorable night under the stars at these scenic campsites — from rustic tent camping to cabins and yurts — all located within an easy drive from the city.