8 Scenic Drives in Oregon Coast That You Shouldn't Miss

February 2, 2022 Osvaldo Hartline

The Southern Oregon coast is home to isolated beaches, rugged cliffs with breathtaking views of the Pacific and quaint seaside towns. If you stay in the Bay Area, go whale watching at Coos Bay or explore the region on a bike or a hike along the coastline. Antique shoppers will want to explore old town Bandon while golfers hit the links at the world-renowned Bandon Dunes golf course. And don’t forget to bring your fishing gear – you’ll want to cast for salmon and other Pacific Northwest fish at Gold Beach, one of the region’s top fishing spots.

The Central Oregon Coast is a great place for fishing, clamming, hiking, golfing and other outdoor activities. Take the kids and visit the Sea Lion Caves near Florence, the world’s largest. Head up to Newport for a view of the state’s second-tallest lighthouse and shopping in this seaside town popular with vacationers for the last century. Go fly a kite on the beach in Lincoln City, kite capital of the world.

The Northern Oregon Coast offers a relaxing way to enjoy the region. A stay in the scenic town of Astoria on the Washington border will allow you to explore the western edge of the Lewis and Clark trail, with views of the Columbia River and the Pacific. Walk the sandy beaches in Seaside and Cannon Beach and then grab saltwater taffy and other treats while shopping these seaside towns.


Restaurants in Oregon Coast

1. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

2400 Highway 101 N, Yachats, OR 97498-9424 +1 541-547-3289 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/siuslaw/recarea/?recid=42265
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,161 reviews

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Reviewed By YvonneP1979

My family and I are lucky enough to call this area home! Cape Perpetua is a regular stop for family or solo day trips. This area is majestic to say the least and there is so much to explore in just a few miles. Go to the top and view the most Amazing view from the historic look out or hike down to a giant spruce tree through a magical forest, check out the Spouting Horn on high tide or venture down to Thors Well on a low tide (high tide can be very dangerous to get close)! Walk along the trails and stand in awe of the Native American shell Middens leftover from hundreds of years of gathering from the ocean!

2. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Highway 101, Brookings, OR 97415 +1 800-551-6949 http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_77.php
Excellent
84%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 237 reviews

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Reviewed By TomBrody - Berkeley, United States

BOARDMAN CORRIDOR is located about 6 miles north of Harris Beach and about 10 miles south of Gold Beach. Harris Beach seems to be the starfish capital of the world, and the tourist will find plenty of photo-opportunities to pose near a pink-colored starfish. Gold Beach is a charming seaside community, where (depending on the restaurant) you can find excellent clam chowder and excellent oyster chowder and where, if you are lucky, you can see whales from your motel room balcony. The Boardman Corridor is free of any commercialization and, in this way, it is like the equally legendary and scenic segment of Route 1 that takes you through Salt Point State Park in northern California. Secret Beach is announced by a tiny sign located near a dirt turnout by Route 1. Secret Beach is abundantly photogenic, and the visitor might be under the impression that he or she has been magically converted into a dab of ink, and reincarnated as a component of a picture postcard. Yes, Secret Beach has picture postcard written all over it. A narrow trail takes you from the dirt turnout, past a few scenic spots, and ultimately to the beach itself. The entire trail can be walked in about 20 minutes. Children should be kept at close hand, because there are some spots along the trail where they might be tempted to go out and explore on their own, and by accident tumble down a steep embankment. Also, visitors need to be very aware of whether the tide is rising, since being trapped between the rising tide and a cliff would be a real bummer. Actually, I would prefer to let my photographs (attached) do all of the talking. Photogenic features of Secret Beach include clusters of mussels attached to boulders, many seastacks both near and far, and sea arches.

3. Oregon Route 38

Reedsport, OR
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 46 reviews

Oregon Route 38

Reviewed By J8600HOmikeb - Coos Bay, United States

Everything you read about this ride that is wonderful is true. One warning. Just before you go across Scottsburg bridge, the road is very narrow especially on the east side. Time your going into the corner when there are no big trucks, motorhomes or big trailers sharing it with you. The new bridge should be finished by the end of 2021. Stop at Dean Creek Elk Durelk season is when you see the most elk. Wonder why, Lol.

4. Yachats Ocean Road State Natural Site

Village Lane, Yachats, OR 97498 +1 800-551-6949 http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=93
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

Yachats Ocean Road State Natural Site

5. Canyon Drive Park

801 SW 11th And Coast Ave, Lincoln City, OR 97367 https://www.lincolncity.org/index.asp?SEC=475BCF8C-2121-42A4-9123-B689DA8061F7&Type=GALLERY
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Canyon Drive Park

6. Three Capes Scenic Drive

40 miles between Tillamook and Pacific City, OR 97141 +1 503-842-7525 [email protected]
Excellent
61%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 97 reviews

Three Capes Scenic Drive

Reviewed By DoloresJacoby - West Palm Beach, United States

This is the drive to do when you are not in a hurry. It’s wonderful to stop at every lookout point possible to take in the diversity of scenery, see where you’ve been and where you’re going! It’s beautiful, roads have great signing and traffic in September was very light.

7. Otter Crest Loop

Depoe Bay, OR http://www.moon.com/destinations/oregon/central-coast/depoe-bay/sights/otter-crest-loop
Excellent
71%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 342 reviews

Otter Crest Loop

Reviewed By medicarekev - Longview, United States

Part of the Otter Crest Loop Road is one way only south bound, so best driven from the north end where it conects to Hiway 101. The vistas are breath taking, very worth the 15 minute diversion!

8. Welcome to California

Highway 395, Brookings, OR
Excellent
32%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
42%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 19 reviews

Welcome to California

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