The Oregon Coast is one of America's most beautiful drives, featuring a mix of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, quaint seaside towns, and lush forests. If you're looking for a road trip to remember, an Oregon Coast road trip from Portland to the Pacific is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Whether you're an outdoors enthusiast, a history enthusiast, or someone who loves exploring coastal towns, this road trip is for you.
Here, we'll embark on an epic journey along with the top roads, stops, and tips to make your adventure unforgettable. So pack your backpack, buckle up, and let's hit the road for the ultimate Oregon Coast road trip!
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's take a moment to appreciate why it is such a great place. It is famous for its stunning coastline, charming lighthouses, charming coastal towns, and abundance of outdoor activities. Whether you're a beach bum, trailblazer, shutterbug, or simply love road trips on scenic drives, this destination offers something for everyone and more.
The best part is that the entire coast is within driving distance of Portland, making it the perfect location to start a road trip. With over 360 miles of coastline to drive, you'll experience it all from tall cliffs to quiet beaches, and enjoy the natural beauty of this amazing region.
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Distance: Approximately 80 miles (1.5 to 2 hours)
Your journey begins in Portland, a vibrant city renowned for its food and coffee culture. From Portland, the route to Cannon Beach takes you through a mix of rural landscapes and ocean views. The Oregon Coast road map will guide you onto Highway 26, where you will be brought directly to the coast.
Cannon Beach is one of Oregon's most iconic coastal towns, renowned for its stunning landmark, Haystack Rock. This massive rock formation is a photographer's paradise and a nature enthusiast's wonderland. The beach itself is perfect for strolling, picnicking, and soaking in the stunning ocean views. Cannon Beach boasts a charming downtown area with art galleries, boutiques, and upscale dining.
Distance: Approximately 40 miles (1 hour)
Travel south on Highway 101 to your destination, Tillamook, which is famous for its milk products. The journey is scenic with a glimpse of the coast, woods, and farms. You will get to take some beautiful stops on the way and catch some cool sea breeze.
Tillamook is also where you'll find the famous Tillamook Cheese Factory, which you can visit yourself, sample some of the cheeses, and watch the cheese-making process. It's a great place to stop for anyone who enjoys dairy foods, and there's a lovely café where you can have a meal or snack made using freshly made local cheese.
Distance: Approximately 90 miles (1.5 to 2 hours)
Head south on Highway 101 from Tillamook through charming coastal villages like Bay City, Garibaldi, and the small village of Pacific City. The journey to Newport is even more coastal scenery, featuring dense forests, beaches, and sea cliffs.
Newport is an ideal destination for anyone with a passion for marine animals and ocean history. Its Aquarium is one of the highlights, showcasing local marine animals and offering interactive exhibits. For history buffs, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse is a must, with stunning views and details about the maritime history of the area.
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Distance: Approximately 50 miles (1 hour)
Then head south to Florence, a charming town rich in history and boasting some of Oregon's best dunes. The drive from Newport to Florence passes through the stunning Siuslaw National Forest, which offers many places to stop along the way.
Florence is the gateway to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, a heaven for any one who would like to see sand dunes and enjoy off-road driving. Miles of dunes are waiting to be explored where visitors can hike, camp, or ride an ATV for a sand rush trip.
Distance: Roughly 60 miles (1 hour)
Your next stop is Bandon, a picturesque coastal town renowned for its coastal scenery and good seafood. Going further south is even more picturesque, and Bandon's cliff coastline and rock formations offer a photographer's paradise.
Bandon is famous for the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, which has been ranked as one of the best golf courses in the world. Even if you’re not a golfer, Bandon’s beaches and charming town center are worth exploring.
Distance: Approximately 30 miles (40 minutes)
Your final leg south takes you to Brookings, situated on the California line. It is the southernmost Oregon Coast town and provides a delightful mixture of ocean views and rainforests. Brookings is also referred to as the "Banana Belt" of Oregon due to its mild climate and sunshine.
Here, you can relax on breathtaking beaches, visit the nearby Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, and relax in one of the many serene coastal parks.
Here are some suggestions for the Oregon Coast Highway Road Trip:
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A Portland Oregon Coast road trip is an experience you will never forget, filled with the very best of nature, adventure, and small-town beauty. From the dramatic cliffs of Cannon Beach to the breathtaking dunes in Florence, every destination along this road trip has something to impress you. Whether you're an experienced traveler or a beginner, the beauty of the Coast will leave you breathless.
So take your keys, plot your course, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime on one of the globe's most stunning coastlines!
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