When dreaming up an Oregon Coast road trip, what’s the first thing that comes to mind when planning?
If you thought of places to visit on the Oregon Coast (and stay!), we are the same, my friend!
Oregon coast towns are so charming and delightful. Each town has unique characteristics that make them special, from ale trails, artist galleries, and beachfront access!
Berty and I have been visiting the coast since 2016 (with monthly trips in 2022!), so it’s safe to say we know a thing or two about towns on the Oregon coast.
If you’re looking for the best places to vacation on the Oregon Coast, keep reading!
We’re breaking down the best Oregon coast towns, what to do in each, and recommendations for places to stay along your route.
The Best Oregon Coast Towns for Pacific Northwest Adventure
In this post, we’re sharing the complete list of coastal towns in Oregon. It’s a great launching point for booking hotels on the Oregon Coast, and that’s just the start of the adventure!
Don’t forget to check out these essential Oregon Coast activities and resources too:
26 Jaw Dropping Oregon Coast Hiking Trails
The 10 Best Oregon Coast Picnic Spots For A Romantic Evening
The Oregon Coast At a Glance
Before diving into the best Oregon coastal towns, here are some essential things to know about the Oregon Coast:
How to Get There: The closest airport to the Oregon Coast is Portland International Airport. (PDX). From there, it’s a 1.5-2 hour drive to the coast.
How To Get Around: The best way to drive the Oregon Coast is with your own car. If you plan to stay at campgrounds, we highly recommend renting an RV or adventure van from Outdoorsy!
Best Time To Visit: The best (and most popular) time to visit Oregon Coast towns is in the summer (June – September). Spring and Fall are great times too, just with a higher chance of rain.
What To Pack: You can download our Oregon Coast packing list to get started!
Best Self-Guided Tours: We’re biased, but we have an excellent Oregon Coast road trip itinerary.
Find The Best Campgrounds: We use The Dyrt Pro to filter by tons of campground features. Try it here for 30 days free!
Northern Oregon Coast Towns
1. Astoria
Astoria is the northernmost Oregon coast town along Highway 101.
Founded in 1811, it still remains a port city, one known for fishing, lumber, and unique and quirky restaurants.
This unique town is an excellent stop for anyone who is interested in microbreweries, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and eclectic antique shops.
It’s also a great place to take tours and fishing trips through the Columbia River.
Surprisingly, a lot of movies have been filmed here – mostly notably the popular movie The Goonies. Other films shot in Astoria include Free Willy, Kindergarten Cop, Into The Wild, and The Guardian.
Want to stay overnight? For some historic architecture and a place right in the center of downtown, check out Hotel Elliot. For a little bit more modern flare and pet-friendly dorm-style rooms, try the Norblad Hotel.
While in Astoria, hike to the iconic Astoria Column. Start at the Cathedral Tree Trail to see two cool attractions along one route.
For a more ocean-centric adventure, cross into Washington state over the Astoria-Megler Bridge and go whale watching at Cape Disappointment State Park.
2. Seaside
Seaside, Oregon is a very popular resort town, hosting a lot of vacation homes and small B&B resorts.
Before the summer homes started cropping up in the early 1900’s, it was a village named Ne-co-tat that was inhabited by the indigenous Clatsop tribe.
Today, it’s known for the Seaside Promenade, which is a 1.5-mile-long walking route that stretches along the shoreline. It’s a great place to walk and explore shops, see oceanfront homes, and take a quick stroll with little ones.
You can also visit the Seaside Aquarium, one of the oldest aquariums on the west coast. It’s small in size, but they have a room of tanks for viewing, touch pools, and a little community of resident seals.
This is one of the best small towns on the Oregon Coast to visit if you are looking for a quick weekend trip from Portland.
It takes about 1-hour to get to Seaside from Portland. There is also a wide variety of vacation homes and small BnBs to choose from.
Looking for the best places to stay in Seaside, Oregon? Here are our picks:
Inn at The Prom: Literal steps from the ocean, full kitchenette, outdoor fire pits, and complimentary bikes. This place has everything you need in one place.
Rivertide Suites Hotel: Convnient and comfortable. Gas fireplaces in each room for year-round luxury!
If you want to check out a place nearby for hiking, consider exploring Ecola State Park. Here, you can explore Crescent Beach trail and Ecola Point – some of the best Oregon photography locations in the state!
3. Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is one of the most well-known and best beach towns in Oregon.
This is because of its close proximity to Portland – it’s only about a 1-hour’s drive away from the city, making it a perfect place for weekend trips from Portland.
You can easily recognize it by the famous Haystack Rock, a huge sea stack that commands attention from anywhere on the shore.
It’s also listed as National Geographics’ 100 most beautiful places!
People often come here to escape from the city and walk the (pet-friendly!) shoreline any time of year.
Cannon Beach also boasts some incredible coffee and breweries. Some of our favorites include the Sleepy Monk and Insomnia Coffee Company to start your morning.
Gather with your friends at Pelican Brewery after a day spent at the beach!
Cannon Beach is a great Oregon coast beach town for friends and family gatherings. There are a lot of activities to do downtown, plenty of places to stay, and delicious restaurants.
Places To Stay In Cannon Beach, Oregon:
The Tolvana Inn for an affordable Cannon Beach hotel close to the beach.
Want to treat yourself a little bit? Book a luxurious stay at The Ocean Lodge or Schooner’s Cove Inn.
4. Manzanita
Tucked away in the shadow of Neahkanie Mountain is the town of Manzanita, Oregon. This town isn’t as large as other neighboring Oregon coast towns, but it still packs a heavy dose of charm and tranquility.
Manzanita is a community of mostly vacation homes and private houses. The draw? The hazy, dreamy beach sunsets, clamming, and fishing opportunities are nearby.
You can’t ignore the mountain either! Neahkanie Mountain is the biggest headland in the area and can be seen practically anywhere in town.
Keep Reading: 10 Incredible Things to do In Manzanita, Oregon
Manzanita is a great place for honeymooners, sabbaticals, or people who simply want a quieter time on the coast. There are many Oregon coast beach rentals here (like the beautiful Oregon Coast Modern Cabin) to make you feel like a local.
While in the area, spend time in Nehalem Bay to go fishing or clamming. Take a hike to Elk Flats Trail to see the iconic Oregon coast cliffs. If you want a longer hike, extend your trail to Short Sand Beach in Oswald West State Park.
5. Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach has been a popular destination for families for decades (if not centuries by now!) In the 1920s, it was a popular beach destination because the train went right to this incredible Oregon Coast town.
Located on the North Oregon Coast, Rockaway Beach has been an easy place to reach from cities like Portland and Eugene.
While it’s chock-full of incredible vacation homes, cute local shops, and restaurants, the beach actually remains uncrowded!
History buff? You can ride the historic train tracks via steam engine for the day. The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad provides tours around Tillamook Bay, with informative and fun storytelling!
Rockaway Beach is one of the best Oregon beach towns for families and group gatherings. There is a wide selection of cozy cabins, beachfront properties, and homes for larger groups for things like family reunions.
Besides long walks on the beach, spend some time discovering new spots on the coast! Drive the Three Capes Scenic Loop, and discover hidden Oregon beaches like Short Beach and Tunnel Beach!
6. Garibaldi
Garibaldi is a charming little port town, known for fishing and its maritime community. For more history and stories, stop by the Garibaldi Maritime Museum!
If you are seeking out a fishing tour, this is the place to find them! Here, you can catch Dungeness crabs, rockfish, and lingcod. If you’re lucky, you can even catch an octopus!
Come during the right time of year, and you can get yourself a prized Chinook Salmon to bring home too.
You can find Garibaldi on the north side of Tillamook Bay. There are several restaurants to try with dockside tables that often showcase the catch of the day too!
The most popular attraction in this Oregon coast town is the Garibaldi Pier. Stretch 760 feet into the bay, it’s Oregon’s longest pier with a historic boathouse at the end of it. It’s public for all to use!
If you love everything about being by the water, Garibaldi is one of the best coastal Oregon towns for you to visit. From Kayaking, bird-watching, fishing, and leisure boating, you can stay out on the water all weekend!
Places to stay in Garibaldi, Oregon:
($) Harborview Inn and RV Park
($$) Garibaldi House Inn and Suites
($$) Garibaldi Getaway House (Sleeps 10, great for groups, and pet-friendly!)
7. Tillamook
If you think you recognize the name “Tillamook” you probably do. It’s where the famous cheese is made! Tillamook, Oregon is located in a fertile river valley, with pastures and farms as far as the eye can see.
The area became an official town in 1891 and spent its beginning years as a World War II post for naval air operations. Today it holds some historic planes at the Tillamook Air Museum.
The town is most known for its dairy production! Passing through, you must make a stop at the Tillamook Creamery. Here, you can take a self-guided tour of how their cheese is made, sample different kinds, and check out their gift shop for fresh cheese.
The Creamery is also a great lunch stop, they’ve got a fancy cafeteria and ice cream shop on-site.
Tillamook is a great place to stay for families. Here, you can often rent large vacation homes, stay at convenient RV parks, and easily gather with your whole group.
Places To Stay In Tillamook, Oregon
($): Tillamook Bay City RV Park (Great camping, and yurt rentals too!)
($$) Netarts Surf Inn (close to the water)
($$$) Huge house in the center of town (perfect for family reunions, sleeps 16!)
For adventures nearby, check out Short Beach by Oceanside. The Three Capes Scenic Loop is currently a one-way at the moment (a landslide blocked the loop), but you can still drive up all the way to Cape Meares to see the lighthouse.
8. Oceanside
Of all the Oregon coast towns along the water, Oceanside has got to be the most beautiful and unspoiled of them all!
This unincorporated community of Tillamook County has preserved its quiet nature, making it a perfect place to escape to the ocean for some peace and quiet.
This area boasts 3 miles of beachfront, along with hidden tide pools, a lighthouse, and peaceful hiking trails.
Oceanside is one of the best towns on the Oregon Coast for honeymooners and couples’ getaways! Book yourself a quiet cottage on the water for the weekend and enjoy the blissful peace of the Oregon coast.
Places to stay in Oceanside, Oregon:
($$) Renovated oceanfront cottage with hot tub that has ocean views!
($$) Airy Beach Home with Two Decks (Oceanside views!)
($$) Three Arch Inn (comfortable rooms, free wifi)
Three Arch Rock National Wildlife Refuge and Cape Meares Lighthouse are great places to explore nearby.
During low tide, you can check out Tunnel Beach, which actually does have a tunnel you can take to access the other side of the promontory.
9. Pacific City
Pacific City is home to the iconic Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area. It sits off Highway 101, which means to reach the town, you’ll have to take a detour via the Three Capes Scenic Drive.
Pacific City is home to the famous dorymen, one of the safest anglers out there, serving as some of the first responders in emergencies offshore.
They’ve been fishing in the Cape Kiwanda area since the 1900s. You can experience the dory boats for yourself on their fishing cruises, which are popular in the summer and fall.
This area boasts breakwater that makes surfing and fishing not only possible but really good!
Pacific City is the birthplace of Pelican Brewing, a coastal brewpub favorite with locations in Cannon Beach, Tillamook, and Siletz Bay as well.
This is one of the coolest Oregon Coast towns for outdoorsy couples. Explore the dune at Cape Kiwanda and then return for drinks and dinner with a view of Haystack Rock at the Meridian Restaurant and Bar.
Places To Stay In Pacific City:
($) Modern home with great beach access & fireplace (Sleeps 6, great for big groups that need a kitchen)
($$) The Inn at Cape Kiwanda (Very close to the beach!)
($$$) Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa (A splurge, but absolutely worth every penny – every detail is thought out to perfection!)
Nearby, don’t forget to check out Sitka Sedge Trail, Bob Straub State Park, or the Cape Lookout Trail!
10. Neskowin
Despite the rapid commercialization of the Oregon coast, Neskowin has seemed to let that pass by!
This charming coastal Oregon town has kept its quaint roots. Neskowin is a refreshing escape for those who seek a quieter time on the Oregon Coast.
Neskowin is most known for having one of the more quiet Oregon coast beaches. People will often come for long walks on the beach, or to check out Proposal Rock or the Ghost Forest.
What’s the Ghost Forest you may ask?
It’s a decimated old-growth forest with 2,000-year-old Sitka Spruce stumps sticking out and scattered amongst the sand. Between 1997 and 1998, a violent storm hit the coast, tore out the trees, and buried the stumps in the sand. It’s quite a unique feature of the Oregon coast!
This Oregon coast town is good for people who are looking for a quieter time, and a slower vacation.
If you want to stay here at Neskowin beach, don’t wait to book your accommodations! Many places around here are private vacation rentals, and they fill up very fast for the summer.
Places To Stay In Neskowin, Oregon:
($$) Ocean View Oasis – VRBO (Great for families who want to be close to the beach and have their own kitchen)
Nearby, you can go hiking at Cascade Head for some incredible panoramic ocean views. Go inland just a little bit to check out Drift Creek Falls, one of the coolest waterfalls near the Oregon Coast!
Central Oregon Coast Towns
11. Lincoln City
Lincoln City is known for its playful and nautical demeanor. Here, you can enjoy glass blowing, music festivals, incredible hiking trails, and of course, its sandy beaches!
Lincoln City is named after the county it resides in (Lincoln County) and is named after U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.
It’s an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. You can go fat tire biking, birding, hiking, fishing, and golfing, and that’s just the start of it! One of our favorite hikes in the area is God’ Thumb Trail.
Places To Stay in Lincoln City, Oregon:
($) Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area (camping)
($$) The Coho Oceanfront Lodge (modern amenities and close to the beach!)
($$) Starfish Manor Oceanfront Hotel (right on the beach, some rooms have kitchenettes)
While here, don’t forget to check out the brand new Pelican Brewing pub located in Siletz Bay!
Aftward, spend the afternoon hiking around Cascade Head, one of the area’s most popular and beautiful Oregon Coast hiking trails.
12. Depoe Bay
Depoe Bay is often referred to as the “Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast.” March through December, you are able to spot the resident pod of gray whales that make their home just offshore.
To learn more about the whales, you can visit the OPRD Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay, find the whale watching lookout points around town, or book a charter boat tour to see them a little bit closer.
This is one of the best towns on the Oregon Coast for once-in-a-lifetime adventures!
Come with the whole family, or make sure to stop here if you are planning your first trip to the Pacific Northwest.
Places To Stay in Depoe Bay, Oregon:
($$) The Inn at Arch Rock (Central location and lots of great reviews)
($$-$$$) SCP Depoe Bay (upscale accommodations, 3-star hotel, pet-friendly)
13. Newport
Newport is an incredible ocean-centric city with tons of beach access, and several ways to get outside and enjoy the coast.
Newport is also home to a couple of iconic Oregon lighthouses, one being the tallest in the state!
Newport is one of only a few Oregon coast towns that have an aquarium.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a really fun facility and a perfect stop on an Oregon coast road trip with the whole family.
Beverly Beach is only a 10-minute drive from the city, and from here, there is also easy access to Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area.
These are fun places to explore for their tide pools, surfing opportunities, and interesting rock formations (a collapsed cave!).
Newport is one of the best towns on the Oregon coast for families. The abundance of gas stations, grocery stores, and food provide plenty of options for everyone.
It’s also a very central location, so you have the option to explore the central and northern coast with not too much driving.
Places To Stay In Newport, Oregon:
($) Camping at South Beach State Park or Beverly Beach State Park
($$) Little Creek Cove Beach Resort (each unit has its own kitchen, and private terrace facing the ocean)
($$) Luxury Condo in Historic Nye District (sleeps 6, great for families, very close to the beach!)
14. Waldport
Waldport is “where the forest meets the sea” which means there are a plethora of outdoor activities to choose from here!
You could go hiking in the morning (in the Siuslaw National Forest), fishing in the afternoon, and watch the sunset on the shores of Alsea Bay in the evening.
This is an incredibly popular fishing town, where you can find Dungeness crab, steelhead, salmon, and clams in abundance. You can also check out the free crabbing dock on the Alsea River, open to the public!
Places To Stay in Waldport, Oregon:
($-$$) The Waldport Inn (affordable rates, coffee & danishes served in the morning)
($) Waldport / Newport KOA Journey (great campground with lots of amenities)
($$) The Alsi Resort (Views of the river, restuarant on-site)
15. Yachats
Pronounced “Yah-hots” this is one of the most charming Oregon Coast towns on the Central Coast. Located right on the Yachats River, it’s home to unique shops, gorgeous hotels, and art galleries.
Yachats is such an interesting place. Set right on the southern edge of the Coastal Mountains, “Yachats” actually means “dark water at the foot of the mountain.”
Here, you won’t find a ton of sandy beaches but rather surging tide pools, rugged black basalt, and hidden caves and alcoves.
You can find a ton of these unique Oregon beach features at Cape Perpetua, just south of town. It includes the Devil’s Churn, Thor’s Well (a spouting hole from the ocean!) and one of the best viewpoints on the Oregon Coast.
Yachats is good for folks who love a small-town feel, with charming streets and boutique shops. It’s much quieter than other Oregon Coast towns, so you won’t see a ton of commercialized places around Yachats.
Just north of Spindrift Street is a long stretch of sandy beach, so if you like long walks on the beach in the evening, this is your place!
Places To Stay in Yachats, Oregon:
($) Deane’s Oceanfront Lodge (simple, drive-to rooms with great beach access)
($$) Silver Surf Motel (1-minute walk to the beach, great for families)
($$) Ya Hatian Tides VRBO (INCREDIBLE oceanfront views, sleeps 8!)
16. Florence
Florence Oregon sits at the base of the Suislaw River, where the river meets the ocean. It’s a central location for many Oregon coast activities, including the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Heceta Head Lighthouse, and watching wildlife!
One of the most popular things to do in Florence, Oregon is to visit the Sea Lion Caves.
It’s the largest sea lion cave in the United States and is protected by the Oregon & Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve. It’s a fun (albeit loud!) experience that is absolutely worth your time.
Florence is one of the best Oregon Coast towns for practically anybody! You can come with your whole family for a fun and active vacation.
You can also come with your significant other and explore the Historic Old Town District, grab a romantic dinner, and enjoy the seaside.
Visiting Florence is one of the easiest day trips from Eugene – just about a 1.5-hour drive from the city on Highway 126. However, we recommend staying overnight!
Here are some of our recommendations of places to stay in Florence, Oregon:
($) South Jetty RV and Camping Resort (You can book yurts and cabins here too!)
($$) Best Western Pier Point Inn
($$) Old Town Inn (Great prices, close to everything)
17. Dunes City
If riding an ATV is your kind of adventure, Dunes City is the absolutely perfect beach town in Oregon for you! Dunes City is 6 miles south of Florence, with miles and miles of Oregon’s beachside sand dunes.
Oregon sand dunes stretch nearly 40 miles long, and some get up to 500 feet tall for an exciting ATV experience. You can rent dune buggies here, which are perfect for the adrenaline junkie in your group!
After a day on the dunes, cool off in the nearby freshwater lakes, Siltcoos Lake and Woahink Lake. Here, you can go fishing, kayaking boating, or simply just laying at the shore.
18. Reedsport
Reedsport is located at the heart of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
One of the best Oregon coast hikes in the dunes is John Dellenback Dunes Trail, which takes you on a loop trail with interactive signs along the way.
If you’re looking for a sand-free sport, there is also a lot of hiking in the area , as well as biking, river sports, and camping!
Southern Oregon Coast Towns
Some of the best places on the Oregon Coast are located in the southern section!
From pristine beaches and gorgeous sunsets, to rocky viewpoints and epic coastal hikes, this area is a photographers dream.
Don’t forget to read: 9 drop-dead gorgeous places to visit on the Southern Oregon Coast
19. Coos Bay
Coos Bas is one of the most populated towns on the Oregon Coast, with around 16,000 permanent residents.
It’s just one of the Oregon coast towns in “Oregon’s Bay Area” which consists of Coos Bay, North Bend, Glasgow, Barview, and other smaller communities.
Many people living on the Oregon Coast full-time reside here – they are lots of amenities and businesses in they city.
If you want to explore the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Coos Bay is the most central home base. The Dunes bring about 1.5 million visitors every year, and Coos Bay is home to plenty of ATV rentals, dune tours, camping, and lots of state parks!
Coos Bay is a great Oregon Coast destination for active groups. There are plenty of incredible adrenaline-filled adventures in the area, so come with a group that has a lot of energy!
Places To Stay In Coos Bay, Oregon:
($$) Bay Point Landing (Modern Luxury RV camping and cabins)
($$) Edgewater Inn (Free continental breakfast)
For more adventures nearby, check out the trio of state parks nearby which includes Sunset Bay, Shore Acres, and Cape Arago. Go a teeny bit further south to explore Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint!
20. Bandon
Bandon is one of our favorite towns on the Oregon Coast! Bandon has a darling downtown area, gorgeous beachfront, and lots of fun& quirky things to discover about the area.
One of the most notable activities that happen here is the Circles in the Sand. This is where artists will come and create sand mazes, murals, and masterpieces to enjoy before they are washed away by the tide.
You can get a great view of these art pieces from above at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint.
Bandon is a great place for people who love to shoot Oregon photography. Situated on the Southern Oregon Coast, photographers are not only in a great location for photos, but they are within driving range of much more too!
Here are the top places to stay in Bandon, Oregon:
($) La Kris Inn (Simple motel, comfortable and clean)
($$) Table Rock Motel (steps from the beach!)
21. Port Orford
Port Orford is a small artistic fishing town located in Southern Oregon. It’s also one of the oldest Oregon coast towns along the coast.
It’s located at the base of a mountain, which means you can get the best of both worlds – from the sea to the summit!
This windy city is known for its exceptional windsurfing, board surfing, and sea kayaking, You can also go boating and scuba diving to explore the many coves and shipwrecks in the area.
Port Orford is a great Oregon coast town to make your adventurous home base. It’s a perfect place to stay if you like getting out on the water because the adventures are abundant here!
Places To Stay In Port Orford, Oregon:
($$) Whimsy By The Sea (Gorgeous, quiet vacation home with water views)
In Port Orford, it’s essential to stop at Cape Blanco Lighthouse. It’s located in the most westerly part of the state, seeping with Oregon coast history and stories.
If you want to go a little off-grid, check out Floras Lake State Park, but know that this park has absolutely no amenities – come prepared!
22. Gold Beach
Gold Beach is a darling Oregon coast town that sits right at the mouth of the Rouge River. If you have a hard time deciding between beach and river adventures, you don’t have to here!
Gold Beach got its name from the gold found on the shores of the Rogue River. You can even book a tour to try and pan for gold yourself!
Book a tour on Jerry’s Rogue Jets for exciting tours of the river, bay, and through historic mail routes on the coast. If you love food and beer, you’ve got the follow the famous Wild River Ale Trail, which connects the top crafters in the area in one delicious route.
Gold Beach is a perfect Oregon Coast town for people who love beer and being outside. Between the breweries and adrenaline-fueling adventures, it can be a fun and wild time at Gold Beach!
Places To Stay In Gold Beach, Oregon:
($) Gold Beach RV Parks and Campgrounds here.
($) Motel 6 Gold Beach (Simple, affordable accommodations. Great if you want to spend most of your time exploring!)
23. Brookings
Brookings is the last of the southern Oregon coast towns, before you venture into Northern California! This town is unique because it’s surprisingly warmer than all the other surrounding Oregon coast towns.
When places get 40 degrees on the Oregon Coast in the winter, it continues to sit at a comfortable 60 degrees, getting the nickname, “Oregon’s Banana Belt” or “The Brookings Effect”.
This area is known for its stunning rocky shorelines with exceptional viewpoints and hikes along the water, especially along Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor.
Want to keep exploring? Add onto your adventure with our California Coast road trip itinerary, so you can keep exploring down Highway 101 (and Highway 1!)
Places like the Natural Bridge, Secret Beach, and Arch Rock all provide top-quality Oregon photography opportunities, and make this a great place to explore shooting with 35mm color film stocks.
Bandon is one of the best places on the Oregon coast for photographers. Here, you can shoot all kinds of ocean landscapes. Sunsets here are incredible, which is why it’s a great place to shoot film. If you’re just starting out, here’s our list of the best film cameras for beginners.
Places To Stay in Brookings, Oregon:
($) Harris Beach State Park Campground
($$) Westward Inn (Simple, clean, great central location)
($$$) Whaleshead Beach Resort (close to Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor)
Continuing south on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip? Make sure you stop at the Redwood National Park, camp at Sue-Meg State Park, and discover Fern Canyon Trail (and get a permit!).
List of Oregon Coast Towns and Cities
To wrap it all up, here is the list of coastal Oregon towns and cities to check off your Oregon bucket list. We’ve listed them from north to south so you can drive and check them off in order.
- Astoria
- Seaside
- Cannon Beach
- Manzanita
- Rockaway Beach
- Garibaldi
- Tillamook
- Oceanside
- Pacific City
- Neskowin
- Lincoln City
- Depoe Bay
- Newport
- Yachats
- Florence
- Dunes City
- Reedsport
- Coos Bay
- Bandon
- Port Orford
- Gold Beach
- Brookings
Tips For Driving Through Oregon Coast Towns
When driving through coastal Oregon cities and towns, there are a few things you need to know! Before you start your Oregon road trip, here are some things to be aware of on the coast:
Variable speed limits: Small coastal towns in Oregon will have Highway 101 as their main road. This means schools are on this street, and you will have to slow down during school hours.
Fill up with gas whenever you can: Gas isn’t few and far between, but it does bring a lot of peace of mind when you have a full tank. The easiest cities to get gas would be Seaside, Newport, Coos Bay, Florence, and Brookings.
Stop often: There are car pullouts on nearly every bend of the road because the Oregon Coast Scenic Highway is so beautiful. As photographers, we suggest you stop whenever you feel compelled, don’t pass that opportunity!
Oregon Coast Towns Map
Looking for a map of Oregon Coast towns? We’ve made an interactive one for you below! Feel free to share it too!