10 Highlights on the Oregon Coast

Cannon Beach - A short drive from Portland, this charming town is a popular stop due to the famous Haystack Rock. It is recommended that you visit during low tide so that you are able to get closer and have more of the beach to explore.

Three Capes Scenic Route - Cape Lookout, Cape Mears, and Cape Kiwanda make up the Three Capes Scenic Route. The route was once a loop that you can drive, but be sure to check for road closures before heading out! Great stops for hiking and exploring beaches as well as camping if you are up for it.

Devil’s Punchbowl - A great spot for whale watching. If you go around low tide, you can take the stairs down to the beach and walk around inside of the bowl. This makes for a great vantage point for photos. Be sure to keep an eye out for sneaker waves especially when there is a big swell and/or if it’s approaching high tide.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse - The Yaquina Lighthouse and Nature Center is a great place to get up close with some coastal sea life. You can walk along the black pebble beach, and at low tide, check out the tide pools which are full of sea urchins, starfish, and other sea life. The lighthouse itself is worth the stop as well.

Thor’s Well - One of the coast's most photographed spots is Thor’s Well near Yachats. It is also one of the few stops that the best time to visit is high tide, but as always exercise caution and be on the lookout for sneaker waves. We got as close as we felt comfortable with, but there were many people who stood right up on the edge. Just don’t be surprised if you get a little wet!

Bandon State Natural Area - One of the many gems on the Southern Oregon Coast is Bandon Beach. A haven for beachcombers, there are miles of coastline to walk, tide pools to explore, wildlife to spot, caves to discover, and rock formations scattered all about. There are several parking lots all along Beach Loop Rd that offer beach access, but be sure to stop at Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint.

Secret Beach - Not so secret, but a little hard to find, this seaside gem is one of several stops on Samuel H. Boardman Scenic corridor that has made our list. The unlabeled, gravel parking lot is just after mile marker 345 and before Thunder Rock Cove. The trail down to the beach is short, but steep and to reach the sand you do have to scramble down some rocks. Low tide is the best time to visit if you want to be able to explore the caves and appreciate the solitude.

Natural Bridges - Another must-stop in the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is Natural Bridges. Arches that were carved by the turquoise sea make this stop look like it was straight out of a fairytale. The viewpoint is a wooden platform just a short stroll from the parking lot, but you are able to hike down an unofficial trail to get a closer view or even “cross” the bridge. Warning: this is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights or not somewhat fit. It is very steep at points and the trail is narrow which means you can easily slip and fall. Even from up above, the beauty of this place is worth the stop.

• Coava Coffee Roasters - Delicious coffee and the pistachio croissant was amazing

• Olympia Provisions - Charcuterie was a great mid afternoon snack

• Local Ocean Seafoods - Views of the harbor, ocean, and mountains

• Tillamook Creamery - Recommend trying the ice cream flights!

• Drift Inn Hotel & Restaurant - A classic breakfast

• Bread & Roses Bakery - Only open on weekends!

• Luna Sea Fish House - Great fish and chips in a casual atmosphere