Oregon Coast Adventure Guide: 7 Day Itinerary from Astoria to Brookings

Arrive in Portland. If you did not drive to Portland, you will want to rent a car for your road trip along the coast. Drive along the Columbia River Gorge to Multnomah Falls. Parking is limited, however the waterfall is very accessible. The hike up to the overlook bridge is recommended for the full experience. There is a gift shop located at the base with great merchandise. Spend some time hiking along the path to view other waterfalls in the area.

At sunset, drive into Portland and check-in at The Heathman Hotel. Valet parking is available and recommended. After checking in and taking your luggage to your room, go back downstairs and eat at The Tavern restaurant. The burger and parmesan fries are amazing! After dinner, retreat to The Library, where you will be welcomed by a warm fire in the fireplace and surrounded by books. Find a cozy nook for quiet conversation, complete a puzzle, play a game of chess or browse the 2,700+ collection of books. Have a nightcap, if you wish, and turn in for the night in your comfortable room.

Grab some breakfast downstairs at The Tavern, a nearby Starbucks Coffee or the infamous VooDoo Donuts. Fans of the Twilight book and movie series can visit many filming locations along the way today, if desired.

Drive to St. Helens. St. Helens is home to many Halloweentown and Twilight filming locations. Visit the downtown area for views of the Swan House, Thunderbird & Whale Bookstore, the Italian restaurant, the parking lot, the prom dress shop and town square for Halloweentown. Look for Bella’s truck around town for a cute photo opportunity. You may walk up to the Swan House and take photographs from the outside, but parking is down the hill and well-marked.

Drive to Astoria and explore the charming town. Movie fans can look for The Goonies house and Kindergarten Cop filming locations. Recommended lunch spot is Bridgewater Bistro for a stunning view of the bridge and excellent fish and chips.

Drive to Indian Beach (La Push Beach for Twilight Fans) and explore the area. Arrive at Cannon Beach at sunset and walk along the shore at your leisure. The Goonies fans will recognize the landscape here.

Drive to Manzanita and check into Coast Cabins, or other accommodations. Dinner at Marzano’s Pizza in Manzanita is recommended.

Before walking along the shore in Manzanita, stop into Manzanita Coffee for a warm drink and pastry. Explore the quaint town of Manzanita as the Oregon Coast wakes up. Then drive south to Tillamook. The Tillamook Creamery offers tours and tastings. You may choose between a self-guided tour or a guided tour and private cheese tasting — the latter is recommended. After the tour, explore the well-appointed gift shop and stock up on charcuterie supplies. You may also sample an ice cream flight or soup and sandwich offerings from the cafe on site. Drive south along the coast and view Devil’s Punchbowl and other stunning coastal sites. Arrive in Depoe Bay around lunchtime and do not miss stopping at Tidal Raves for lunch with its unbeatable views and delicious cuisine.

Drive to Newport. Visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium and get a closeup view of seals, sea lions and sea otters. Check into your accommodations for the evening. The Inn at Nye Beach is highly recommended. Enjoy a charcuterie board from your Tillamook visit and snacks for game and movie night in your room. The lobby provides games and movies to borrow and return. Relax by the fireplace and listen to the ocean waves throughout the evening.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast delivered to your room. The breakfast burritos are delicious! Check out of the hotel and drive south along the coast. Enjoy many scenic turnouts and hikes along the coast today.

Don’t miss the Sea Lion Caves, Bandon Beach and Face Rock, Cape Perpetua with Thor’s Well and the Spouting Horn, and many other breathtaking bridges and sites. A great spot for lunch in Coos Bay is 7 Devils Brewery. Arrive at the Samuel L. Boardman corridor and natural bridges area at sunset. There are many pathways to hike for stunning views and photos of this breathtaking area of the Oregon Coast.

Check into the Beachfront Inn at Brookings and enjoy an excellent pasta dinner and wine at the Black Trumpet Bistro in downtown Brookings. Keep your sliding glass door open to fall asleep to the sound of ocean waves.

Breakfast at the Beachfront Inn buffet will leave you satisfied; sneak some snacks for your hike as well. Drive south to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park near Crescent City, California. Hike the trails along the Smith River within the state park and enjoy the majestic redwoods and hidden surprises along the way. Drive to Harris Beach and explore the tide pools accessible from a secret hike. Starfish, hermit crabs, barnacles, mussels, snails, green anemones can be found by the patient explorer.

Old Town Bandon is a great place to find fresh seafood for lunch and quaint shops to visit. Drive north to Newport, making sure to stop again at the fascinating Cape Perpetua. When arriving at Newport, take time to walk along the shore and visit the charming shops in the Nye Beach area. Enjoy dinner at Georgie’s, for arguably the best meal on the coast. Check into the Inn at Nye Beach and enjoy sunset, the hot tub, and/or s’mores at the fire pit to finish the day.

Take advantage of the convenient and delicious breakfast served to your room at The Inn at Nye Beach. If stuffed French toast and berries are an option, it’s recommended. Drive to the pier in Newport this morning and experience the sea lion gathering. There are many cute shops to explore in the pier area as well. Drive to Silver Falls State Park and hike the day away and marvel at the many waterfalls.

The Trail of Ten Falls is a must. Replenish after your hike with soup and sandwich offerings at The Lodge and take a moment to view the photographs of the history and flora and fauna of the area.

Recommended stops along the way back to Portland include: the Gordon House — a Frank Lloyd Wright mid-century home, Oregon Rose Garden, downtown Eugene and the wineries of the Willamette Valley.

Once in Portland, check into The Heathman Hotel and enjoy dinner at The Tavern located within the hotel or another one of Portland’s amazing restaurants. After dinner, relax in The Library and reminisce about your Oregon coast adventures.

Breakfast offerings can be found at The Tavern downstairs, VooDoo Donuts, or Starbucks Coffee nearby. Explore Powell’s City of Books and a variety of high-end shops around Portland. If time permits, drive back over to the Columbia River Gorge and experience Multnomah Falls one more time. Visit the gift shop for last minute souvenir shopping.

Drive to PDX airport and return your rental car. After checking in for your flight and handling luggage, have lunch at Tillamook’s Restaurant within the airport. The tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich combo is recommended. Visit a variety of Oregon shops in the airport if desired. Reluctantly fly home and make plans to return to the Oregon Coast as soon as possible.