Ultimate Oregon Coast Road Trip Guide: Must-See Stops Along Highway 101
The Oregon Coast is one of the most scenic road trip destinations in the United States, offering breathtaking ocean views, charming coastal towns, and countless attractions along Highway 101. This 7-part video Series and guide takes you on an unforgettable journey from Astoria → Seaside → Cannon Beach Sprint, Oregon. After that, we continue on from Lincoln City, Oregon to Crescent City, California, along the whole Oregon Coast, highlighting the top stops, hidden gems, and natural wonders that make the Oregon Coast road trip a bucket-list adventure. Check out this 7 Video Series of Highway 101 on the Oregon Coast. At the Northeast Corner of Oregon, the first 2 videos highlight the beautiful coastal towns, Astoria and Seaside, Oregon. Then the next section highlights the entire Oregon Coast along Highway 101. FAQ – Oregon Coast Road Trip Guide Drive Time Must-See Stops Best Time Weather Camping Beach Access Distances Drive Time How long does it take to drive the entire Oregon Coast on Highway 101? Approximately 10–12 hours of nonstop driving from Astoria in the north to Brookings in the south—though we recommend spreading it over 3–5 days to fully explore each stop. Must-See Stops What are the must-see stops on an Oregon Coast road trip along Highway 101? Depoe Bay – “Whale Watching Capital” with its tiny harbor and natural spouting horns. Devil’s Punch Bowl – a collapsed sea cave at Otter Rock with dramatic wave action and tide pools. Cape Perpetua – home to Thor’s Well, Devil’s Churn, and panoramic ocean overlooks. Heceta Head Lighthouse – one of the most photographed lighthouses in the U.S., perched above steep cliffs. Oregon Dunes NRA – expansive coastal sand dunes near Florence, perfect for sunset ATV rides or dune hikes. Bandon – Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint’s sea stacks, charming art galleries, and cozy cafés. Samuel H. Boardman Corridor – 12 miles of rugged coastline with Natural Bridges and Arch Rock. Best Time What is the best time of year to visit the Oregon Coast? Late spring through early fall (May–September) offers the driest weather and clearest skies; July and August typically have the least rain and mild daytime temps in the 60s–70s °F. Weather What is the weather like on the Oregon Coast? Summers average 60–70 °F days and 50 °F nights; autumn cools into the 50s; winters bring frequent rain and highs in the 40s. Layers and a rain jacket are essential year-round. Camping Where can I camp along the Oregon Coast? Fort Stevens State Park – North Coast near Astoria, with beach campsites. Nehalem Bay State Park – Classic bayside camping just south of Manzanita. Honeyman State Park – Dunes camping outside Florence, with freshwater lakes. Devils Lake Campground – Near Lincoln City, perfect for fishing & paddle sports. Samuel H. Boardman NRA – Primitive sites at Harris Beach SP, near Brookings. Beach Access Is beach access and tide pooling readily available? Yes—most towns have public beach parking and access points: Cannon Beach, Pacific City, Yachats, Bandon, and more. Tide pools are best at Haystack Rock (Cannon Beach), Devil’s Punch Bowl, and Cape Perpetua at low tide. Distances How far are the major segments of the Oregon Coast route? Astoria → Cannon Beach: ~25 miles Cannon Beach → Newport: ~90 miles Newport → Florence: ~50 miles Florence → Coos Bay: ~80 miles Coos Bay → Bandon: ~25 miles Bandon → Brookings: ~60 miles Total: ~360 miles end to end Still need help? Contact us. Pro Tip: lock in the cheapest wheels, rooms & tours with our partner deals (paid links). Astoria → Seaside → Cannon Beach Sprint, Oregon This area is iconic and a place we visit often from nearby Washington. Astoria, Seaside, and Cannon beach all are their own must-see destinations for a weekend getaway or a full on vacation, there is always something new to see. Astoria, Oregon Span the 4‑mile Astoria–Megler Bridge across the Columbia, then trace Lewis‑and‑Clark country into Washington—sweeping river views and high‑angle hood‑cam shots. This Bridge is amazing, it is actually scary tall, see the beautiful Columbia River that Divides Oregon and Washington’s forested ridges ahead—an unbeatable intro to river‑delta scenery. Miles / Time 25 mi / 45 m Highlight reel Astoria–Megler Bridge, Seaside arcade boardwalk, Haystack Rock at sunset. Where else can you cross the **longest continuous truss bridge in North America**, grab salt-water taffy under neon Seaside signs, and still have daylight left to photograph Haystack Rock bathed in pink? Our 5-part 4 K playlist stitches the whole sprint together. Seaside, Oregon Epic 4K drive along Seaside’s iconic boardwalk, historic promenade, and charming coastal streets.Join us as we journey through Seaside, Oregon, capturing its classic coastal charm—think vintage shops, oceanfront cafes, and art deco architecture—while soaking in the seaside vibes that make this Pacific NW gem a must-visit road trip stop. Near Seaside is Cannon Beach, Don’t miss it! Wind-whipped walk past Haystack Rock—Cannon Beach still dazzles even in moody coastal drizzle. Shot on a rain-lashed spring afternoon, this 60-second vertical reel captures Oregon’s iconic Haystack Rock half-hidden by sea spray. Listen for the gulls, watch the mist roll across the tide-flats, and see why Cannon Beach delivers postcard magic in every forecast. Lincoln City → Crescent City Grand Run, OR & CA See our 5 Part Hwy 101 Oregon Coast Road Trip Drive from Lincoln City, OR to Crescent City CA. After this drive we head into the Mysterious Redwood Forest and Lake Shasta Area. Then off to the Magical Lake Tahoe, Don’t Miss It! Part 1: Lincoln City to Depoe Bay to Devil’s Punch Bowl | Hwy 101 Oregon Coast Road Trip Highlights Hwy 101 Oregon Coast Road Trip Parts 1-5 Our journey begins in Lincoln City, a bustling town known for its sprawling beaches, vibrant arts scene, and local charm. This stretch of Highway 101 showcases some of the coast’s most dramatic ocean vistas, interspersed with lush forested landscapes. Part 2: Yachats to Florence to Reedsport | Hwy 101 Oregon Coast Road Trip Continuing south, the
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