12 Most Picturesque Oregon Coast Towns
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When I visited the Oregon Coast for the first time over ten years ago, I fell in love. Since then, I’ve been going as often as I can and have visited every town from Astoria to Brookings. I’d happily go back anywhere, but some places haunt me. These are the towns that keep creeping into my daydreams when I least expect them, the ones that make me question whether I’m a city person after all. Common themes are beautiful scenery, wildlife, a beach-town feel, walkability, public art, and good restaurants. Here’s my completely subjective list of the most picturesque towns on the Oregon Coast.
Most beautiful Oregon Coast towns
1. Bandon
Bandon Beach
Drive time from Portland: 4.5 hours
Population: 3,500
Bandon has everything wonderful about the Oregon Coast concentrated into one town. Old Town Bandon is charming and walkable. The beaches are breathtaking. It’s easy to spot wildlife in any of the parks around town. It’s also far enough away from Portland to make the crowds less overwhelming than in, say, Cannon Beach.
Highlights in town
Bandon Beach is, I’d argue, the most beautiful beach on the Oregon Coast that’s in town rather than a natural area. Cannon Beach and Pacific City get a lot of press for their sea stacks, but Bandon has dozens. Many are large and impressive. Some have sea caves you can explore and intertidal critters to admire at low tide. The most striking are Face Rock and the large sea arch near Coquille Point. Some, especially Table Rock, are prime seabird habitats.
After the beach, the other main attraction is Old Town Bandon. This town center is next to the marina at the mouth of the Coquille River. A boardwalk with public art is a great place to look for seals and seabirds. Nearby are blocks of shops and restaurants. One of the most interesting stops is Washed Ashore, an art gallery that makes fanciful sculptures from ocean trash.
I should also mention Bandon’s main claim to fame, the Bandon Dunes. It has a reputation for being one of the best golf courses in the country. I’ve never been golfing (anywhere), but my friends who golf speak highly of it.
Best nature stops nearby
Bandon has some stunning parks just outside of town. Across the Coquille River is Bullards Beach State Park. No sea stacks here, but great birdwatching and a lovely, uncrowded sandy beach. A highlight of the park is the short and squat Coquille River Lighthouse.
If you drive south to leave Bandon, Beach Loop Rd runs parallel to Highway 101 for a while, with several beach access opportunities. Devils Kitchen is a beautiful place to escape the crowds.
About 30 minutes north of Bandon are three incredible state parks along the Cape Arago Scenic Drive.
About 30 minutes south, Cape Blanco Lighthouse stands at the end of Oregon’s westernmost point, Cape Blanco State Park.
Coquille River Lighthouse
Where to eat
Bandon Coffee Cafe makes one of the best cups of coffee on the Oregon Coast. The pastries and breakfast sandwiches are a great start to the morning. You’ll probably want to take breakfast to go. Seating is limited.
Face Rock Creamery has decadent mac & cheese for a satisfying and inexpensive lunch.
Angelo’s Italy was a delightful surprise on my last trip to Bandon. The intimate Italian restaurant offers excellent food, wine, and ambiance, sometimes accompanied by live violin music.
Lord Bennett’s Restaurant is where to go for ocean views. At dinner, you can watch the sunset with a bowl of pasta and a glass of wine. Reservations recommended.
Alloro Wine Bar & Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant with incredible food and wine. Reservations strongly recommended.
Coastal Mist is a chocolate shop with heavenly truffles.
Where to stay
Bandon is a town where lodging can get pricey, but I’ve found some deals outside of peak season.
The b.side motel has cozy, comfortable, and reasonably priced rooms. The staff were lovely during my stay. The location is convenient, about a 3-minute drive to Old Town and 5 minutes to the beach. Besides the motel, the property has campsites and RV sites.
I enjoyed my long weekend stay at Sunset Oceanfront Lodging. The ocean views and hot tub were nice consolations for the driving rain during my winter visit. When the rain stopped, the beach was just down a set of stairs.
The Bandon Inn has a great location in Old Town Bandon. Rooms overlook Bandon Harbor. Breakfast is included.
Learn more about the best things to do in Bandon.
2. Yachats
804 Trail in Yachats
Drive time from Portland: 3 hours
Population: 1,000
Yachats is a small town with at least one of everything you’d need on vacation. I’ve also found it be a place where things consistently exceed my expectations. Great food, interesting shops, dramatic coastline. In short, all the good things.
Highlights in town
I love Yachats for how well the town incorporates the coastline and prioritizes public access. The 804 Trail follows the rocky shore. At high tide, you can watch the waves crashing. At low tide, it’s easy to find intertidal areas near the trail.
On rainy days, the shops in Yachats are good for browsing. The town has vintage clothing, vinyl records, artwork, and used books among the more typical gift shops. One of my favorite stops is Styx, Stones, and Bones, a rock shop with gems, fossils, and dinosaur bones.
Best nature stops nearby
One of the charms of Yachats is how close it is to Cape Perpetua. This scenic area has unforgettable views and geologic marvels. The most famous is Thor’s Well, a pit in the rocky coastline where waves gurgle up from the unseen depths and then drain back out through hidden channels.
Just south of Cape Perpetua, Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint is one of the most underrated destinations on the Oregon Coast. Ignore the name. It’s not a viewpoint but four separate beaches, all with great tidepools and rugged scenery.
About 20 minutes south of Yachats is Heceta Head Lighthouse, my vote for the most photogenic lighthouse on the Oregon Coast. Follow a short and easy trail from the beach to the lighthouse, or a longer one to seldom-visited Hobbit Beach.
Just south of Heceta Head are the Sea Lion Caves, a privately-owned tourist attraction. An elevator descends to an underground cave where sea lions often hang out, sometimes in large numbers.
Cape Perpetua Overlook
Where to eat
Bread & Roses Bakery is, I think, the best bakery on the Oregon Coast. Arrive early to have your pick of the loaves and pastries before they sell out. I like the celestial snail.
Green Salmon Coffee is a cute cafe with great coffee drinks, smoothies, and brunch food.
WildKraft Cider has farm-to-table food and creative ciders, like quince, lilac, and strawberry spruce tips. A tasting flight is a fun way to try them. The restaurant is in a cheerful space with lots of natural light and indoor plants.
Luna Sea Fish House has a reputation for good fish and chips (I’m a vegetarian, so my seafood recommendations are reputation-based).
Where to stay
Yachats doesn’t have a ton of hotels. The good news is that most of them are right on the ocean.
I enjoyed staying at the Fireside Motel. The rooms are simple and comfortable. Some have partial ocean views. Rates are reasonable. The highlight is the location. You can wake up and bring a cup of coffee to the ocean.
The Overleaf Lodge is a more deluxe version of the Fireside Motel. It’s right next door and has extra amenities like a full-service spa and fitness center. Great ocean views.
The Tillicum Beach Motel is a little outside of Yachats, but you can get a good deal on a room with an ocean view. It’s pet-friendly.
Check out all the best things to do in Yachats.
3. Cannon Beach
Ecola State Park
Drive time from Portland: 1.5 hours
Population: 1,500
Cannon Beach is the most scenic town within an easy day trip distance from Portland. The unusual harmony between the rugged coastline and charming town center captivates me every time, even after many visits. Unsurprisingly, it gets very crowded during the summer. Once you’ve parked, it’s not really an issue. Until then, I hate the stressful and often unsuccessful circling through town on the hunt for an open spot. I visit more often from fall to spring.
Highlights in town
Cannon Beach has an appealing layout, with Highway 101 inland and away from the walkable town center next to the ocean. The heart of town is Hemlock Street, where cedar shingles cover the buildings and flowers spill from hanging baskets. The boutique shops, restaurants, and art galleries are a step above the typical beach town offerings. I’m sure you could find a shirt with Oregon Coast printed in all caps on it, but you’d need to search.
Hemlock Street is a block away from the ocean. You can grab a cup of coffee, admire blown glass artwork in a gallery, then head to the beach to look for birds on top of Haystack Rock. This 235-foot monolith is one of the wonders of the Oregon Coast. At low tide, you can see the tidepools at its base. Just don’t climb on it. Haystack Rock is a protected wildlife area and a favorite nesting site for seabirds like tufted puffins.
Best nature stops nearby
Closure update: As of December 2025, Ecola State Park is closed due to landslides. Check for updates here.
You don’t need to leave town to visit my favorite natural area around Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park. The old-growth forests, stunning beaches, and coastal vistas look like the Pacific Northwest on steroids.
As you drive south of Cannon Beach, you’ll pass the Silver Point viewpoints along Highway 101. They’re quick and rewarding stops on a road trip.
Continuing south are beaches that look more wild and less developed than Cannon Beach. First is Arcadia Beach. Heads up, the next one, Hug Point, is unfortunately closed for the foreseeable future due to damage to beach access.
About 15 minutes south of Cannon Beach is the beloved Oswald West State Park, where hiking trails lead to a secluded beach and breathtaking viewpoints.
Beach below Silver Point
Where to eat
Cannon Beach has great coffee shops, like Insomnia Coffee and the Cannon Beach Chocolate Cafe.
The Lazy Susan Cafe is my favorite restaurant for a sit-down breakfast.
Public Coast Brewing serves pub food with many seasonal and local ingredients. On nice days, the patio is a treat.
Ecola Seafood Restaurant has a rooftop patio and, I hear, excellent seafood.
Wayfarer is one of the few restaurants in Cannon Beach with an ocean view. Solid food and drinks.
The Bistro is a cozy restaurant with Asian-inspired cuisine perfect for romantic dinners on rainy nights.
Where to stay
I’ll be honest, I don’t stay overnight in Cannon Beach during the summer. An average room can be over $400 a night, and I live 90 minutes away. Other times of the year are a different story. You can find some great deals during the off-season.
The Tolvanna Inn is a beachfront hotel at the south end of Cannon Beach, about a mile away from the town center. Prices tend to stay (relatively) reasonable in the summer. It has some nice amenities like a pool and a hot tub.
The Surfsand Resort has a great location on the beach near Haystack Rock. You can borrow umbrellas and lawn chairs. It has a pool, hot tub, and gym.
The Cannon Beach Hotel Collection is on Hemlock Street, a block away from Haystack Rock. It has some of the more reasonably priced rooms in town while still being cute. After walking on the beach, check out the on-site cocktail bar.
The Hallmark Resort is an oceanfront hotel with a fantastic location near Haystack Rock. It has numerous amenities and free bike rentals.
Plan the perfect Cannon Beach day trip.
4. Depoe Bay
Depoe Bay seawall
Drive time from Portland: 2-2.5 hours
Population: 1,500
Depoe Bay is the most eye-catching town on the Oregon Coast. A large seawall protects it from the ocean waves and makes it look like it’s perched on top of castle battlements. Despite its fairytale appearance, you won’t see any sea monsters out in the water, but you might spot whales.
Highlights in town
A walk along the Depoe Bay seawall is a great introduction to the town. At low tide, you’ll see a rocky coastline beneath it. High tides bring the waves crashing against and, sometimes, over it. The highlight of the seawall is the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center, where volunteers can lend you binoculars and help you spot whales. It’s free to visit. Across the street from the seawall are blocks of restaurants and gift shops. Depoe Bay is also the place to go on the Oregon Coast to take a whale-watching tour. Several tour companies operate out of the Depoe Bay harbor.
Best nature stops nearby
Highway 101 connects a series of stunning viewpoints to the north and south of Depoe Bay: Fogarty Creek, Boiler Bay, Rocky Creek, and Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint. If you’re driving south, it’s worth taking the scenic detour on Otter Crest Drive, which ends at the Cape Foulweather gift shop and observatory. Find details in my guides to the best road trip stops between Lincoln City and Depoe Bay and the best stops between Depoe Bay and Newport.
Just south of Cape Foulweather is the Devils Punchbowl, one of the most astounding sights on the Oregon Coast. At high tide, waves enter a bowl-shaped cavern in the sandstone coastline, churning within. At low tide, you can explore the tidepools on Otter Crest Beach. At a very low tide, it’s possible to enter the Punchbowl.
Views from Cape Foulweather
Where to eat
The best views in town are from Tidal Raves, a seafood restaurant. They don’t have any vegetarian food, but I stop in for a drink once in a while for the ocean view.
The Whale Bites Cafe is a cozy breakfast and lunch spot overlooking Depoe Bay harbor.
The Horn has good beer and pub food, plus fantastic ocean views from the second floor in the unlikely event you can get a table.
Mazatlan is an unassuming Mexican restaurant with delicious food.
Gracie’s Sea Hag, for the vibes.
Where to stay
For being a small town, Depoe Bay is set up for tourism and has a decent number of hotels. Prices are much lower in the winter than in the summer.
SCP Depoe Bay overlooks the Depoe Bay harbor and is an easy walk to the seawall. Rooms are reasonably priced, clean, and comfortable. Breakfast is included.
The Inn at Arch Rock has a lot of charm and great ocean views. It’s near the Depoe Bay seawall and the restaurants in town. Breakfast is included.
I had a great stay at Harbor Lights on a family trip. The townhouse was clean and comfortable. It has a hot tub in the back.
Check out my one-day itinerary for Depoe Bay.
5. Newport
Sea lion docks
Drive time from Portland: 2.5 hours
Population: 10,000
As you drive into Newport, I wouldn’t blame you for wondering why I call it one of the Oregon Coast’s most picturesque towns. Just seen from the highway, it’s a utilitarian mix of big box stores and strip malls. It’s the perfect place to be if you suddenly realize you forgot something you couldn’t replace at a gas station, like your phone charger. Once you’re off the main drag, Newport has charming neighborhoods, incredible parks, and some of the best wildlife-watching on the Oregon Coast.
Highlights in town
I have two favorite neighborhoods in Newport. One is the Historic Bayfront. Part working harbor and part tourist destination, it’s a little hard to nail down. You’ll see fishing boats pull up and deliver their catches more or less directly to the restaurants. Between the docks and loading equipment are beach town favorites, from candy stores to gift shops with a heavy focus on tie dye. The highlight for me is the sea lion docks, where dozens of grumpy California sea lions flop and bicker for eleven months of the year.
My other favorite neighborhood is Nye Beach. This one is less overtly touristy. While the Historic Bayfront has a giant gorilla statue outside Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, Nye Beach is more about bakeries, book stores, and art galleries. It has an easy flow between the shops and restaurants in town and the peaceful Nye Beach.
Newport has two great places to learn about marine biology. One is the Oregon Coast Aquarium, which has indoor and outdoor areas showing off coastal wildlife, like seals, birds, intertidal animals, and deep-sea life. A quieter (and cheaper) experience is at the Hatfield Science Center, which has a mix of educational displays and touch tanks.
Best nature stops nearby
Some of the most impressive views on the Oregon Coast are from Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. A lighthouse stands at the end of a long basaltic peninsula. Beneath it is a beach with excellent tidepools.
Yaquina Bay empties into the Pacific Ocean through jetties in Newport. Both the north and south jetties have parks that are great for birdwatching. I also saw a gray whale once swimming out of the harbor from the north jetty.
North of town are a series of scenic viewpoints and parks between Newport and Depoe Bay.
About 15 minutes south of Newport, Seal Rock State Recreation Site is an uncrowded destination with surprising rock formations.
Yaquina Head
Where to eat
In the Historic Bayfront, I like the Clearwater Restaurant and Asiatico for their excellent food and water views.
If you eat seafood, I hear that Local Ocean is where to go.
In Nye Beach, the Blue Pig Bakery is a charming bakery and antique shop. Nearby, Ultralife is one of the best vegan-friendly spots in Newport.
Where to stay
Newport is a large enough town to have every kind of lodging. I picked out some of the more interesting stays. Well, and Motel 6. That was about the bargain.
Inexpensive and serviceable, Motel 6 is near the Oregon Coast Aquarium and across the bridge from the Historic Bayfront.
Hotel Sylvia in the Nye Beach neighborhood has the best theme I can imagine: books. Rooms are decorated for a particular author. Some have ocean views. All have books on the shelves. The cafe downstairs overlooks Nye Beach.
The Newport Belle is an adults-only hotel on a paddlewheel boat that looks like the setting of an Agatha Christie novel.
Ocean House is a bed & breakfast overlooking Agate Beach, the beach just south of Yaquina Head.
Learn more about the best things to do in Newport.
6. Port Orford
Battle Rock Wayside
The town
Drive time from Portland: 5 hours
Population: 1,000
Port Orford is a tiny town with breathtaking scenery. It’s in the part of the Oregon Coast that’s far enough south to start feeling remote. Highway 101 is the only way in or out of town. Don’t trust Google Maps on alternative routes. I learned that the hard way after attempting to find a detour through the mountains during a highway closure.
Highlights in town
Beautiful beaches surround Port Orford. If they weren’t so far from a city, they’d be packed. The most picturesque is Battle Rock Wayside, where waves roll onto a crescent-shaped beach dotted with sea stacks. It’s arguably the most scenic rest stop on Highway 101.
For more spectacular coastal views, head to Port Orford Heads State Park. The park was once a Coast Guard station, and the historical buildings remain. One is now a museum that’s free and open to the public in the summer. An easy 1.2-mile loop connects stunning viewpoints overlooking Nellie’s Cove and Agate Beach.
Besides the parks and beaches, Port Orford is surprisingly rich in art galleries. They have a nice variety, ranging from gift shops to fine art. Some close seasonally or have more limited hours in the winter.
Best nature stops nearby
If you drive south from Port Orford, Highway 101 stays next to the ocean for most of the drive, offering expansive views of the rugged coastline. Here are the highlights within about 20 minutes of town:
Humbug Mountain State Park has a campground and a challenging 5-mile hike to the top of Humbug Mountain.
Prehistoric Gardens is a quirky roadside attraction with a lot of charm. A gentle walking path explores an old-growth forest, complete with life-sized dinosaurs.
Sisters Rock State Park is one of the most overlooked wonders of the Oregon Coast. Three peaks stand at the end of a peninsula. The largest contains an impressive sea cave.
To the north of Port Orford, Cape Blanco State Park has a lighthouse at the tip of Oregon's westernmost point.
Port Orford Heads State Park
Where to eat
Redfish is an upscale restaurant serving delicious Pacific Northwest cuisine. Besides the excellent food and drinks, the floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor patio have an impressive view of Battle Rock Wayside and Humbug Mountain.
The Crazy Norwegian Fish & Chips is a great spot for seafood.
Where to stay
Port Orford doesn’t have traditional hotels so much as vacation rentals. Since I often take solo trips, it makes more sense to stay in Gold Beach or Brookings to save money on fees. If you’re traveling with a group or have a more accommodating budget, the town has some cool rentals, like this oceanfront studio.
Learn more about visiting Port Orford.
7. Oceanside
Oceanside
Drive time from Portland: 1.5-2 hours
Population: <400
Oceanside may be too popular to be called a hidden gem, but it tends to fly under the radar compared to other Oregon Coast towns within an easy drive from Portland. I find it one of the most visually appealing coastal towns because of the way the buildings perch on a steep hillside. The Cape Meares Loop, a quiet scenic byway, runs unobtrusively through town rather than Highway 101.
Highlights in town
The main attraction in Oceanside is the beach. It has a surprising feature, a 90-foot tunnel that passes under Maxwell Point and connects Oceanside Beach to Tunnel Beach. Cliffs surround Tunnel Beach, making it feel hidden and remote. Sea stacks are good places to look for gulls and black oystercatchers. It’s also one of the most popular rockhounding beaches on the Oregon Coast. Whenever I’ve visited, most people are bent over double as they sift through the cobbles for sea glass, agates, and jaspers.
Best nature stops nearby
Oceanside is along the Three Capes Scenic Loop, a drive that connects Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda, plus beaches, hiking trails, and the tallest waterfall in the Coastal Range. Only a few minutes north of town is Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, where you can visit Oregon’s shortest lighthouse and the mysterious Octopus Tree.
Between Oceanside and Cape Meares is a semi-secret beach called Short Beach. A large, blob-like sea stack makes it easy to recognize at a glance. Two waterfalls, one natural and one manmade, tumble onto the cobble beach. Like Tunnel Beach, it’s a popular rockhounding spot. The trail to Short Beach isn’t long but has, statistically speaking, one gazillion stairs.
Short Beach
Where to eat
Oceanside is a small town without many restaurants. The Blue Agate Cafe looks cute, although it’s never been open when I’ve visited. Roseanna’s has wonderful ocean views, but I can’t speak to the food. They were out of the only vegetarian thing when I went (garden burger). When I visit Oceanside, I drive to Netarts to eat at The Schooner.
Where to stay
Oceanside has limited lodging options. I’d plan on booking a room as soon as you know your travel plans.
The Three Arch Inn is across the street from Oceanside Beach and has rooms with balconies and ocean views. Cafe downstairs.
This vacation rental has a cool shared deck with excellent views of Three Arch Rocks.
Learn more about the best things to do in Oceanside.
8. Neskowin
Proposal Rock
Drive time from Portland: 2 hours
Population: <300
Neskowin is a tiny and often-overlooked town between Pacific City and Lincoln City. It’s not a place to browse the shops and art galleries. There aren’t any. It’s more of a collection of houses set back from a beautiful beach with a haunting feature, the Neskowin Ghost Forest.
Highlights in town
From the public parking lot in Neskowin, a short trail follows Neskowin Creek out to the beach. The creek flows into the ocean next to Proposal Rock, a large rock formation topped with a mini forest. A unique keyhole-shaped opening on its south side makes it recognizable at a glance. Across the creek is the Neskowin Ghost Forest. This group of 2,000-year-old Sitka spruce stumps was preserved underground until winter storms uncovered them in the 1990s. They’re the remnants of an ancient forest that was killed by encroaching sand, then buried. Mussels and barnacles cover several dozen stumps. The larger ones have tidepools inside them, where you can sometimes spot an anemone or two. During high tide, waves submerge the Ghost Forest. Visit at low tide to get the full effect.
Best nature stops nearby
Neskowin is 15 minutes south of Pacific City and its incredible parks: Cape Kiwanda, McPhillips Beach, and Bob Straub State Park. It’s also easy to add as a side quest on the Three Capes Scenic Drive.
About 25 minutes to the south of Neskowin is one of the most magnificent hikes on the Oregon Coast, the Cascade Head Trail. This 4.5-mile out-and-back hike climbs a headland with panoramic views of the Salmon River estuary and Lincoln City. In spring and summer, look for rare wildflowers blooming. Dogs are not allowed. Please stay on the trail and don’t pick the flowers.
Cascade Head
Where to eat
Neskowin Provisions has a casual deli counter with surprisingly good takeaway options, like the slice of veggie lasagna I had for lunch.
The Hawk Creek Cafe is a sit-down restaurant serving pasta, burgers, grain bowls, and wood-fired pizzas.
Where to stay
Lodging in Neskowin is more about vacation rentals than hotels. It tends to be a better deal for families and groups than for solo travelers. You can find some cool stays, like this condo overlooking the ocean.
9. Manzanita
Manzanita Beach
Drive time from Portland: 1.5-2 hours
Population: 600
Manzanita feels like a smaller and calmer version of Cannon Beach. While it lacks the drama of Haystack Rock and the other sea stacks, the long sandy beach is lovely, and Neahkahnie Mountain just north of town adds to the grandeur. On beautiful summer weekends, Manzanita will be packed just like anywhere else within a day’s drive of Portland, but the crowds are never as intense as in Cannon Beach or Seaside.
Highlights in town
Manzanita has two main draws for tourists. One is Manzanita Beach, which is perfect for sandcastles, kites, and long walks. The other is Laneda Avenue. This street through the center of town has almost all Manzanita’s businesses within a six-block stretch. Like Hemlock Street in Cannon Beach, Laneda Ave is set away from the highway, adding to its charm and walkability. Look for a bookstore, art galleries, coffee shops, boutique clothing stores, bars, restaurants, and a small botanical garden.
Best nature stops nearby
Immediately north of Manzanita on Highway 101 are a series of viewpoints on the cliffs of Neahkahnie Mountain. They overlook the ocean and Manzanita Beach from 700 feet. If you’re coming from Portland, you’ll pass them on your drive into town, and it’s just about impossible to resist pulling over for a closer look.
Oswald West State Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations on the Oregon Coast, but don’t feel like you need to tackle anything intense to see amazing views. The most visited trail is the easy, 0.6-mile hike to Short Sand Beach. You might also want to check out:
The 5-mile out-and-back Cape Falcon Trail is memorable for the incredible views at the end and the extraordinary amount of mud on the trail.
Elk Flats Trail is a short hike that will take you to two stunning viewpoints, one of Devils Cauldron and one of the Neahkahnie cliffs.
The Neahkahnie Mountain hike leads to incredible views from 1,600 feet. There are a few ways to tackle it. The shortest and easiest is from the south trailhead.
Devils Cauldron is on the Elk Flats Trail
Where to eat
Manzanita News & Espresso has an excellent patio to sit with a cup of coffee.
Yolk is a cozy cafe with a tempting brunch menu.
Left Coast Siesta has delicious and enormous burritos.
The Winery at Manzanita is a relaxing place to enjoy Pacific Northwest wines on a patio with fire pits and Adirondack chairs.
Where to stay
Since Manzanita is a small town with limited lodging, it’s a good idea to book your stay well in advance, especially in the summer.
The Spinn is a budget-friendly hotel right in the heart of things on Laneda Ave, and only a block from the ocean.
The Inn at Manzanita is across the street from the Spinn. It’s more upscale and features some deluxe amenities, like a fireplace. Some rooms have ocean views.
For something special, check out Coast Cabins. You stay in a swanky cabin within walking distance of restaurants and the beach. Some have bonus features, like a hot tub, fireplace, and ocean views.
Learn more about planning a day trip to Manzanita.
10. Pacific City
Pelican Brewing has an ocean view in Pacific City
Drive time from Portland: 2 hours
Population: 1,600
Pacific City has just enough town to supply everything you need on a beach vacation. It has a grocery store, restaurants, hotels, and a shop that rents surfing gear. It’s a place to enjoy natural beauty and some mind-boggling geology.
Highlights in town
Pacific City has one of the most picturesque beaches of any Oregon Coast town. It’s a place you’re likely to see surfers bobbing out in the water and dory boats launching from the beach. Haystack Rock stands about a mile offshore. This 340-foot monolith is the largest of the three Haystack Rocks on the Oregon Coast.
Cape Kiwanda juts out across the beach at the north end of town. It’s intriguing from a distance, but you don’t really get a sense of the scale until you get up close. It’s a rare sandstone headland in this part of the coast that hasn’t yet crumbled to sand, and geologists credit Haystack Rock for keeping it standing this long. From the beach, you can climb up to reach panoramic views on top of the cape. At low tide, the south side of the cape has excellent tidepools. Explore with caution and keep an eye on the waves.
Best nature stops nearby
To find a hidden gem, you can see the less-visited north side of Cape Kiwanda by driving about a mile north to McPhillips Beach. Once you park, walk south on the beach until you reach the cliffs.
Continuing north, Sitka Sedge State Natural Area is a beautiful park that seldom gets crowded. Short hiking trails lead from a tidal estuary to the beach.
On the south end of Pacific City, Bob Straub State Park is a long sandy spit between the ocean and Nestucca Bay. On the other side of the bay, the Nestucca Bay Wildlife Refuge is great for bird-watching.
Cape Kiwanda is one of the capes on the Three Capes Scenic Loop.
Cape Kiwanda
Where to eat
The Grateful Bread is, you guessed it, a Grateful Dead-themed brunch restaurant. Baked goods are made in-house daily.
Pacific City has my favorite Pelican Brewing location. It overlooks the beach, Haystack Rock, and Cape Kiwanda.
Where to stay
Although a small town, Pacific City is a popular vacation spot with a range of lodging options from budget to luxury. It’s a place you can find great deals in the off-season. In the summer, I’d suggest booking your stay as soon as you know your travel plans.
The Inn at Cape Kiwanda has an ideal location facing Haystack Rock, and all rooms have ocean views. It’s right on the beach and next to Pelican Brewing. Lots of amenities, including a pool, hot tub, on-site restaurant, and in-room fireplaces.
The Anchorage Motel has clean and comfortable budget-friendly rooms. It’s close to Bob Straub State Park.
To feel pampered, Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa has a full-service spa. Also, direct beach access and amazing ocean views. The hotel’s restaurant has large windows overlooking the beach and Haystack Rock.
11. Astoria
Astoria
Drive time from Portland: 2 hours
Population: 10,000
I think of Astoria as the honorary town of the Oregon Coast. It’s on the mouth of the Columbia River rather than the Pacific, but with water all around it, it feels more coastal than inland. It’s also easy to pop over to one of the parks to spend time by the ocean. One of the larger towns on the Oregon Coast, Astoria has plenty to fill a rainy Pacific Northwest afternoon or three when wind and drizzle make indoors start to look appealing.
Highlights in town
The Astoria Column has the best views in town. The observation tower on Coxcomb Hill overlooks Astoria and the Columbia River from 500 feet up. On clear days, you can see Saddle Mountain and Mount St Helens. You can drive and park for a fee, or hike up on the Cathedral Tree Trail.
The Riverwalk Trail is a paved multi-use trail along the Columbia River that connects memorials, public art, shopping, restaurants, and museums. It’s a good place to look for sea lions and large ships out in the river.
Astoria has several of the Oregon Coast’s best-known museums, including the Columbia River Maritime Museum, the Oregon Film Museum, and the Flavel House.
One of Astoria’s claims to fame is being a filming location for The Goonies. The Goonies House is here, but as a heads up, it’s a private home, and different owners have had different feelings about tourists. I’ve heard the current owners are more open to having people walk by and take pictures than the previous ones. If you go, be respectful and don’t block driveways or peer through windows. I mention it because people have done these things.
Astoria has a great farmer’s market on Sundays during the summer.
Best nature stops nearby
Fort Stevens State Park is at the northwest corner of Oregon, about 20 minutes west of Astoria. Highlights include the wash-up hull of the Peter Iredale shipwreck, observation decks overlooking the ocean, and the historical batteries at Fort Stevens.
Fort Clatsop is where Lewis and Clark and the Discovery Corps spent the winter on the Oregon Coast. It’s also the starting point for the Fort-to-Sea Trail.
Across the Astoria-Megler Bridge in Washington is the spectacular Cape Disappointment State Park. It has two lighthouses, stunning beaches, hiking trails, an interpretive center, and a large campground.
The lovely Youngs River Falls is a little over 20 minutes south of Astoria.
Cape Disappointment State Park
Where to eat
Astoria has some great breweries. My favorite is probably Fort George Brewery, which has great beer, wood-fired pizzas, and a rooftop deck. Another good choice is Buoy Beer Co, which shares a patio with a distillery and three food carts.
Bridgewater Bistro has excellent food and drink, plus a great view of the Columbia River and the Astoria-Megler Bridge.
The Inferno Lounge has a decent pub food menu, but the real draw is the Columbia River view.
Where to stay
Astoria is a large town with lodging options for every budget. My favorite areas to stay are along the Riverwalk and downtown.
The Norblad is a cool and funky hotel in downtown Astoria. Rates are very reasonable, and you can save more if you’re down for a shared bathroom.
The Bowline Hotel is a place to have a special stay. It’s right on the Riverwalk, and some rooms have Columbia River views. The on-site restaurant overlooking the river serves craft cocktails and Scandinavian food.
If your budget can swing it, the Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa has a fantastic location next to the Astoria-Megler Bridge. A full-service spa, hot tub, and continental breakfast are good bonuses.
12. Gearhart
Elk are not shy in Gearhart
Drive time from Portland: 1.5-2 hours
Population: 1,400
Gearhart is a perfect example of when less is more. This sleepy town is just north of the popular resort town of Seaside. It tends to stay relatively quiet even on summer weekends when the masses are descending on the Oregon Coast.
Highlights in town
A visit to Gearhart is all about spending time on the beach. I’ve been several times, including a long weekend stay, and have never seen it crowded despite the easy distance from Portland. The long sandy shore stretches out for miles, with Tillamook Head creating some drama to the south.
Gearhart is the Oregon Coast town where I see elk most consistently. They can pop up anywhere, and are not the least bit shy about walking through yards and down the streets. Keep a healthy distance.
Gearhart has an 18-hole golf course. I won’t embarrass myself by trying to review it since I don’t know a single thing about golf. Instead, a fun fact: it’s the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi River.
Best nature stops nearby
At the south end of Gearhart, Little Beach is a great bird-watching spot at the mouth of the Necanicum River.
Fort Clatsop and the Fort-to-Sea Trail are about 20 minutes north of town.
A little over 20 minutes south of Gearhart, Ecola State Park is one of the most breathtaking places on the Oregon Coast.
Gearhart Beach
Where to eat
Gearhart doesn’t have much in the way of restaurants. The McMenamins Sand Trap is about the only game in town, especially since the Pacific Way Cafe is closed indefinitely at the time of writing. When I stayed in Gearhart, my friends and I cooked our meals in the vacation house we rented. Seaside is a short drive away and has more dining options.
Where to stay
Gearhart has a couple of hotels, but most of the lodging here is vacation rentals. It’s a good place to take a trip with the family or a group of friends.
The Drifthaven at Gearhart has cute rooms and suites within easy walking distance to the beach. Breakfast is included.
McMenamins Gearhart Hotel has the quirky charm of McMenamins properties. It has a terrace next to the golf course and is close to the beach.
Vacation rentals, like this cottage near the beach, are worth checking out.
More Oregon Coast towns
Netarts
I feel like by narrowing down my favorites, I left off too many wonderful Oregon Coast towns from the list. Here are the honorable mentions.
Seaside is the main resort town on the Oregon Coast. It’s a good place to find a reasonably priced hotel room. It’s not a place to go if you want to commune with nature in solitude, but it’s a fun visit if you embrace the family vacation atmosphere. The heart of Seaside is the Promenade, a paved walkway next to the beach.
Arch Cape is the teeny town between Cannon Beach and Manzanita. It doesn’t have stores, restaurants, or hotels. It does have a beautiful beach to the north of Cape Falcon.
Rockaway Beach is a good destination when the Oregon Coast is crowded. It stays relatively chill despite being an easy day trip from Portland. It’s also a place where you can find cheap lodging. The town itself is utilitarian and spread out. The sandy beach is beautiful, with Twin Rocks Arch looming offshore. I also enjoy the Big Tree Trail.
Tillamook is the only town on the Oregon Coast I wouldn’t want to stay long. It’s pretty far inland, but the bigger issue is the cow smell, which can be intense. The main drag downtown is cute and is a place I’ve enjoyed stopping for coffee.
Netarts is a small town on Netarts Bay, just south of Oceanside. The town itself is mostly houses and vacation rentals. It has one of my favorite restaurants on the Oregon Coast, The Schooner.
Lincoln City is a large town with everything you might need. It’s long and sprawling without a clear town center. If you look past the many strip malls, it has tons of cool attractions, restaurants, and hikes.
Waldport is small enough and far enough away from Portland to have quiet and pristine beaches, while still having conveniences like a grocery store. I love long weekends here. Check out Seal Rock Recreation Site just north of town.
Florence is a large town with many restaurants and services. It sits just inland of a spit with some impressive dunes. South Jetty Beach is a great place to admire them. I also love seeing the carnivorous plants at Darlingtonia State Natural Area.
Reedsport is a cute small town. The main downside is that it’s a bit inland and feels far away from the ocean. My favorite attraction is the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area. The drive into town on Hwy 38 is (I think) the prettiest way to get to the Oregon Coast from I-5.
Winchester Bay is a hidden gem of the Oregon Coast for wildlife watching. During a quick stop at the marina, I saw harbor seals flopping on the docks and about half a dozen species of seabirds. The town has as many shuttered businesses as open ones, but it’s by no means a ghost town. It has a grocery store and a few restaurants. Just south of town are lovely beaches and impressive viewpoints near the Umpqua Lighthouse.
Coos Bay is the largest town on the Oregon Coast. It’s a somewhat industrial-looking place that sits on the bay and slightly away from the ocean. North Bend is just north of it, and I have trouble telling where one ends and the other begins. Both have easy access to the Cape Arago Scenic Drive.
Gold Beach is near some of the most breathtaking scenery on the Oregon Coast. The town is a long, narrow strip next to the beach, yet surprisingly few places have an ocean view. I’d call it more functional than picturesque unless you’re walking on the beach. It’s a convenient home base for adventures in the Samuel Boardman Corridor, with a grocery store, gas station, and good restaurants.
Brookings is a large town near the California border that has all the conveniences. The scenery around it is so beautiful that it’s hard to believe it’s real. The town itself is, let’s say, function over form. Strip malls galore. The layout also makes it hard to see much of the ocean while you’re in town. The harbor has a tourist-friendly area along the Chetco River that’s worth seeking out.
Brookings
Most picturesque towns on the Oregon Coast, summary:
Bandon
Yachats
Cannon Beach
Depoe Bay
Newport
Port Orford
Oceanside
Neskowin
Manzanita
Pacific City
Astoria
Gearhart
More on the Oregon Coast
Check out my Oregon Coast tidepool guide.
Visit the most beautiful beaches on the Oregon Coast.
Find out where to see seals, sea lions, whales, and birds on the Oregon Coast in my wildlife guide.
Find the best hikes on the Oregon Coast.
