(Last Updated On: August 17, 2019)

Oregon is one of the best states out there! I may be a little biased because I live here, but it truly is a great state!  From the beach to the mountains and lakes, there is never a dull moment if you’re a nature lover. If you are ever visiting Portland, make sure you check out these day trips! Today, we’re going to go more in depth into the roadtrip from Portland to the Oregon Coast. The coast is one of our favorite places to go within Oregon, mostly because there is so much to see and do, but it’s also a great place to go and relax for the weekend.  If you’ve never been to the Oregon Coast, be forewarned that it is nothing like the beach in Southern California or Florida. It is usually cold and overcast, and even sometimes stormy. Very rarely is it perfect blue sky and hot! Don’t plan on sunbathing in your suit! But, the Oregon coast is BEAUTIFUL! The Oregon coast runs along the Pacific Ocean, stretching over 360 miles! Typically the Oregon coast is divided into 3 regions- North, Central and South. We’re going to focus on the central Oregon coast- from Lincoln City to Florence. Lincoln City and the surrounding beauty is our favorite part of the Oregon Coast. You’ll see why soon enough!

Oregon Coast Roadtrip


oregon coast fittwotravel.com

Getting to the Oregon Coast

The drive to the Oregon Coast is one of the most scenic drives in Oregon, especially if you spend time along highway 101. The Central Coast has great cliffs, bays and plenty of fishing! You can see the sandstone cliffs as you are driving along the 101 and they make for some great contrast with the blue ocean! From hiking, biking, surfing, fishing there are plenty of outdoor activities for everyone, including kids.

If you’re planning to spend some time in Portland, make sure you check out our favorite places 

Making the trip to the Oregon Coast is easy. From Portland it takes about 2 hours to get to Lincoln City. It is an easy drive as it goes along highway 99w and highway 18 until you reach highway 101. You’ll drive through Mcminnville, Dundee (also a must-see if you like wine), and some great greenery before you arrive at the coast.

See also  5 Winter Getaways To Plan This Year

We have broken down the Central coast into three main stops: Lincoln City, Newport, and Florence with where to eat, where to sleep, and places to see at the Oregon Coast.

Here’s a video of our trip to the coast for more awesome views of the Oregon Coast 


rocky creek viewpoint fittwotravel.com

oregon coast day trips portland fittwotravel.com

Cities to Visit Along Oregon’s Central Coast

Lincoln City 

What to do in Lincoln City
  • Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint- a great place along the highway to have a picnic and enjoy the sandstone cliffs
  • Devils Punchbowl- During winter storms, water from the restless ocean slams with a thundering roar into a hollow rock formation shaped like a huge punch bowl. The surf churns, foams, and swirls as it mixes a violent brew
  • Chinook Winds Casino- Oregons premier casino, overlooking the ocean
Oregon coast fittwotravel.com

Rocky Creek Viewpoint- a great place for lunch!

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Devils punchbowl Oregon Coast fittwotravel.com

Devils punchbowl

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Devils punchbowl oregon coast fittwotravel.com

Where to Eat in Lincoln City
  • Hwy 101 burger- local burgers and fries
  • Pirate coffee company- great coffee and beautiful looking pastries (although we didn’t indulge this time)
  • Kyllo’s seafood and grill- Get a window seat if possible, and of course great seafood
  • Baywalk cafe- Gluten free clam chowder and fish and chips

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Pirate Coffee Lincoln City fittwotravel.com

baywalk cafe oregon coast fittwotravel.com

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Where to Stay In Lincoln City
  • Looking Glass Inn– South end of Lincoln City, close to the wonderful bay with ocean views, easy beach access, and many dog friendly rooms.
  • Coho Oceanfront Lodge- beachfront hotel with spa

Book a room now

Newport

photo credit Kirt Edblom flickr.com

Creative Commons Yaquina Head Lighthouse” by kedblom is licensed under CC BY 2.0

What to do in Newport
  • Oregon Coast Aquarium- The Aquarium was home to Keiko, the orca who starred in Free Willy
  • Yaquina Bay Lighthouse-  built in 1871 and is located in the Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site
Where to Eat in Newport
  • Saffron Salmon- Clam chowder, Dungeness crab, shrimp cakes
  • Chowder bowl- fish tacos, clam chowder
  • Mo’s Chowder- A true favorite along the coast-the original clam chowder (also in Lincoln City and Florence)
Where to Stay in Newport

Check rooms in Newport

Mo's Oregon Coast fittwotravel.com

Oregon Coast fittwotravel.com

Florence

What to do in Florence
  • visit the Sea lion caves– America’s largest sea cave and the year-round home of the Steller sea lion, although they are wild animals, so they aren’t always in the caves.
  • Cape Perpetua- the highest point on the Oregon Coast at 803 feet, has incredible views and great hiking trails
  • Jessie M Honeyman memorial state park– canoe, kayak, paddle board or swim
  • Heceta Head Lighthouse- the most photographed lighthouse on the Oregon coast because of its picturesque setting
See also  11 Cool and Unusual Places to Stay in Oregon

https:::www.flickr.com:photos:tomsaint:

Creative Commons Hecate Lighthouse” by rstowe is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Where to Eat in Florence
  • Waterfront Depot– oysters, crab cakes, clam chowder
  • Bridgewater Fish house and Zebra bar- lobster melt, oysters
Where to Stay in Florence
  • Old Town Inn– 5 minute walk from Old Twon Florence
  • The Landmark Inn– hilltop setting overlooking the sand dunes
  • Blue Heron Inn– 1940’s country home with river views and just five minutes from the center of town

Find a room

Best time to visit the Oregon Coast

If you like stormy weather, winter is a great time to visit the coast. Summer months are popular time because kids are out of school, but there is also a higher chance of drier weather. If you are visiting the Oregon Coast during the summer, beware of traffic during the weekend. While you can do the coast in a day, we HIGHLY recommend spending a couple days to truly explore the whole coast!

lincoln city oregon coast fittwotravel.com

plenty of dog-friendly establishments for you and your furry friend

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Oregon Coast Day trips Portland fittwotravel.com

For other things to do in Oregon:

 Have you visited the Oregon Coast? What is your favorite place to visit?

Fit Two Travel Oregon Coast day trips Portland

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