Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary: The Perfect 7 Day Route (Full Itinerary + Map)

If you are visiting the Pacific Northwest, there is no question that the Oregon Coast is at the top of your list. Planning an Oregon Coast road trip is one of the best ways to experience the state’s rugged coastline, scenic viewpoints, and charming seaside towns. But with so many incredible stops, from Cannon Beach to Samuel H. Boardman, it can be hard to know how to fit everything into one trip.

The good news is that the Oregon Coast is perfectly set up for an easy road trip, with Highway 101 connecting all the major highlights.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through a detailed 7 day Oregon Coast road trip itinerary, including the best stops, where to stay, and tips to help you plan your route. Since we live in Portland, we’re only 90 minutes to the Oregon Coast, so we’ll share all our favorite secrets too.

Oregon Coast Road Trip Overview

The Oregon Coast stretches 363 miles from Astoria to Brookings. You can do it either North to South, or South to North. But we recommend starting in Astoria and ending in Brookings (north to south). If you’re flying into Portland International Airport, Astoria is only a 2 hour drive away.

Oregon Coast Road Trip Map

Day 1 – Portland → Astoria

If you’ve just arrived at Portland International Airport, you’re going to need to rent a car since you’ll be driving along the coast. Once you pick up your car, you’ll start your Oregon Coast road trip by driving to Astoria.

Astoria is a historic town located where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. It’s a great introduction to the region, with a mix of coastal views, small-town charm, and local history.

Personally, I love Astoria as a starting point—it feels a little less touristy than other coastal towns and gives you a more local, lived-in vibe to kick off the trip.

Once you arrive in Astoria, spend the afternoon exploring this historic riverside town. Walk along the Astoria Riverwalk, visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum, or climb the Astoria Column for sweeping views of the coast and river.

If you have extra time, you can also go to Fort Stevens State Park to see the famous Peter Iredale shipwreck, or you can stop on day 2 since it’s technically a little south of Astoria.

Astoria is where the movie The Goonies was filmed, and you can still visit the house today.

Where to eat in Astoria:

• Bridgewater Bistro – Airy New American restaurant in a restored 1896 building on a pier overlooking the Columbia River
• Bowpicker Fish and Chips – Converted, stationary boat with a walk-up window selling beer-battered fish ‘n’ chips
• Fort George Brewery – Spacious brewpub serving wood-fired pizza & pub fare in a converted 1920s auto repair shop
• Astoria Brewing Company – Laid-back brewery & cafe on the trolley line serving pub fare like chowder with handcrafted beers
• Sleeper Coffee – Lively coffee shop featuring cappuccinos, pastries and views of Columbia River

Day 2: Astoria → Cannon Beach

Today is a shorter drive, which gives you time to explore both Astoria and Cannon Beach at a slower pace.

If you didn’t visit Fort Stevens State Park yesterday, start your morning there—it’s one of our favorite spots on this part of the coast. The mix of history, beach, and the shipwreck makes it feel really unique.

From there, head south to Cannon Beach. Once you arrive, spend time walking along the beach and visiting Haystack Rock, especially if you can time it with low tide for tide pooling. When it’s low tide, you can walk right up to it and explore all the tide pools filled with marine life.

If you want one of the best viewpoints on the entire coast, don’t miss Ecola State Park—it’s one of those places that genuinely makes you stop and just take it all in. Ecola State Park is one of the most photographed viewpoints on the Oregon Coast.

Cannon Beach is definitely more popular and polished than Astoria, but it’s popular for a reason—it’s one of the most beautiful stops on the Oregon Coast.

Where to Eat in Cannon Beach

• Sleepy Monk – Coffee shop serving organic brews & pastries in a quaint bungalow with Adirondack chairs out front
• Public Coast Brewing – Casual brewery and eatery whipping up craft beers, plus burgers, fries and other pub grub
• Annas Table – High-quality seafood and steak dishes, with a warm, intimate atmosphere
• The Wayfarer Restaurant and Lounge – Stylish, woodsy spot with a salmon cannery theme serving American seafood plus breakfast

Day 3: Cannon Beach → Pacific City

In our opinion, this is where the scenery starts to get really pretty! There are going to be lots of places that you’ll want to stop.

This stretch of the coast is packed with scenic stops, so take your time heading south. Don’t worry, there are plenty of pull-outs on Highway 101 to stop and take photos.

Start your day again at Ecola State Park if you want to catch it in different light—it’s worth it. As you continue down Highway 101, we recommend stopping at places like:

• Hug Point State Park – where you’ll find a beatiful beach with a small waterfall you can hike out to at low tide
• Oswald West State Park – Short Sand Beach is a great hidden gem
• Neahkahnie Mountain viewpoint – one of the best coastal views while driving

Plus you can’t forget a stop in Tillamook, where you can visit the famous Tillamook Creamery. It’s a fun (and delicious) stop to grab lunch and try a bunch of local cheese and ice cream. No Oregon Coast roadtrip is complete without a stop at the creamery.

By the time you reach Pacific City, the vibe shifts a bit—it’s quieter and feels less crowded than Cannon Beach.

Spend the afternoon at Cape Kiwanda, where you can climb the massive sand dune and watch the waves roll in. It’s one of our favorite spots on the entire coast because it feels a bit more rugged and less curated. This is a great spot to walk along the beach, watch surfers, and climb the large sand dune for incredible views.

Where to eat in Pacific City

• Grateful Bread Bakery – Homey cafe with a Grateful Dead theme serving breakfast, lunch, coffee & house-made pastries
• Stimulus Coffee + Bakery – Ocean-view café featuring coffee and espresso drinks, plus scones and pastries
• Ben and Jeff’s Burgers and Tacos – Old-school counter-serve joint offering fish tacos, burgers & breakfast burritos, plus tap beers
• The Riverhouse Restaurant – Quaint restaurant and bar serving grilled seafood and burgers, plus clam chowder and lobster bisque

Day 4: Pacific City → Newport

We love to get breakfast burritos at Ben and Jeff’s Burgers and Tacos and coffee at Stimulus Coffee + Bakery before getting back on the road. Continue south where you’ll find a mix of scenic stops and small coastal towns.

On the way to Newport a few places to stop alone the way:

• Lincoln City – a popular beach with easy beach access
• Depoe Bay – known as the Whale Watching capital of the Oregon Coast – you may be able to see whales right from the shore

Once you arrive in Newport, you’ll spend the afternoon exploring the town. Newport feels like a good balance, still has that coastal charm but with more going on than the smaller coast towns. Walk along the historic bayfront, where you’ll likely see sea lions lounging on the docks, and check out local shops and restaurants.

Newport and nearby Depoe Bay are some of the best places for whale watching on the Oregon Coast, and if you want a closer experience, you can book a guided whale watching tour.

If you have time, visit Yaquina Head Lighthouse for one of the tallest lighthouses in Oregon and one of the most classic Oregon Coast views.

Newport is a fun town to stay in because it’s a lively coastal town with a working harbor, sea lions, and plenty of restaurants.

Where to eat in Newport:

• Clearwater Restaurant – Pacific Northwest fare served in a polished, upscale venue with panoramic views of Yaquina Bay
• Nye Beach Cafe – Upbeat eatery serving American lunch & breakfast eats using local ingredients & bread baked on site
• Georgies Beachside Grill – Large American restaurant attached to the Hallmark Inn with ocean views & a seafood-centric menu

Day 5: Newport → Florence

This is one of the most scenic driving days, with several iconic stops along the way, which makes this one of our favorite days on this road trip.

As you drive to Florence, make sure to stop at:

• Cape Perpetua (incredible viewpoints)
• Thor’s Well (best seen at high tide)
• Heceta Head Lighthouse – one of the most photographed lighthouse in Oregon, you can take a short hike for amazing coastal views

By the time you reach Florence, the landscape starts to change.

Spend the afternoon exploring the area or head straight to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. This is one of the most unique parts of the coast and definitely worth experiencing. You can explore the dunes on foot or book a dune buggy tour if you’re looking for something more adventurous.

Where to Eat in Florence:

• Waterfront Depot Restaurant – Urbane riverside bistro offering upscale takes on classic American fare & house cocktails
• The Pono Hukilau – Small, easygoing stop offering Hawaiian food, seafood, sushi, burgers & tacos and cocktails
• Little Brown Hen Cafe – Homey daytime eatery serving comfort grub such as pancakes, eggs, sandwiches & fried chicken (*CASH ONLY*)

Day 6: Florence → Bandon

Today is a bit more relaxed, giving you time to enjoy the drive without rushing.

On your way south, you can stop in:

• Coos Bay (quick stop or lunch break)
• Scenic pull-offs along the coast (honestly, some of the best views are unplanned)

Arrive in Bandon, which is one of the most underrated towns on the Oregon Coas, known for its dramatic rock formations and quieter beaches.

Spend time at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, where the sea stacks create some of the most dramatic scenery you’ll see on the trip.

This is one of our personal favorite stops—it feels quieter and less crowded, which makes it easier to just enjoy the landscape. Plus if you like golf like us, Bandon Dunes is an epic golf getaway.

Take your time walking along the beach, exploring tide pools, and enjoying the scenery without the larger crowds you’ll find further north.

This is a slower-paced day, perfect for soaking in the natural beauty of the coastline.

Where to Eat in Bandon:

• The Loft Restaurant and Bar – American cuisine & cocktails artfully presented in an airy, modern setting with water views
• Tonys Crab Shack – Bright blue shack serving fresh catch of the day
• Bandon Coffee Cafe – Rustic coffee shop with an array of classic beverages, baked goods, & sandwiches in a chill setting

Day 7: Bandon → Brookings

Your final stretch takes you through one of the most stunning parts of the entire Oregon Coast. This area feels a bit different from the rest of the coast—slightly warmer, a little quieter, and a really nice way to end the trip.

The highlight of the day is driving through the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, a 12-mile stretch filled with some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Oregon, including cliffs, natural bridges, and hidden beaches.

Some must-see stops include:

• Natural Bridge – a short trail leads to views of the seven iconic arch rocks and blowholes
• Secret Beach – a stunning beach with blue/green water
• Arch Rock – an overlook where you can see a series of offshore sea stacks and islands

Plan to stop often—this is not a section you want to rush. You can spend the day hopping between viewpoints or doing short hikes to explore more of the area.

End your trip in Brookings, a laid-back coastal town near the California border. It’s a great place to unwind after a week of exploring.

Where to Eat in Brookings:

• Superfly Martini Bar and Grill – Modern locale featuring New American eats, craft beer & martinis made with house-distilled spirits
• Fat Irish Kitchen and Pub – Irish pub offers a casual environment with regular live music, comfort food, and craft beer
• Mattie’s Pancake House – Casual eatery with up American breakfast staples like crepes and pancakes, plus burgers

Day 8: Drive back to Portland

After a week of exploring the Oregon Coast, it’s time to make your way back to Portland. The fastest route is heading inland and taking I-5 north, which turns this into more of a travel day but there are still a few worthwhile stops along the way.

From Brookings, start by driving east toward Grants Pass or Medford, where you’ll connect to I-5. This stretch takes you away from the coast and into a completely different landscape, with forests, rivers, and mountain views.

If you want to break up the drive, consider stopping in:

• Grants Pass for a quick coffee or lunch
• Medford if you want more food options or a longer break

From there, continue north on I-5 back to Portland. Depending on traffic and stops, the drive typically takes around 5–6 hours.

This part of the trip is definitely more about getting from point A to point B, but I actually like this route because it gives you a different perspective on Oregon beyond the coast. If you have more time, you can go back up the coast for better scenery.

Where to eat along the way:

• The Twisted Cork (Grants Pass)
• Buttercloud Bakery & Café (Medford)

Don’t have 7 days? You can do it in less!

As you can see, there is lots to see on the Oregon Coast! If you are on a time crunch, you can do this route in 5 days. If doing this road trip in 5 days, I would remove Astoria and start your trip in Cannon Beach, and then I would remove Newport as an overnight stop.

If you’re planning your to the Oregon Coast trip, check out my full Oregon travel guide for more ideas, itineraries, and tips. You can read more of these to help you plan your trip:

• 6 Day Trips From Portland
• Things to do in Portland
• 11 Cool and Unusual Places to Stay in Oregon
• Seven Wonders of Oregon: Crater Lake
• 23 of The Best Columbia Gorge Hikes