OREGON COAST
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The Oregon Coast is a true jewel of the Pacific Northwest, stretching for nearly 600km in a harmony of splendid landscapes, small ports and peaceful beaches. The coast has maintained a close link with nature, giving it a wild charm that appeals to travelers in search of authenticity.

Its impressive length is divided into three geographical zones, each with its own attractions and not-to-be-missed addresses! Let's discover the North Coast and the Central Coast, and their must-see stops for your next road trip!


NORTH COAST

The region is marked in the north by the Columbia River estuary, then winds its way to Pacific City through historic landmarks, rugged coastlines and vast stretches of white sand. It's an encounter between the past, marked by local architecture and traditions, and the present of a lively, dynamic coastline.


SEASIDE

This small seaside resort has preserved its old-world charm with its superb 1920s promenade. The heart of the town is an inviting place to stroll, between souvenir stores, shopping arcades and a lively beach. There's even an annual sand sculpture competition!

Seaside is an accessible, family-friendly town that's a pleasure to explore on a stroll, and a great place to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat. The town is also an excellent base for exploring the North Coast region. 


ECOLA STATE PARK

Get out your cameras! Ecola State Park offers some of the finest views of your road trip. The magnificent 11km trail leads to a natural promontory overlooking Cannon Beach from the north. Here, rocks and vegetation seem to tumble into the ocean, creating an awe-inspiring landscape. An easily accessible hike well worth the detour!


CANNON BEACH

The high rock of Haystack Rock, seemingly placed on the sand by a playful nature, is the pearl of Cannon Beach. It can be admired from afar, of course, as it is part of a majestic setting; but it can also be observed up close, as countless shells and starfish like to nestle at its foot, depending on the season.

The town of Cannon Beach, centered around its beach, offers a number of good cafés and restaurants with panoramic views of the coastline.


PACIFIC CITY

The giant Cape Kiwanda dune awaits you just outside Pacific City! The somewhat strenuous 73-metre climb through the sand guarantees breathtaking views of Nestucca Bay and the surrounding area.

 

NEARBY


ASTORIA

Twenty minutes north of Seaside, the city of Astoria stands on the estuary between the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. Built in 1926, the richly ornamented Astoria Column is the town's landmark. The local tradition is to launch a small, lightweight wooden plane (for sale on site) from the top of its 164 steps, and then watch it glide away.

Astoria is also home to the Oregon Film Museum, housed in the historic setting of a former prison. The Goonies, Kindergarten Cop, Free Willy, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, the Twilight saga... are just some of the films that have left their mark on Oregon cinema. Don't leave the museum without posing for a realistic mug shot!


TILLAMOOK

Between Cannon Beach and Pacific City, discover the Tillamook Creamery, a place that's still in operation, with a large part of its building dedicated to visitors. Here, you'll discover how cheese and other dairy products are made, and the impact of this industry on the region... not forgetting our favorite part: the tasting!


CENTRAL COAST

The Oregon Coast continues southward, and its central region has a few treasures to reveal along its coastal roads and through its coastal towns. 


LINCOLN CITY

The town is renowned for the power of its Nelscott Reef wave, making it a must-see spot for surf enthusiasts. Rollers of up to 15m in height hit the ocean, offering an incredible spectacle.


DEPOE BAY

Depoe Bay boasts the world's smallest navigable port! And yet it's from this narrow marina that you can observe the giants of the seas: the whales! It's a fascinating excursion that goes beyond meeting the cetaceans to appreciate the vital link between the people of the Oregon Coast and the ocean.


NEWPORT

It's the main stopover in the Central Coast region! Here you'll find a concentration of attractions not to be missed, while still being able to radiate outwards to explore the surrounding area.

The town stretches along its historic waterfront and is split by the mouth of the Yaquina River, marked by the charming lighthouse overlooking the eponymous bay.

Newport is renowned for its Dungeness crab fishery, with its tasty, tender flesh - a tasting experience not to be missed by seafood lovers!

For over 30 years, the 9-hectare Oregon Coast Aquarium has been dedicated to the protection of marine fauna with an educational purpose. It's a successful mission, since we learn as much as we enjoy the various tanks and exhibition halls: sharks, rays, seals, jellyfish, crustaceans... and our favorite: otters!

 

NEARBY


CAPE PERPETUA AND THOR'S WELL

A forty-minute drive from Newport, hiking enthusiasts will be delighted by Cape Perpetua, whose forest trails lead to a panoramic summit. The view of the Pacific coast, which is particularly indented in the area and is battered by powerful waves, is breathtaking.

Thor's Well is a natural rock curiosity, whose circular shape creates a dynamic that drains and then discharges ocean water. 


HECETA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE AND THE SEA LION CAVES

Some places are as much appreciated for their natural scenery as for their history; such is the case of Heceta Head lighthouse, less than an hour's drive from Newport! First illuminated in 1894 and now boasting the longest beam of light on this coast, it marks the permanent link between land and ocean. While climbing to its summit is forbidden for safety reasons, its very location means you can admire a superb panorama right before your eyes.

The Sea Lion Caves are a private reserve dedicated to sea lions in their natural habitat. This unusual site takes you deep into the rock to discover immense caves, a cross between caving and marine life.


FLORENCE AND THE OREGON DUNES NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

A little further south, Florence boasts many of the attractions that make the Central Coast so attractive: a historic heart, a lovely marina, marine wildlife and, all around, coastal trails leading to the ocean through pine forests.

On the other side of the Siuslaw River, you'll find the sandy terrain of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. These perfectly undulating dunes could look like the Sahara if they weren't surrounded by the conifers and ocean typical of the region's scenery. The area is particularly popular with hikers and ATV enthusiasts - two very different ways to enjoy this exceptional geography!

Festivals calendar

Seaside SandFest

Dates: September

This recent festival has captured the hearts of young and old alike, bringing together artists specializing in sand sculpture. A festive and accessible event, not to be missed if you travel to the North Coast on these dates!

Newport Seafood & Wine Festival

Dates: February

For almost half a century, the city of Newport has hosted an annual festival dedicated to coastal gastronomy and the fine wines that go with it. This festive event, punctuated by concerts, attracts many visitors.
 

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