Tips for planning your summer getaway to the Oregon Coast

If you've ever found it hard to decide between a woodland cabin (or tent) and a beach retreat, Oregon's Coast in summer is perfect for you. This stunning 363-mile stretch of Pacific beauty is anything but your average beach spot.

While you'll find plenty of sandy beaches, rocky coves, seafood shacks, and charming ocean-view inns, much of the area is blanketed with vast old-growth forests, many of which are protected by state or federal regulations. This makes it just as suitable for hiking and camping as it is for building sandcastles and enjoying long beach strolls.

Does this sound like your dream destination? We thought so. Here’s everything you need to know to fully enjoy your summer vacation in this captivating slice of Pacific paradise.

Step 1: Decide on your base location

The Oregon Coast is divided into three regions: the North Coast, the Central Coast, and the South Coast. For many travelers, it’s most convenient to base yourself in one of the larger towns and take day trips to local attractions. Alternatively, you can begin in the north and journey down to the south (or the reverse), spending a few nights in each area before continuing your adventure. Here are some fantastic options.

Astoria

Vibes: As the northernmost city on the Oregon Coast and the oldest city in the state, Astoria boasts stunning Victorian architecture, with many homes converted into hotels and museums.

Do: Astoria is a must-visit for fans of the cult classic ‘80s film The Goonies, filmed right in the city. Many visitors come to explore filming locations, such as the famed “Goonies House,” and learn about Oregon's film history at the Oregon Film Museum. Additionally, Astoria is an excellent starting point for history and nature enthusiasts: Fort Stevens State Park, where the Peter Iredale shipwreck lies, is just outside of town, as is Fort Clatsop, where the Lewis and Clark Expedition spent their winter in 1805–1806.

Eat: Enjoy Oregon’s renowned albacore tuna, breaded and fried, paired with thick-cut English-style fries at Bowpicker Fish & Chips, a walk-up window located in a converted gillnet boat. For a more upscale dining experience, visit Fedé Trattoria Astoria, which offers artisanal Italian dishes crafted mainly from local ingredients.

Stay: For some of the finest views in town, reserve a room at the Cannery Pier Hotel and Spa, located at the end of a pier directly on the river, adjacent to the 4-mile-long Astoria-Megler Bridge.

Newport

Vibes: Located in the heart of the Central Coast region, Newport embodies the essence of an Oregon Coast retreat, featuring a plethora of independent shops, restaurants, and boutique hotels, alongside a vibrant fishing industry that adds a touch of ruggedness. It also serves as Oregon's main hub for marine science research.

Do: Newport is an excellent destination for sparking kids' interest in the natural world. Be sure to visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium, where Keiko the orca, star of Free Willy, trained for his return to the wild, and the Hatfield Marine Science Center, where visitors of all ages can engage with marine life through hands-on experiences (yes, there are touch tanks!).

Eat: For seafood that doesn’t get any fresher, head to Local Ocean, which sources everything from the crab for its Dungeness crab cakes to the razor clams in its chowder directly from local fishermen. For an upscale lunch or dinner, visit Clearwater Restaurant to savor fresh seafood, salads, and cocktails while enjoying the stunning views of Yaquina Bay.

Stay: Bookworms will appreciate the Sylvia Beach Hotel, where each room is themed around a different author. This cozy, internet-free hotel also features a large library and a loft with west-facing windows, ideal for catching ocean glimpses between chapters of your favorite book.

Coos Bay

Vibes: Coos Bay is the largest city on the Oregon Coast, maintaining a charming town feel while offering an abundance of excellent hotels and restaurants within easy reach of prime outdoor recreation spots.

Do: Venture to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (the inspiration behind the Dune book and films) for an exhilarating OHV experience. Then head south to Shore Acres State Park to explore beautifully landscaped gardens or enjoy breathtaking views of waves crashing against towering cliffs.

Eat: Enjoy delicious seafood and refreshing beer with stunning bay views at 7 Devils Waterfront Alehouse, or savor a Cornish pasty at one of the unique live-edge tables at The Tin Thistle.

Stay: Spend the night at the charming Itty Bitty Inn, an affordable option featuring five themed rooms (including a Star Trek Room and an Oregon Trail Room). Guests can also borrow a cruiser bike and helmet for free.

Step 2: Reserve your accommodations

Budget plays a significant role when choosing where to stay on the Oregon Coast, as room rates often surge during the busy peak season of July and August. While there are many upscale (and expensive) hotels with direct beach access, if you plan to spend little time in your room, you might be better off opting for a simple budget motel or a vacation rental instead.

Camping is an excellent choice but it's extremely popular. If you intend to camp (or stay in a yurt) at one of the numerous Oregon State Parks along the coast, it’s wise to start planning in winter — reservations open six months in advance and summer weekend spots fill up quickly after they become available. Learn more about seasonal events and pricing in our guide to the best time to visit.

Step 3: Select the top activities for your summer adventure on the Oregon Coast

Cannon Beach, located on the North Coast, is a favorite among day trippers from Portland, featuring a quaint main street adorned with art galleries and cafes. At the southern end of town, Haystack Rock stands as a towering sea stack, providing a habitat for tufted puffins. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!

Just a short drive from Newport on the Central Coast, Depoe Bay is the ultimate destination for summer whale-watching. A resident group of gray whales frequents this area during the summer, easily visible from the large windows at the Oregon State Parks Whale Watching Center or on one of Whale Research EcoExcursions’ whale-watching cruises.

Summers in Oregon are a hiker's paradise, with the brief warm-and-dry season being the ideal time to trek to the summit of Humbug Mountain near Port Orford. The 5.5-mile hike through towering Douglas fir trees rewards trekkers with stunning south-facing views of the Pacific Ocean.

Step 4: Discover the finest dining spots along the Oregon Coast

Seafood enthusiasts will be in heaven on the Oregon Coast. From Astoria to Brookings, you'll find local favorites like albacore tuna and Dungeness crab at seafood markets (check out Barnacle Bill's Seafood Market in Lincoln City for a local gem), along with a bounty of fresh produce from the region available at farmers markets and co-ops up and down the coast.

If you'd prefer to skip the cooking, grab a charcuterie-and-wine picnic from Chēz in Seaside or indulge in the renowned fried dishes at The Crazy Norwegian's Fish & Chips in Port Orford.

Step 5: Decide on your travel method

The Oregon Coast is a paradise for road-trippers, and having a car is essential for exploring the area. Most visitors fly into Portland and then drive east on Highway 26, which traverses the lush Cascade Mountains, eventually connecting with Highway 101 (the Coastal Route) between Cannon Beach and Seaside.

If you're driving from Washington State, you'll enter the Oregon Coast at Astoria. Conversely, if you're coming from California, your first glimpse of the Oregon Coast will be in Brookings, the gateway to the stunning Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.

Step 6: Determine what to bring along

Even if you're heading to the Oregon Coast during peak summer, be ready for two of the area's most prevalent elements: rain and wind. Always pack sweatshirts and windbreakers, and while flip-flops are handy for moving from the beach to the street, it's wise to have a pair of comfortable, water-resistant shoes on hand to keep your feet warm and dry. If you decide to bring a hat, ensure it fits well or has a sturdy chin strap to prevent it from being blown away by coastal breezes.