Stunning Destinations Along the Oregon Coast
With its unique and breathtaking destinations, the Oregon coast is a fantastic place to explore year-round. We visited at the end of June, and although the temperature was cool—not quite shorts and tank top weather—the scenery was absolutely incredible. No matter the season—spring, summer, winter, or fall—there’s so much to enjoy in this beautiful region. From observing sea lions in winter to strolling barefoot on the beach in summer, here are seven must-visit spots on the Oregon Coast, along with some tips for each location.
Top Oregon Coast Vacation Spots
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is considered one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, even earning a spot on National Geographic’s list of the 100 most stunning places. My husband and I have visited Cannon Beach and Seaside several times. During our last visit, our daughter was quite young, so we were thrilled to take her back now that she’s a young adult. This was our first stop on our road trip along the Oregon and California coasts, and our good friends joined us for their first experience in Cannon Beach and Seaside.
The beach stretches four miles, making it ideal for long walks or runs. The gentle waves lap over the smooth sand, creating mesmerizing reflections of the vast sky. At low tide, you can venture out to the iconic Haystack Rock.
Check out some of our other travel articles for more insights:
This iconic sea stack ranks as the third tallest of its type in the world. Just before low tide, you can also explore the tide pools around Haystack Rock, which are home to a vibrant array of marine life including crabs, starfish, and sea slugs.
Beyond the beach, the charming town of Cannon Beach offers lovely accommodations with stunning views of crashing waves—perfect for a peaceful getaway.
Sign up for our emails and receive our free Simply Sweet E-Cookbook.
Be sure to explore some helpful websites to plan your activities and accommodations for your visit to the Oregon Coast!
Trip Advisor
PIN this article for your Oregon Coast vacation plans!
As we prepared to leave, we finally saw some blue skies! Unfortunately, before that, the weather was grey and cloudy, preventing us from capturing sunsets over Haystack Rock. Despite that, the beauty of the area is undeniable, no matter the weather.
Seaside
Just north along the coast, near the Washington border, lies the picturesque town of Seaside. One of the best activities here is to head to the beach, where you’ll find a wide, sandy shoreline and a lovely promenade to walk along.
During our trip in 2023, we chose to stay in Seaside instead of Cannon Beach due to a wider selection of accommodations. Prices were quite high at the end of June, but we were fortunate to secure a room with river views at the Holiday Inn, just a short walk from the promenade, using our points for a complimentary stay that also included breakfast.
The ocean here is renowned for great surfing and stand-up paddleboarding opportunities. If you venture inland, you’ll discover fantastic kayaking and canoeing spots, such as the calmer waters of Cullaby Lake and Slough. Seaside is also where the Lewis and Clark trail concluded, marked with a statue of the explorers you can see above.
While you’re here, don’t miss the opportunity to try some local saltwater taffy. Visit one of Seaside’s famous shops, the Seaside Candyman, which offers an impressive selection of 172 flavors. Our friends bought several bags, and we thoroughly enjoyed sampling all the different flavors.
The Oregon Film Trail
The Oregon Film Trail stretches across the entire state, but several locations are conveniently found near Seaside and Cannon Beach. These trail markers identify filming locations for various movies and TV shows. For example, in Cannon Beach, you can visit sites where The Goonies was filmed, or head south to Wheeler to see where Point Break was shot.
You can find locations throughout the state mapped out here.
Thor’s Well
Thor’s Well is an incredible natural phenomenon located just off the coast near Cape Perpetua. It creates the illusion of water draining into a deep abyss, but it’s actually a 20-foot drop into a rocky hole that’s extremely dangerous.
While it is possible to walk towards the well, you should exercise extreme caution as the terrain is uneven and rocky. Those with mobility issues should be particularly careful. I have knee problems and found it challenging to navigate, even with sturdy hiking shoes. Additionally, be aware of sudden waves that can easily sweep you out to sea if you venture too close to Thor’s Well.
For a safer view, you can appreciate Thor’s Well from a distance, which provides a fantastic panoramic picture of this natural wonder.
Sea Lion Caves
Located just north of Florence, the Sea Lion Caves are an extraordinary system of interconnected caves, with the largest being the biggest naturally-formed basalt cave in the United States, frequented by sea lions. You can catch sight of these magnificent creatures year-round, although winter is the ideal season for viewing.
The main cave’s ceiling towers about 125 feet high, and the total area spans nearly two acres. To access the cave, you’ll take an elevator ride down, and with a bit of luck, you may spot sea lions along the coast before entering.
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Positioned just north of the Sea Lion Caves, between Yachats and Florence, the impressive Heceta Head Lighthouse stands 1,000 feet high and dates back to the late 19th century.
There is free parking available at a pull-off location, and from there, it’s about a half-mile hike along a trail to reach the lighthouse. If you’re looking for a longer adventure, the Heceta Lighthouse Trail takes you along the coast; while it is steep, the views of the ocean are breathtaking, and you might spot sea lions along the way.
If you want to truly embrace the beauty of your surroundings, consider staying overnight in the assistant lightkeeper’s house, making the most of your idyllic getaway.
Lincoln City
Just west of Salem, Lincoln City offers a vibrant coastal experience with plenty of activities. Besides the beach and a charming downtown area, there are numerous attractions to discover. When our daughter was younger, we enjoyed flying kites on the beach, a popular activity in Lincoln City.
For a nature-filled day, consider hiking Cascade Head. The trail features three sections of varying difficulty: the lower trail spans 4.2 miles, while the trek to Harts Cove covers 5.4 miles. Trailheads for all sections are car-accessible. If there are other Oregon Coast destinations you adore, please share your recommendations in the comments! For more information about this beautiful area, visit Visit the Oregon Coast.
