The Oregon Coast Road Trip at a Glance

  • The vibe: Oregon’s Route 101 is an under-the-radar alternative to California’s PCH, featuring fewer tourists, better coffee, and wild, driftwood-strewn beaches.
  • Best for: This route is ideal for intrepid couples seeking seclusion or solo travelers looking for a quiet place to write.
  • Don't miss: Highlights include exploring Astoria's maritime history, huddling around Seaside bonfires, and spotting seals at Yaquina Head.
  • Best seasons: Visit between spring and early fall for mild weather, or brave the winter for spectacular views of big waves and migrating whales

Click through the gallery for some of the highlights of the road trip and pick up our 2027 Road Atlas for a detailed itinerary with hotels, restaurants and can't-miss stops.

The Perfect Shot: 10 Oregon Coast Stops That Lived Up to the Hype

We sent photographer Luke Kelly out on the road to experience our coastal itinerary firsthand and see if the reality matched the reputation. Beyond just capturing the views, he spent days exploring the terrain to find the moments and landmarks that felt truly most beautiful.

Your Oregon Coast Road Trip Playlist

Packing for the Oregon coast is all about layers—and a good playlist should be the same. This mix blends local legends, songs that explicitly name-drop your stops, and "atmospheric indie" that matches the mist-veiled, driftwood-strewn vibe of Route 101.

Listen on Spotify

A Local’s Day Off

Daniel Alatorre is an Adventure Coach at Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa in Pacific City, Oregon. Instead of a traditional concierge, the lodge has Adventure Coaches — avid local explorers who lead guided excursions such as dory fishing and tide pool tours, and even set up private beach bonfires for guests.

 

Perfect day off: A sunny day with offshore winds makes for a perfect day of surfing.

 

Best people-watching: Cape Kiwanda beach has a fun mix of locals and tourists.

 

Favorite coffee shop: Cold Water & Coffee — this is our local shop with weekly special lattes. The interior is “surf culture” themed.

 

Favorite lunch spot: Momo on Wheels — this is a food cart in Lincoln City and has the best dish I've tried on the coast: the Momo Johl.

 

Best spot to take visitors: The tide pools at the base of Cape Kiwanda are iconic. During low tide you can find an amazing variety of marine life, such as sea stars, anemones, mollusks and crabs.

 

Best spot for a fun night out: I love a bonfire on the beach with friends.

Most underrated spot: Karaoke Night at Megs Beachwood Bar and Grill.

Top 3 things every visitor should do: 1. Hike the dune at Cape Kiwanda. 2. Grab a beer at Pelican Brewing. 3. Enjoy the beautiful sunset on the beach.

From Goonies to Ghost Ships: My 10 Favorite Oregon Coast Moments by Luke Kelly

The Oregon Coast is a place of legend—part cinematic backdrop, part rugged wilderness, and entirely unpredictable. After days of chasing the light from Astoria down to the southern dunes, I realized that the "hype" isn't just about the view; it’s about the atmosphere. Some spots felt like stepping onto a movie set, while others felt like the edge of the world.

Here are the ten moments where the reality of the Pacific Northwest actually outran the reputation.

Pro Tips for Your Oregon Road Trip

From scenic RV routes to hidden gems, our expert guides share everything you need to make your journey legendary—packed with local insights and must-see stops. 

Let us plan your next great adventure! Hit the road with Rand McNally's Road Atlas.