Pacific Northwest, USA road trip
Oregon Coast Road Trip itinerary
An Oregon Coast road trip runs the length of US-101, the famous coastal highway that hugs roughly 363 miles of headlands, sea stacks and dune fields from Astoria in the north to Brookings near the California border. The whole shoreline is public land, so this five-day itinerary strings together the best beaches, lighthouses and viewpoints without rushing the slow, scenic driving that makes the route special.
- Duration
- 5 days
- Distance
- 363 miles
- Start and finish
- Astoria to Brookings (north to south)
- Best time
- July to September is the driest, warmest stretch and the best window for clear coastal views, though mornings can be foggy. Spring and autumn are quieter, and grey whales pass close to shore on their migrations in late autumn and spring.
Why drive the Oregon Coast Road Trip?
A 5-day Oregon Coast road trip itinerary down US-101 from Astoria to Brookings, with real towns, viewpoints, the Oregon Dunes and best time to go.
- Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach
- Cape Perpetua and the Yachats coast
- The Oregon Dunes around Florence and Reedsport
- Bandon's sea stacks and the Samuel H. Boardman corridor
5 days Oregon Coast Road Trip itinerary
Day 1
Astoria to Tillamook
Start in Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia River, then follow 101 south through Seaside to Cannon Beach for Haystack Rock. Continue past Manzanita and Rockaway Beach to Tillamook, about 50 miles in all.
Day 2
Tillamook to Newport
Detour onto the Three Capes route for Cape Kiwanda at Pacific City, then rejoin 101 through Lincoln City and Depoe Bay, a noted whale-watching spot, finishing in Newport after roughly 70 miles.
Day 3
Newport to Florence
See Yaquina Head Lighthouse near Newport, then drive the cliff-edged coast through Yachats and Cape Perpetua, with its Thor's Well and Devil's Churn viewpoints, to Florence — a shorter day of about 50 miles.
Day 4
Florence to Bandon
Spend the morning in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area between Florence and Reedsport, then continue through Coos Bay and Charleston to Bandon and its sea stacks, around 85 miles.
Day 5
Bandon to Brookings
Finish along the wild southern coast through Port Orford and Gold Beach at the mouth of the Rogue River, ending with the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor before Brookings, about 85 miles.
Planning tips
Drive it north to south
Heading southbound keeps you on the ocean side of 101, which makes pulling into the many clifftop viewpoints and beach lay-bys far easier and safer.
Allow more time than the mileage suggests
The numbers look small, but constant viewpoints, state parks and slower coastal traffic mean each day fills up quickly. Build in time rather than chasing the next town.
Pack for changeable coastal weather
Even in summer the coast can be foggy, breezy and cooler than inland Oregon. Bring layers and a waterproof, and keep flexible so you can save big viewpoints for clearer spells.
Oregon Coast Road Trip FAQ
How many days do you need for an Oregon Coast road trip?
Three days is enough to drive the full coast at pace, but five days lets you enjoy the beaches, lighthouses, the Oregon Dunes and the southern viewpoints without rushing.
How long is the Oregon Coast on Highway 101?
US-101 runs about 363 miles along the Oregon Coast from Astoria in the north to Brookings near the California border, following the shoreline almost the entire way.
Which direction is best to drive the Oregon Coast?
Driving north to south, from Astoria to Brookings, puts you on the ocean side of the highway, making it easier and safer to pull into the many coastal viewpoints and beaches.
What are the best stops on an Oregon Coast road trip?
Highlights include Cannon Beach's Haystack Rock, Yaquina Head Lighthouse at Newport, Cape Perpetua and Yachats, the Oregon Dunes near Florence, Bandon's sea stacks and the Samuel H. Boardman corridor.
When is the best time to drive the Oregon Coast?
July to September brings the driest, warmest weather and the clearest views, though mornings can be foggy. Spring and autumn are quieter, and grey whales migrate close to shore in those seasons.