Things to do in Oregon Coast, Oregon Coast: The Best Lighthouses

March 8, 2022 Venice Greaves

The Southern Oregon coast is home to isolated beaches, rugged cliffs with breathtaking views of the Pacific and quaint seaside towns. If you stay in the Bay Area, go whale watching at Coos Bay or explore the region on a bike or a hike along the coastline. Antique shoppers will want to explore old town Bandon while golfers hit the links at the world-renowned Bandon Dunes golf course. And don’t forget to bring your fishing gear – you’ll want to cast for salmon and other Pacific Northwest fish at Gold Beach, one of the region’s top fishing spots.

The Central Oregon Coast is a great place for fishing, clamming, hiking, golfing and other outdoor activities. Take the kids and visit the Sea Lion Caves near Florence, the world’s largest. Head up to Newport for a view of the state’s second-tallest lighthouse and shopping in this seaside town popular with vacationers for the last century. Go fly a kite on the beach in Lincoln City, kite capital of the world.

The Northern Oregon Coast offers a relaxing way to enjoy the region. A stay in the scenic town of Astoria on the Washington border will allow you to explore the western edge of the Lewis and Clark trail, with views of the Columbia River and the Pacific. Walk the sandy beaches in Seaside and Cannon Beach and then grab saltwater taffy and other treats while shopping these seaside towns.


Restaurants in Oregon Coast

1. Lightship Columbia

Astoria, OR +1 503-325-2323 http://www.crmm.org/maritimemuseum_collection_lightshipcolumbia.html
Excellent
51%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 185 reviews

Lightship Columbia

A former floating lighthouse now decommissioned.

Reviewed By drdroad

The lightship Columbia and a Coast Guard cutter are typically docked next to the Museum. Hold on to your little ones!

2. Yaquina Bay Lighthouse

North End of Yaquina Bay, Newport, OR 97365-1347 +1 541-265-5679 http://www.yaquinalights.org/about-yaquina-bay-lighthouse
Excellent
61%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,210 reviews

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse

Nineteenth-century lighthouse is one of a few on the Pacific coast that was built with the light-keeper's quarters in the same building.

Reviewed By JimHNewport_Oregon - Port Ludlow, United States

The best educational lighthouse on the Oregon coast....Bring the kiddos...they'll learn a bunch....and you'll be surprised at how well this is presented...the "man-made" tide pools a bit of a disappointment....an example of why you should not try to duplicate Mother Nature>

3. Heceta Head Lighthouse

92072 Highway 101, Florence, OR 97439-8234 +1 541-347-3416 http://hecetalighthouse.com/
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,231 reviews

Heceta Head Lighthouse

Beautiful and remote lighthouse.

Reviewed By ColleenC974

My husband and I were in Oregon in early September, and after a long day of traveling down the coast, this was our last stop for the day. We arrived not too long before sunset. Although we missed all of the tours, etc, we were treated to the most beautiful sunset, followed by watching the lighthouse lamp light up and start its sentry for the night. The lighthouse is so beautifully maintained, and the whole park (the lighthouse, the keeper's house - now a bed and breakfast, the path, the beach, even the big bridge close by) were amazing. This was hands down one of my favorite stops during our time in Oregon. I am a huge history buff, so I was sad to miss the personal history lessons that come with docents and staff members, but the sunset and to see the lighthouse light up so close and personal was absolutely worth it!

4. Cape Blanco Lighthouse

Cape Blanco Road 9 Miles NW of Port Orford, Port Orford, OR +1 541-756-0100 http://www.portorfordoregon.com/blanco.html
Excellent
64%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 284 reviews

Cape Blanco Lighthouse

Reviewed By PH113

How about a lighthouse on a wet, gusty, foggy day?! We were only going to take a picture and get back in the car, but the woman in the shop urged us to walk up to the lighthouse and take the tour - so glad we did! The volunteer tour guides were so enthusiastic and knowledgeable - and the views from up in the tower were just amazing!

5. Coquille River Lighthouse

Bullards Beach State Park, Bandon, OR 97411-8420 +1 541-347-2209 http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=127
Excellent
47%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 374 reviews

Coquille River Lighthouse

Reviewed By Lainers60 - Paradise, United States

Have to go to the light house.Another wonderful place of history to visit in Bandon.Staff there is very informative of the light house history. Very friendly staff and a nice gift shop too.

6. Umpqua River Lighthouse, Museum,and Gift shop

1020 Lighthouse Rd Winchester Bay, Winchester Bay, OR 97467-8734 +1 541-271-4631 http://umpquavalleymuseums.org/museums/umpqua-river-lighthouse/
Excellent
59%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 199 reviews

Umpqua River Lighthouse, Museum,and Gift shop

Coastal visitors center with Museum, Lighthouse with Tours, Coffee & Snack Bar, Art Gallery, and Gift Shop open 7 days a week. 9-7 March-October and 10-5 November-February.

Reviewed By grousebutte - Reedsport, United States

Seeing the Lighthouse Lens up close and personal is fascinating! Informative Tour Guides, Really Well Done Museum, Excellent Clam Chowder Bread Bowls, Fun Gift Shop, Unique Art Gallery, and beautiful ocean views. Truly a "find" along the Coast!

7. Cape Meares Lighthouse

3500 Cape Meares Loop, Tillamook, OR 97141 +1 503-842-3182 https://friendsofcapemeareslighthouse.com/
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 815 reviews

Cape Meares Lighthouse

Reviewed By Cruzingal2 - Vancouver, United States

Ample parking places just a short walk to view the famous Octopus Tree then heading down another trail leading to the ocean you’ll encounter the light house there’s pull outs along the trail to capture the views from both side of the point grounds are kept up with clean bathrooms.

8. Cape Arago Lighthouse

Lighthouse Island, Charleston, OR
Excellent
43%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
6%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 49 reviews

Cape Arago Lighthouse

9. Tillamook Rock Lighthouse

One mile offshore, just west of Tillamook Head, Cannon Beach, OR 97110 +1 503-463-2623 http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp
Excellent
43%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 206 reviews

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse

Reviewed By HaveWingsWillTravel - Wilsonville, United States

I got a real surprise when I brought my binoculars to the beach this time.. Right between Haystack and some other rock I spotted the Tillamook Head Lighthouse. I never knew it was there.. Too bad I don't own a helicopter.. What a fascinating site!

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