Top Things to do in Oregon Coast
Top Hotels in Oregon Coast
- 1. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Seaside-Convention Center, an IHG Hotel
- 2. Hallmark Resort
- 3. Inn at Cannon Beach
- 4. Bandon Inn
- 5. The Whaler
- 6. Salishan Coastal Lodge
- 7. Best Western Salbasgeon Inn & Suites of Reedsport
- 8. Starfish Manor Oceanfront Hotel
- 9. Beachfront Manor Hotel
- 10. The Coho Oceanfront Lodge
Countries
Things to do in Oregon Coast, Oregon Coast: The Best State Parks
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. Shore Acres State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 816 reviews
The park has created a "garden for all seasons" and an observation building which offers spectacular views of seascapes and migrating whales.
Reviewed By 928brendaz
I went to see the sunset at Shore acres and experienced a bonus of a spectacular Christmas light display. So glad I stumbled into it.
2. Oswald West State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 343 reviews
Scenic state park encompassing nearly 2,500 acres of mostly undeveloped land, which is ideal for a variety of outdoor recreation including surfing, kayaking, bird watching, hiking and camping.
Reviewed By wohdonkey - Newark, United States
We stopped here along Highway 101 on our way to Cannon Beach. You can get some great photos from the scenic lookout. We also went to the Devil’s Cauldron which was really worth seeing and just a short hike to get to.
3. Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 774 reviews
This scenic coastal spot features a large rock with face-like features.
Reviewed By babydoctoral - Parkland, United States
Face Rock State Park has a myriad of beautiful sea stacks that make for exceptional photography in the right lighting conditions. Face Rock itself is not all that interesting on its own, but the large number of beautiful sea stacks are simply terrific. Definitely worth a stop if you are near Bandon Beach,
4. Ecola State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,827 reviews
Reviewed By TrailsExplorer
This is a wonderful area to get a taste of the Oregon Coast with some great mountain hikes to view from above and beach hikes to observe the sea stacks.
5. Cape Arago State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 344 reviews
Reviewed By OregonTopaz
This park takes awhile to reveal its treasures. The views are spectacular, often times with whales spouting. Above the south cove there is a plaque commemorating Sir Francis Drake's presence in the area. There is also excellent tidepooling at low tide in the south cove. The north cove can at times offer up close views of barking sea lions. Further on that trail, when not closed due to seal pups, there are excellent sea level views of the sandy island where many sea lions congregate. The tide makes a difference in the coves, so check before visiting.
6. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,161 reviews
Reviewed By YvonneP1979
My family and I are lucky enough to call this area home! Cape Perpetua is a regular stop for family or solo day trips. This area is majestic to say the least and there is so much to explore in just a few miles. Go to the top and view the most Amazing view from the historic look out or hike down to a giant spruce tree through a magical forest, check out the Spouting Horn on high tide or venture down to Thors Well on a low tide (high tide can be very dangerous to get close)! Walk along the trails and stand in awe of the Native American shell Middens leftover from hundreds of years of gathering from the ocean!
7. Hug Point State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 507 reviews
Reviewed By Brookecn - Denver, United States
Great stop while driving South on 101 from Cannon Beach. The tide was low so we got to walk out on the sand and checkout tide pools and see some anemones, and walk right up to a small waterfall on the beach.
8. Oswald West State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By MsCanuck24
Dramatic cliffs and rock formations in the Pacific, along the drive southbound from Cannon Beach to Tillamook, were hauntingly beautiful, on a densely foggy day. The "Hounds of the Baskerville' conjuring scene, made for an eerily beautiful memory. We're so glad that we opted for the coastal route rather than inland highways. A highly recommended side trip during any excursion to the Oregon coast.
9. Cape Lookout State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 370 reviews
Coastal park offering opportunities for whale watching.
Reviewed By Jcwill5 - McMinnville, United States
My son and I camped for three nights and were super pleased with our experience here. We did the long beach walk north to the end of the sand spit, the shorter beach walk south to the caves and tide pools, and took the long hike up to the cape lookout trail head and then out to the cape (9.4 miles round-trip). Our tent camping site was clean, well laid out, and offered running water, a picnic table, and fire ring. We were graced with bright sunny days and a clear night for star gazing on the beach. This is a real gem of a park, and they have a really fine day use area, too, for one day visitors. We highly recommend it!
10. Harris Beach State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 623 reviews
A year-round state park with spectacular monoliths.
Reviewed By 499JulieS499 - Asheville, United States
This is a small beach, but beautiful! Enjoyed the easy access to the beach and close-by facilities. Climbed a rock thanks to low tide!
