This corner of the country is home to some of the most incredible coastlines in the world! While you could easily do this drive in a single afternoon, it would be a shame not to stop and take it all in. Here’s my 2-Day Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary!
Starting your trip
You’ll want to start your journey in Portland, OR and make the drive out to the top NW corner of the state. Portland (PDX) is an easy airport to fly in and out of. It is a major hub for Alaska Airlines and you can find flights on every major airline.
During our Oregon Coast Road Trip, we started in Portland and made the 1.5 hour drive out to Cannon Beach for our left turn down the coast. You could also make the 2 hour drive a little further north to Astoria if you want to see the entire coast. Both are great options and you cannot go wrong with either!
Day 1
Buckle up, it’s time to hit the road! Get on the road as early as you can so you can maximize daylight. In the mornings, the PNW fog can be real, but as soon as the sun comes out it burns off pretty quickly. Stock up on snacks and drinks at a grocery store and let’s start your Oregon coast road trip!
Cannon Beach
Whether you are starting your trip down the coast here or you drove down from Astoria, it’s worthy of a visit! Here you’ll find the iconic Haystack Rock and a big wide beach to explore. If you’re thinking this beach looks familiar, it’s because The Goonies was filmed here! Spend some time walking through the town and grabbing some saltwater taffy to snack on during the ride.
Cape Meares and Cape Kiwanda
Continue to cruise down Highway 101, passing through small seaside towns. Don’t miss a detour into Cape Meares for views of the iconic lighthouse, Octopus tree, and incredible cliffs! When Highway 101 starts to twist inland, turn off and make your way toward the Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area. This would be a great place to break out your packed lunch and have a picnic.
Florence
From there, make your way down to Florence, OR where you will crash for the night. Stop at the Sea Lion Caves for an opportunity to see these spectacular animals in their natural habitat! You get access into a cave that literally hundreds of sea lions live in. You’ll hear them barking and watch the waves pour in. It’s amazing!
Day 2
Goooood morning! It’s time to get back on the road! Even though you have a lot less ground to cover today, you will still want to take it slow and enjoy the scenery. Some of the best is yet to come! Gas up, grab your snacks, and let’s cruise.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a perfect start to your day. Walk among the massive dunes and watch the sea crash beneath you. Don’t be tempted to walk down them at low tide. I did, and some locals told me how incredibly dangerous it is. Oops! If you’re looking for a thrill, there are several companies that offer ATV or sandboard rentals and tours. Go for it!
Yoakam Point State Park
After a morning on the dunes, make sure you stop at Yoakam Point State Park. It’s a large cove surrounded by cliffs, and when the tide is right you can see urchins and barnacles in the pools. When you feel like you need a little civilization, drive through the town of Bandon on Beach Loop Road. Stop at the Face Rock Viewpoint, or just enjoy the small-beach-town vibes that Bandon has to offer.
Samuel H. Boardman State Park
The highlight of your day however, will no doubt be the Samuel H. Boardman State Park. The views here will truly take your breath away, and were some of my favorites along the drive. Arch Rock and the Natural Bridges are spectacular wonders. They jolt out of the bright blue sea and the dense green pines surround it like it’s straight out of a picture book. There’s plenty of hiking trails that will offer stellar views.
Ending your journey
All good things must come to an end. After your second day of driving, you’ve successfully completed your Oregon coast road trip! Congratulations!
The tricky part about ending your journey is choosing where to actually – end your journey. Medford International Airport in Medford, OR is about a 2.5 hour drive, or Redding International Airport is about 4 hours. You can also choose to end in Crescent City, CA where a regional airport is located.
If you’re craving more (like we were), check out my Ultimate 9-Day Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary! You can continue on to the Redwoods, Napa Valley, San Francisco, and more!
Traveling soon? Check out my Travel Tips page to help you score good deals on flights, packing tips, tools to help you plan, and more!
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