The Very Best Oregon Coast Towns (I’ve Actually Been!)

There’s just something about Oregon’s coastal towns. Anyone who’s taken a road trip up and down the coast gets it.

We’ve been on two separate trips in search of the best beach cities in these parts, and it still doesn’t feel like enough. The landscapes are stunning, but if take a closer look, some of these places are a little weird, too.

They retain the quirk that you get from Oregon’s big cities with the added bonus of those ridiculous panoramas and opportunities for outdoor adventure.

There’s a special kind of moody magic when you’re talking about the best towns on the Oregon coast, and it’s always such a treat to rediscover these places.

The Very Best Oregon Coast Towns

The best place to visit on the Oregon coast depends on so many factors. Your starting point matters, as there’s enough to choose from here to make decisions based on convenience.

From Bandon to Newport, Oceanside to Astoria, Oregon’s coastal towns are quite diverse. There are the ones that get quite a bit of foot traffic to the lesser-known gems for when you’re trying to get away from it all.

Oregon’s coastal towns are also just a MOOD.

I’ve visited all of the towns on this list, so if something’s missing, that just means I have to go back and check it out. That includes the panoramas at the Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area in Pacific City, Seaside, and Lincoln City.

The towns below are listed from southern Oregon to central Oregon to the northern Oregon coast for your convenience and not in any order of preference.

Brookings

Why I Love Brookings: This is the gateway to the Oregon coast as one of the southernmost towns on the southern Oregon coast, so it sets things up nicely with scenery and charm.

If you’re traveling to Oregon following a California coastal road trip, you’ll likely want to make Brookings your first stop on a tour of the best coastal towns in Oregon.

With limited time, focus on Harris Beach State Park, a place that shows off what to expect as far as the state’s rugged coast.

You won’t find too much sunbathing and Caribbean-like beach access in these parts, but that’s not why you planned this Oregon coast road trip. At least I hope it isn’t. You may be disappointed.

One of the more photographed spots in town is Natural Bridges, an easy stop along the 12-mile Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.

There are trails to get you closer, but they’ve become overgrown over the years and are not recommended for casual visitors. The Natural Bridges Viewpoint is your best bet for a view that’s just as good.

Whaleshead Viewpoint is another nice spot right off the highway. You don’t need to work that hard for stellar views around here. If you’re traveling with your pooch, Sport Haven Beach is Kimmy-approved and dog-friendly.

Where to Eat & Drink in Brookings:

• Black Trumpet Bistro: This family-run eatery is a local Brookings favorite for generous lunch specials. Dinner has more of an Italian spin, but when is pasta ever a bad idea?
• Superfly Distilling Co.: This place has many names — you may see it listed as the Superfly Martini Bar & Grill — but it’s well-known in these parts for classic pub food and specialty martinis.

Gold Beach

Why I Love Gold Beach: Come rain or sunshine, Gold Beach is the epitome of Oregon’s moody landscapes with its imposing rock formations and a famous “shipwreck.”

We had some garbage weather on our visit to Gold Beach, but it didn’t bring us or our pup down. That girl is not a fair-weather party girl.

In better weather, hiking trails like the Cape Sebastian Trail, a 2.7-mile stretch of the Oregon Coast Trail, offer stunning coastlines along the way. In garbage weather, opt for the Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint to see the area’s dunes.

Two iconic spots in town are Kissing Rock, a rock formation that might resemble a shark fin more than a kiss, and the Mary D. Hume. The steamer was in service for nearly 100 years, operating between the Rogue River and San Francisco.

When she was retired, there were issues taking her out of the water for whatever reason, so here she sits as a photogenic wreckage in Gold Beach. It’s a nice spot to stop with the Isaac Lee Patterson Bridge in the background.

LED lights attached in 2015 make the bridge glow from dusk into the morning, so this might be a fun spot to visit after dark, too.

Where to Eat & Drink in Gold Beach:

• Arch Rock Brewing Company: This tiny brewery has won some major awards despite its size. You won’t be eating here, but you’ll be tasting some of the best beer on the Oregon coast.
• Port Hole Cafe: I’ll be honest. We really wanted to try the Barnacle Bistro, but they had some kind of plumbing situation happening during our visit. We had huge bowls of chowder at this spot, instead, and they hit the spot.

Port Orford

Why I Love Port Orford: Port Orford was one of the most pet-friendly coastal cities Oregon had to offer on any of our drives through the state.

Our dog Kimmy loved this town. She got to explore Battle Rock Wayside Park, a secluded beach with window arches coming out of the water. Then we went to Cape Blanco State Park, one of the windiest places in Oregon during our travels.

The lighthouse here is lovely, and there are a few coastal walks you can take from the top if your head is still attached to your body.

With more time, head to Humbug Mountain State Park. We missed out on this one, but the surrounding mountains around the park may make it a little less windy than what we experienced elsewhere.

Where to Eat & Drink in Port Orford:

• The Crazy Norwegian’s Fish & Chips: This one was closed during our trip, but it was certainly on our to-do list for the name alone. You’ll obviously be eating the fish and chips here.
• Golden Harvest Herban Farm: We made use of their cute garden area for some al fresco salmon chowder. They have a great bakery on-site, too, if you’d like to bring along some snacks to nosh on for the rest of your drive.

Bandon

Why I Love Bandon: Bandon is a golf lover’s paradise but still scenic as heck if you’re just not into that. (That’s me!)

We made a trip to Bandon happen for Brian’s 40th birthday celebration, mainly due to the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. It’s apparently some kind of big deal in the golf world. Thankfully, Bandon has enough to entertain you with besides golf tourism.

This town boasts some impressive dunes starting with the super windy Seven Devils State Recreation Site. That’s all on top of the fun fact of its status as the cranberry capital of Oregon.

I was certainly feeling that ocean spray up against my face.

While in Bandon, check out the scenic views at the Coquille River Lighthouse and Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint.

Try to time your visit to Face Rock during Circles in the Sand, a series of mazes appearing in the sand at the beach there over the last decade during low tides.

OK, they haven’t been just appearing. They’re purposeful dreamfields put there for some much-needed contemplation.

It took me about 20 minutes to complete the full maze, rubbing my little dream stone offered to me by the organizers at the start the whole way through. Seriously, it’s a beautiful experience.

Where to Eat & Drink in Bandon:

• Alloro Wine Bar: This was Brian’s birthday meal and an easy add-on if you’re already exploring Old Town and the Port of Bandon. The service is impeccable and the food is fantastic. You’ll want to call for reservations at 541-347-1850.
• Bandon Brewing: For something more casual, try takeout from this beer and pizza shop. Their service was somewhat of a hot mess when we visited, but the pizza was yummy and hot. Fresh crab as a topping? Yes, please!

READ MORE: Oregon has its own wine country! Check out my guide to learn more.

Coos Bay

Why I Love Coos Bay: Coos Bay is the largest city on the Oregon Coast, so expect loads of amenities you may not see elsewhere.

Start at Shore Acres State Park with its variety of landscapes.

If you love all the flora, you’ll want to check out the formal gardens. Explore a Japanese-style garden and multiple rose gardens before getting more adventurous on the beach portion of your excursion.

Follow the trails to Simpson Beach to find a little ocean cove. There was seriously no one else around on our visit, which made it easy to hop around on the rocks and find spots to take in those crashing waves.

For stellar views, head to the Simpson Reef Overlook along another short trail. We didn’t see any, but it’s apparently a good seal-spotting location.

You’ll find more civilization near the short Coos Bay Boardwalk and the downtown area, home to a variety of shops and restaurants that make this one so destination-worthy.

Where to Eat & Drink in Coos Bay:

• 7 Devils Brewing Co.: We picked this one because of its spacious dog-friendly patio, but were pleasantly surprised by its variety of microbrews and a full menu of pub fare.
• So it Goes Coffeehouse: Our vegetarian traveling pal loved their plant-based options for breakfast and lunch. I loved that they served Butterbeer. I’m nothing if not basic.

Florence

Why I Love Florence: If you can’t get yourself to Tuscany, the central Oregon coast town of Florence isn’t so bad. In fact, it’s quite lovely.

OK, so you’re not going to get the Duomo in these parts, but Oregon’s version of Florence is pretty cute.

While in the town itself, take a walk along Bay Street if you’re into the shopping thing. Take a side street or two to get the best views of the Siuslaw River Bridge, iconic in these parts.

The Sea Lion Caves, an extensive network of caverns that are indeed home to a number of resident sea lions, seemed somewhat of a tourist trap to us so we drove on past. I imagine it’d be a fun stop with the kids.

If you’re there for longer, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area south of Florence gets a lot of action. By action, I mean the dune buggy kind.

Where to Eat & Drink in Florence:

• ICM Restaurant: Chow down on some chowder at this pet-friendly restaurant. They have some great outside seating on the river if it’s a nice enough day for al fresco dining.
• Waterfront Depot Restaurant: Elevated plates of seafood jambalaya and grilled sea scallops would be so much pricier in a bigger city. Call the restaurant for reservations.

Yachats

Why I Love Yachats: Don’t expect much beach lounging in Yachats. As with many of the best Oregon coast cities, the coast here is of the rugged kind.

That rugged coast is what makes Yachats so special. It’s perfect for getting out of the car and off the boardwalks to hit some coastal walks like the 804 Trail. Its easy 1.3 miles allow you to get a lay of the land and look for marine life activity.

Yachats is also the place if tide pooling is your game. The Yachats State Recreation Area is a great place to start.

With more time, Cape Perpetua just south of town is nothing short of spectacular. Stop at the Cape Perpetua Overlook to experience the highest coastal Oregon point accessible by vehicle.

Hit up Thor’s Well and Spouting Horn to see the force of Mother Nature. Both are best experienced in footwear with good traction, something I saw from a place of Converse during my own visit.

These features are an easy walk from a small lot at Cook’s Chasm. Take a left at the first fork on the trail leading down to the beach and you’ll hit Spouting Horn first.

On your way back to civilization, stop by the Heceta Head Lighthouse, a working lighthouse accessible by a half-mile path at an easy grade.

Where to Eat & Drink in Yachats:

• Green Salmon Coffee Company: This excellent coffee shop serves up a variety of organic breakfast and brunch options for those seeking a lighter meal. Their tea game is excellent, too.
• Yachats Brewing: This is a great spot in town for some local brews and pub fare. If you’re not hungry for a full meal, their smoked salmon dip is truly something special.

Newport

Why I Love Newport: Whether you’re traveling as a couple, solo, or with the kiddies, you’ll find entertainment for days in Newport.

Newport is a popular summertime stop for families in particular thanks to the world-class Oregon Coast Aquarium. Remoteness this is not, but if you’re looking for things to do, you can’t beat Newport.

Stroll along the Historic Bayfront and check out the lazy sea lions. Lounge on the nearby Nye Beach or South Beach State Park and take the drive up to the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.

Built in 1872, the lighthouse is still active and a popular stop for bird spotting.

Fun fact: The Yaquina Head Lighthouse was once known as the Cape Foulweather Lighthouse, perhaps a nod to the storms folks experienced in these parts. Today, it is the tallest lighthouse in Oregon.

If you’re here to camp, you have some of the best campground options out of anywhere on the Oregon coast at Beverly Beach State Park. That’s not me, but I’m not going to stop your good time.

Where to Eat & Drink in Newport:

• Local Ocean Seafoods: This sit-down eatery is part of the larger Local Ocean Dockside Grill & Fish Market. These guys promise the “best seafood experience” of your life, so make reservations. They’re available online.
• Zurita in Nye Beach: Newport is big enough that you can find more variety in dining while you’re here. This spot serves up Spanish- and Mediterranean-style tapas perfect for sharing…or not. Call for reservations.

Depoe Bay

Why I Love Depoe Bay: If you’re into whale watching, you won’t want to miss Depoe Bay as one of the best coastal cities in Oregon for marine life.

Visit from March through December to see the gray whales who make their home here during that time. The Whale Watching Center is the best place to spot them on land and get all of your questions answered.

Note: Volunteers can answer all of your burning questions about whale activity, including whether that was really a spout or your bad eyes are deceiving you.

Another claim to fame for the fishing village is its natural harbor, the smallest of its kind in the world. That’s all kinds of adorable, just like Depoe Bay.

Where to Eat & Drink in Depoe Bay:

• Restaurant Beck: I don’t have a lot of fine dining establishments on this list because most along the coast just aren’t worth your cash. This is the exception. Their menu changes often, but start with a crudo. Make reservations online.
• Tidal Raves: You’ll have views of the ocean anywhere you stop for a nosh, but Tidal Raves is a local favorite and not because of that name. You won’t want to miss out on the crab cakes.

Oceanside

Why I Love Oceanside: Oceanside is my favorite spot on the Oregon coast, not for any other reason than you can walk down to the beach without running into another soul.

Oceanside is the epitome of Oregon’s remoteness.

There isn’t a ton to do here other than be one with your thoughts, look out onto that ocean seascape and views of Maxwell Point, and think about your place in the world. It’s awesome.

Fun fact: This place is all about getting away from it all today, but back in the 1920s, you could find a dance hall, grocery store, and multiple hotels in Oceanside.

If you’re in the mood for adventure, check out Tunnel Beach. It’s named for a manmade tunnel carved out of the cliffs during construction for a resort that seems so out of place today.

Access views of the tunnel on a short walk starting at Oceanside Beach State Park. You should see the concrete tunnel at the far end of the beach. I’d advise actually going inside.

Where to Eat & Drink in Oceanside:

• Blue Agate Cafe: There aren’t many dining options in Oceanside, but the ones here are high-quality. Pop in for lunch for a seafood-heavy menu of delights like chowder and crab tacos.
• Roseanna’s Cafe: This is your best bet for local delights in tiny Oceanside. Try any of their seafood for a fresh, comfortable meal.

Tillamook

Why I Love Tillamook: The town is synonymous with cheese.

OK, so maybe I’m cheating a little bit here. Tillamook is a touch inland compared to the rest of this list. That’s as much as I’m going to apologize because how are you going to come THIS close to all that delicious cheese and not go to Tillamook?

Don’t miss a visit to the Tillamook Creamery to have yourself some samples of all that cheesy goodness. They have ice cream, too, if you need more lactose. If you’re of the curious sort, you can watch how some of those goodies are made.

For non-dairy views, take the trip up to the Cape Meares Lighthouse, situated 200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, and a stop on the Three Capes Scenic Drive.

While at Cape Meares, you’ll often see nesting sea birds, along with bald eagles and peregrine falcons doing their swooping thing. The panoramas at Cape Kiwanda
State Natural Area nearby are also worth a look.

For a short jaunt to some intrigue, don’t miss the one-mile trail to the Octopus Tree, an old spruce whose name really fits when you see those tree tentacles.

Where to Eat & Drink in Tillamook:

• Blue Heron French Cheese Company: Let’s say you haven’t had enough cheese at this point. This shop serves a variety of delicious sandwiches to diversify your Tillamook diet.
• JAndy Oyster Co.: If you love a raw oyster bar, this place is for you. If you liken oysters to the boogers of the sea, they have a variety of fish tacos and fried options for you to choose from instead.

Rockaway Beach

Why I Love Rockaway Beach: It’s the calm before the storm of Cannon Beach. If you want a beach spot for lounging, this is it.

Oregon is known for its coast, but it isn’t known for its beaches. This coast is wild, rugged, and moody. I’ve gotten into all of that already. Rockaway Beach offers a bit of a respite from all of that.

Enjoy seven miles of sandy shores while you’re here. You don’t have to share your spot in the sand with anyone with that kind of room. They’re all at the Goonies rock, anyway.

If you’re bored of the sand, this is a great place to try your hand at tide-pooling. For an easy leg-stretcher, walk the Rockaway Big Beach Boardwalk to the Rockaway Big Tree.

The western red cedar towers over 150 feet above the few onlookers who make the stop here on their way up the Oregon coast.

Where to Eat & Drink in Rockaway Beach:

• Beach Bakeshop: This popular coffee shop makes a special sweet treat that’s perfect for travelers on the go: the sand dollar hand pie. It’s a pie…for your hand. What’s not to love?
• The Original Pronto Pup: It’s a hot dog stand behind one of the most iconic American treats out there: the corn dog. You’ll know you’re there when you see the giant corndog on the roof. You know what to order.

Cannon Beach

Why I Love Cannon Beach: Alright, Goonies fans. This beach town, popular on any list of top Oregon coast towns, is for you.

Haystack Rock is what people refer to when they say “Goonies Rock,” the expansive backdrop for the opening scenes of the adventure flick.

The rock makes Cannon Beach one of the most popular Oregon coast cities and a very popular place for tourists to congregate, especially during low tide. That’s when you can walk right up to it.

If you’re traveling to Oregon in the early spring to mid-summer, be on the hunt for puffins. They like to make their home on the rock, possibly looking for some of that hidden treasure.

Once you’re done gawking at Haystack Rock, get a bird’s view of it all from Ecola State Park up above.

The vistas start from the main parking area. You’ll be able to see all of Cannon Beach from here, along with the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse.

Note: If you’re interested in visiting the shipwreck at Fort Stevens State Park, too, keep the day use pass you’ll buy here handy. It’s good there, too.

Where to Eat & Drink in Cannon Beach:

• Ecola Seafoods Restaurant & Market: You’ll be eating fresh catch straight from the owners’ fishing vessel at this place. Grab whatever is fresh that day for your fish basket and call it a day.
• Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge: This is razor clam central alongside everything else you’ll need to make your seafood dreams come true. Dungeness crab mac and cheese? Yes, please. Make reservations via OpenTable.

Hammond

Why I Love Hammond: Visit one of the most impressive state parks in Oregon, complete with a flippin’ shipwreck.

This small town is known for Fort Stevens State Park, a 4,300-acre park that was once a military installation built to protect the mouth of the Columbia River. The fort here operated in that capacity from the Civil War until World War II.

You can visit the fort and its various gun batteries on special underground tours in the summer, but I’ve already mentioned a shipwreck that you’re likely more impressed by.

I’m talking about the Peter Iredale Shipwreck, or the Wreck of the Peter Iredale as it may show up on your maps. The ship ran ashore in 1906 while it was making its way to the Columbia River.

Today, it’s one of the most accessible shipwrecks anywhere. Snap your pics right from the shore or walk right up to the wreck if you arrive at low tide.

Unfortunately, we didn’t time things that well, but it’s still a sight to see even covered in water.

Where to Eat & Drink in Hammond:

• Buoy 9 Restaurant & Lounge: This local watering hole serves up no-frills seafood-heavy dishes in a location right on the Hammond Marina.
• FishMongers: You’re here for the fish and chips, but come early. This place does sell out of the stuff, and then you’re out of luck…unless you want fish tacos. Those are probably still available and still yummy.

Astoria

Why I Love Astoria: Wake up, history buffs. Astoria is the oldest city in Oregon.

Astoria sits just off the coast on the Columbia River, but it’s a popular stop on any Oregon road trip itinerary along the coast.

Cross over the Astoria-Megler Bridge at sunset if you’re able for stunning colors against the river below. Explore the town and its fishing port on foot or climb up the Astoria Column for panoramic views.

If you’re a Goonies fan, you may want to plan your day around a self-guided tour of filming locations in the area. The Oregon Film Museum was the setting for the county jail and opening chase sequence featured in the movie.

It’s also a great stop all on its own and sits on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit to learn more about movies filmed in Oregon.

Love maritime history? Much like New England towns like Mystic, Astoria embraces its fishing roots. Learn more at the Columbia River Maritime Museum or the imposing Flavel House Museum, the former mansion of Captain George Flavel.

Where to Eat & Drink in Astoria:

• Bridgewater Bistro: Dine in style in an 1896 building overlooking the Columbia River. The clam and mussel chowder is a favorite. Reservations are a good idea.
• Rogue Pier 39 Public House: If you haven’t been to a Rogue brewery yet on your Oregon tour, check out the pier-side public house. The place boasts a reliably good tap list and all kinds of pub snacks.

The Best Time to Visit the Oregon Coast

The best month to visit the Oregon coast is September once the summer crowds have gone home. Sunny days are frequent into October.

Come November, though, expect wet weather through the winter months, despite this being the ideal time for whale watching.

Even in the summer months, coastal Oregon remains quite cool. That means your summer Oregon road trip will still be best enjoyed in some layers. Expect foggy mornings no matter when you visit.

Coastal towns in Oregon like Brookings have the best weather because they’re closest to the California border. You’ll find a higher likelihood of more sunny days and warmer temperatures on Oregon’s southern coast.

READ MORE: Want more tips on planning your Oregon trip? Check out my detailed Oregon guide.

Driving the Oregon coast is always worth it.

Driving the Oregon Coast is a great way to experience the diversity of Oregon’s landscapes, breathe in that sea air, and learn something about your travel preferences.

I have a few personal reasons for why I find myself coming back here, though, and keeping it as a potential spot for a longer-term adventure.

• It’s always a little chilly on the Oregon coast. More often than not, you’ll find yourself deep in some sweater weather while visiting the state’s spectacular coastal towns. That’s just fine with me, someone who thought living in San Diego back in the day got a little too chipper sometimes.
• There’s a feeling of remoteness. If you’re looking to get away from the masses, you can find that here. There are miles of uninhabited coastline for you to plop down, wrap your arms around yourself for warmth, and watch that sunset. Oregon has a way of quieting even the loudest personalities.
• It’s moody. I don’t know how else to describe it. Maybe it’s the drizzle that’s often hanging in the air or the crashing waves on those rugged coasts and beaches in Oregon. I don’t mean this as a negative. I mean that if you embrace what it’s offering, it’s less dreary and more comfortable, all fireplace chats and coziness.
• The views are intense. You can be on a sandy beach one day, looking out at rocks jutting out of the lapping water, or on a rugged cliffside the next, looking down at the churning sea. Oregon’s coast is wild and wonderful, and the vistas are unparalleled.
• It begs for your patience. I’m all about seeing all that I can when I’m traveling, but the Oregon coast is more about letting the surroundings wrap around you. Sometimes you’re rewarded with something amazing, like a glimpse of migrating gray whales or a sneaker wave lifting an unsuspecting tourist out of their flip-flops.

Oregon wants you to linger, and take it all in. Luckily, there are plenty of places where you can do just that.

On a longer road trip? Check out these posts:

• Plan the Most Epic Trip to Wyoming
• A Detailed Guide to Death Valley Visits
• Where to Stay (& Skip a Stay) in Yellowstone
• A Yellowstone Itinerary for Three Busy Days
• A Trip Guide to Devils Tower National Monument

Planning a Trip to California? Read these next:

• How to Plan a Weekend in San Diego
• Planning a Day Trip to Temecula’s Wine Country
• A Guide to the Perfect Day in Santa Barbara
• The Best Guide to a Full Day in Solvang
• How to Choose Between Sonoma and Napa

Want to see more?