11 Best Things to Do on the Oregon Coast + What to See
Millions of visitors from all over the world travel to the Oregon Coast each year to take in all of the coastal scenery and experience all of the exciting attractions the area has to offer. The state of Oregon offers visitors a truly incredible view of the pacific northwest. The Coast offers gorgeous beaches, stunning hiking views, mountain ranges, sprawling forests, and rich farmland. Once you’ve experienced the Oregon Coast for yourself, you’ll understand why so many people visit the area each year.
Below is our list of the eleven best things to do on the Oregon Coast!
Devil’s Punchbowl
Yes, you read that correctly. This natural formation is called the Devil’s Punchbowl, near Newport. The formation is a giant ‘bowl’ carved into rock where waters from the Pacific Ocean crash, toil, and churn inside the amazing cave structure.
The surrounding waters are also popular spots for surfers and other water sport enthusiasts. This exotic rock formation is a perfect spot for those who are looking for a more daring outdoor adventure.
Hart’s Cove
Hart’s Cove, near Neskowin, is a scene straight out of a movie. It’s one of those places you would expect to be setting a scene in Harry Potter rather than a real location in the US.
The stunning lakes, mountainous hiking trails, and seemingly endless wildlife make Hart’s Cove a unique experience for those seeking picturesque scenery. You’ll even have the chance to go hiking on a trail located at 1,000ft above sea level. That’s a view you won’t want to miss.
The Oregon Dunes
You don’t have to travel to the Sahara to experience giant and exotic sand dunes. In fact, the Oregon Dunes are one of the largest expanses of coastal sand dunes in the world. They stretch on for 40 miles and will leave you feeling like you’re in another country.
Adventurers from around the world travel to the Dunes to take part in all kinds of extreme sports, wonderful photo opportunities, and experience the a sea of sand in every direction.
Cape Sebastian Scenic Corridor
The Cape Sebastian Scenic Corridor, near Brookings, Oregon, is named after the 17th century Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino, and evokes a true feeling of exploration. From the 200ft elevation, you can see as far as Crescent City, California. 50 miles away. The panoramic view of the ocean and wildlife in every direction will leave you speechless.
You will also find exotic boat tours, local breweries, and you might even catch sight of a whale from this height. Cape Sebastian is a must see for those traveling to the Oregon Coast.
Fort Stevens State Park
The Fort Stevens State Park is situated near the town of Astoria (just north of Seaside), along the Coast. It offers nine miles of biking trails and six miles for hiking. But this isn’t the main attraction of the beach…
The reason travelers and adventurers come to this beach is for Peter Iredale. The skeleton of a four masted sailing vessel that ran ashore in 1906. You can still see the ship’s steel frame peaking above the waters.
Astoria
While taking a break from all of the nature trails and hiking, you will want to make a stop in the beautiful city of Astoria. Astoria is a port city on the Oregon coast that offers visitors a lot in the way of fun, food, and activities. We could write an entire list of things to do in Astoria alone, but suffice to say, on your Oregon Coast trip, you’ll want to make a day stop in this city.
Astoria is the oldest city in the state of Oregon and in fact was the very first settlement this side of the Rocky Mountains. So in addition to stunning views, you will have a rich and interesting historic experience when passing through.
Thor’s Well
Near Yachats and Waldport, this famous pit in the Pacific Ocean looks like someone pulled the plug on the world’s largest bathtub. Some have even referred to it as a ‘gate to hell’.
The waters crash and tumble down into the sinkhole and provide truly magnificent visuals. It should be easy to see why photographers, adventurers, and travelers come from near and far to see this famous sight. Thor’s Well is almost as epic as the legendary Norse God of Thunder in which it is named for.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is not only one of the most famous beaches in Oregon, it’s been named one of the top 100 most beautiful places in the world. The city of Cannon Beach offers visitors nearly endless options for fun, and exploration on the waters.
You can surf, sail, take a horse ride from nearby stables, and even see puffins! That’s right, Cannon Beach is home to the towering Haystack Rock, which juts above the shoreline and is home to a colony of puffins. Cannon Beach will probably ruin every other beach for you. That’s how beautiful this view is.
Coos Bay
Coos Bay is the largest city on the Oregon Coast, so if you are making a long coastal trip, you’ll definitely want to stop there. Near the Coos Bay boardwalk you will find a host of natural sights and fun attractions. You can catch a show at the Egyptian Theater or try your luck at the fun and exciting Mill Casino. You can even head to the Cranberry Sweets shop and satisfy your sweet tooth with some classic and handmade candies.
Coos Bay feels like a classic piece of living Americana that has been frozen in time. You will get that amazing small town feeling with the striking wonders of Oregon Coast nature.
The Tillamook Creamery
While this unique attraction might seem quite out of place on a list filled with nature, trails, and charming cities, the Tillamook Creamery really is a sight to see (and taste). So much so that it hosts over 1 million visitors each year. You can take a self-guided tour of this massive creamery and have a taste of the delights that are made there.
No trip to the Tillamook Creamery is complete without visiting the Creamery Cafe. So if you are looking to add a truly unique tasting experience to your Oregon Coast trip, the Tillamook Creamery is an experience you aren’t likely to find anywhere else.
Visit Ecola State Park
Visit Ecola State Park for a hiking experience like no other! This 9,200-acre state park features towering cliffs, crashing waves, and stunning views of the Oregon Coast.
Ecola State Park is located just north of Cannon Beach, making it the perfect place to visit if you’re looking to explore the Oregon Coast. The park features a variety of hiking trails, each of which offers its own unique views and experiences.
There are a variety of hiking options available at Ecola State Park, each of which offers its own unique views and experiences. The park’s most popular hike is the Tillamook Head Trail, which leads to the summit of Tillamook Head. This trail is 8 miles round-trip and offers stunning views of the Coast.
If you’re looking for a shorter hike, the Ecola Point Trail is a great option. This trail is just 1 mile long, and it offers amazing views of Haystack Rock and Indian Beach.
Oregon Coast Trail: Clatsop Loop Trail
Ecola State Park has beautiful trails with stunning cliffside views of secluded coves, forested promontories and an old abandoned lighthouse. The park’s network of trails include an 8 mile segment of the Oregon Coast Trail, as well as a 2 1/2 mile historical interpretive route called the Clatsop Loop Trail.
Things to Do on the Oregon Coast + What to See in Oregon
As you can see there are many great places to visit and things to do on the Oregon Coast. There’s over 360 miles of natural beauty, charming towns, and lovely locals who are all ready to give you the experience of a lifetime.
Millions of visitors from within the US and from outside the country make Oregon a bucket list place to see in their lifetime. You would be hard pressed to find a place on earth with more natural wonder, vibrant wildlife, and charm than the Oregon Coast.
When you go, bring a camera because you will never want to forget the things you saw and the places you went along the Oregon Coast.
