26 Epic Destinations for Your Oregon Coast Vanlife Road Trip

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Oregon doesn’t get the love it deserves. Sandwiched between two of the USA’s most breathtaking states, evergreen Washington with its snow-capped peaks & beachy California home of the best National Parks, Oregon is often passed through quickly by road trippers. But the state of Oregon, and more specifically an Oregon Coast road trip, has lots to offer.

For starters, it’s beautiful. Whether you get a rare cloudless drive or are greeted by Oregons typical misty moody fog, there’s lots to see along Oregon’s Highway 101.

My partner Evan and I live in a van. So, alongside all the typical food, hiking, viewpoints, & scenic detours we will also be including some helpful vanlife in Oregon tips to make your road trip even easier. But if you don’t have a van or aren’t interested in car camping don’t worry…this road trip guide will be immensely helpful for you too.

Planning Your Trip to the Oregon Coast

Before we get into everything you need to see on the Oregon Coast let’s take a look at what you need to know before you go.

Best Time to Visit Oregon

Oregon has plenty of attractions for year-round travel. But we’re specifically talking about an Oregon Coast road trip. & Oregon is one of those states that gets absolutely freeze your fingers off cold.

I most recently drove the coast in April & was somehow blessed with warm 75 degree days and sunshine the entire journey. That’s rare for Oregon. If you’re hoping for sunshine and planning to do lots of hiking opt for the summer months. Even then…sunshine isn’t promised. But Oregon’s damp climate is why everything is so lovely and green.

How Long Does it Take to Drive the Oregon Coast?

This is entirely up to you. Dumb answer I know. But I’ve driven the coast 3 times all at different speeds. From this experience I can tell you…the longer the better.

You can drive the length of the Oregon Coast straight through from Astoria to Brookings in about 7 1/2 hours.

But obviously you’re not going to do that.

If you’re planning on hiking and savoring your time in Oregon’s prettiest seaside towns I recommend spending at least one week on the Oregon Coast.

If you’re not so much a hiker and just want to see the sights you could get away with 3-5 days.

I’ve paired this route with the California Coast on previous trips. If you only have 2 weeks to do the entire road trip I recommend 3-5 days on the Oregon portion.

Where Do I Stay?

There are guesthouses galore on Highway 101. (This is the coastal highway FYI.) But because I stealth camp in my 1994 Dodge Ram Van every night, I’m not a whole lot of help in this department.

I do know that the guesthouses and quaint family-run hotels fill up weeks in advance during the summer months.

I’m going to cover all the places I successfully stealth camped during our week-long trip through the coast a little later. Even if you don’t have a van and just want to road trip on a budget you can definitely “car-camp” at all these locations.

Best Way to see the National Parks? Van Life.

Okay. I might be biased. But van life has changed the road trip game. It’s made it cheaper. More comfortable & helped me to travel more off-the-beaten-path. & that’s just a few benefits of the van life. But van life isn’t always as glamorous as it’s made out to be. & if you’re on the fence you should test out van/RV travel before you invest in your own rig.

Iconic Oregon Eats to Tantalize Your Taste Buds

Food things first. I’m a big foodie. I feel like one of the best ways to intimately get to know a place is to eat the local cuisine. Oregon isn’t a foodie center of America, I road-tripped around the US to try many of the iconic American dishes and none were in Oregon. Yet alone the Oregon coast. But it does have some noteworthy dishes to try.

Tillamook Cheese Curds and Ice Cream

Tillamook cheese is the best. & in the town of the same name in Oregon sits the giant cheese factory. You can take a tour, sample cheeses, and even enjoy a scoop or two of freshly made ice cream in their outdoor park area.

Just don’t forget to order the cheese curds. They are to die for.

Mo’s Restaurant Clam Chowder

What better meal on a foggy cool day than a steaming bread bowl of Oregon’s staple clam chowder. Clams and other shellfish are big business in the PNW. This is a small chain restaurant and nothing fancy but it sits right on Cannon Beach and has the best sunset views of Haystack Rock.

Marionberry Anything (Is it just a Blackberry??)

Cultivated in Oregon and only in Oregon (originally by Oregon State University) it’s very much like a blackberry. But different. It’s a more complex flavor-rich, sweet, and earthy. & it makes a mean pie filler or ice cream flavor.

Vanlife Tips for the Oregon Coast

Van-dwellers this is for you.

Some states are just more van-friendly than others. Oregon is supposedly one of those states. But I did not find that the Oregon coast was very stealth-camp friendly. Here’s what you need to know before you embark on an Oregon Coast road trip in your van.

How to Score the Cheapest Gas

My van gets about 12 mpg so finding cheap fill-ups is crucial if I want to stick to the budget.

Enter GasBuddy.

GasBuddy lets you search for the cheapest gas near you and also search along your route for cheap gas. That way you can plan your fill-ups carefully.

Also, if you’ve never been to Oregon before…Oregon is weird because attendants fill up your gas for you. So don’t get out of the vehicle but do remember to turn off the engine.

Stealth Camping on the Oregon Coast

I’ll be honest, when compared to the rest of the west coast Oregon is not an easy state to stealth camp in. Every pull-out and seaside parking lot is clearly labeled off-limits for overnight parking and camping.

But we were in Oregon a week and made it work every single night without getting the dreaded knock.

Insider Tip: You can also check websites like the Dyrt and IOverlander to find parking in a pinch. Be sure to read my guide on stealth camping to learn how to go incognito like a pro.

Here’s a few spots we found that had plenty of overnight friendly parking.

Cannon Beach by Mo’s Chowder House

Not in the actual parking lot. But the gravel section nearest Mo’s & also on street just outside the parking lot to the right when you’re looking at the beach. We stayed here two nights in a row without a problem.

Nehalem Bay Public Parking Lot

This parking lot is pressed up against highway 101 and is far from scenic, but there were no signs indicating we couldn’t park there overnight. & there’s a wood-fired pizza joint in the lot if you want a late-night snack.

Depot Bay

This town seemed the most van-friendly on the entire Oregon coast. We didn’t actually sleep here but I recommend giving it a go.

Moolack Beach (Bonus: It’s scenic!!)

I love a good scenic parking spot. & this one allows you to back right up against the water.

Reedsport Safeway

Safeway parking lots for the win. Not my favorite, but a fine place to park nonetheless.

Harris Beach Park

There are a few options for overnight parking here. Most of them not legal (technically), aside from the Safeway parking lot again, but if you’re just looking for one night of sleep you probably won’t be bothered (we weren’t) if you sleep in the “4-hour parking 12 AM to 6 AM” spots.

26 Stunning Destinations on the Oregon Coast

Let’s dig into what you came here for! All the best stops to add to your Oregon coast road trip. Compiled from my three separate trips down Highway 101 along the Oregon coast…here’s what you can’t miss.

1. Astoria

Welcome to Oregon. If you’re coming from Washington State (we were) this will be your first glimpse of the Oregon coast. The town is small but picturesque. It’s also a very popular weekend getaway for Portlandians and Seattlites.

2. Seaside

Another wonderful coastal town. There’s an aquarium, a coastal walkway, and plenty of cute coffee shops and cafes. These small towns aren’t necessarily my jam. I’m more interested in the hikes and nature the Oregon coast offers. So I’m going to breeze through these & focus on lesser-known spots that I found more worthwhile along the coast.

3. Ecola State Park

This is the beginning of that nature. Take the road less traveled and head to Ecola State Park. The twisting one-lane road through the heart of Oregon’s luscious green forests. It’s $5 for a day pass.

Two Noteworthy Hikes in Ecola State Park: Crescent beach & Clatsop Loop (or Indian head). If you only have time for one pick Crescent beach. I’ve linked the Alltrails route. It leads you along a beautiful path to a nearly private beach. You can spend the entire day here.

4. Cannon Beach

This is the single most popular beach on the Oregon coast. For good reason.

Haystack rock sits poking its rounded head out of the mist on the long sandy shores and around its base are tide pools. You can freely build beach campfires and BBQ up some dinner just a few yards from the tide here too.

Insider Tip: If you plan your visit during the April-June months puffins will be nesting at the summit of Haystack Rock. The best time to spot one is around 9 AM when they leave their burrows for a morning meal.

Don’t forget to grab a meal at Mo’s and take advantage the great breweries (like Pelican) in the area. It’s also a great place to overnight for vanlifers. (See tips above)

5. Hug Point Recreation Area

If you can’t get enough morning walks on the sand Hug Point recreation area is a great place to start your day. There’s a gushing waterfall on the beach and it’s free to park.

Insider Tip: Don’t start your coastal drive too early. Wait until the marine layer has passed to drive Highway 101. You would be surprised what that layer of morning clouds can cover at the higher elevations.

Also enjoy some seashore caves to explore at low tide & more tide pools. Some of my favorite things on our Oregon coast road trip.

6. Devils Cauldron

Just a quick jaunt of the road for a lovely viewpoint of the waves crashing into the rugged Oregon cliffside. It’s not a must-see, but I have a hard time turning down a nice viewpoint.

7. Neahkahnie Mountain Viewpoint (& Hike)

You MUST stop at the Neahkahnie Mountain Viewpoint. Offering one of the most scenic vistas of Oregon’s coastline (if it’s not a foggy day). Dark blue waves and white caps crashing into the golden sand. You get an even better view if you hike to the summit of the mountain via the Neahkahnie Mountain Trail. Once in a while, you can even spot whales here.

Really into Hiking? Be sure to check out the Cape Falcon Trail just North of the Neahkahnie Mountain trail. Gotta take advantage of the sunny days if you get them!

8. Nehalem Beach State Park

If you’re looking to paddleboard some calm waters this may be just the spot for you. We skipped it because it was a cloudy cool day in April but if you’re planning a summer road trip I recommend adding on this park.

Like many other Oregon state parks it costs $5 for a vehicle pass.

9. The Three Graces Tide Pools

These were my favorite of all the tide pools we searched. They sit unassumingly off the side of the road along some old train tracks. Check the tide tables before you go.

10. Oceanside Beach

Specifically, Tunnel Beach for some agate hunting. Best to arrive here at low tide as well.

11. Tillamook Creamery

Ice cream and cheese. What more could you want. Every road trip needs some junk food. It’s a little bit of a detour from the main coastal drive but I promise you won’t be disappointed.

12. Netart Bay

This inlet is often forgotten by road trippers along the coastline. We took this route by accident and found a small bay absolutely covered in seals. This narrow road is far more scenic than the Highway 101 alternative.

Sea to Tree Highway 131: This short stretch of road takes you closer to the water than if you would have stuck to the 101. & It’s more scenic anyway.

13. Anderson’s Viewpoint

This elevated view is popular among paragliders. They come soaring down from the mountains above to land on the beach you can see from this viewpoint far below.

14. Pacific City

This is a very popular town for those who are planning to stay in hotels and guesthouses along the coast. It’s also a favorite spot for beach-goers and surfers.

Insider Tip: Be careful visiting on weekends. Surfers and tourists flock to the small beachside town and most parking lots fill quickly. The brewery was running on an hour and a half wait.

15. Neskowin Ghost Forest

Want to see a secluded beach covered in spooky dead tree stumps? It’s cooler than it sounds.

Insider Tip: A hike I wish we had done is Hart’s Cove. It’s just south of Neskowin but we were all hiked out and passed this one by. If you’re feeling up to it it’s supposed to be lush and beautiful.

16. God’s Thumb

This is my favorite hike on the Oregon coast. If you include the slight detour to the Knoll the hike clocks in at around a 5.2-mile loop and is only moderately strenuous. Reaching the Thumb itself is quite a climb but totally worth the effort on a clear day.

17. Cape Perpetua Lookout & Thor’s Well

Climb the winding road up to the pinnacle of the mountain for panoramic views of the coastline and twisting roadway far below. It’s a photographer’s favorite in the area. You can even see Thor’s Well, a gushing water formation in the tide far below you.

18. Boiler Bay Scenic Viewpoint

A perfect stop for lunch. & if you’re lucky like us, a chance to spot the Gray whales migrating from Mexico for the summer.

19. Depot Bay

I’m not really sure why I like this quirky little town so much. Probably because it was so van-friendly. Also, seals. The shores were covered in them.

Insider Tip: Take a short drive through Otter Crest Loop. It doesn’t add much time to your drive and it’s about 100x more scenic than the highway you would be on otherwise.

20. Hobbit Trail

This was one of the trails we missed and I will definitely be checking out on our next trip down the coast. It’s a short vibrantly green (gotta love Oregon) hike to a secret beach.

If you can’t tell I’m a beach person. After spending a ton of time in Florida van-camping on beaches, I’ve learned that it’s a lot easier to live in a vehicle when you can camp on the sand.

21. Detour: Roseburg & the Wildlife Safari

Wait… drive away from the water??

Yes. At the small town of Reedsport cut East and drive the Umpqua Highway hugging the Umpqua River. It’s a lovely drive to a less than lovely town (sorry Roseburg) but there are some noteable attractions in the area.

For starters, the Wildlife Safari Park.

It’s a drive-thru zoo experience that will make you feel like you’re on Safari without leaving Oregon. You can feed deer from your car window (only approved food of course), drive past rhinos, and gawk at Sumatran Tigers, Black Bears, and loads of Cheetahs.

They actually have one of the top cheetah breeding programs in the entire world. Who woulda guessed.

Insider Tip: There’s also a great winery called Abacelas with phenomenal wine & a lovely property. Follow a day of sipping with tacos and margs from Salud and you won’t be disappointed.

As an animal lover, I couldn’t pass up this opportunity. It’s a great zoo that does a lot for conservation.

Don’t visit the Wild Animal Petting Game Park or any of the other roadside wildlife attractions along your drive. They aren’t AZA-accredited zoos which means they aren’t held to the same ethical standards. They allow up-close interaction at the animals’ expense.

22. Cape Sebastion Trail

Just a short 2.7-mile round-trip hike that is bursting with cliffside wildflowers in the early summer and late spring months. But I don’t blame you if you’re all hiked out by now. It also has a tendency to be very windy in this area so come prepared.

Insider Tip: There are thousands of miles of trails on the Oregon Coastline. You don’t need to do them all. I always suffer from FOMO and wonder if I’m somehow skipping the best trail with the most epic vistas and that usually ends in us walking 10 trails that all looked exactly the same. Just pick a handful (the few I’ve recommended are a great starting point) & skip the rest.

23. Natural Bridges Viewpoint

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I’m sure you’ve seen this delicately arched rocky bridge on Instagram a time or two. It’s become somewhat famous in a slightly dangerous way. From the viewpoint, you can hike a short trail to the bridge and theoretically walk across if you don’t mind risking bodily harm.

Insider Tip: The best time to visit is just before sunset when the sky will be painted lilac and the lighting will be just right to capture the rock in all its glory.

24. Indian Sands Trail

Epic sunset spot on the rolling sand dunes of Oregon. There are dunes in Oregon?? Yes. Oddly enough. & they are absolutely beautiful when surveyed from the top.

25. Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint

This viewpoint is worth taking in. It’s also a great place to spot Gray whales in the Spring if they have eluded you thus far.

26. Harris Beach

I’ll let the photos speak for themselves. We enjoyed an afternoon walking along the trails of Harris beach and enjoying one of those stunning West Coast sunsets.

Your Oregon Coast Road Trip Map

Want to Road Trip the Entire United States?

Of course you do.

We did it. We set out to visit every National Park in the contiguous USA & it was a trip I’ll remember forever.

& fortunately for you, we saved our entire Google Map of every worthwhile stop in the USA. So whether you’re trying to do the whole damn country or just a portion, sign up for our email list and we will send the map your way.

Now you’re all set for the perfect Oregon road trip!! Feel free to shoot me an email at geena.truman@gmail.com or reach out on Instagram if you have any questions!!

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