By Brian Dohrn | Dohrn Travels | Oregon Coast Road Trip
Why Visit the Oregon Coast?
Imagine standing on a windswept cliff as waves crash against sea stacks, then later that same day sipping a craft beer at a local brewery or wandering beneath towering Redwoods. The Oregon Coast delivers that kind of variety — rugged beauty, small-town charm, and endless adventure.
Over Memorial week, we took an unforgettable 8-day Oregon Coast road trip, with stops in Newport, Bandon, Gold Beach, Lincoln City, and even a side trip into the California Redwoods.
If you’ve ever wondered how to fit Oregon’s best coastal highlights into a single trip, this Oregon Coast road trip itinerary walks you through it day by day. You’ll find outdoor adventures, local dining, historic lighthouses, and plenty of coastal views — all wrapped into one easy-to-follow plan. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to see what you missed last time, this itinerary shows where to stay, what to do, and the best places to eat along the way.
Let’s dive in — starting with Newport, where our adventure along the Oregon Coast began.
🗺️ See the Oregon Coast Itinerary on the Map
Follow this 8-day Oregon Coast road trip with all the stops, scenic hikes, and foodie favorites highlighted on the interactive map below:
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Quick Mini Guide to the Oregon Coast
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to help plan your epic Oregon Coast road trip!
Where to Stay:
- Newport: Best Western Plus Agate Beach Inn
- Bandon: Best Western Inn at Face Rock
- Gold Beach: Silver Cypress Resort (Airstream with private hot tub)
- Lincoln City: Best Western Plus Landmark Inn
Things to Do:
- Explore Cape Perpetua, Thor’s Well, and Devils Churn
- Heceta Head Lighthouse and Sea Lion Caves
- Jet boat ride with Jerry’s Rogue Jets on the Rogue River
- Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge & Face Rock Viewpoint
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (California border)
- Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
- Historic Bayfront in Newport
Places to Eat & Drink:
- Local Ocean Seafoods – Newport’s best seafood
- Clearwater Restaurant – Historic Bayfront views
- Tony’s Crab Shack – Fresh crab in Bandon
- Hunter Creek Bar & Grill – Riverside tacos in Gold Beach
- Arch Rock Brewing – Local craft beer
- Redfish – Oceanfront dining in Port Orford
- The Salty Dawg Highway 101 – Pizza & beer with local charm
When to Visit:
- May – October: Best weather for road tripping, beach walks, and outdoor exploring
- June – September: Peak season for whale watching, festivals, and warm temps
- November – April: Quieter months with dramatic storm watching and fewer crowds
Getting Around:
A rental car is essential for exploring the Oregon Coast. Book your car early for the best rates and flexibility for all the scenic detours.
Table of Contents
- Day 1: Newport, Oregon – Starting Your Oregon Coast Road Trip
- Day 2: Newport & Yachats, Oregon – Exploring Scenic Stops on the Oregon Coast Road Trip
- Day 3: Bandon, Oregon – Sea Stacks and Coastline Views on Your Oregon Coast Road Trip
- Day 4: Gold Beach, Oregon – Slowing the Pace on the Southern Oregon Coast Road Trip
- Day 5: Gold Beach & California Redwoods – Adventure and Nature Along the Oregon Coast Road Trip
- Day 6: Port Orford & the Southern Oregon Coast – Small Towns and Scenic Stops on the Road Trip
- Day 7: Lincoln City, Oregon – Wrapping Up the Oregon Coast Road Trip North
- Day 8: Portland & Departure – Final Reflections from the Oregon Coast Road Trip
- Final Takeaway: Why the Oregon Coast Belongs on Your Travel List
Day 1: Newport, Oregon – Starting Your Oregon Coast Road Trip
Where to Stay:
What We Did:
- Arrived at Portland International Airport (PDX)
- Picked up a rental car and drove south via I-5 and Highway 20
- Checked into the Best Western Plus Agate Beach Inn
- Walked at Agate Beach State Recreation Site
- Short stroll along the Ocean to Bay Trail
- Dinner at Local Ocean Seafoods on the Port of Newport
Overview: First Impressions of the Oregon Coast Road Trip
Day 1 was mostly about getting to the coast and settling in. After landing at Portland International Airport (PDX), we picked up a rental car and began the drive south. The route took us through forested areas before finally opening up to sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean — a perfect first glimpse of what the trip had in store.
Once in Newport, we checked into the Best Western Plus Agate Beach Inn, which made a great base for exploring the area. A walk at Agate Beach State Recreation Site and a short stroll along the Ocean to Bay Trail gave us an easy way to stretch our legs after a day of travel.
That evening, we headed to Local Ocean Seafoods on the Port of Newport. Fresh seafood paired with harbor views made dinner the highlight of the day and easily one of the best things to do in Newport, Oregon for fresh seafood lovers.
Next up: Day 2 takes us further south with tide pools, dramatic rock formations, and the charming town of Yachats.
💡 Tip: If you’re arriving in Portland late in the day, consider spending a night near the airport and starting fresh the next morning — the drive to Newport is more scenic in daylight.
Day 2: Newport & Yachats, Oregon – Exploring Scenic Stops on the Oregon Coast Road Trip
Where to Stay:
- Best Western Plus Agate Beach Inn (second night)
What We Did:
- Started the day with breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, Sea Glass Bistro
- Visited the Oregon Coast Aquarium
- Drove south with a quick stop at Seal Rock State Recreation Site for ocean views
- Continued to Siuslaw National Forest – Cape Perpetua Visitor Center
- Walked down to Devils Churn
- Hiked to Thor’s Well
- Hiked the Giant Spruce Trail to see the ancient spruce tree
- Stopped in Yachats for food and drinks and explored Yachats State Park
- Returned to Newport, visited Rogue Brewery
- Walked down the Newport Municipal Crabbing Pier
- Dinner at Clearwater Restaurant on the Historic Bayfront
- Evening stroll through the Newport Historic Bayfront and viewing sea lions at the docks
Dining Highlights:
- Breakfast: Sea Glass Bistro (hotel restaurant)
- Dinner: Clearwater Restaurant
- Drinks: Rogue Brewery
Overview: Coastal Highlights and Hidden Gems on the Oregon Coast Road Trip
After a travel-heavy first day, Day 2 was all about diving into the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast. Breakfast at Sea Glass Bistro gave us a relaxing start before heading to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, a great introduction to the region’s marine life.
From there, the drive south offered one scenic stop after another. At Seal Rock State Recreation Site, we paused for sweeping ocean views, and continuing on to Cape Perpetua, Oregon Coast, we explored iconic spots like Devils Churn and Thor’s Well — dramatic natural formations that are favorites for photographers. The short hike to the Giant Spruce Trail capped off the morning with a glimpse of old-growth forest.
By mid-afternoon, we rolled into Yachats, a small coastal town that makes the perfect pit stop. With food, drinks, and oceanfront views at Yachats State Park, it was a nice balance of activity and downtime before turning back north.
The evening centered around Newport once again. A visit to Rogue Brewery provided a taste of Oregon’s famous craft beer scene, and dinner at Clearwater Restaurant on the Historic Bayfront paired fresh seafood with waterfront views. To end the night, we strolled along the docks, where sea lions lounged and barked — a lively reminder of just how connected this coastline is to its wildlife.
Day 3 takes us farther down the coast, with sea caves, lighthouses, and one of the most dramatic stretches of shoreline in Oregon.
💡 Tip: Plan your stop at Thor’s Well around low tide for the safest experience and the most dramatic photos.
Day 3: Bandon, Oregon – Sea Stacks and Coastline Views on Your Oregon Coast Road Trip
Where to Stay:
What We Did:
- Breakfast stop at Hilltop Café Bistro in Waldport
- Hiked the Hobbit Beach Trailhead in Florence (forest hike leading to the beach)
- Explored the beach and rocky shoreline at Heceta Head Lighthouse
- Visited the Sea Lion Caves – watching sea lions inside the massive cavern and exploring the coastal area
- Walked around Old Town Florence (shops, Bay Street area)
- Continued south with a stop at Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area to see Roosevelt elk
- Beer and snack break at 7 Devils Brewing in Coos Bay
- Arrived in Bandon and explored the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge
- Notable sea stacks: Table Rock, Elephant Rock, and Black Rock
- Walked along the beach and soaked in the coastal views
- Dinner at Tony’s Crab Shack (casual seafood)
- Evening drink at Foley’s Irish Pub
- Watched the sunset at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint
Dining Highlights:
- Breakfast: Hilltop Café Bistro (Waldport)
- Snack/Beer: 7 Devils Brewing (Coos Bay)
- Dinner: Tony’s Crab Shack (Bandon)
- Drinks: Foley’s Irish Pub (Bandon)
Overview: Exploring Sea Stacks and Scenic Trails on the Oregon Coast Road Trip
With two nights in Newport behind us, Day 3 took us farther down the coast toward Bandon, mixing in scenic stops and wildlife encounters along the way. The morning started with breakfast in Waldport before we stretched our legs on the Hobbit Beach Trail, a short forested hike that opens up to a quiet beach. Nearby, the Heceta Head Lighthouse and the famous Sea Lion Caves gave us some of the most iconic coastal views in Florence.
The drive south was broken up with plenty of variety — shopping in Old Town Florence, spotting elk at Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area, and enjoying a craft beer stop at 7 Devils Brewing in Coos Bay. Each pause made the long stretch of driving feel more like part of the adventure.
By late afternoon, we arrived in Bandon, home to one of the most dramatic coastlines in Oregon. The Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge wowed us with towering Bandon, Oregon sea stacks like Table Rock and Face Rock, while a casual seafood dinner at Tony’s Crab Shack (most popular Bandon, Oregon restaurants for fresh crab) and a drink at Foley’s Irish Pub brought a relaxed end to the evening. Watching the sunset at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint was the perfect finale — one of those postcard-worthy moments that captures the essence of the Oregon Coast.
Day 4 slows the pace a bit as we continue south, with a mix of small-town charm, state parks, and a unique overnight stay in Gold Beach.
💡 Tip: Sunset at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint is a must — arrive at least 30 minutes early to grab a good spot for photos.
Day 4: Gold Beach, Oregon – Slowing the Pace on the Southern Oregon Coast Road Trip
Where to Stay:
- Silver Cypress Resort (Airstream rental with private hot tub)
What We Did:
- Kicked off the morning with breakfast at Sunnyside Café in Bandon
- Browsed local shops downtown and picked up souvenirs at Big Wheel General Store
- Drove south to Cape Blanco State Park (hiking, sightseeing, and exploring Oregon’s westernmost point)
- Continued on to Gold Beach and stopped for lunch at Hunter Creek Bar & Grill – great tacos right on the river
- Walked over to Arch Rock Brewing for a local craft beer
- Checked into the unique Airstream rental at Silver Cypress Resort
- Evening walk down to the beach near the resort
- Relaxed in the hot tub to finish the day
Dining Highlights:
- Breakfast: Sunnyside Café (Bandon)
- Lunch: Hunter Creek Bar & Grill (Gold Beach)
- Drinks: Arch Rock Brewing (Gold Beach)
Overview: Relaxing and Recharging on the Southern Oregon Coast Road Trip
After two busy days of sightseeing, Day 4 slowed the pace and gave us time to enjoy the southern Oregon coast at a more relaxed rhythm. The morning began with breakfast in Bandon before browsing a few local shops and picking up souvenirs at Big Wheel General Store.
From there, the drive south included a stop at Cape Blanco State Park, Oregon’s westernmost point. With sweeping coastal views and hiking opportunities, it was one of the most scenic stops of the trip so far.
By the afternoon, we reached Gold Beach, a laid-back town with a small-town feel and a focus on local dining and breweries. Lunch at Hunter Creek Bar & Grill offered riverside views and tasty tacos, followed by a craft beer at Arch Rock Brewing.
Our home base for the next three nights was the Silver Cypress Resort, where we stayed in a stylish Airstream with a private hot tub. After an evening walk to the beach, we wrapped up the day soaking in the tub — the perfect way to recharge before more adventure-filled days ahead.
Day 5 ramps the energy back up with a jet boat ride on the Rogue River and an unforgettable detour into the California Redwoods.
💡 Tip: Book your stay at Silver Cypress Resort early — the Airstream rentals are limited and fill quickly in peak season.
Day 5: Gold Beach & California Redwoods – Adventure and Nature Along the Oregon Coast Road Trip
Where to Stay:
- Silver Cypress Resort (second night)
What We Did:
- Started the day with a thrilling jet boat adventure on the Rogue River with Jerry’s Rogue Jets – the Historic Mail Route Tour (fast ride, spins on the river, and scenic views of nature and wildlife)
- Lunch and a Bloody Mary at Cougar Lane Lodge, the turnaround point on the Rogue River
- Returned to Gold Beach and browsed local shops and a park in town
- Afternoon scenic stop at Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor (short hikes, photos, and coastal views)
- Crossed into Northern California to visit Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
- Walked around Jedediah Smith Campground and admired the Smith River
- Stopped at the Hiouchi Visitor Center
- Hiked the Grove of Titans trail to see the giant Redwood trees
- Returned to Gold Beach
- Dinner at The Port Hole Café & Tap House
- Evening soak in the hot tub at Silver Cypress Resort
🚤 Book Your Rogue River Jet Boat Ride
One of the highlights of our trip was the thrilling jet boat adventure with Jerry’s Rogue Jets. Don’t miss it when visiting Gold Beach — seats fill fast, especially in summer. Check availability and book your jet boat tour here.
Dining Highlights:
- Lunch: Cougar Lane Lodge (Rogue River)
- Dinner: The Port Hole Café & Tap House (Gold Beach)
Overview: Adventure and Natural Wonders Along the Oregon Coast Road Trip
After the slower pace of Day 4, Day 5 turned up the energy with a mix of adrenaline and awe. The morning kicked off with a jet boat ride on the Rogue River with Jerry’s Rogue Jets, one of the most thrilling experiences of the trip. Speeding through rapids, spinning across the water, and spotting wildlife along the riverbanks made this tour both adventurous and scenic. Stopping at Cougar Lane Lodge for lunch gave the day a relaxed interlude before diving into even more sights.
In the afternoon, we returned briefly to Gold Beach before venturing out again, this time to the stunning Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Known for its rugged cliffs and dramatic viewpoints, it’s a must-see stretch of the southern Oregon coast. From there, we crossed into Northern California to visit Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Walking the Grove of Titans trail among massive old-growth Redwoods was a humbling and unforgettable highlight, offering a powerful contrast to the crashing coastlines we’d explored earlier.
The day ended back in Gold Beach with dinner at The Port Hole Café & Tap House, followed by a relaxing soak in the private hot tub at Silver Cypress Resort. It was the perfect way to balance a day that delivered both heart-pounding adventure and quiet reflection.
Day 6 takes us north toward Port Orford, where the pace slows again with small-town exploring, riverside stops, and more hidden coastal gems.
💡 Tip: Bring a light jacket for the jet boat ride with Jerry’s Rogue Jets — even in summer, it gets windy and chilly on the river.
Day 6: Port Orford & the Southern Oregon Coast – Small Towns and Scenic Stops on the Road Trip
Where to Stay:
- Silver Cypress Resort (third night)
What We Did:
- Drove north to Port Orford for a slower-paced day of coastal exploring
- Walked along the beach at Battle Rock Wayside Park
- Lunch at Redfish restaurant, located right on the waterfront with ocean views
- Afternoon stop at the Elk River Salmon Hatchery (short hike and opportunity to see the hatchery operations)
- Explored the shoreline at Tseriadun State Recreation Site
- Dinner and drinks at The Salty Dawg Highway 101, a casual local spot with pizza and cold beer
- Returned to Gold Beach and ended the evening with another relaxing soak in the hot tub at Silver Cypress Resort
Dining Highlights:
- Lunch: Redfish (Port Orford)
- Dinner: The Salty Dawg Highway 101 (Port Orford)
Overview: Slower Travel and Local Discoveries on the Oregon Coast Road Trip
After the excitement of jet boating and the Redwoods, Day 6 slowed the pace but still delivered plenty of scenic stops. Driving north from Gold Beach, we arrived in Port Orford, where a walk at Battle Rock Wayside Park gave us another chance to stretch our legs and soak in dramatic coastal views.
Lunch at Redfish stood out not just for the food but also for its unbeatable waterfront location. In the afternoon, we traded ocean cliffs for an inland stop at the Elk River Salmon Hatchery, where a short hike and hatchery visit offered a unique change of pace from the beachside trails.
Later, we explored the quiet shoreline at Tseriadun State Recreation Site, a peaceful spot that showed the Oregon Coast’s variety beyond its headline attractions. Dinner at The Salty Dawg Highway 101 added a fun, laid-back ending to the day — pizza, cold beer, and plenty of local charm.
Back at Silver Cypress Resort, we wrapped up the evening with another soak in the private hot tub, a perfect way to recharge before the long drive north awaiting us on Day 7.
Day 7 shifts gears again as we leave Gold Beach behind and make our way up the coast toward Lincoln City, with plenty of seafood stops and scenic detours along the way.
💡 Tip: Redfish is popular for lunch; make a reservation if visiting in summer to secure a waterfront table.
Day 7: Lincoln City, Oregon – Wrapping Up the Oregon Coast Road Trip North
Where to Stay:
What We Did:
- Began the long drive north from Gold Beach
- First stop at Port Orford Heads State Park for hiking and coastal views
- Continued north with a stop in Winchester Bay
- Visited the harbor area
- Bought smoked canned tuna at Sportsmen’s Cannery & Smokehouse
- Drinks at Crabby’s Bar & Grill (Bloody Mary stop)
- Lunch at Griff’s on the Bay
- Stopped in Depoe Bay
- Visited the OPRD Whale Watching Center (no whales spotted, but enjoyed the coastal scenery)
- Arrived in Lincoln City and checked into the Best Western Plus Landmark Inn
- Dinner at Rogue River Steak and Seafood, located at Chinook Winds Casino Resort
Dining Highlights:
- Drinks: Crabby’s Bar & Grill (Winchester Bay)
- Lunch: Griff’s on the Bay (Winchester Bay)
- Dinner: Rogue River Steak and Seafood (Lincoln City)
Overview: Wrapping Up the Oregon Coast Road Trip in Lincoln City
With our time in Gold Beach complete, Day 7 was mostly a travel day as we made the long drive north toward Lincoln City. Breaking up the trip with scenic and food-focused stops made the journey feel less rushed. Our first stop at Port Orford Heads State Park offered one last hike along the southern coast before we continued north.
By midday, we reached Winchester Bay, a fishing town where we sampled smoked tuna at Sportsmen’s Cannery & Smokehouse, enjoyed a Bloody Mary at Crabby’s Bar & Grill, and had lunch at Griff’s on the Bay. It was the perfect mid-drive break, combining good food with a glimpse into Oregon’s fishing heritage.
Later in the afternoon, we pulled into Depoe Bay, famous for whale watching. Although we didn’t spot whales during our visit, the stop at the Whale Watching Center was still worthwhile for its dramatic ocean views.
By evening, we arrived in Lincoln City, where we checked into the Best Western Plus Landmark Inn. Dinner at Rogue River Steak and Seafood, located inside Chinook Winds Casino Resort, capped off the day with hearty food and entertainment — a lively way to close out the final full day of the road trip.
Day 8 takes us back to Portland for departure, wrapping up the journey with one last drive and time to reflect on the highlights of the trip.
💡 Tip: Stop at Sportsmen’s Cannery in Winchester Bay to pick up smoked tuna — it makes a great travel snack or souvenir.
Day 8: Portland & Departure – Final Reflections from the Oregon Coast Road Trip
What We Did:
- Drove from Lincoln City back to Portland International Airport (PDX)
- Returned the rental car
- Relaxed at the Delta Sky Club before the flight home
Overview: Final Thoughts and Reflections on the Oregon Coast Road Trip
After a week of coastal adventures, Day 8 was dedicated to the return trip. The drive back to Portland offered a final chance to take in the scenery and reflect on the highlights of the journey — from hiking dramatic coastlines to dining on fresh seafood and even venturing into the California Redwoods.
Once at Portland International Airport, we returned the rental car and wrapped up the trip with a comfortable stop at the Delta Sky Club before boarding our flight home. It was the perfect way to end an unforgettable 8-day Oregon Coast adventure.
💡 Tip: Allow extra time driving back to Portland — coastal traffic and winding roads can slow you down more than expected.
🏨 Where We Stayed on Our Oregon Coast Road Trip
- Best Western Plus Agate Beach Inn (Newport) – Great ocean views and convenient location for exploring Newport. Check rates here.
- Best Western Inn at Face Rock (Bandon) – Comfortable stay near the iconic Bandon sea stacks. See availability.
- Silver Cypress Resort (Gold Beach) – Unique Airstream rental with a private hot tub — a highlight of our trip! Book your Airstream here.
- Best Western Plus Landmark Inn (Lincoln City) – A reliable and budget-friendly base for the northern coast. Check availability.
💡 Pro tip: Book early if traveling in summer — coastal hotels fill quickly!
Final Takeaway: Why the Oregon Coast Belongs on Your Travel List
The Oregon Coast Road Trip is easily one of the most scenic and rewarding itineraries in the United States. Over eight days, this journey delivered a perfect balance of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, coastal towns, and local food. Each stop brought something new — from the rugged cliffs of Cape Perpetua and the sea stacks in Bandon to the adrenaline of jet boating on the Rogue River and the awe of standing among towering Redwoods.
What sets the Oregon Coast apart is its variety. One morning you can hike through old-growth forests, the next you’re strolling a quiet beach, and by evening you’re enjoying fresh seafood with an ocean view. It’s a destination that speaks to road trippers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone craving both relaxation and exploration.
Looking back, this trip not only left me eager to return, but also reminded me how diverse the Oregon Coast really is. Even after eight days, there were still countless coves, trails, and small towns left to explore.
If you’re planning your next adventure, I highly recommend adding the Oregon Coast to your travel list. Whether it’s for a long weekend or a full week, the experience is unforgettable — one that will leave you wanting to come back again and again.
