When planning your Oregon Coast road trip, be sure to pack in a stop at these towns. From north to south here are six charming coastal towns in Oregon we know you’ll fall in love with.
Cannon Beach
Located along the northern coast of Oregon, Cannon Beach is one of the most popular charming coastal towns in Oregon. Its main attraction is the stunning Haystack Rock. The large rocky outcrops draw in thousands of birders, photographers, and the curious every year. Its wide expansive shoreline makes it a favorite for strolling through the sand and taking in the beautiful scenery. But the natural exploration doesn’t stop there, Ecola State Park to the north and Oswald West State Park to the south allow for headland exploration.
Pacific City
Resting roughly an hour and a half south of Cannon Beach, Pacific City features almost everything you’d want from a charming coastal town. Discover an array of waterfront restaurants, shops, and some of the friendliest people on the coast.
What makes this area so popular is its location beneath the large headland of Cape Kiwanda, which allows for great surf, a wide sandy beach, and never-ending views. Popular activities include watching the Fishing Dorys launch in the ocean, exploring tidepools, surfing in the cove, and bird watching.
Depoe Bay
Considered part of the Central Coast, Depoe Bay boasts rugged coastlines, white caps, and a resident pod of grey whales that hug its coastline. Because of this, Depoe Bay is best known as the “whale watching capital of Oregon.” Sometimes as close as 30 feet away from the shore, visitors will have prime whale-viewing locations throughout the town. Whales can be seen any time of year, but the late fall and spring are when they are most common. The best months to spot them are in December & January as they migrate south and in late March & April, as they return north.
Nestled amongst one of the most dramatic stretches of the Oregon Coast, Depoe Bay is home to seafood shacks, postcard-worthy landscapes, and the world’s smallest harbor. The small community boasts some of the best views of the coast right from its waterfront hotels and businesses. Stay at the Channel House for some of the best scenic accommodations in town.
Newport
Located just 20 minutes south of Depoe Bay is the town of Newport. Here is where you will find the scenic Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Visitors can easily enjoy beautiful views, a historic lighthouse, bird watching, and access to some of the best tide pools along the coast. The Yaquina Head Lighthouse stands as the tallest lighthouse in Oregon at 93 feet tall and has been guiding ships along the west coast for nearly 150 years. It is one of the main attractions in Newport.
But it’s not just the lighthouse that puts on a spectacular display, the park claims one of the most spectacular spots for viewing ocean wildlife. Watch as sea birds swarm the coast’s rocky shores, barking harbor seals, and even wading in colorful tide pools (at low tide). Be sure to also spend some time at the historic bayfront in Newport, where you can shop and dine, plus take in the sites and sounds of the sea lions that make their home at the docks there.
Yachats
Coined “the gem of the Oregon Coast,” Yachats is a small village where the lush rainforest and the playful surf merge to create one of the most unique landscapes on the coast. Catering to pedestrians and cyclists, Yachats is easy to get around, plus local hikes make it accessible to view its dramatic landscape. Yachats also serves as a gateway to the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, where you can enjoy one of the best views along the Oregon Coast.
Bandon
Heading even further south, just a couple of hours, is the town of Bandon. Enjoy stunning sea-stack beaches, endless outdoor activities, and a lively array of shops and restaurants in Olde Towne. Take in the views at Coquille Point, Kronenberg County Park, and Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!
Stay at the Channel House in Depoe Bay
As you make your way along the Oregon Coast, be sure to book your stay at the Channel House in Depoe Bay. Our hotel is the perfect place to enjoy fresh ocean breezes, sweeping panoramic views, unbelievable sunsets, and whales within a stone’s throw. Perched on an oceanfront bluff, our guest rooms feature whirlpools on oceanfront decks and gas fireplaces.
