Are you planning a trip to Oregon for 2023 and want to check the Oregon Coast? Check out these Oregon Coast towns worth a stop!
This list of the best Oregon Coast towns was written by PNW family travel expert Marcie Cheung and may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
If you’re strongly considering taking a trip along Oregon’s coast, you should go for it!
Everywhere you look, there’s just so much breathtaking scenery to take in and incredible places to explore. If you have a love for hiking, you’ve come to the right place.
I’ll share with you some of the best coastal towns and cities in Oregon that have history, thrilling activities, amazing views, and of course, the best places to eat.
Whether it’s your first time visiting or if you’ve been here before and want to explore more, there are so many things to do in these six coastal towns.
From hiking trails to museums and everything in between, there is something for everyone! You won’t be disappointed with this list of places.
Keep scrolling to discover six Oregon coastal towns that are worth the visit. You’ll definitely want to add them to your Oregon bucket list!
Oregon Coastal Towns FAQs
That’s a tough call! There are lots of Oregon Coast scenic drives like the Three Capes Scenic Loop, Bandon’s Beach Loop Drive, and the Tillamook Bay Heritage Route that highlight some of the majestic Oregon Coast.
Most families would say that Cannon Beach is the best Oregon Coast beach. The beach itself is fantastic plus there are many things to do in the area.
The best time to visit the Oregon Coast is the summer and early fall. Summer is high season, so it’s great if you’re able to go in September. That way, you’ll beat the crowds and still get to enjoy fabulous weather.
Amazing Oregon Coast Towns You MUST See
1. Astoria
Located at the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria is not only a beautiful Oregon city, but it’s also rich in history along with its many thrilling outdoor recreational activities.
Oregonians will even tell you that it’s among the best coastal towns in Oregon to live in. And there are quite a few things to do in Astoria for tourists!
Best fishing opportunity
If you happen to have a love for fishing, Astoria is considered to have some of the best fishing in the entire state! If you’re perhaps thinking of camping there, Fort Stevens State Park and Astoria/Warrenton/Seaside KOA Resort are great Oregon Coast camping options.
Check out the hiking trails
When you’re in search of some amazing hiking trails with stunning scenery, be sure to visit Cape Disappointment State Park. Just don’t let the name mislead you. The 30-minute drive is more than worth the trip.
Plenty to check out
There are also plenty of little shops to check out, as well as cafes, restaurants, bars, and other entertainment to keep you busy. When you’re working on your itinerary, don’t forget to pencil in Astoria as one of the top Oregon Coast towns that you visit!
Where to Stay in Astoria Oregon
The best place to stay in Astoria is the Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa. It’s an adorable boutique hotel right on the water and it’s within walking distance to many restaurants and shops.
2. Bandon Beach
While Bandon Beach is certainly known for its charming little shops and fresh seafood restaurants, it’s the dramatic rock formations along its coast that steals the show.
Hiking trails and more
The town has several state parks nearby that provide amazing hiking trails and scenic overlooks, along with wildlife viewing opportunities. Are you hoping to spot migrating whales during your visit? At Cape Arago, you’ll see tidepools and excellent vantage points where you might get lucky and see a few whales.
Golfing, anyone?
And if golfing is your thing, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort boasts being one of the top golf resorts in the country.
Where to Stay in Bandon Beach
One of the best places to stay in Bandon Beach is the Windermere on the Beach.
3. Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is not only considered one of the best beach towns in Oregon but also amongst the most popular of all the towns on the Oregon Coast. That’s quite a reputation to live up to!
But there won’t be any denying it once you’ve seen just a glimpse of some of the epic and picturesque scenery that awaits you. And there are a ton of things to do in Cannon Beach Oregon!
Coastal landmarks
One of Oregon’s most recognizable and iconic coastal landmarks, Haystack Rock is truly a sight to behold, and the cascading waterfall that gushes out onto the beach at Hug Point is no less impressive. When you’re visiting, be sure to stop in at Ecola State Park.
Complex trails to check out
There you will find several complex trails that provide stunning views of the coast. But if you’re wanting to tackle a higher elevation with views that stretch as far as the eye can see, Neahkahnie Mountain (rated difficult) is your cup of tea.
After all that hiking, you’ll probably work up quite an appetite. These are some of the best places to eat in Cannon beach to try while you’re there.
Where to Stay in Cannon Beach
A few of the best places to stay in Cannon Beach include the Inn at Cannon Beach, Hallmark Resort & Spa, and the Surfsand Resort. Cannon Beach is seriously one of the cutest small towns in Oregon.
4. Lincoln City
Are you one that enjoys a bit of adventure as well as beauty? That’s why beach-goers and outdoor enthusiasts love coming to Lincoln City.
Hiking God’s Thumb and kayaking Siletz Bay are a few things you’ll want to do while you’re there. The scenery at both of these destinations is absolutely incredible.
So much to explore
Camping at the scenic Devil’s Lake will provide you with fishing, kayaking, and more hiking opportunities. You’ll also be very close to downtown Lincoln City, where there’s plenty of shopping, good food, and places to grab a drink.
The drive from Lincoln City to Cannon Beach is just under 2 hours, which means that you can visit two fabulous Oregon coast destinations in a single day.
Where to Stay in Lincoln City
The Lincoln Sands Oceanfront Resort is the premier place to stay in Lincoln City, Oregon.
5. Newport
About halfway along the coast of Oregon and you’ll run into the town of Newport, which features several of the best beaches and state parks in the northwest.
But not only that, at Historic Newport Bayfront District, you will enjoy museums, an aquarium, little shops, restaurants, the sea lion docks, and the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center.
Experiences unlike no other
One of the neatest things to see while you’re there is Devil’s Punchbowl, a collapsed sea cave. Newport is also where you will find the state’s tallest lighthouse, Yaquina Head Lighthouse.
Visitors will also appreciate the 1800s Victorian-style homes that are scattered throughout the town. When you’re thinking about heading to the beach, Beverly Beach State Park is a popular choice.
Where to Stay in Newport Oregon
The top place to stay in Newport Oregon is the Hallmark Resort Hotel.
6. Seaside
Considered to be one of the more touristy cities that you’ll find along the coast, Seaside boasts wide, sweeping beaches and plenty of outdoor adventures to choose from.
When you’re thirsty and need a bite to eat, you’ll be excited to know that the city has several wonderful eateries to eat and have a drink. Locals will insist that you try Sisu Brewery, which happens to be located in the historic Times Theater.
Ready for a hike?
Amongst the best hiking trails in the area would have to go to Tillamook Head Trail, a 6-mile day hike that takes right around 3 hours and isn’t considered to be too difficult. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular water activities along the Necanicum River.
Seaside is also where you’ll be able to cross off a historic lighthouse on your Oregon lighthouse bucket list.
Plenty of wildlife opportunities to view
There are excellent wildlife viewing opportunities in the area, including Roosevelt Elk, bald eagles, as well as Tufted Puffins, seals, and sea lions just offshore.
And should you decide to visit between December and January, there’s a good chance that you’ll spot gray whales, as nearly 20,000 of them travel past Seaside around this time of year and then return around March.
Where to Stay in Seaside Oregon
The Hi Tide Oceanfront Inn is a popular place to stay in Seaside Oregon.
Best Oregon Coast Towns Wrap Up
Every one of these towns on this list has something incredible to offer. And Portland to Oregon Coast is not too far of a drive, so if you live in the Portland area and have never been to the Oregon Coast, it’s time you paid some of these towns a visit. Which of these Oregon seaside towns do you plan on visiting soon?