Ultimate Oregon Coast Bucket List

The Oregon Coast is truly a sight to behold. The evergreen forests carry all the way from the mountains down to the crashing sea. There are geological wonders, award-winning restaurants, and incredible attractions all along the coast, and it would be a shame to miss out on any of the incredible stops along the way. That is why we’ve put together our Ultimate Oregon Coast Bucket List with everything you should do, see, and eat on your trip. 

𝤿 Oregon Dunes: A perfectly sandy beach isn’t common along the rocky Pacific Coastline except at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Explore the expansive dunes on foot or pick up some speed with a specially made dune buggy to blast through the sand. 

𝤿 Cape Foulweather: Don’t let the name deter you, Cape Foulweather is one of the most picturesque spots on the coast. Perched 500 feet above the sea, you can look out and watch where the forest meets the sea. 

𝤿 Blue Raeven Farmstand: While not technically on the coast, a stop at Blue Raeven Farmstand is an absolute must when travelling through the area. Grab a slice to enjoy and a couple pies for the road. You’ll love their unique flavors like apple-blackberry, rhubarb-peach, and Oregon berry which is a blend of all berries found right here in Oregon. 

𝤿 Neskowin Ghost Forest: On a low-tide day there is no better destination than the coastal town of Neskowin. As the tide recedes, you can walk to Proposal Rock and explore the island off the coast. Travel south along the beach and you will reach the ghost forest, perfectly preserved petrified trees of a forest that grew thousands of years ago. 

𝤿 Tillamook Cheese Factory: Tillamook is a household name with cheese, yogurt, and ice cream in supermarkets across the country thanks to this coastal cheese factory. Stop on in for a tour and endless cheese samples!

𝤿 Thor’s Well: It would be easy to breeze by Thor’s Well and miss this geological wonder. Just south of Yachats, a short hike from the Cape Perpetua Visitors Center will reward you with a hole that drains and spouts the ocean water like a geyser. 

𝤿 The Schooner: Netarts Bay is the place to go for oyster lovers. Dine on oysters baked, grilled, or served raw. You won’t find fresher oysters than inside this establishment as most are pulled from the bay just hours before you arrive. 

𝤿 The Wreck of Peter Iredale: Explore the ship remains of a 1906 shipwreck. Explore this unique attraction during low tide or gaze upon it from the shore during high tide. The structure is corroding more and more every day so get out there and see this treasure for yourself. 

𝤿 Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach: As one of the most popular destinations on the coast, a picture at Haystack Rock is essential for an Oregon Coast roadtrip. Hike around during the daytime and check out the unique ecological habitats and make a bonfire on the beach at night to watch the sunset. 

𝤿 Astoria’s Goonie Trails: The northern town of Astoria is a settlement built into a forest - and it shows. Explore the lush overgrown Goonie Trails that wind through the town. One moment you are next to a Vcitorian home, the next in a thick forest with no buildings in sight, and the next you are in the historic downtown. 

𝤿 Cabin 18: On Highway 29 just outside of Elsie lies a roadside restaurant that is often marks the start and end of a coastal road trip from Portland. Dine in a cozy log cabin serving up mouthwatering American food and massive cinnamon rolls. You can also explore the on-site museum that documents the logging history of the area in a fun and hands-on experience. 

𝤿 Devils Punchbowl: One of the most fascinating geological formations on the coast is the Devils Punchbowl in Otter Rock. Over time the oceans waves have eroded the rock to create an arch over a sea cave. Parking is extremely limited, so try to hit this spot for a sunrise hike or around dinner time where there is less of a crowd. 

𝤿 Oregon Coast Aquarium: While spotting a whale in the waves or a sea bird in the air is quite common on the coast, if you want to get up close and personal with some coastal wildlife then head to the Oregon Coast Aquarium. The underwater tunnel lets you see what life in the ocean is really like and their interactive shows allow you to see these wild animals in a safe and controlled environment. 

𝤿 Gracie’s Sea Hag: On a chilly day when the sun has yet to break through the coastal mist, head into Gracie’s Sea Hag for a soul warming cup of chowder. Her secret recipe has been served up to locals, visitors, restaurant critics, and foodies for over 50 years and still holds its own. 

𝤿 Cape Kiwanda: In Pacific City, you can hike to Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area for unparallelled cliffs that plunge into the crashing ocean. With some of the most violent waves on the coast, this is a prime location for storm watching and kite flying. 

𝤿 Pelican Brewing: After a long day of exploring sea caves, gliding through the sand dunes, and hiking to scenic vistas, treat yourself to a cold crisp beer at Pelican Brewing Company. Their pub is filled rain or shine with people looking for a juicy burger and a refreshing brew. Head into one of their three locations in Cannon Beach, Pacific City, or Tillamook for a break, or sign up for a brewery tour to get a behind the scenes look at their brewing process. 

𝤿 Yaquina Head Lighthouse: Visit this 1873 lighthouse just outside of Newport to experience a little slice of history. You can climb to the top of the beacon for stunning views of the ocean and the mountains to the East. 

𝤿 Flying Dutchman Winery: If you are making the trek to the Devils Punch Bowl, stop at the Flying Dutchman Winery right nextdoor.  This cliffside winery is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for their smooth and velvety wines. 

𝤿 Bella Collina B&B: Just inland from the coast lies Bella Collina, a relaxed B&B in the heart of Oregon’s famed wine country. When the coast is this close to some of the best wineries, vinyards, and cellars in the country, you have to plan a little detour. While visiting some of the incredible wineries in the region, stay at the romantic and sophisticated Bella Collina B&B for an authentic wine country experience. 

Hit every one of these Oregon Coast attractions and you will have one incredible vacation. When climbing lighthouses, sipping wine, and dining on the best fish n chips you’ll ever taste, you’ll have the best time in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. 

Planning your dream vacation to the Oregon Coast? Book a Stay at the Bella Collina B&B, a luxurious inn located in the heart of Oregon wine country.