The best Oregon Coast towns to visit

The best Oregon towns with access to nature

Summary (North to South): Tillamook (Netarts and Oceanside), Pacific City, Yachats, Reedsport, Gold Beach, & Brookings.

Now let me be clear, the entire Oregon Coast IS nature. Beaches, rock stacks, and coastal range forests, mixed with relatively few people, make it easy to connect with Mother Nature. But this list is about my favorites.

The Southern Oregon Coast, or the area between Brookings and Reedsport, is steeped in access to coastal parks, exciting beaches, and the benefit of fantastic inland hikes. Samuel Boardman State Scenic Corridor, between Brookings and Gold Beach, is a definite highlight (and free). Both Oregon Coast towns allow the chance to get lost in several soul-nourishing inland hikes, such as the Redwoods of Oregon and Francis Shrader Old Growth Forest.

I think Yachats combines nature with other fun features as a complete package. Just down the road, marvel at Thor’s Well within the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve area, and be sure the Heceta Head area (the lighthouse B&B is the most romantic place on the Oregon Coast) is on the list.

It’s not that the Northern Oregon Coast doesn’t have access to the great outdoors — there is just more development and… people. However, I find great opportunities to connect with nature in and around the three capes between Tillamook and Pacific City — Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda.

If you’re looking for succinct hikes that provide soul-nourishing nature when time is short, check out my article: Ten of the best Oregon Coast hikes to reclaim your soul.

What about the best scenery?

Summary (North to South): Depoe Bay, Yachats, North Bend/Coos Bay, Port Orford.

The two groupings above cover general nature and beaches, but the scenery is another essential nuance that takes in the feeling of integration between all the elements. How does the entire 360-degree setting capture your heart?

For me, that involves dramatic rock stacks with waves crashing against former lava tubes that erupted into the churning ocean; or the 50-mile stretch of coastline that follows the impressive Oregon Dunes National Recreation Monument.

Tiny Depoe Bay, with nearby Devil’s Punchbowl, provides abundant “wow” along with fun amenities and things to do. Watching deep-sea fishing vessels navigate through the tiny opening to the World’s smallest harbor feels action-packed, and whales venture close enough to shore to spot between July and October.

Yachats is another bastion of scenery that varies from tide pools and beaches to stunning vistas on the forest side. While the Oregon Coast towns of North Bend and Coos Bay aren’t super scenic on their own, they are grand launching points for the amazing Sunset Bay and Shore Acres State Parks, as well as the Oregon Dunes and inland Silver and Golden Falls.

Finally, Port Orford is a tiny collection of commerce and a few motor inns perched on rocks overlooking some of the most soulful scenery on the entire coast. A sunset meal at Redfish feels like the heavens are opening up. Plus, there is Cape Blanco, the most western point in Oregon, and the stunning drive south toward Humbug Mountain. But keep your eyes on the road!

The best Oregon Coast towns to keep you busy

Summary (North to South): Astoria, Seaside, Newport, Florence.

So maybe you’re traveling with the family and need more than a quiet, contemplative beach. No problem.

Astoria offers a cohesive downtown for exploring, including the river walk and curios shops on the deco-lined main drag. Not to mention the Astoria Column perched high on a hill overlooking the mouth of the Columbia River. Buy balsa wood airplanes at the tiny gift shop and have a contest throwing them over the sweeping lawn.

Seaside is another community packed with things to do — including an Atlantic City-like avenue with skeeball, bumper cars, and all kinds of buggy and bike rentals. There are zipline adventures, surfing options, and hiking Tillamook Head or experiencing the aquarium.

Newport is a fun destination that offers a world-class aquarium, a historic harbor, and two lighthouses, among all the usual beach activities. And don’t forget the food and beverage scene, with places like Roque Brewery and an old-town harbor full of delectable seafood options. Florence offers access to the Oregon Dunes, equestrian, Sea Lion Caves, Heceta Head Lighthouse, and historic downtown.

The best Oregon Coast Towns to splurge for an elevated experience.

Summary (North to South): Cannon Beach, Pacific City, Yachats (Heceta Head), Port Orford.

Whether it’s for some much-needed post-pandemic self-care, celebrating a milestone, or cultivating romance, four essential experiences come to mind. For me, these would be considered a splurge… but well worth it.

Cannon Beach: Stay at Surfsand, where you can enjoy the sunset by a bonfire the staff can build for you. Enjoy a meal at Wayfarer and venture to Oswald West park for a nature outing (Ecola State Park would be the best, but it’s currently closed due to a landslide).

Pacific City: Move down the coast to the other Haystack Rock. Stay at Headlands Lodge and eat at Meridian Restaurant & Bar (in the hotel). Explore Cape Kiwanda or Nestucca Wildlife Refuge and take a long walk on the beach.

Yachats: The most idyllic location on the Oregon Coast is Heceta Head Lighthouse, 14 miles from Yachats. Stay at the Heceta Head Bed & Breakfast and enjoy access to the lighthouse at night. You can enjoy dinner at Ona Restaurant in Yachats or bring your ingredients to cook a spread in the provided kitchen. Dine on the deck of a 1900’s building that overlooks the most dramatic seascape.

Port Orford: This tiny town doesn’t offer many commercial options, but the ones available are great. You can rent a stunning loft above the Redfish Restaurant (contact the Hawthorne Gallery to book) that overlooks a fantastic stretch of the Oregon coastline. Dine at the restaurant below or go less fancy at Crazy Norweigan’s Fish & Chips. Then, enjoy a picnic while exploring stunning Cape Blanco State Park.

Best Oregon beach towns

Summary (North to South): Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Yachats.

Unfortunately, many of the best Oregon Coast towns cling to utilitarian parts of Oregon Coast Highway 101. While they all have their charm in plentiful beaches or dramatic rock formations, most do not serve up inspiring beach town vibes — especially in rainy conditions.

That might not be what you’re seeking, but consider these options if you are into a cohesive beach town aesthetic rather than commercial zones along a highway.

Seaside is a different place once you venture off the barrage of chain stores along the main highway. The downtown is full of life, including a carnival feel that focuses on the prominent Lewis and Clark turnaround. I love the promenade- the only one on the Oregon Coast- and it feels more like something traditionally found on the East Coast. Further south, the enclave around the Osprey Cafe feels even more beachy, and surfers congregate at The Cove – Surfer’s Watch to chat about their rides.

Cannon Beach benefits from a Highway 101 bypass around the central downtown, which gets congested anyway in summer. Still, it’s worth a walk through town just to ogle at the beautiful flowers that seem to overflow into the street. Manzanita is a fantastic combination of peace that still elegantly holds onto a small downtown with quality offerings that feel walkable from a nearby rental house.

I always seem to return to Yachats, so I consider it a favorite. And although the nucleus of the town does hug Highway 101, something feels different here. The handful of commercial offerings seems to adhere to keeping the Yachats “brand” intact.

If you’re visiting from out of state and are not keen to rent a car, these options (plus Astoria and Newport) are the best bet to be within easy walking/biking distance to services. For example, my friends from Washington, DC, rented a house in Manzanita for a month and could survive without a rental car. They hired taxis/shuttles to get to/from PDX. Public transportation options.