Pacific Northwest

A Karen Brown Recommended Itinerary

Edge of the World
The Oregon Coast Itinerrary

View the Itinerary Write-up with Interactive Maps

Recommended Itinerary Length: 5 to 7 days

Highlights: Oregon Coast, Brookings, Loeb State Park, Azalea Park, Gold Beach, Rogue River, Bandon Beach, Coquille River Lighthouse, Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston, South Slough National Estuarine Preserve, Oregon Dunes, Newport, Oregon Coast Aquarium, Yaquina Lighthouse, Tillamook, Manhattan Beach, Cannon Beqach, Ecola State Park, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, North Head Lighthouse

Summary: A trip along the Oregon coast is like a trip along the very edge of the world, where one small piece of North America comes finally to an end and drops dramatically into the Pacific Ocean. Mist and mild temperatures, awe-inspiring scenery, and a wide range of recreational activities make this one of the state’s most popular regions for Oregonians and visitors alike. Here one comes to revel in quiet; in raw and rugged landscapes and unspoiled sandy beaches; in revitalizing ocean breezes; and for the liberating sensation of sheer space and remoteness. Town populations are small. The way of life is relaxed and unhurried. When deciding how you want to approach your visit, keep in mind that it is not at all necessary to make the entire 362-mile trip from the California to the Washington border (or vice versa, of course) to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the coastline. One- and two-day trips from many of the destinations we cover in other Oregon itineraries are not only realistic, but a great way to mix things up a bit and enjoy a variety of the landscapes that make the state so unique. The approach we’ll take here is to segment the coast into three separate sections: South Coast, Central Coast, and North Coast. We’ll highlight our favorite spots along the way and interject an alternative route or two to inland places of interest in case you do decide to mix and match itineraries to vary your experience. Use our interactive maps to locate some wonderful small hotels and quaint bed and breakfast inns that are sure to enhance your vacation along the Oregon coast.