A Complete Guide to the Best Oregon Coast Day Trip from Portland [Itinerary + Tours]
PLANNING AN OREGON COAST DAY TRIP FROM PORTLAND?
We can help! We’ve been traveling together since 2010 and have spent many months exploring the coast cities, so we know all the best places that are just a short road trip away from Portland.
The naturally rough coastline, abundant wildlife, coastal communities, and historic lighthouses, make this stretch of the country a very memorable place to explore.
So, if you absolutely adore sandy beaches and stunning seaside cliffs paired with lush vegetation, planning an Oregon Coast day trip from Portland won’t disappoint you.
This Oregon Coast travel guide is all about providing you with an insight into this magnificent destination and everything it has to offer.
The Oregon Coast is simply 363 miles of possibilities, hidden gems, and off-the-beaten-path wonders awaiting your arrival. So, it pays to get some advice to make sure you won’t miss the best of it.
As with any day trip, it is important to do thorough research about the location before going there. This will allow you to be sure that you do not miss any of the highlights. It will also allow you to determine if you want to drive independently or go on a tour.
So, for those who are thinking of planning a day trip to the Oregon Coast from Portland, here’s a guide to help you plan your next adventure.
The People’s Coast is calling your name, so get ready to explore!
How to Get to the Oregon Coast
This guide is lined up from north to south, assuming you are taking a day trip to the Coast from Portland, Oregon.
Even though the Pacific Ocean is only around 80 miles from Portland, a trip there can take much longer than that if you want to stop at all the cool places along the way. It is not a very long journey, yet it is certainly not a dull one!
The experience is exciting, incredibly scenic, and absolutely magnificent all at the same time!
When coming from Portland to the Oregon Coast, you have a couple of options to get there. It depends mostly on whether you have a car or not. If you have a car, then you are all set to hit the open road!
But, if you don’t own a car, you can easily rent a car. You can also book a guided tour to get to the Oregon Coast from Portland.
Whatever method you choose, each one has its own set of perks for seeing all of the great stops on an epic Oregon Coast roadtrip.
A Guided Tour to the Oregon Coast
When planning an Oregon Coast day trip from Portland, taking a guided tour is a stress-free way to enjoy your road trip without having to worry about driving or planning.
All the details you need to know about Portland to the Oregon Coast will be organized for you by local and knowledgeable guides who will support you every step of the way.
Having a local guide with you helps you better appreciate the culture of the location you are traveling to. It also allows you to really immerse yourself in that society. Also, you can meet other travelers who share your passion and potentially become lifelong friends.
Rent a Car
If you prefer exploring the Portland Coast at your own pace, it is better to drive by yourself. This is an excellent alternative when you don’t have a car.
On the other hand, when going on long road trips, many people choose to rent a car, even if they already have one. This is because, by renting a car, you can avoid the risk of wear and tear on your personal vehicle.
Renting a car allows you to go wherever you want, whenever you want, and without any hassle. When you’re behind the wheel, you can have just as much fun venturing outside of the typical tourist traps. Driving by oneself provides a certain level of comfort, plus you get to control the radio!
Driving Directions
If you just have a day to spend on the Oregon Coast, we suggest beginning your day trip at Astoria or Cannon Beach. It’s simple to make a loop with the coastal cities for the best day trips to the Oregon Coast.
Distance from Portland to Astoria: 97 miles (156 km)
Travel Time: 1 hour 52 minutes drive
Google Maps: See Directions
Since you are starting from a Pacific Northwest destination like Portland, your first stop will be in Astoria. So, if you’re planning to take an Oregon Coast day trip from Portland to Astoria and Cannon Beach, you’ll have to get to Astoria and make your way to Cannon Beach. The distance between Astoria and Cannon Beach is roughly 26 miles.
The time it takes to go from Astoria to Cannon Beach varies on how many stops you make and traffic. But if you can keep your average speed at 50 mph, it will only take you 31 minutes to go from Astoria to Cannon Beach. If you decide to spend some time in town, there are several cozy seaside hotels in Cannon Beach.
Distance from Portland to Cannon Beach: 79.2 miles (127 km)
Travel Time: 1 hour 49 minutes drive
Google Maps: See Directions
If you are someone like us, you’d most likely start your Oregon Coast day trip from Cannon Beach, as it is our favorite destination. This scenic route has plenty of interesting sites and sights to keep you entertained.
The typical route for traveling from Portland, Oregon, to Cannon Beach is to take Highway 26 West. At the intersection with Highway 101, you continue traveling 4 miles south along Highway 101.
Making an Oregon Coast Day Trip from Portland Without a Car
If you don’t own a personal car or you don’t want to drive but still want to go on an Oregon Coast day trip from Portland, the best option is to book a guided tour with a reputed tour company.
These guided tours cover the most exciting and interesting sights from Portland, Oregon to the coast in a time-efficient manner.
Also, they take care of the headaches that come with creating travel and itinerary plans. The following are some of the top-rated Portland to the coast guided tours offered by Viator.
Oregon Coast Tour from Portland
⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
This Oregon Coast tour from Portland starts at $139 and offers a scenic full-day trip to the Oregon Coast from Portland. Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach, and Oswald West State Park are among the destinations you’ll see.
This small-group excursion accommodates a maximum of 12 people and travels along the scenic US Highway 101 through small towns.
You will get the opportunity to spend a leisurely day on this tour, taking in panoramic views of the Coast, geological marvels, and beaches that are kissed by the wind. This one is the highest-rated Oregon Coast day trip from Portland, and it is definitely worth trying.
The Oregon Coast Tour from Portland includes:
✔ Transportation in a luxury passenger van
✔ Knowledgeable, local, and friendly guide
✔ Bottled water
✔ Air-conditioned vehicle
✔ Live commentary throughout the tour
✔ Lunch
✔ Gratuity
▶ BOOK Oregon Coast Tour from Portland
Oregon Coast Day Trip from Portland: Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours (approx.)
This Oregon Coast tour starts at $130, and it is the cheapest tour from Portland to the Coast. This tour offers hotel pickup along with a full-day trip from Portland along Oregon’s northern coast, offering you more bounce to the ounce.
During this guided tour, you will be able to travel along Oregon’s Coast and see Manzanita and Cannon Beach, admire vistas of spectacular cliffs, beaches, lighthouses, and woods on a leisurely drive, experience stunning views from Neahkahnie Point, and browse small stores and art galleries.
Your hotel will be the last stop on this tour.
The Oregon Coast Day Trip from Portland: Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock includes:
✔ Hotel pickup and drop-off
✔ Professional guide
✔ Food and drinks
✔ Gratuities
▶ BOOK Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock Tour
Private – Northern Oregon Coast Tour from Portland
🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 8 to 9 hours (approx.)
This is a private Oregon Coast day trip from Portland, led by a seasoned local tour guide. You can enjoy a custom exploration of the Pacific Ocean and the northern Oregon Coast during this trip, as well as spend time hiking, beach combing, or surfing.
This tour starts at around $518 and is tailored to your preferences, allowing you to have a deep appreciation for the local culture while unlocking secrets of the Oregon Coast with native Oregonian guides.
The Private – Northern Oregon Coast Tour from Portland includes:
✔ Private tour
✔ Local guide
✔ Transport by private vehicle
✔ Hotel pickup and drop-off
✔ Lunch
▶ BOOK Private Oregon Coast Tour
Closest Coastal Cities to Visit from Portland
These coastal cities form a great loop for a one-day trip to the Oregon Coast from Portland. If you are a family that travels, the following coastal towns will make up the best Oregon Coast day trip from Portland with kids.
This will allow you to explore every nook and cranny of the gorgeous Oregon Coast.
Astoria
Astoria, Oregon, is a quaint coastal city at the mouth of the Columbia River. This town on Oregon’s Coast is instantly recognizable to movie buffs as the setting for The Goonies.
Natural beauty abounds in Astoria, Oregon, thanks to the abundance of Douglas fir, hemlock, and spruce trees found there. Its unique atmosphere distinguishes it from other cities on the Oregon coast and makes it the ideal place to begin your journey.
You’ll find many things to do in Astoria to keep you busy during your road trip through Oregon, whether you want to browse fascinating museums, retrace the steps of Lewis and Clark, sample locally crafted beers, enjoy wine tasting, or travel back in time to see where scenes from “The Goonies” were shot.
Highlights: Columbia River Maritime Museum, Oregon Film Museum, Flavel House Museum, Astoria Column, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Fort George Brewery, Liberty Theater, and the Goonies House
Seaside
Seaside is one of the most picturesque coastal towns along the Oregon Coast. It attracts families and holidaymakers from around the globe. It has a wide, beautiful beach and a lively boardwalk and promenade along the water’s edge. Nearby there are countless amusements and arcades.
Seaside is a great stop for families with kids since there are tons of attractions. The most popular are the carousel at Seaside Carousel Mall and the Seaside Aquarium.
Highlights: Seaside Aquarium, Funland Arcade, Saddle Mountain Hike, Hop & Vine Bottle Shop, and Taproom
Ecola State Park
The next stop on your Oregon Coast day trip from Portland should be the Ecola State Park. This coastal state park is located halfway between Seaside and Cannon Beach, right on Tillamook Head.
Ecola State Park is a historical hotspot that is also a great place to go hiking and sightseeing. Ecola Point and Indian Beach are the most popular places to visit in the park.
Viewpoints and picnic areas are available at each to take in the breathtaking vistas.
It is possible to see the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, the rocky coastline, and the vast ocean from the trails at Ecola Point. The hiking trails in the park lead to clifftop vantage points where visitors can take in views of the park’s beautiful coastline, quaint coves, and the cape’s lush rainforest surroundings. It is a very scenic drive as you go through the park.
Highlights: Ecola Point, Indian Beach
Cannon Beach (Our Favorite!)
Cannon Beach is by far our favorite destination. It’s no wonder this panoramic small town by the sea was recognized as the “best overall beach in Oregon.” It’s also one of America’s best art towns and one of the world’s most beautiful places.
This charming town is packed with museums, art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
This coastal city is jam-packed with the best things to do, from watching glass blowers at work in their studio to exploring state parks or attending year-round live theater performances. In the downtown area, you can visit the ice cream shops or coffee shops as you continue your Oregon Coast Road trip.
The residents of the town have a keen eye for aesthetics, and the annual sandcastle building competition highlights beautiful works of art created on the beach.
One of our favorite things to do in Cannon Beach is to go tide pooling at Haystack Rock. The best time to visit is at low tide so you can see the sea life in the tide pools. There will still be spectacular views at high tide, but you won’t be able to see any tide pools.
Read More: Unique and Fun Things to Do in Cannon Beach
Hug Point
About 3 miles south of Cannon Beach, you’ll find Hug Point. Hug Point State Park is yet another enthralling destination in the area.
Named for the cape that stagecoaches had to “hug” at low tide when using the beach as a highway in the late nineteenth century, the area is known for its beautiful cliffs along the coast.
Hug Point is beautiful, but the parking lot fills up quickly on the weekends, and finding a spot elsewhere can be difficult.
The park is a beautiful spot for picnicking, hiking, and sunbathing, and it is now much easier to get to. Sandstone cliffs are dotted with caves and a waterfall that flows only during certain times of the year, making for some breathtaking scenery in addition to the abundance of outdoor activities.
The Oregon Coastal Trail runs via the park, and sightseers can see Haystack Rock from the beach.
Highlights: Adair Point, Hug Point & Fall Creek, Fall Creek Waterfall
Manzanita
Along the Oregon Coast is where you’ll find one of the state’s best-kept secrets: the quaint small town of Manzanita. Manzanita is known for having Oregon’s third-most photographed landscape.
The coastal city of Manzanita has a lot to offer, including a beautiful beach that is seven miles long and a downtown area that is compact and easily accessible on foot. This downtown area features restaurants, a bar, a winery, stores, and a spa.
Highlights: Hoffman Center For The Arts, Manzanita Golf Course
Tillamook
Tillamook, Oregon, is situated on the stunning Tillamook Bay on the Pacific Ocean’s southeastern edge. The Tillamook tribe, who originally inhabited the area, gave their name to the town, which is now best known as the motherland of the world-famous Tillamook Cheese Factory.
The factory welcomes visitors throughout the year for both guided and self-guided tours of its facilities and operations related to the making of cheese. We absolutely love getting ice cream and going on self-guided tours at the cheese factory when we visit the Oregon Coast.
The well-known Tillamook Air Museum displays aircraft and relics from the World War II era, and the Cape Lookout State Park is home to some of the most beautiful beachfront stretches in the state, as well as opportunities for hang gliding and paragliding.
Highlights: Cape Lookout State Park, Cape Meares Light, Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site, Tillamook Forest Center, Tillamook Air Museum, Tillamook Cheese Factory
Other Destinations to Consider Visiting
If you find that you still have time on your itinerary after visiting the above-mentioned places, there are a few other places that you might want to consider adding to your road trip.
The less time you spend in each of the places listed above, the more time you’ll have to explore beyond your itinerary. These are a bit farther away but well worth a visit. It may even be worth it to find a hotel on the coast, so you have an extra day to explore the area.
Florence, Oregon
You will be completely surprised by the number of small towns in Oregon. And one of the most beautiful surprises in Oregon is the city of Florence.
This coastal city is a paradise for those who love the outdoors. It has a wealth of beautiful beaches and state parks, must-see sights, a quaint and historic downtown, and some of the best regional food in the country. Florence, Oregon, a small but surprisingly diverse town, is one of the state’s best-kept secrets.
This is one of our favorite Oregon Coast cities to visit because it is so close to the Oregon dunes, and we love to go crabbing there.
Read More: 26 Best Things to Do in Florence, Oregon
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is famous for its wind-sculpted sand dunes that rise up to a height of 500 feet above sea level. We love exploring the sand dunes both on foot and in our RZR.
If you don’t have a RZR or four-wheeler and want to drive on the dunes, there are lots of rental companies in Florence.
Adventurers can enjoy the excitement of meandering along designated sand pathways surrounded by shore pine, huckleberry, wax myrtle, and salal or riding across wide, enormous dunes. It is also one of the biggest temperate coastal sand dunes in the world.
Read More: A Complete Guide to Visiting the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Large and covered with trees, Cape Perpetua is a headland located in the middle of Oregon’s coastline that extends out into the Pacific Ocean.
This area is a part of the Siuslaw National Forest. It is an excellent site to experience towering trees rising through the coastal fog, foamy waves crashing over craggy cliffs, and breathtaking headlands affording unobstructed views for miles.
Highlights: Thor’s Well, Cape Cove, Devil’s Churn
Newport, Oregon
The picturesque city of Newport in Oregon is home to not one but two lighthouses, one of which is the highest point in the state, as well as beaches that are ideal for viewing whales, bald eagles, and agates in the sand.
Things to do in Newport range from learning about ocean life at the Oregon Coast Aquarium and OMSI’s Coastal Discovery Center to sampling new beers at Rogue’s headquarters and trying world-famous chowder at Mo’s to venturing outdoors for short hikes, crabbing, fishing, and surfing all year round.
Newport is one of our favorite cities to visit on the coast because of the fun family activities mentioned, and you can go crabbing just south in Waldport. We have such wonderful family memories in Newport!
Highlights: Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport’s Historic Bayfront, Newport’s Historic Bayfront, Hatfield Marine Science Center
Read More: 32 Best Things to Do in Newport, Oregon
What to Bring On an Oregon Coast Day Trip from Portland
When you’ve finished outlining your tour, it’s time to start thinking about what day trip essentials you’ll need to pack. In order to make sure that your road trip goes off without a hitch, here are some essential items that you should pack.
Yeti Backpack Cooler
Having a Yeti backpack cooler is a game changer for long road trips. With the Yeti backpack cooler, you can maximize your time on the road by keeping your food and drinks at the perfect temperature and within easy reach.
This is one of our favorite travel items and we can’t recommend it enough. It is a great way to bring lunch in the car and keep your drinks cold. We can easily fit lunch for our family of five in it and it is perfect for road trips and days at the beach.
Product Details:
- You can take up to 18 cans of soda, beer, or whatever else you choose to drink in the YETI Hopper M20 backpack cooler.
- The closed-cell foam has remarkable cold-holding qualities, and powerful magnets provide an ultra-leak-resistant shield.
- The high-density fabric is resistant to tears and sunlight.
Roadside Emergency Kit
Having an emergency kit gives you peace of mind because you never know when you might be involved in an accident or breakdown. It’s also great to have if you find other people who need assistance.
Product Details:
- This lightweight and small roadside emergency kit is perfect for any situation.
- Includes things like a snow shovel, flashlights, a reflective triangle, jumpers, a strong towing rope, a safety hammer and seat belt cutters, a life blanket, a jacket, a compass, and more.
- This kit also features survival equipment useful for camping and other outdoor activities, as well as for use around the house.
Umbrella
Having a travel umbrella on hand can come in handy whether the weather turns out to be rainy or sunny. If you don’t take precautions, a few minutes of rain or extreme heat can quickly ruin your day. The Oregon Coast can be windy so it’s important to bring a windproof umbrella.
Product Details:
- You can open or close this umbrella with the touch of a button.
- This umbrella is convenient in size and weight, fitting easily into a purse or backpack.
- Includes wrist straps for added security in gusty weather or for hanging up when not in use.
▶ SHOP Windproof Travel Umbrella
Hiking Boots
Hiking boots are a fantastic option if you plan on venturing off the beaten path or if you simply want a pair of shoes that can handle any weather, including the snow.
Product Details:
- A waterproof membrane keeps away water while allowing moisture to evaporate.
- Constructed from premium leather with a mesh lining for added ventilation.
- Shock is reduced, and stability is increased by the air cushion in the heel.
Hiking Socks
If you want to have a pleasant hiking experience, hiking socks are a must.
When compared to a cotton sock, hiking socks do a better job of wicking away moisture, reducing foot perspiration, and providing cushioning, all of which work together to prevent painful blisters from forming when your shoe rubs against the heel of your foot.
Product Details:
- Designed to keep you dry and comfy on your hikes, regardless of the weather.
- The combination of wool and nylon in these hiking socks makes for a more breathable and itchy-free experience.
- These soft socks are perfect for keeping your feet toasty on cold days, and they look great on both men and women.
Tevas
Tevas is a great choice as a year-round or summer sandal. They are popular among outdoor enthusiasts for being durable, comfortable, lightweight, and relatively affordable.
My kids and I both love taking our Tevas to the Oregon Coast. They are great for easier hiking trails and they work great at the beach. They are really easy to clean off after getting wet and sandy at the beach. We love our Tevas!
Product Details:
- An extra-cushioned heel tab makes these sandals even more wearable.
- For secure hold and quick length adjustment, the straps include injection-molded ends.
- The convenient hook-and-loop fastener allows for speedy application and removal, as well as a good fit.
Waterproof Jacket
A waterproof jacket is an essential packing item if you want to stay fully dry, inside and out, while being active in the rain. The Oregon Coast can also be windy at times so it’s a good idea to have one even if there isn’t rain in the forecast.
Product Details:
- Offers waterproof protection that is also permeable to air.
- Designed to provide the highest convenience and dryness.
- Features a drawcord-adjustable hem, zippered hand pockets, and a storm hood with an abrasion-resistant chin guard to hold the heat in and the cold out.
Backpack
It is a great idea to bring a day pack with you on your Oregon Coast day trip from Portland. If you do any hiking in Ecola State Park, you can bring your water, snacks, and lunch with you. Plus, it is a great place for sunscreen, a camera, and a jacket.
Product Details:
- High storage capacity and three spacious sections.
- Allows for convenient 90° to 180° unfolding at security checkpoints.
- The built-in charging cable and external USB port make it easy to power up your phone and other gadgets on the go.
FAQs: Oregon Coast Day Trip from Portland
How far is Portland from the ocean?
Portland is about 80 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The drive takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The drive down the coast can take up to three hours.
What is the closest coastal town to Portland, Oregon?
Seaside, Oregon, is the nearest beach to Portland, Oregon. It is a one-hour, thirty-minute drive (78.4 miles).
How far from Portland is Cannon Beach?
The total driving distance from Portland, Oregon, to Cannon Beach is 79 miles (127 kilometers).
Can you do the Oregon Coast in one day?
Absolutely! It is a journey of more than 300 miles. If you start early in the morning, you will have time to briefly tour wonderful spots along the way.
Is the Oregon Coast worth visiting?
The enchanting Oregon Coast is well worth a visit. The journey along the Oregon Coast Highway from Portland is sure to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. This is because of its breathtaking scenery, one-of-a-kind activities, and awe-inspiring vistas.
It is an adventure that is ideal for groups of all sizes, including families, couples, and individuals. The Oregon Coast is one of our favorite places to spend our summer months!
Other Day Trips from Portland
While we would highly recommend a day trip out to Cannon Beach and Astoria, there are lots of other great day trips from Portland.
Some of these include the Columbia River Gorge, home to Multnomah Falls, Hood River, the Willamette Valley, Mount Hood, and Silver Falls State Park. We always have the best time, and the weather is amazing.
Read More: 21 Adventurous Day Trips From Portland You Won’t Want to Miss
Conclusion: Oregon Coast Day Trip from Portland
The Oregon Coast is indeed one of the most popular places in the United States to visit on a road trip due to its many attractions. You will find towering sea stacks, pristine beaches, tide pools, and wildlife refuges.
There are so many day trips from Portland to consider, but there’s nothing quite like a day on the coast. This epic Oregon Coast day trip from Portland takes you to magnificent landscapes and must-see attractions. We love spending time at the Oregon Coast and hope you get a feel for what a great place it is.
More Oregon Adventures
21 Best Things to Do in Gold Beach, Oregon
A Complete Guide to Visiting the Devils Punchbowl in Oregon
30 Best Campsites on the Oregon Coast
12 Best RV Parks Near Cannon Beach
13 Best RV Parks Near Gold Beach, Oregon
