3 Days on Highway 101
The coast of Oregon stretches for more than 350 miles, packed with dramatic cliffs, historic lighthouses, charming coastal towns, and some of the most unique landscapes in the United States. We set out to experience as much of it as possible in just a few days, starting in Portland and winding our way south along the iconic coastal highway.
This is just a small portion of our larger Pacific Northwest series, this portion came after exploring the Olympic Peninsula and spending time in Portland. This leg of the journey took us from the Columbia River all the way down to Florence, Oregon, before heading inland to Eugene for our flight home.
Before we dive into the day-by-day itinerary, here are a few things we learned that will make your own Oregon Coast road trip smoother.
Helpful Tips for Driving the Oregon Coast
1. Drive North to South
If possible, start in the north and head south along U.S. Highway 101. This keeps the ocean on your right side, making it much easier to pull into viewpoints safely.
2. Download a GPS Tour App
We used a GPS-based audio guide (we named ours “Gary”), and it made a huge difference. It provided real-time history, fun facts, and suggested stops without needing to plan every detail ahead of time.
3. Check Tide Charts Daily
Tide pools are one of the highlights of the Oregon Coast, but they only appear during low tide. Timing your stops correctly is essential.
4. Expect Changing Weather
Sun, fog, wind, and mist can all happen within a few hours. Layers are key.
5. Book Lodging in Advance (Especially Summer)
Coastal towns fill up quickly. We stayed in Tillamook for a day and then used Newport as a home base for the last two nights, which made exploring much easier.
Day 1: Portland to Tillamook (via Astoria & Cannon Beach)
We left Portland early and made our way northwest toward Astoria, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean.
Our first stop was the Astoria Column, a historic monument celebrating the region’s natural resources and early settlers. It’s a perfect introduction to the Pacific Northwest.
Next, we explored Pier 39, home to a museum inside a former cannery. This stop gave us a surprising deep dive into the Columbia River fishing industry, which dates back thousands of years and eventually grew into a global seafood powerhouse.
Outside, we were greeted by a loud (and unforgettable) colony of California sea lion lounging along the docks.
From there, we officially reached the coast and made our way to Ecola State Park. This was our first real glimpse of the Oregon coastline, and it completely redefined what a “beach” could be.
We continued south to Cannon Beach, home to the iconic Haystack Rock. Standing over 230 feet tall, it’s one of the most recognizable landmarks on the entire coast.
On the way to our hotel, we made a last-minute stop at Pronto Pup, famous for serving what they claim is the original corn dog. It’s slightly different from what you might expect, using a pancake-like batter instead of traditional cornmeal.
We ended the day in Tillamook, settling in for an early start the next morning.
Day 2: Tillamook to Newport
We started our day at the Tillamook Creamery, arriving bright and early for a guided tour and tasting.
As a farmer-owned co-op, Tillamook processes over a million pounds of milk daily and produces tens of millions of pounds of cheese each year. The tour gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the operation, followed by a tasting of everything from classic cheddar to aged varieties up to 10 years old.
Naturally, we couldn’t leave without trying their ice cream, cheese curds, and mac and cheese.
Next, we stopped at Blue Heron French Cheese Company, known for its brie and charming market. We grabbed supplies for a picnic and even visited the small petting zoo out front.
Continuing south, we visited the Cape Meares Lighthouse. Though only 38 feet tall, its position on a cliff makes it visible for over 20 miles.
We also made a quick stop at Jacobsen Salt Co., where we picked up locally harvested sea salt sourced from Netarts Bay.
As the weather rolled in, we arrived at Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area. This collapsed sea cave fills with crashing waves, creating a dramatic “punch bowl” effect that really showcases the power of the Pacific.
By evening, we reached Newport and checked into our home base for the next two nights.
For dinner, we stopped at Mo’s Seafood & Chowder for clam chowder and local seafood, followed by a nighttime visit with Newport’s famously loud sea lions.
Day 3: Newport to Florence
We kicked off the final day at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, home to the tallest lighthouse in the state, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.
Built in 1873, the lighthouse stands 93 feet tall and has its own eerie local legend involving a missing girl and unexplained events inside the tower.
Next, we visited the Oregon Coast Aquarium, which focuses on marine life native to the region. Highlights included sea otters, touch tanks, and a walk-through tunnel where sharks and rays swim overhead.
For lunch, we headed to Local Ocean Seafoods, known for its fresh, locally sourced seafood and harbor views.
In the afternoon, we stopped at the Sea Lion Caves, the largest sea cave in the United States. While the sea lions were away during our visit, the views of the Heceta Head Lighthouse alone made it worth the stop.
With time running out, we made one last push to see tide pools via the Hobbit Trail.
Tide pools are formed when the ocean recedes during low tide, leaving behind small ecosystems filled with sea stars, anemones, crabs, and more. These environments are constantly changing and require careful timing and awareness of incoming tides.
We wrapped up our trip at the beach near Heceta Head, taking in one final view of the rugged Oregon coastline before heading inland toward Eugene.
Final Thoughts
Driving the Oregon Coast is one of those experiences that feels almost cinematic. Every turn reveals something new, whether it’s a hidden cove, a historic lighthouse, or a roadside food stop you didn’t plan for but end up loving.
If you’re looking for a road trip that combines nature, food, and a little bit of adventure, this one absolutely delivers.
And if you want to see this entire journey come to life, including all the stops, unexpected moments, and behind-the-scenes experiences, be sure to check out the full video on our YouTube channel, The Savory Suitcase.
The Savory Suitcase 