10 Most Scenic Spots Along the Oregon Coast You Need to See
The Oregon Coast is the most beautiful area of the Pacific Northwest and attracts visitors with its striking scenery and powerful ocean vistas.
You’re here because you’re excited to get out and discover this rugged coastline and find its most scenic spots, and want to be sure you’re not missing out on any highlights.
Why you should care: This article is about the most scenic places in the northwestern state that isn’t just about the usual travel guides.
I wrote this guide to help you plan an unforgettable road trip down the coast, whether you’re an avid photographer, nature lover, or seeking a beautiful getaway.
On the inside, ten of the prettiest places along the Oregon Coast, offering everything from secretive coves to towering sea stacks.
The following that I have chosen for you are equally some must-see highlights and lesser-known stops, and will certainly enhance your coastal Here, I look for some suitable attractions and must-see viewpoints that are only one hand in the sea.
If you’re interested in hiking or just relaxing on the beach, or if you want to capture amazing pictures, these spots will provide the right background.
So let’s get into the best things to see along the Oregon Coast because each turn has something new and amazing to offer.
1. Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock.
One of the most well-known places to visit on the Oregon Coast is Cannon Beach, which features a long stretch of sandy beach topped with the iconic Haystack Rock.
This stunning sea stack is a scenic geological formation but also a protected marine refuge, full of colorful tide pools and nesting seabirds.
The nearby town is full of quirky shops, art galleries and cozy cafes where you can unwind after a stroll on the beach, adding to the beach’s charm.
Cannon Beach has splendid sunsets, lighting the sky in brilliant colors that cast a magical light over the rocks.
Its a highly desired destination that embodies the spirit of the Oregon Coast with its natural beauty and charm.
2. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
The Cape Perpetua Scenic Area showcases some of the most dramatic coastal views, where verdant forests slope to steep cliffs and waves crash below.
At the Cape Perpetua Lookout, coastal views stretch for miles across the horizon, with the vista particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
The region also contains Thor’s Well, a natural sinkhole that appears to suck the ocean from the surrounding waters, forming a mesmerizing and vaguely otherworldly sight.
Content with countless hiking trails, tide pools, and scenic overlooks, Cape Perpetua offers infinite opportunities for hiking and photography.
It’s an ideal place for explorers seeking the visceral force and splendor of the Oregon Coast.
3. Ecola State Park
Just south of Cannon Beach is Ecola State Park, a coastal paradise filled with fantastic hiking trails and vistas.
From the many overlooks throughout the park, you’ll get sweeping views of sea stacks, dense coastal forests and the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, in the distance, W.R. McLain said.
Historical aspects are integrated into the park, as it was part of land visited by the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
With miles of trails snaking through pristine, old-growth forests and along steep cliffs, there’s more than enough to explore for hikers of all abilities.
Ecola State Park’s combination of beautiful scenery and peaceful landscapes makes an impression on anyone visiting the Oregon Coast.
4. Heceta Head Lighthouse
Perched on a cliff above the Pacific Ocean, Heceta Head Lighthouse is among the most photographed in the country.
This restored 19th-century lighthouse is a glimpse into Oregon’s maritime history and one of the prettiest viewpoints on the coast.
Visitors can tour the lighthouse, explore nearby trails or just sit on the nearby beach and watch waves crash against rocks.
With the ocean, the lighthouse, and the wooded cliffs, it’s like something out of a postcard.
It’s an enchanting place that embodies the soul of the Oregon Coast and is ideal for history seekers and nature lovers as well.
5. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is a 12-mile stretch of rocky coastline replete with dramatic cliffs, natural bridges and secret beaches.
The numerous pull- outs and trails of the corridor provide some of the most stunning vistas on the coast, including the famous Arch Rock and Natural Bridges viewpoints.
This area of Oregon, south of the Crescent City, is far less crowded than other coastal hot spots, allowing you to experience the Oregon Coast’s wild beauty in solitude.
Landmarks: From soaring sea stacks to dense coastal forests, every bend in this park showcases another breathtaking view.
It’s a paradise for adventurers, with some of the finest hiking, photography and sightseeing to be found on the coast.
6. Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area
Devil’s Punchbowl is a nonphysical topographical formation that at high tide turns into a whirling cauldron of seawater.
This natural phenomenon is best seen from atop the cliffs above it and can observe the way the ocean gurgles and surges inside the rock basin.
At low tide, visitors can roam the surrounding tide pools, teeming with swaths of marine life, including starfish, anemones and crabs.
It’s an incredible place that highlights the power of the ocean and the ephemeral nature of the Oregon Coast.
Devil’s Punchbowl is an excellent stop for a fleeting one, featuring an absolute thrill and seeing one of nature’s most volatile displays.
7. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, which features the tallest lighthouse in Oregon, stands on a basalt headland that juts out into the ocean.
The site has sweeping views of the rocky coastline, with seals often seen sunbathing on terraced rocks below.
Visitors can tour the historic lighthouse, walk its coastal trails and explore tide pools filled with sea creatures.
The center offers insight into the area’s history and marine life, complementing your visit with educational exhibits.
It’s a lovely place — the right mix of Oregon’s natural beauty and a dash of coastal history.
8. Three Capes Scenic Loop
Highly recommended is Three Capes Scenic Loop, a drive through some of the coast’s most beautiful scenery, including Cape Meares, Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda.
Different capes have their charms — of cliffs and wide beaches, forests and ocean vistas.
Highlights range from the Cape Meares Lighthouse to the ragged trails of Cape Lookout and the sand dunes at Cape Kiwanda.
This tour takes in the coast’s diversity in a single drive, with ample opportunities for hiking, picnicking and sightseeing along the way.
The Three Capes Scenic Loop combines adventure and relaxation on the best of the Oregon Coast.
9. Cape Arago State Park
Hidden Gem: Cape Arago State Park (Cape Arago, Ore.): Do you enjoy walks with sky high ocean views, secluded beaches, and wildlife spotting?
The park’s cliffside overlooks offer dramatic views of the rocky shorelines, crashing waves and the occasional whale breaching in the distance.
There are hiking trails that weave through coastal forests and hiking trails alongside the rugged shoreline at Cape Arago, so it’s wonderful for outdoor lovers.
Also not to miss is the nearby Simpson Reef Overlook, which allows you to see and hear hundreds of seals and sea lions sunning themselves on the rocks below.
With its natural beauty and peacefulness, Cape Arago is perfect for anyone who wants to get away from the crowds and enjoy nature.
10. Shore Acres State Park
Shore Acres State Park is a botanical marvel with manicured gardens perched on rugged cliffs overlooking Sweeping ocean vistas.
Once the private estate of a timber baron, the park’s gardens serve as a public spot teeming with colorful gardens, fountains and scenic viewpoints.
The park has a viewpoint that is a great place to see the crashing waves on a rocky coastline, especially during storms.
In winter, seasonal light exhibits give it a festive flavor, so Shore Acres is an attraction year-round that serves visitors of all ages.
It’s this blend of cultivated beauty and rugged coastal grace that makes Shore Acres among the most picturesque and peaceful spots on the Oregon Coast.
Final Thoughts: 10 Most Beautiful Places On The Oregon Coast
There are many scenic points to visit on the Oregon Coast, and here are some of the best of the best, each providing its own view of the rugged beauty and charm of the region.
Then you’re in luck, because from the iconic lighthouses and natural rock formations to serene park spaces and vibrant gardens, these destinations perfectly encapsulate the magic of the Oregon Coast.
Not only will visiting these ten places offer spectacular sights, but also give you a sense of the remarkable history and natural treasures of this wonderful coastline.
Whether that’s you and your friends (or your entire family) hitting the road for a road trip or your pack hiking through national parks or your beach bums staying at the shore for just one more day, if you emerge in one of these destinations, unforgettable experiences await at every turn.
Pack your camera, hit the road, and discover the most beautiful gems along the Oregon Coast— your lungs will thank you for it.
