Where to Stay on the Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is a breathtaking stretch of rugged coastline, spanning over 360 miles along the Pacific Ocean. It is known for its dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and charming seaside towns, all connected by the scenic Highway 101. First-time visitors to the Oregon Coast should expect a diverse array of beaches—some are wide and sandy, perfect for long walks and beachcombing, while others are rocky, featuring dramatic sea stacks, tide pools teeming with marine life, and hidden coves.

I have traveled up and down this amazing coastline several times over, and it NEVER gets old. There’s always something new to discover along the way. The best time to take this road trip is anytime from late Spring to early Fall (May – September).

Unlike the warm, sunny beaches of California, the Oregon Coast has a more temperate and often misty climate, meaning sunbathing is not always a given, even in summer. However, the stunning scenery, fresh ocean air, and opportunities for outdoor adventure—from hiking to storm watching—make the Oregon Coast an unforgettable destination in any season.

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Camping along the Oregon Coast

RV camping along the Oregon Coast is a fantastic way to experience its rugged beauty, with Highway 101 serving as a scenic and RV-friendly route that runs the entire length of the coastline. The highway offers relatively easy driving conditions, though some sections have curves and elevation changes that require caution.

Along the way, travelers will find a wide range of RV camping opportunities, from full-hookup sites at well-equipped state parks like Fort Stevens and Beverly Beach to private campgrounds with oceanfront views and resort-style amenities.

For those who prefer a more rustic experience, there are also primitive sites and forested campgrounds nestled in coastal state parks. Many campgrounds offer direct access to beaches, hiking trails, and tide pools, making RV camping along the Oregon Coast an ideal way to explore its natural wonders while staying close to the action.

A journey along the Oregon Coast Highway (US-101) is an unforgettable experience filled with dramatic cliffs, charming seaside towns, and endless outdoor adventures. The drive itself is filled with dramatic Pacific Ocean views peppered with charming seaside enclaves. I highly recommend visiting some or all of these towns, making it an epic road trip that you should carve out two weeks to do!

An Epic Oregon Coast Road Trip

Embarking on a road trip down the Oregon coast offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Below is my curated list of lodging choices in each of the towns, categorized where possible into luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodations. I’ve also listed activities and my favorite place to eat at each stop.

1. Astoria – Where History Meets the Sea

📍 Start here! The northernmost town on the Oregon Coast (95 miles northwest of Portland)

Astoria is the oldest settlement west of the Rockies, perched at the mouth of the Columbia River. With a rich maritime past, Victorian homes, and a buzzing food scene, it’s a fantastic first stop. 

🔹 Must-Do: Climb the Astoria Column for stunning views. 

🔹 Don’t Miss: Fort Stevens State Park’s shipwreck beach. 

🔹 Eat Here: Bowpicker Fish & Chips (served fresh from an old boat!).

Best Lodging in Astoria

Luxury: Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa – A boutique hotel offering panoramic views of the Columbia River, with spa services and luxurious rooms.

Mid-Range: Hotel Elliott – Historic charm with modern amenities, located in downtown Astoria.

Budget: Astoria Rivershore Motel – Affordable accommodations with easy access to local attractions.

2. Seaside – A Classic Beach Getaway

📍 20 minutes south of Astoria 

Seaside is a fun, family-friendly town with a historic boardwalk and carnival vibes. It’s where Lewis and Clark ended their expedition! 

🔹 Must-Do: Stroll the Seaside Promenade and visit the carousel. 

🔹 Don’t Miss: Kayaking the Necanicum River at sunset. 

🔹 Eat Here: Seaside Brewery (housed in an old jail!).

Best Lodging in Seaside

Luxury: The Seaside Oceanfront Inn – Boutique oceanfront hotel with upscale dining and direct beach access.

Mid-Range: Inn at the Prom – Comfortable suites with kitchenettes, steps away from the beach.

Budget: Hi-Tide Oceanfront Inn – Economical stay with ocean views and complimentary breakfast.

3. Cannon Beach – Oregon’s Most Iconic View

📍 10 minutes south of Seaside 

Cannon Beach is a must-see, famous for Haystack Rock, Ecola State Park, and a thriving artistic atmosphere along the main shopping area of Hemlock Street. 

🔹 Must-Do: Walk the beach at low tide for tidepools teeming with sea life. 

🔹 Don’t Miss: Hike Ecola State Park for breathtaking coastal views. 

🔹 Eat Here: Pelican Brewing (oceanfront comfort food and beer!) or Screw & Brew (a nice brew pub and mini hardware store all rolled into one!)

Best Lodging in Cannon Beach

Luxury: Stephanie Inn – An oceanfront luxury hotel offering exceptional service and gourmet dining.

Mid-Range: Schooner’s Cove Inn – Oceanfront suites with kitchens and private balconies.

Budget: The Wayside Inn – Comfortable rooms with easy beach access and pet-friendly options.

4. Manzanita – A Quiet Coastal Retreat

📍 20 minutes south of Cannon Beach 

Manzanita is a peaceful escape with a seven-mile beach backed by the stunning Neahkahnie Mountain. 

🔹 Must-Do: Hike Neahkahnie Mountain for epic views. 

🔹 Don’t Miss: Explore Nehalem Bay State Park—great for biking and beachcombing. 

🔹 Eat Here: Left Coast Siesta (delicious burritos with a view!).

Best Lodging in Manzanita

Luxury: Coast Cabins – Upscale cabins offering a serene retreat with modern amenities.

Mid-Range: Sunset Surf Motel – Oceanfront rooms with kitchenettes and a heated pool.

Budget: Spindrift Inn – Quaint inn located in the heart of Manzanita, close to shops and the beach.

5. Rockaway Beach – Vintage Beach Town Charm

📍 15 minutes south of Manzanita 

A relaxed town with a long sandy beach perfect for storm watching or summer bonfires. 

🔹 Must-Do: Ride the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. 

🔹 Don’t Miss: Snap a photo of Twin Rocks, a famous sea stack formation. 

🔹 Eat Here: The Offshore Grill (fresh seafood and casual vibes).

Best Lodging in Rockaway Beach

Luxury: Rockaway Beach Resort – Condominium-style accommodations with full amenities and ocean views.

Mid-Range: Silver Sands Oceanfront Motel – Rooms with ocean views, direct beach access, and an indoor pool.

Budget: Getaway Oceanfront Lodging – Pet-friendly condos with 180-degree oceanfront views.

6. Garibaldi – A Fisherman’s Paradise

📍 10 minutes south of Rockaway Beach 

This small working harbor town is a dream for seafood lovers and history buffs. I feel this town is one that really captures the feel of the Oregon coast.

🔹 Must-Do: Take a fishing charter for fresh-caught dinner. 

🔹 Don’t Miss: Visit the Garibaldi Maritime Museum. 

🔹 Eat Here: The Fish Peddler in nearby Bay City (amazing clam chowder!).

Best Lodging in Garibaldi

Luxury: Harborview Inn & RV Park – Offers both upscale rooms and RV spots with harbor views.

Mid-Range: Hotel Garibaldi – Comfortable accommodations with complimentary breakfast and indoor pool.

Budget: Garibaldi Inn at the Bay – Affordable rooms with essential amenities, close to local attractions.

7. Tillamook – Dairy, Beaches & Scenic Drives

📍 15 minutes south of Garibaldi 

Known for its world-class cheese, but also home to stunning coastal landscapes. 

🔹 Must-Do: Visit the Tillamook Creamery for some of the best cheese samples and ice cream you’ll ever have! 

🔹 Don’t Miss: Take the Three Capes Scenic Drive. 

🔹 Eat Here: De Garde Brewing (unique farmhouse ales!).

Best Lodging in Tillamook

Luxury: Ashley Inn of Tillamook – Features spacious rooms, an indoor pool, and close proximity to the Tillamook Cheese Factory.

Mid-Range: Tillamook Inn – Offers comfortable suites, an on-site restaurant, and an indoor pool.

Budget: Western Royal Inn – Basic accommodations with easy access to downtown Tillamook.

8. Pacific City – Surfer’s Paradise

📍 35 minutes south of Tillamook 

A small but lively town with massive sand dunes, dory boats, and surfing. 

🔹 Must-Do: Climb Cape Kiwanda’s golden sand dunes. 

🔹 Don’t Miss: Watch dory boats land right on the beach! 

🔹 Eat Here: Pelican Brewing for brews and tasty food on the sand!

Best Lodging in Pacific City

Luxury: Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa – A luxury retreat with oceanfront rooms, a spa, and fine dining.

Mid-Range: Inn at Cape Kiwanda – Offers ocean-view rooms, across the street from the beach.

Budget: Pacific City Inn – Affordable stay with clean rooms and close to local attractions.

9. Lincoln City – Beachcomber’s Dream

📍 30 minutes south of Pacific City 

Famous for its hidden glass floats, long beaches, and whale-watching. 

🔹 Must-Do: Search for a Finders Keepers glass float. (Events are held several times a year.)

🔹 Don’t Miss: Hike to God’s Thumb for an epic ocean view. Read by article about it here.

🔹 Eat Here: Kyllo’s Seafood Grill (waterfront dining!).

Best Lodging in Lincoln City

Luxury: Salishan Coastal Lodge – Upscale resort offering a spa, golf course, and fine dining.

Mid-Range: The Coho Oceanfront Lodge – Oceanfront rooms with modern amenities and complimentary breakfast.

Budget: Sands Condominiums – Affordable condos with beach access and essential amenities.

10. Depoe Bay – Whale Watching Capital

📍 15 minutes south of Lincoln City

A small town with the world’s smallest navigable harbor and year-round whale watching. 

🔹 Must-Do: Visit the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center. 

🔹 Don’t Miss: See the Spouting Horn, a natural sea geyser. 

🔹 Eat Here: Tidal Raves (cliffside ocean views!).

Best Lodging in Depoe Bay

Luxury: Whale Cove Inn – Boutique luxury with stunning ocean views and gourmet dining.

Mid-Range: Inn at Arch Rock – Charming inn with panoramic ocean views and private beach access.

Budget: Four Winds Motel – Budget-friendly option with basic amenities and close to the harbor.

11. Newport – A Coastal Playground

📍 20 minutes south of Depoe Bay 

A lively mix of history, science, and seafood. 

🔹 Must-Do: Visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium. 

🔹 Don’t Miss: Walk the historic Yaquina Bay Bridge. 

🔹 Eat Here: Mo’s Seafood (famous clam chowder!). Mo’s has several locations along the Oregon coast, but this location is my favorite.

Best Lodging in Newport

Luxury: Hallmark Resort Newport – Oceanfront rooms with private balconies and a renowned on-site restaurant.

Mid-Range: Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites – Spacious suites with ocean views and complimentary breakfast.

Budget: Motel 6 Newport – Basic accommodations with easy access to the beach and local attractions.

12. Yachats – Wild & Rugged Beauty

📍 30 minutes south of Newport 

Pronounced “ya-haats”, this is a wonderful laid-back town with some of the best scenery on the coast. 

🔹 Must-Do: Explore Thor’s Well at low tide. 

🔹 Don’t Miss: Drive to Cape Perpetua for sweeping views. 

🔹 Eat Here: Yachats Underground Pub & Grub (featuring “secret ingredient” burgers cooked to order.)

Best Lodging in Yachats

Luxury: Overleaf Lodge & Spa – Oceanfront luxury with a full-service spa and breathtaking views.

Mid-Range: Fireside Motel – Comfortable rooms with ocean views and direct beach access.

Budget: The Dublin House Motel – Affordable stay with indoor pool and close to downtown Yachats.

13. Florence – Gateway to the Dunes

📍 40 minutes south of Yachats 

A mix of historic charm, sand dunes, and sea caves. 

🔹 Must-Do: Visit Heceta Head Lighthouse. 

🔹 Don’t Miss: Dune buggy the Oregon Dunes. 

🔹 Eat Here: Homegrown Public House  (home-made comfort food and local brews on tap).

Best Lodging in Florence

Luxury: Three Rivers Casino Resort – Offers upscale rooms, multiple dining options, and entertainment.

Mid-Range: Driftwood Shores Resort & Conference Center – Oceanfront rooms with full kitchens and an indoor pool.

Budget: River House Inn – Budget-friendly accommodations overlooking the Siuslaw River.

14. Bandon – Sea Stacks & Golf

📍 1 hour 30 minutes south of Florence 

Dramatic cliffs, cranberry farms, and world-class golf courses. 

🔹 Must-Do: Visit Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint. 

🔹 Don’t Miss: Stroll the Bandon Boardwalk. 

🔹 Eat Here: Tony’s Crab Shack (fresh Dungeness crab!).

Best Lodging in Bandon

Luxury: Bandon Dunes Golf Resort – A premier golf destination offering upscale lodging options, including cottages and lodge rooms, with stunning views and top-notch amenities.

Mid-Range: Bandon Inn – Perched on a bluff overlooking Old Town Bandon, this inn provides comfortable rooms with panoramic views of the Coquille River and Pacific Ocean. 

Budget: Lighthouse Cove Inn – Centrally located in Bandon, this inn offers clean, well-appointed rooms at an affordable price, with easy access to local attractions.

15. Brookings – The Warmest Coastal Escape

📍1 hour 30 minutes south of Bandon 

Southern Oregon’s hidden gem, with warm weather and epic scenery. 

🔹 Must-Do: Hike Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor. 

🔹 Don’t Miss: Relax at Harris Beach State Park. 

🔹 Eat Here: Black Trumpet Bistro (casual fine dining!)

Best Lodging in Brookings

Luxury: Beachfront Inn – Located directly on the shores of the Pacific Ocean – amenities include an outdoor heated pool, hot tub, and complimentary hot breakfast.

Mid-Range: Brookings Inn Resort – it’s conveniently located near local attractions like Harris Beach State Park and the Port of Brookings Harbor.

Budget: Blue Coast Inn & Suites – situated just steps from Harris Beach, guests can enjoy easy access to the coastline.

Which towns are you most excited to visit? Plan your Oregon coast getaway!