Portland To Oregon Coast Day Trip: The Best Stops You Need To Visit

When you’re in Portland, you need to make time for a one day road trip along the Oregon Coast.

I highly recommend making this trip because the Oregon Coast is full of small beach towns, local eateries and stunning views along the drive. If you’re looking for the perfect slow day by the sea, you’ll love these stops along the coast.

I was in Portland for a travel conference and had the chance to meet so many locals – including people from my hostel and the tourism board. When I asked them about ideas for a day trip, almost everyone recommended me to see the Oregon Coast.

This got me super excited about the idea of spending a chill day driving down this scenic highway, from the famous Cannon Beach to Tillamook Creamery. If having coffee, coastal scenery, and ice cream sound fun, this Portland to the Oregon Coast day trip is perfect for you.

This article uses affiliate links where I make a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Portland To Oregon Coast Day Trip Summary

Total driving duration and time: 195 miles, 4 hours

Lots of people recommend driving from north to south because you’ll be closer to the scenic ocean views on the right side. In addition, it makes it easier to turn out for a quick photo stop.

First things first – we’ll need to rent a car. I stayed in Northwest Portland Hostel which was walking distance from Enterprise, so I quickly booked a car there via RentalCars.

Starting from downtown Portland, we’ll drive westward on Highway 26 to our first stop on the Oregon Coast.

Driving southward on Highway 101, we’ll make various stops that including the epic Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach. You’ll wind through scenic roads through various small coastal towns, before finally arriving at Tillamook Creamery.

Finally, you’ll be heading eastward on Highway 6 which winds along Wilson River amidst the calming Tillamook State Forest. Then, you’ll join back on Highway 26 towards Portland.

Make a quick search below to see which cars are available for your travel dates.

If you’re looking for tours instead, consider this popular day trip tour I almost signed up for. It takes you from downtown Portland to the must-see parts of the northern Oregon Coast. You can still use this guide as a reference for what you can expect on the tour.

Map for the Portland to Oregon Coast day trip loop

For easy reference, here’s a map view to summarize the amazing stops we’ll be including in our Oregon Coast day trip.

---

1. Enjoy the view at Ecola Point Viewpoint

• Drive time: 1.5 hours from Portland
• Time to spend here: 15 to 45 minutes
• Where to park: Ecola State Park Parking ($5 day use fee)
• What to see: Coastal scenery from Ecola Point Viewpoint

We’ll come to our first stop at Ecola State Park. It costs $5 for day use parking (I paid with credit card), and you’ll also find a toilet here.

From the parking area, the Ecola Point Viewpoint is just a short walk away on a broad trail. It is very easy to access and you’ll not be breaking a sweat here.

Check out the huge rocks jutting out of the water! If you look closely towards the north, you’ll also see the Tillamook Lighthouse in the distance. You could also take a short walk to Indian beach where it gets much quieter.

This is the first view of the Oregon Coast we get since we set off from Portland, and it’s just going to get more amazing from here!

---

2. Lunch at Wayfarer Restaurant and Lounge

• Drive time: 12 minutes from Ecola Point Viewpoint
• Time to spend here: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Where to park: Restaurant parking
• Opening hours: 8am to 9pm daily

One of my favorite things to do at the coast is to dine with a view. Wayfarer Restaurant and Lounge is a local favorite in Cannon Beach that serves classic seafood dishes in a comfortable and cozy setting.

I tried their clam chowder for a quick snack and enjoyed it in front of the huge windows that look out to Haystack Rock in the distance.

You can also spend a longer time here with larger entrees including Dungeness crab and other types of seafood.

This is a great stop for families and couples because of the atmosphere, and I recommend coming earlier to avoid the lunch crowd.

---

3. Grab coffee at Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters

• Drive time: 2 minutes from Wayfarer Restaurant and Lounge
• Time to spend here: 15 to 30 minutes
• Where to park: Cannon Beach Public Parking (45.889631, -123.961720)
• Opening hours: 8am to 3pm (Friday to Monday only)

After a snack break, let’s move our car to the Cannon Beach Public Parking lot beside Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters. It is free to park there, and you can also access the public restrooms across the road.

Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters has such a chill vibe to it, with a relaxed seating area in the porch and Adirondack chairs on the grass. You can also purchase coffee beans there if you’re interested in supporting local roasters.

In case Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters is closed, other coffee shops in the area include:

• Bald Eagle Coffee House
• Lazy Susan Cafe
• Insomnia Coffee Co
• Sea Level Bakery + Coffee

---

4. Admire the Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach

• Walking time: 10 minutes from the public parking lot
• Time to spend here: 30 to 45 minutes
• Where to park: Cannon Beach Public Parking (45.889631, -123.961720)
• What to see: Puffins, tide pools (at low tide)

After getting coffee, take a short walk along Cannon Beach towards the Haystack Rock. You’d be surprised how big it actually is!

You don’t really need to walk right up to the rock to admire it, and it’s a great idea to sit on the sand and enjoy the view. The beach is huge so it was possible to get a good selfie without other people in it.

If you’re visiting at low tide, you can try to exploring the tide pools at the rocks. Some of the marine creatures include mussels, crabs, sea stars, anemone, and more.

Cannon Beach is also the best place on the Oregon Coast to see Tufted Puffins resting on Haystack Rock. They typically arrive in April to lay eggs and raise their young during spring. If you’re hoping to see them in action, bring along your binoculars.

5. Check out Hug Point Falls at low tide

• Driving time: 6 minutes from Cannon Beach
• Time to spend here: 30 to 45 minutes
• Where to park: Beach Access Road parking (45.828600, -123.960949)
• What to see: Waterfall, cave, and tide pools

If you are visiting during low tide (check here), you have the rare opportunity of walking up to Hug Point Falls and the cave beside it. You can also walk southwards on the beach towards Arch Cape, which has a really cool natural arch.

Make sure you are well aware of the tide timings, as you might risk getting stranded if the tide is coming in. You may not be able to access this part of the beach at high tide, and that is okay. Don’t risk your safety even if you think this is a must-see spot.

It’s too bad that I didn’t get to visit during low tide, but I will definitely be back to explore the tide pools next time.

---

6. Visit Short Sand Beach via a short hike

• Driving time: 7 minutes from Hug Point
• Time to spend here: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Where to park: Oswald West Lot 20
• What to see: Surfers, Blumenthal Falls (at low tide)

The next stop on our Oregon Coast day trip is Short Sand Beach at Oswald West State Park. It is an area with dramatic capes, coves, and mountains.

This is within Smuggler Cove, a popular spot for surfing and hiking. At low tide, you can even get close to Blumenthal Falls on the northern end of the beach.

There are a few parking spots and trail variations, but the easiest one starts at the Oswald West Lot 20. The easiest hike is just 1.2 miles round trip and takes you through a lovely forest.

I recommend downloading the AllTrails map for the Short Sands Beach Trail because there’s no cell reception there.

Honestly, I was confused about the parking spots and went to the “Short Sands Trail – South Trailhead” parking instead. I ended up going down towards the beach via the Necarney Creek Trail which was also really pretty, but it was not shown on Google Maps so that made me nervous.

If you’re up for a longer adventure to enjoy the view from a higher point, consider hiking the Cape Falcon Trail. It’s a 4.5 miles round trip and takes about 2 hours, so do adjust your day trip itinerary accordingly. Do also wear appropriate shoes or hiking boots in case the trails are muddy.

---

7. Enjoy the scenery at Neahkahnie Viewpoint

• Driving time: 3 minutes from Short Sands Beach parking
• Time to spend here: 15 minutes

The Neahkahnie Viewpoint in Oswald West State Park is one of the best spots for whale watching in this area because it looks out towards the south. Winter and spring would be prime time to look out for the migrating gray whales.

From here, you can see pretty much the whole stretch of coastline from Neahkahnie Beach all the way to Rockaway Beach. In fact, it is the highest point that you can drive to along the Oregon Coast, so it’s definitely worth stopping by.

If you want to spend more time here, you can even hike up Neahkahnie Mountain via the south trail which starts a little further south along the Oregon Coast highway.

---

8. Grab a snack at Manzanita Mudd Dogs

• Driving time: 6 minutes from Neahkahnie Viewpoint
• Time to spend here: 30 minutes
• Where to park: Roadside
• Opening hours: 11am to 6pm (Friday to Monday only)

After you descend from Neahkahnie Viewpoint, make a stop at Manzanita. It is a quiet vacation town with various types of lodges and beach houses overlooking Manzanita Beach.

This is the perfect time to snack on Chicago-style hotdog buns at Manzanita Mudd Dogs. It is a family-run hot dog stand that features an outdoor seating area with a fire pit. I definitely appreciated the extra warmth there as the coastal winds can be quite chilly.

If you’re hoping to get coffee again, there’s Manzanita Coffee Co just next door. If the hot dog stand is closed when you’re there, check out Marzano’s Pizza Pie nearby or Yolk which serves all-day brunch.

---

9. Indulge in ice cream at Tillamook Creamery

• Driving time: 40 minutes from Neahkahnie Viewpoint
• Time to spend here: 45 minutes to 2 hours
• Where to park: Tillamook Parking (45.483097, -123.843962)
• Opening hours: 10am to 6pm daily

At this point, I couldn’t ask for more because the weather was amazing and the coastal views exceeded my expectations. There’s only one way to end the Oregon Coast day trip before we go back to Portland – and that’s with some ice cream from Tillamook Creamery.

There are no entrance fees required to enter the Tillamook Creamery. For a special experience, book a tour where you can learn about how they make cheese and ice cream, and even taste it. Alternatively, help yourself to their self-guided tour exhibits, and explore the Dining Hall and gift shop.

Make sure to get there before they close at 6pm!

---

10. Sunset at Cape Meares Lighthouse

• Driving time: 30 minutes from Tillamook Creamery
• Time to spend here: 30 to 45 minutes
• Where to park: Tillamook Parking (45.483097, -123.843962)

If you can’t get enough of the Oregon Coast and want to watch the sunset here, the 1890s Cape Meares Lighthouse is a great landmark to visit. Nearby, you can also check out the Octopus Tree that has its branches spread out weirdly like an octopus.

This stop is also part of the larger Three Capes Scenic Loop that is 40 miles long. If you still have energy or you skipped some earlier stops, consider taking an additional detour to explore this part of the Tillamook coastline.

---

FAQs

Initially, I had so many questions about the Oregon Coast and was not sure what the hype was about. Now that I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing this amazing Oregon Coast day trip from Portland, here are some of my thoughts.

What is the best time of year to visit the Oregon Coast?

The best time to visit is in the warmer months from May to September. To help you narrow down further, consider these factors:

• Fewer crowds yet with a low chance of rain: May
• Clear skies and warm days: July to September
• Warm days: August – average temperatures range from 55 to 67 F (13 to 19 C)

Why is Cannon Beach so popular?

• The iconic Haystack Rock is along Cannon Beach
• There is a large downtown area where you can find food, coffee, and vacation rentals
• It is only 1.5 hours away from Portland, making for an easy day trip

How to get to Cannon Beach from Portland without a car?

Book a tour

You can take a guided tour that takes you from Portland to the Cannon Beach for the full day. I almost booked this tour that includes:

• Ecola State Park
• Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock
• Short Sands Beach or Hug Point (tide and weather permitting)
• Neahkahnie Viewpoint

The best part about booking a tour is that you get to be comfortable as a passenger, while having a local guide explain the best spots and history of each place.

The tour costs $129, compared to the $100 I paid to rent a car (with insurance and gas). This could be a great option for those who are traveling solo.

Take the bus

If you’re someone who is good at following a schedule, consider taking the NorthWest Point bus service that is available twice a day. It only costs $18 each way, a much cheaper alternative to tours and renting a car.

What is the closest coastal town to Portland?

Seaside is the closest town to Portland along the Oregon Coast, located just 15 minutes north of Cannon Beach.

Here are the distances between Portland and other notable coastal towns on the northern Oregon Coast:

• Astoria: 90 miles
• Seaside: 78 miles
• Cannon Beach: 79 miles
• Manzanita: 85 miles