This road trip will blow your socks off (in the best way).
We’re talking dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, misty forests, and tiny beach towns that feel like movie sets.
This drive from Washington to Oregon hugs the coast the whole way, with jaw-dropping views, crazy-cool stops, and plenty of places to stretch your legs and fill your stomach.
You’ll find wild trails, funky roadside surprises, and photo ops around every corner—and yep, there’s way more than just beaches.
This is the ultimate coastal road trip, and trust me—you’re gonna want to do every single mile.
1. Cape Flattery, WA
Cape Flattery is the northwesternmost point in the lower 48 states and it’s the perfect place to start this trip.
It’s located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, where the Pacific Ocean crashes into giant sea stacks and wild, moss-covered cliffs.
You can walk a short 0.75-mile trail through a dreamy coastal forest with twisted trees and ferns to reach a wooden viewing platform with amazing views.
The viewing deck overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Tatoosh Island which is home to the historic Cape Flattery Lighthouse.
Cape Flattery is part of the Makah Reservation, so you’ll need a $20 recreation pass.
But trust me, standing on the edge of the continent with the ocean wind in your face is totally worth it.
2. Rialto Beach, WA
Just a couple of hours south of Cape Flattery, Rialto Beach brings a whole new kind of wow with its black pebbles, gnarled driftwood piles, and towering sea stacks that rise like giants out of the ocean mist.
This beach is part of Olympic National Park, and it’s famous for the Hole-in-the-Wall hike.
On this super cool 1.5-mile hike, you get to explore tide pools and a natural rock arch during low tide.
Bring waterproof shoes and snacks, because between the crashing waves, foggy weather, and dramatic scenery, you’re definitely gonna want some fuel to enjoy your stay.
3. Ruby Beach, WA
Next up is Ruby Beach, and wow—this place looks like it was pulled straight from a fantasy movie.
It has driftwood-covered shores, moody skies, and sea stacks scattered across the sand.
It’s super easy to reach with just a quick walk from the parking lot, and when the tide’s out, you can spot starfish and anemones clinging to the rocks.
Despite the name, you won’t find actual rubies here, but when the sun hits the sand just right, the tiny garnet crystals sparkle like magic.
4. Westport, WA
If you’re craving a beach town where you can get your surfboard out, then Westport is the spot.
You’ll find surfboards on car roofs and a laid-back marina packed with fishing boats.
You can spend time watching surfers catch waves at popular spots like ‘The Cove’, ‘The Jetty’, and ‘The Groins’.
If you’re sick of watching surfers, you can walk along the concrete pier or chow down on fish and chips while seagulls hover above, hoping for crumbs.
It’s also home to the Grays Harbor Lighthouse, the tallest in Washington at 107 feet, and you can climb all 135 steps to the top for a breezy view of the coast.
5. Astoria, OR
Crossing into Oregon, Astoria brings a totally different vibe.
It’s a historic riverfront city packed with character, cool museums, and serious “Goonies was filmed here” energy.
You can wander the historic downtown, ride the adorable Riverfront Trolley (Old 300), or climb the spiral staircase of the 125-foot-tall Astoria Column for wild views of the Columbia River meeting the Pacific.
Don’t skip Bowpicker Fish & Chips—it’s a little boat on land serving crispy tuna and fries that people line up for (and yes, it’s 100% worth it).
6. Cannon Beach, OR
Just down the coast from Astoria, Cannon Beach is an iconic spot that gives you that postcard-perfect picture.
Once you get here you’ll see the huge Haystack Rock rising out of the sand, a 235-foot-tall basalt sea stack.
You can wander the wide, flat beach with your toes in the chilly surf, try to spot puffins nesting on the rock in spring, or grab a hot drink from town and watch the fog roll in.
It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time just staring at the waves and taking in nature.
7. Tillamook, OR
Leaving the beach behind for a bit, Tillamook is where you trade sea spray for cheese curds—and honestly, it’s a delicious detour.
The Tillamook Creamery is the main event, with a giant visitor center where you can watch cheese being made, sample all the dairy goodies, and snag a huge serving of ice cream.
The Tillamook Air Museum is also a must if you’re into your aviation history.
It’s housed in an old World War II blimp hangar showcasing different vintage aircraft.
Tillamook also has plenty of scenic farm country if you’re into winding roads, green fields, and the occasional photogenic cow.
8. Newport, OR
Back on the coast, Newport gives you that classic beach town feeling, but it’s also known for its marine science attractions.
You’ll see sea lions barking on the docks, and you can visit the world-class Oregon Coast Aquarium.
You can also explore the tide pools at Yaquina Head, tour the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, or grab clam chowder on the historic bayfront while fishing boats roll in with the day’s catch.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale spouting just offshore.
At the time of writing, please note that the interior of the lighthouse is closed for renovations and is scheduled to reopen at the end of June 2025. The good news is, you can still explore the grounds for day-use activities—just make sure to check online before planning your visit.
9. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, OR
Just south of Newport, Cape Perpetua cranks the coastal drama way up with crashing waves, ancient forests, and lookout points that make you feel like you’re on top of the world.
You’ve got to check out ‘Thor’s Well’, a natural blowhole that looks like the ocean is draining straight into the earth.
And there’s also ‘Spouting Horn’, where the surf explodes like a geyser through the rocks.
There are around 26 miles of trails winding through old-growth forest and along the cliffs, so bring your camera and your sense of adventure.
10. Florence, OR
Rolling into Florence, you’ll feel the shift from rugged coast to wild dunes, where sand stretches out for miles and the wind feels like it’s always up to something.
This little town is your launchpad for riding dune buggies, exploring the base of the Heceta Head Lighthouse, or wandering the cute Old Town full of galleries, saltwater taffy shops, and waterfront cafes.
If you’re up for a weird-but-awesome stop, head to the Sea Lion Caves, America’s largest sea cave!
It’s a massive cave system where hundreds of noisy sea lions hang out like they own the place (because they kind of do).
11. Bandon, OR
Further down the coast, Bandon is quiet, dramatic, and totally packed with jaw-dropping sea stacks that look like they were dropped there by giants.
Head over to Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, where you’ll see a giant rock that is known for resembling a face and is also part of Native American legend.
You can also explore tide pools at low tide to look for starfish or watch the sun set through arch-shaped cliffs.
Downtown has a cozy, small-town feel with cute shops, great seafood, and enough cranberry-themed treats to make you question why you haven’t been eating more cranberries all your life.
12. Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, OR
Last stop on this epic coastal ride: the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, where every twist in the road reveals another jaw-dropper of a view.
This 12-mile stretch of road is packed with short trails that lead to crazy-beautiful spots like Natural Bridges, Secret Beach, and Arch Rock.
You’ll see turquoise water (if the conditions are right), steep cliffs, and perfect photo spots that will definitely make it to your Instagram feed.
It’s less crowded than the northern coast, but honestly, the scenery here feels straight-up legendary.
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