Over the year I spent living in Oregon, I had the chance to frequently explore the coast. Over time, I put together a list of places that really stood out to me. These 10 Oregon coastal destinations are some of my personal favorites, and I’d recommend them to anyone who wants to experience Oregon’s coastline.
1. Natural Bridges
Starting things off with Natural Bridges. Otherwise known as the crown jewel of the Oregon Coast’s rock formations, a masterpiece shaped by time, tide, and the unrelenting forces of nature. You might have seen the photos, of course—images of people perched atop the rock arch, the Pacific churning beneath them, bathed in the golden light of sunset. But seeing it in person is something else entirely.
If you look closely at the photo above (or zoom in), you’ll spot tiny people standing on top of the arch—just to give you a sense of how massive this formation really is.
Getting There: Access is simple—just off Highway 101, a short walk from the parking area leads to a viewing platform. From here, you’ll get a vantage point of the arches. If you’re feeling adventurous, a steep and rugged trail descends closer to the base of the rocks, though it’s not for the faint of heart.
A Word of Caution: I personally chose not to walk out over the natural bridges—the risk just wasn’t worth it to me. Tragically, people have lost their lives here, and the currents below are nothing to mess with.
2. Secret Beach
If you’re searching for one of the most stunning photo backdrops on the Oregon Coast, Secret Beach might be exactly what you’re looking for. The jagged sea stacks, crashing waves, and rugged coastline make this one of the most visually stunning places on the entire coast. Beyond its beauty, it’s also a rewarding hike.
The 0.7-mile trail leading to the beach isn’t long, but it has some steep sections, so sturdy shoes are recommended. When you reach the end of the trail, the view will leave you smiling.
Fun fact—I actually eloped here! Our incredibly talented elopement photographer, Amandalyn, captured our entire day. I’ve been following Amandalyn for years, and her passion for photography shines through in everything she does. If you’ve ever considered having a destination elopement (or know someone who is considering), do yourself a favor and follow her! She’s always sharing incredible photos and travel inspiration from her adventures. She also wrote a beautiful blog post about our elopement day, featuring more photos of the Oregon Coast—check out the post here.
Getting There
The trail to Secret Beach starts from a small pullout along Highway 101, just north of Natural Bridges. It’s unmarked and easy to miss, but a quick search on maps will guide you to the right spot. The trail winds through a forested area before descending to the beach.
3. Arch Rock
Arch Rock is one of several striking viewpoints along the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a stretch of rugged coastline known for its hidden beaches and forested cliffs. Unlike Natural Bridges and Secret Beach, this stop requires minimal effort—making it a great option if you’re looking for a more relaxed way to take in the scenery.
A short, paved path leads from the parking area to a viewing platform where you’ll get a clear view of the massive rock arch rising from the sea. It’s a peaceful, easy-to-access stop—perfect for on-the-go groups, quick breaks, or just taking a moment to relax.
Getting There: Arch Rock is located just off Highway 101, a short drive north of Secret Beach. A well-marked pullout leads to a small parking area, and from there, it’s only a short walk to the viewpoint. Restrooms are available on-site, making this a convenient stop before continuing along the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. If you have binoculars or a telephoto lens, bring them along for a better look at the arch and surrounding sea stacks.
4. Sea Lion Caves
I’ll be honest—when I first heard about Sea Lion Caves, I wasn’t exactly excited. A sea lion cave didn’t sound all that thrilling. But I was completely wrong. This spot quickly became one of my top recommendations on the Oregon Coast.
Located about 11 miles north of Florence, Sea Lion Caves is America’s largest sea cave, and it’s not a place you’ll want to drive past. The views here are spectacular, including a perfect sightline to Heceta Head Lighthouse in the distance.
What makes this place special is how the sea lions come and go on their own schedule, making every visit unique. In the winter, hundreds of them gather inside the cave, lounging on the rocks and escaping the cold. By spring, they head outside to the rock ledges in front of the cave, where they’ll stay through summer. The Observation Deck at the top offers a great vantage point to watch them swimming, sunning themselves, and climbing in and out of the water. If you’re lucky, you might even spot whales offshore.
5. Heceta Head Lighthouse
And while you’re near Sea Lion Caves, your next stop should be Heceta Head Lighthouse. If you’re exploring the Oregon Coast, this lighthouse absolutely belongs on your list. It’s one of the most photographed lighthouses in Oregon, and for a good reason. Sitting 206 feet above the Pacific Ocean, it’s a stunning sight—especially at sunset, when the golden light washes over the coastline.
The lighthouse sits along Heceta Head, a remarkably beautiful stretch of the coast. If you want to dive deeper into it’s history, staff-guided tours offer a fascinating look at the lighthouse’s past. Tour times can vary, so it’s worth checking the U.S. Forest Service website ahead of your visit.
I didn’t realize at the time that you could actually stay the night at the Heceta Head Lighthouse B&B, but now that I know, I’m definitely suggesting it to you—and maybe one day, I’ll come back and experience it for myself. The inn, operated by a U.S. Forest Service concessionaire, is packed with history, and from what I’ve read, the ocean views are incredible. Oh, and it’s also haunted. So if you’re into ghost stories, you might just get more than you bargained for. If you do end up staying here, I’d love to hear your stories.
6. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Siuslaw National Forest
I never expected to find a place like this in Oregon—where massive sand dunes meet moody, towering forest trees. The sheer scale of the dunes makes the landscape feel almost otherworldly. The contrast between the rolling sand and the dense forest is strange, making this one of the most unique ecosystems on the Oregon Coast.
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area spans over 40 miles along the coast, from Florence to Coos Bay, covering 31,500 acres of shifting sand. These dunes, some reaching 500 feet high, were formed over thousands of years by wind, water, and sediment from the Coast Range. This is one of the largest stretches of coastal dunes in North America, offering an environment unlike anywhere else in the country.
There are several access points, but one of the best for hiking and camping is Eel Creek Campground in Siuslaw National Forest, located about 20 minutes south of Florence. From here, the John Dellenback Dunes Trail leads through lush coastal forest before opening up to vast, rolling sand dunes. If you’re looking for adventure, activities like hiking, sandboarding, and off-roading are popular throughout the recreation area.
If you plan to visit, be prepared for ever-changing conditions. The sand can be hot in the summer and cold and damp in the winter, with strong coastal winds shaping the landscape daily.
7. Cape Blanco Lighthouse
Cape Blanco Lighthouse is the oldest standing lighthouse in Oregon, first lit in 1870. Perched on the westernmost point of the state, this lighthouse has been guiding sailors for over 150 years, standing strong against the powerful coastal winds and rugged conditions.
The walk up to Cape Blanco Lighthouse is part of what makes this spot so special. A scenic trail winds through open fields, leading to panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The landscape feels wide open and untouched, and on a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction.
Cape Blanco State Park offers camping, hiking trails, and beach access, making it a great place to extend your visit. If you’re into history, the Hughes House, a restored Victorian farmhouse, is nearby and worth checking out. It provides a glimpse into the lives of early settlers who once called this rugged coastline home.
8. Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint
I honestly can’t remember if Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint was on our original list of stops, but somehow, we ended up here—and I’m so glad we did. As a photographer, I was immediately drawn to the uniquely shaped rock formations scattered across the shoreline. Looking back, I remember thinking, how have I never seen photos of this place before?
The massive sea stacks here feel incredibly close, making them easily accessible for exploring and photographing from the beach. What really caught my attention was the unique perspective you can capture—framing the towering rock formations with the nearby houses in the background gives a real sense of scale to just how massive these formations are. The textures, the way the waves crash around them, the shifting light—it’s a dream for anyone who loves coastal photography.
Located in Bandon, Oregon, Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint is an easy and worthwhile stop if you’re traveling along the Oregon Coast.
9. Devil’s Punch Bowl
The name “Devil’s Punch Bowl” comes from the way the ocean swirls and foams within the hollowed-out rock formation, resembling a giant mixing bowl. It was likely formed when a sea cave collapsed, leaving behind this open, circular structure where the waves churn dramatically at high tide.
Located off Otter Crest Loop near Depoe Bay, it’s an easy stop with a short walk to the viewpoint. Depending on the tide, you’ll either see waves crashing inside the punch bowl or get a closer look at tide pools around the edges. Whale sightings and surfers are common here too, making it a great place to stop and take in the scenery.
Our visit was brief—the wind was absolutely brutal, despite it being mid-summer—but even with the freezing gusts, it was worth stopping to take in the raw power of the ocean.
10. Exploring Tide Pools at Cape Arago South
Cape Arago South was easily one of the best tide pooling spots we visited on the Oregon Coast. To get there, we took a short but steep 0.3-mile trail down to South Cove, where the beach opened up to a whole world of marine life. If you plan on checking this place out, be sure to time your visit with low tide.
We hardly had to search to find sea stars, anemones, mussels, shore crabs, hermit crabs, and even a few sea urchins. It was such a cool experience getting to see so much coastal wildlife up close. If you’re into tide pools, this spot is absolutely worth it. Just be careful—rocks can be sharp and slippery, and the tides come in faster than you’d think.
This would be an awesome stop for families or anyone who loves exploring Oregon’s coastal tide pools!
Share Your Experience
If you’ve been to the Oregon Coast or you’re planning a trip, I’d love to hear about your favorite spots. Drop a comment below—I’m always looking to add more destinations to my future itineraries. And if you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my other travel blogs for more adventures and inspiration.
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