7 Stunning Coastal Spots in Oregon You’ll Want to See for Yourself

Oregon’s coastline has its own energy. There’s the salt in the air, the hush of the waves, and a string of destinations where the scenery never quite feels the same from one stop to the next. I want to share seven coastal spots that left an impression on me, places where you can catch your breath, find unexpected adventure, and see Oregon’s wild side up close.

Whether you love forested trails, dramatic sea stacks, or quiet beaches for wandering, these destinations offer something memorable for every traveler.

1. Cannon Beach & Haystack Rock

Arriving at Cannon Beach feels like walking into a postcard, but there’s more than just a pretty view. Haystack Rock, often shrouded in mist, stands over the shore and draws crowds for a reason. At low tide, curious visitors (myself included) wander among tide pools and find a universe of starfish, sea anemones, and tiny crabs doing their thing.

Beyond the sand, Cannon Beach’s creative spirit stands out. Small galleries and coffee shops dot the main drag, making the town a welcoming stop on a gray morning or after a windswept walk. In spring and early summer, tufted puffins nest on Haystack Rock, and I always keep my binoculars handy for a glimpse of these charismatic birds.

With the ocean stretching out and the green cliffs behind, this area offers more than a perfect photo. You get a mix of nature, art, and that small-town Oregon friendliness that makes every visit just a little different. It’s both iconic and refreshingly down-to-earth, always worth a return trip.

2. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Sometimes, I crave places where the landscape puts you in your place. Cape Perpetua does just that. Towering above the Pacific, the lookout provides a panoramic view that manages to wow even the most seasoned coast-lover.

Trails wind through ancient Sitka spruce and Douglas fir, their trunks wrapped in moss. There’s something grounding about the way the light filters through these woods before giving way to open skies at the edge of the cliffs. Thor’s Well, Spouting Horn, and Devil’s Churn each show off the raw, restless side of the ocean, especially on stormy days.

On calmer afternoons, you might spot gray whales passing by from the lookout, or catch sight of black oystercatchers foraging on the rocks. Cape Perpetua reminds me that Oregon’s coast is never just one thing, it’s layered, wild, and absolutely worth exploring, whether you’re tracing a trail or just watching the horizon shift.

3. Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint

Some places reward patience, and Cape Meares is one of those. I’ve stood at the viewpoint as fog rolled in, then watched the sky clear to reveal crashing waves and the sturdy lighthouse holding its post at the edge. There’s a sense of history here, the lighthouse has guided ships since the late 1800s.

Not far from the parking lot, the Octopus Tree catches your eye. Its gnarled trunks stretch out in all directions, and the story goes that local tribes shaped its growth. Whether or not that’s true, it’s the kind of place where stories seem to gather as thickly as the moss.

Cape Meares offers more than just views. On clear days, I like to scan for peregrine falcons soaring overhead or walk the short trails to hidden overlooks. There’s a quiet energy here, a reminder that the Oregon coast always has another layer to discover if you linger long enough.

4. Short Sand Beach (Oswald West State Park)

Tucked away in Oswald West State Park, Short Sand Beach feels like a well-kept secret. The walk through mossy forest trails is part of the magic, ferns crowd the path and the air smells cool and green. When you reach the sand, cliffs shelter the cove and the scene feels almost hidden from the world.

Surfers, with boards under their arms, head for the breaks while families explore tide pools teeming with life. On a sunny afternoon, I’ve watched eagles circle above the trees and listened to the steady rhythm of waves reaching shore. The scene changes with the season, but there’s always something new to catch your attention.

If you’re up for a longer wander, the park’s trails offer sweeping views over the ocean and through coastal rainforest. Short Sand Beach is both a destination and a starting point, whether you want to surf, hike, or just pause and let the place soak in, it delivers its own kind of quiet adventure.

5. Harris Beach State Park

The southern stretch of Oregon’s coast has a wilder feel, and Harris Beach State Park stands out for its raw beauty. Jagged sea stacks rise from the shallows, their silhouettes changing with every tide. When I first visited, I found myself drawn to the tide pools, watching scuttling crabs and bright sea stars thriving among the rocks.

This spot rewards those who appreciate a little solitude. Early mornings here can feel almost meditative, with only the sound of waves and gulls overhead. The park’s trails wind through wildflowers and lead to overlooks where you might spot harbor seals lounging on the rocks below.

Camping near the beach, I’ve experienced sunsets that turn the coastline to gold. Harris Beach brings together the rugged and the peaceful, perfect for anyone who wants to experience a less-traveled side of Oregon’s shore.

6. Port Orford Heads State Park

Port Orford Heads State Park feels like a place made for thinking. Set above a restless stretch of ocean, its headland trails give wide-open views where you can see forever, or at least as far as the curve of the earth. More than once, I’ve stood at the edge and watched gray whales pass by, their spouts visible from the bluff.

The park’s history lingers in the old Coast Guard station, now a museum with stories of shipwrecks and lighthouse keepers. There’s a sense of quiet here, broken only by wind and the calls of seabirds drifting on the updrafts. Wildlife sightings aren’t rare, sea lions sometimes haul out on the rocks below.

If you crave time to reflect, this is one of those rare coastal spots where you can find it. The solitude feels earned, the views endless, and the connection to Oregon’s maritime past as real as the sea spray on your face.

7. Cape Lookout State Park

There’s a unique thrill to hiking out on Cape Lookout’s promontory. The trail dips through dense coastal forest before suddenly opening up to views that stretch for miles. I love the hush that settles in among the trees, broken only by the distant crash of surf far below.

Midway, you catch glimpses of other nearby capes and the endless movement of waves against the cliffs. The path can get muddy but the reward is real: a sense of standing on the edge of the world. On a clear day, you might spot migrating whales passing close to shore or watch the shifting patterns of clouds over the Pacific.

Cape Lookout doesn’t always top the lists, but that just means fewer crowds and more space to savor the moment. I always come away with sandy shoes, wind-tangled hair, and a sense that I’ve seen the coast from a new angle.