Should you choose to road trip the Pacific Coast along Oregon and Washington, prepare to encounter historic seaside resorts, traditional fishing villages, and more natural wonders than you can handle. The Pacific Coast is a world unto itself. This was the end of Lewis and Clark's westward journey and even today holds some secrets for travelers that are just waiting to be discovered. You'll drive down windy roads, along seaside cliffs, past hidden beach coves, through lush valleys with waterfalls, and into towering, old-growth forests.
8320 224th Avenue East, Buckley, United States
Plan to pull over at Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint in Oceanside, OR, for one heck of a view. Hiking trails, an 1890's lighthouse, birdwatching, and old-growth forests add to the coastal beauty here, and make it an essential Pacific Coast road trip stop.
If there's one thing people in Oregon love more than fresh seafood, it's craft beer. At McMenamins Lighthouse Brewpub in Lincoln City you can enjoy your beer and food in a historic lighthouse-turned brewpub. It doesn't get more Oregon than that!
Next up is the Whale, Sea Life and Sharks Museum at Depoe Bay. This local museum focuses on whales and sharks, aka the ocean's coolest creatures. You can also arrange a whale-watching tour here, and pick up some saltwater taffy for the road.
Newport Oregon is also home to Rogue Ales Public House. Known for their booze and brews, this Newport pub incorporates both into their seriously delicious fancy pub fare. There's also a B&B located above the restaurant, which is pretty convenient if you find that you've sampled one too many of their beers.
From shipwrecks and seabirds to seals and jellyfish, the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport is all about the wildlife that's unique to the Oregon Coast and beyond. Don't miss out on their otter exhibit: it's the cutest thing ever!
While in Florence, visit Heceta Head Lighthouse. This is one of Oregon's most popular (and most photographed) lighthouses. But the coolest part is that one of the lightkeepers' cottages has been turned into a B&B, so you can spend a whole night immersed in maritime history.
Once you reach Reedsport, Oregon plan to spend some time in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. This is the largest expanse of coastal dunes in the country! Whether you just want to hike or play in the sand, or you're into kayaking or OHVing, you can do it here. Fun fact: Frank Herbert was inspired to write his famous novel "Dune" after researching this unique landscape!
219 2nd Street Southeast, Bandon, United States
Best time to visit: Since summer is the high tourist season, September, after Labor Day, is ideal. The weather is still beautiful from September through October and you can avoid the crowds, since most people are back to work and kids are back in school. However, since the crowds are slightly diminished during fall, lots of older RVers choose fall weekends for road trips along this route. Springtime is a bit unreliable in regards to the weather, and can be quite rainy-- this part of the country is known for its grey skies. If you visit between November and June you might get a glimpse of the gray whales on their annual migration.
