28 Activities
Explore Oregon's Unique Southern Coast
Starts from
Portland
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
28
Duration
4 days
Length
362 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Portland
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
4 days
Length
362 mi
- Natural Attractions
- Unusual Locations
- Family-Friendly
Lena Beck
Travel Expert
- Visit old-growth redwoods near the California state line.
- Relax in Brookings' expansive Azalea Park.
- Explore the many beaches along Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.
Oregon's south coast is a treasure trove of unique geography and natural marvels. Observe wildlife at the Sea Lion Caves, walk through the redwoods in Brookings, and see Oregon's maritime history up close. The nature of this area is that there's something to see every few miles, making it ideal for road trips.
Any Oregonian will tell you that even a rainy day is a good beach day. With this in mind, bring some rain gear.
Any Oregonian will tell you that even a rainy day is a good beach day. With this in mind, bring some rain gear.
Categories
- Natural Attractions
- Unusual Locations
- Family-Friendly
Oregon's south coast is a treasure trove of unique geography and natural marvels. Observe wildlife at the Sea Lion Caves, walk through the redwoods in Brookings, and see Oregon's maritime history up close. The nature of this area is that there's something to see every few miles, making it ideal for road trips.
Any Oregonian will tell you that even a rainy day is a good beach day. With this in mind, bring some rain gear.
Any Oregonian will tell you that even a rainy day is a good beach day. With this in mind, bring some rain gear.
Lena Beck
Travel Expert
- Visit old-growth redwoods near the California state line.
- Relax in Brookings' expansive Azalea Park.
- Explore the many beaches along Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.
Travel itinerary
8 Activities
Day 1
189 mi
Florence and Reedsport
On day one, explore the many unique geographical attractions on US-101, such as the sea lion caves and Thor's Well. Today provides a nice mix of exploration (short walks and viewpoints) and education (an introduction to aquaculture and local flora and fauna of Florence.) And to top it off, enjoy some of the best seafood in the region for dinner.
7 Activities
Day 2
43 mi
Coos Bay and Bandon
Check out a dairy creamery and a maritime museum, the stay the night at a B&B with lighthouse views. One of the highlights of Day 2 is spending time at Sunset Bay State Park -- a great place for beach strolling or building sandcastles. Today is the part of the trip where you'll get a cool mix of history and present-day enjoyment.
8 Activities
Day 3
80 mi
Bandon and Gold Beach
Today is a deep dive into history -- the recent, and the not so recent. Day three brings you to a 19th-century lighthouse and some prehistoric dinosaurs. Start the day exploring the coastal environment; Bandon has miles of beaches and marshland. Then you'll head further south for some delicious barbecue. If you're lucky, you may even end the day with a light show.
5 Activities
Day 4
50 mi
Brookings
On day three, you'll get to visit old-growth redwoods, something you can only do in the southern coastal part of the state. You'll also get to drive down a scenic byway of coastline, home to multiple pull-outs and places to stop for a quick hike or picnic. Finish the day in Brookings, a cute beach town with lots of good food and recreation space.