Scenic Drives Along Highway 101: Stops You Can’t Miss

Highway 101 isn’t just a road – it’s a Pacific Coast legend. Winding down the western edge of the United States from Washington to California, this iconic highway offers a one-of-a-kind blend of wild natural beauty, historic towns, and coastal culture. In Oregon, the route reaches its dramatic peak. Here, cliffs plunge into the surf, sea stacks rise from misty beaches, and charming small towns offer a warm welcome at every turn.

This guide is your roadmap to the most unforgettable stops along Oregon’s stretch of Highway 101 – perfect for spontaneous explorers, road trip planners, and anyone seeking slow travel with a view. Whether you’re looking for dramatic vistas, cozy beach towns, or tidepooling spots with the kids, Oregon’s coastal corridor delivers in every season.

How to Plan Your Highway 101 Road Trip

Recommended Trip Length & Regional Segments

Give yourself 5–7 days to fully enjoy Oregon’s stretch of Highway 101, or 10+ days to include Washington and Northern California. Segment the route for smoother planning:

• Washington to Astoria, OR – For early highlights and cultural history
• Central Oregon Coast – Beaches, forests, tidepools, and lighthouses
• Southern Oregon to NorCal – Hidden coves, seafood towns, redwood forests

Short on time? Do the Cannon Beach to Florence loop or Three Capes Scenic Drive.

Best Season & Time of Day

Late spring through early fall offers the best weather and daylight. September is ideal for fewer crowds and amazing sunsets. Foggy mornings bring mood, while golden-hour evenings at Cape Perpetua or Bandon can be surreal.

Vehicle, Camping & Fuel Tips

• Keep your tank half-full, gas stations are scarce in long stretches.
• RVs and vans welcome, but reserve campsites early.
• Bring offline maps, the cell service often drops.
• Pack layers, snacks, and water.

Looking for ocean-view lodging? Book a cozy stay with Meredith Lodging for direct access to iconic 101 views.

Washington to Oregon: Entering the Pacific Coast

Begin on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, where dramatic coastlines and rainforests greet you. Drive past Ruby Beach, the Hoh Rainforest, and arrive at Astoria, Oregon, a historic fishing town rich with Lewis & Clark history. Climb the Astoria Column or stroll the working waterfront for a mix of history and sea air.

Central Oregon Coast Must-Stops

Cannon Beach & Haystack Rock

Arguably Oregon’s most famous beach town, Cannon Beach is home to iconic Haystack Rock. Low tide reveals colorful tidepools, and the town boasts boutique shopping, art galleries, and fine dining.

Stay steps from the sand with Meredith Lodging’s Cannon Beach rentals.

Cape Meares & Three Capes Scenic Drive

Follow this alternate loop off 101 for lush forests, sea cliffs, and remote beauty. Visit the Octopus Tree, Cape Meares Lighthouse, and savor views of the Pacific from Cape Lookout.

Cape Lookout

Hike the 5-mile trail for epic whale watching and a ridge-line forest walk unlike any other. Don’t forget your camera—the bluff views are unreal.

Otter Rock & Devil’s Punchbowl

This collapsed sea cave puts on a powerful show when tides are high. Nearby viewpoints and small beaches make this a great picnic and photography stop.

Cape Perpetua

Explore Thor’s Well and Devil’s Churn, two geological wonders. The Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is also home to a stunning viewpoint—the highest on the Oregon Coast.

Cape Foulweather Vista

A basalt headland with sweeping views and a small visitor center. Named by Captain Cook, it’s a moody place to watch weather shift over the sea.

Yachats

This charming village is a gateway to Cape Perpetua and Heceta Head Lighthouse. Enjoy coffee shops, bluff walks, and tidepooling with a small-town vibe.

Florence

South of Yachats, Florence offers access to Old Town, Honeyman State Park, and the famous Sea Lion Caves, a natural marine cavern where wild sea lions lounge year-round.

Southern Oregon Coast & Into California

Bandon

Known for sea stacks like Face Rock, Bandon’s beaches are a photographer’s dream. Explore Old Town’s shops, the local fish market, and try your hand at crabbing.

Coos Bay

Home to Shore Acres State Park, where manicured gardens sit atop crashing cliffs. Coos Bay also offers a lively waterfront and access to the Oregon Dunes.

Brookings

Close to the California border, Brookings enjoys a sunnier microclimate. Explore Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, with stops like Secret Beach and Whaleshead Cove offering jaw-dropping scenery.

Redwood National Park / Avenue of the Giants

Just over the border, this California stretch offers the world’s tallest trees and quiet, winding scenic roads through old-growth forests. Stop often, hike short trails, and look up.

Extend your coastal adventure with a stay near Brookings or Gold Beach at Meredith Lodging.

Beyond the Drive: Amenities & Experiences

• Top Towns for Dining: Newport for seafood, Cannon Beach for coastal cuisine, Bandon for fish and chips.
• Wildlife Viewing: Whales in Depoe Bay, puffins near Haystack Rock, Elk near Reedsport.
• Best Lodging: From rustic cabins to luxury beachfront homes, Meredith Lodging offers it all.

Insider Tips for Travelers

• Stop at timed pull-offs to avoid crowds.
• Always check tide charts before visiting coastal formations.
• Fuel up often and plan restroom breaks.
• Use Gaia GPS, AllTrails, or downloaded Google Maps for navigation.

Sample Itineraries

• 2-Day Loop: Cannon Beach > Three Capes > Yachats > back inland via Eugene
• Full 101 Road Trip: Astoria > Newport > Florence > Bandon > Brookings > Redwoods
• 1-Day Sprint: Cape Kiwanda > Devil’s Punchbowl > Cape Perpetua > Florence

Pro tip: Book strategically located homes with Meredith Lodging to break your trip into relaxing segments.

From coastal cliffs and tidepools to charming towns and towering redwoods, Highway 101 is one of America’s most treasured scenic drives. Let it be more than just a commute—make it an experience. Pull over. Wander. Taste. Stargaze.

Whether you explore it in two days or two weeks, Highway 101 will leave you changed.

End each leg of your road trip in comfort with Meredith Lodging. Local service, handpicked homes, and views you won’t forget.