7 Oregon Coast Scenic Drives With Jaw-Dropping Views to Explore This Fall

If you’re looking to unwind and take in some stunning natural beauty, exploring the Oregon Coast by car is a perfect way to do it. The coastline offers a mix of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and quiet towns that make every drive a memorable experience.

These seven scenic drives along the Oregon Coast offer you jaw-dropping views that showcase the area’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you want a peaceful escape or a chance to discover hidden gems, these routes make it easy to enjoy the best of the Pacific Northwest.

Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint

When you visit Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, you’ll find a small, waterfront park with picnic tables and easy beach access. It’s a great spot to relax and take in views of unique sea stacks that rise dramatically from the ocean.

The area has a local legend about a maiden whose voice you might hear in the wind, and many visitors say you can spot her face carved into the prominent rock formation called Face Rock.

There’s a well-maintained trail leading down to the beach where you can explore rocky tidal pools during low tide. Be aware that starting October 1, 2025, a parking fee is required here, part of a new permit system for several Oregon state parks.

The rocks and tidal flats are protected because they provide important habitat for nesting birds, so it’s both a scenic and ecologically significant stop.

Rating: 4.8 (1814 reviews)
Location: Near Coos Bay, Viewpoint, Face Rock Viewpoint, Bandon, OR 97411
Contact: (800) 551-6949
Website: Visit Website

Neahkahnie Viewpoint

When you visit Neahkahnie Viewpoint, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush coastal rainforest and vast ocean views. This spot is part of Oswald West State Park and offers one of the best places to take in the rugged Oregon coastline.

The viewpoint sits near Neahkahnie Mountain, where you can enjoy short hikes with rewarding scenery. You’ll see dense forests and cliffs dropping sharply to the Pacific, making it a great place for photos or a peaceful break during your drive.

Getting to the viewpoint is easy if you’re exploring the north Oregon Coast. From here, you can also find trails that connect to longer routes, including parts of the Oregon Coast Trail. The area is quiet but popular, especially on sunny days, so arriving early might give you a bit more solitude.

There are no camping facilities here, but the surrounding park has picnic areas and beach access within a short walk. You can combine your visit with stops at nearby Short Sand Beach or Cape Falcon for even more scenic views.

Rating: 4.9 (1727 reviews)
Location: Neahkahnie Viewpoint
Website: Visit Website

Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint

When you visit Cape Meares, you’ll find yourself standing about 200 feet above the ocean with plenty of stunning views. The park is known for its unique Sitka spruce tree shaped like an octopus and a historic lighthouse that’s been around since 1890.

Keep your eyes peeled for marine wildlife like gray whales and sea lions, especially during seasonal migrations. If you’re there between April and July, you can see thousands of seabirds nesting on the cliffs. There’s a short 0.1-mile walk from the parking lot to the famous Octopus Tree that you won’t want to miss.

The lighthouse is one of the shortest on the Oregon coast but still has a powerful kerosene-powered lens. You can explore the 0.2-mile paved path to the lighthouse, which includes lots of viewpoints and info panels. The lighthouse and gift shop are open daily during the warmer months.

Rating: 4.8 (2035 reviews)
Location: 3500 Cape Meares Loop, Tillamook, OR 97141
Contact: (503) 842-3182
Website: Visit Website

Symons State Scenic Viewpoint

When you visit Symons State Scenic Viewpoint, you’ll find a perfect spot to take in beautiful views along the Oregon Coast. It’s a peaceful place where you can pause and enjoy nature without the crowds.

The viewpoint offers sweeping views of the ocean and the Tillamook area. It’s a great stop if you’re driving along the coast and want to stretch your legs while admiring the scenery.

You can easily access the viewpoint from Highway 101. The area is well-maintained, making it a convenient and enjoyable break on your scenic drive.

Rating: 4.8 (179 reviews)
Location: Tillamook, OR 97141
Contact: (503) 805-5526
Website: Visit Website

Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint

When you visit Otter Crest, get ready for some impressive views of the Oregon Coast. From around 500 feet above the ocean, you can watch the sweeping crescent-shaped sandy beach to the south and rugged cliffs to the north. It’s a great spot to just relax and take in the scenery.

Whale watching is popular here, especially from the vantage point at Cape Foulweather. You’ll also catch a glimpse of the Devil’s Punchbowl, a unique rock formation nearby. The views alone make it worth the stop on any coastal drive.

Nearby, the historic Cape Foulweather Gift Shop offers souvenirs and a unique spot to enjoy the view indoors. The shop dates back to 1937 and has been recognized for its role in local history. It’s currently closed for restoration until August 2025, so plan accordingly.

The parking area by the overlook is limited during the restoration, but you can visit the Historic Whale Watching Center a few miles north in Depoe Bay for similar sights.

Rating: 4.8 (1069 reviews)
Location: Otter Rock, OR 97369
Website: Visit Website

Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint

Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint has four main spots to check out along Highway 101. The northernmost pull-off near Gwynn Creek gives you access to a quiet beach with grassy areas perfect for a picnic.

At Neptune, you’ll find benches on a cliff with great views of Cummins Creek and the ocean. Keep an eye out for whales, sea lions, birds, and even deer near the creek. At low tide, you can explore a natural cave and tide pools nearby.

Strawberry Hill offers stairs leading down to sandy beaches and more tide pools. On sunny days, harbor seals like to hang out on the rocks just offshore. Bob Creek, the southernmost stop, is another spot for beach access and hunting for agates.

Rating: 4.8 (539 reviews)
Location: 97439 US-101, Florence, OR 97439
Contact: (800) 551-6949
Website: Visit Website

Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint

When you visit Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint, you’ll find yourself surrounded by unique sand dunes along Oregon’s southern coast. The area is shaped by the river and shifting sands, which actually grow in the spring and summer months.

You’ll learn that the river got its name from a 19th-century story where a soldier reportedly lost his pistol in the water. The spot is also known for a key battle during the Rogue River Indian War back in 1856.

Birdwatchers will enjoy watching waterfowl and shorebirds attracted by pothole ponds here. Plus, if you’re into windsurfing, this place is famous for strong ocean winds and has hosted national championships.

The park is open year-round for day use, making it a great stop along your Oregon coast drive.

Rating: 4.7 (260 reviews)
Location: US-101, Gold Beach, OR
Contact: (800) 551-6949
Website: Visit Website

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