The Pacific Coastline
TRIP ITINERARY
From the epic rock formations of Washington’s Cape Flattery to natural bridges in Southern Oregon to the winding roads of Big Sur, California, there is always something new to see along this coastal drive!
So what is the Pacific Coast Highway exactly?
You can also recognize it by its abbreviation (PCH), California Coast Road Trip, Pacific Coast Road Trip, Route 1, Highway 101 (through Washington and Oregon), or even just Highway 1 (in California).
All names aside, they all lead you down the same road, which is the one that parallels the Pacific Ocean and the Western border of the contiguous United States.
Along this drive you are destined to see non-stop coastal views, amazing iconic stops, and little beach towns scattered throughout!
CULTURE
Every town you stumble upon is going to be slightly different. From quaint coastal towns to booming metropolis’, you are bound to see everything in between.
If activities and sports are your scene then the Pacific Coast Highway has plenty to offer, on land and sea. You can ride the surf, watch whales and dolphins on a cruise, play golf, go fishing or clam-digging, exercise those leg muscles with some hiking or cycling. Whatever you do, don’t drive straight through without making time to do some of the unique things on offer along the Pacific west coast.
DINING
Many wonder about “where are we going to eat?” To their surprise, Humboldt County offers an array of culinary spots. You will find hat locations chefs make the most of their surrounding local farms, the sea, and many local pastures. If you want something special, check out Humboldt’s Bay Oysters, Grass-fed Beef, Cypress Grove Chèvre, and other fresh seafood. VIEW MORE
- Bay Area Views and Chews
- Fresh Food in Santa Cruz
- French Flair, Beach Style
- Big Flavors in Big Sur
- Dining Right on the Bay
- Casual Coastal Treats
- Laid-back Vibe, World-class Views
NATURAL ATTRACTIONS
We have boiled our list down to the top 10 must-see attractions for visitors traveling the length of Oregon’s coastline. It’s amazing how every season showcases a different wonder and activity for those passing through.
Astoria’s Historical Attractions
- See the remains of the 1906 shipwreck Peter Iredale on the beach at Fort Stevens State Park in Astoria.
- Lewis and Clark’s Fort Clatsop
- Columbia River Maritime Museum
Seaside’s Turnaround and Promenade
- Automobile turnaround and oceanfront promenade,
- among the Coast’s most famous landmarks dating from the 1920s.
- Automobile turnaround and oceanfront promenade,
Ecola State Park and Haystack Rock
- Ecola State Park may be the most photographed on the Coast
Three Capes Scenic Drive
- stunning views at Cape Meares, Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
- A pretty lighthouse, near shore rocks that offer habitat and viewing of seabirds and marine life and a spectacular tide pool area are among the attractions at Yaquina Head.
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
- Scenic Area encompasses 2,700 acres connected by 26 miles of hiking trails
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
- Dominate the coastal landscape for over 40 miles
Cape Arago
- Sunset Bay, Shore Acres and Cape Arago state parks
Bandon’s Beach Loop Drive
- Coquille Point and Face Rock viewpoints are not to be missed
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Learn More at TravelOregon.Com
CAMPING
REDWOODS: Camp among world’s tallest trees – Humboldt Redwoods State Park with Eel river access and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, a part of the Redwood National & State Park, where the Roosevelt elk roam, Richardson Grove, Van Duzen County Park & Grizzly Creek SP also offer redwoods & river access.
RIVER: Van Duzen County Park, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Richardson Grove, Grizzly Creek Redwood State Park on the Eel River or Camp Kimtu on the Trinity River.
BEACH: The Lamp Camp, Gold Bluffs Beach, Clam Beach, Big Lagoon and Patrick’s Point State Park have easy access to the ocean, hiking and beach combing.
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