Best section of Oregon coast?
 

We will be in Oregon/Washington in late August. I've heard that the Oregon coast is very beautiful. What is the most dramatic area of the coast that we should definitely see? We are not interested in swimming or sun-bathing. Just scenic drives and photography. Are there any good B&B's or Inns in that area? Thanks for your help.

Definitely spend some time in the Cannon Beach area. That's our favourite part. We stay in the Stephanie Inn, but in the off season, so it will be quite $$$ in summer. Lots of other nice inns in the area though.
cheers,
CC

The coast from Cannon Beach down is spectacular. Hahaha to swimming and sunbathing. Noone should go to the Oregon coast with that interest. Remember. This was all rain forest before the big trees were cut. Where do you live?

Te Cannon Beach area is great and the portion between Lincoln City and Florence

Not much to see between Florence and Coos Bay and area around Bandon is nice too

So many places, all worthy! I love Yachats and the Cape Perpetua area, the tidepools at Strawberry Hill,the dunes at Florence, the Aquarium in Newport... The Oregon Coast Visitors Association website will provide a ton of info. http://visittheoregoncoast.com.

I think the south coast, between Port Orford and Brookings, is the most dramatic. Might have something to do with the fact that it's also the most isolated. And it would be hard to beat Tu Tu Tun Lodge, though it's not on a beach: http://www.tututun.com/.

Thanks,everyone,for the replies. We were thinking of Cannon Beach, but just wanted to be sure. It looks amazing. I'm sure it is like nothing we have ever seen.

The Cannon Beach area is gorgeous, we just spent 3 weeks in the Seaside area which is about ten minutes from Cannon Beach. Stephanie Inn is very nice, if it is not available or is too pricey, consider The Ocean Lodge next door. There is also the Inn @ Cannon Beach or the Cannon Beach Hotel there. The scenery is beautiful in this area, we'll be back in a couple of weeks! ***kim*** ((#))

I'm with LSWink: Yachats, Cape Perpetua and the Devil's Churn. On a clear day from the highest point at Cape Perpetua you can see for 70 miles along this spectacular coast.

Go as late as you can in August to avoid the heatwaves that show up in the Willamette Valley. This causes an amazing effect at the coast with fog and huge temp swings. You should be okay by the end of August-my vote for best section is between Newport and Florence. A variety of beaches, great wave action and interesting things to stop and enjoy. Have fun!

Depends on how much time you have. We often head over to Cannon Beach just for the day and really like that area. Our hotel of choice there is the Surfsand Resort, where we have been staying for years. It is very nice (the only resort on the OR coast with cabana service), close to Haystack Rock, and a short walk to the heart of downtown.

One thing you will want to keep in mind is that many places here have 2-3 night minimum stays during the summer. It is very popular and people book far in advance, so keep that in mind.

Once you get around Newport, the hotels are less apt to have the minimum stay requirement. There, we like the Elizabeth Street Inn.

Opinions differ - I much prefer the south coast, Bandon to the California line, to the north or central coasts, although all have their advantages and disadvantages. Given your priorities, however, I'd just point out that the southern Oregon coast not only provides its own delights, but you're within a couple hours' drive of the best Redwood groves in Del Norte and Humboldt counties in California. The combination of wild coast and only-here Redwoods makes for terrific options for those interested in photography and scenic drives/walks.

You guys are amazing! You have given me so much information. I think we might have to change our itinerary to make sure we see more of the coast. Anything else in Oregon we shouldn't miss? Instead of dividing our time between Oregon & Washington, maybe we should spend more time in Oregon. I have some research to do before deciding. Thanks again, everyone for your help.

The southern Oregon coast and Redwoods would also bring Crater Lake into the picture, or photograph.

Oregon is so diverse, many places to see and go
The coast is great but then I love the area around Bend- snowcapped mountains, rafting, hiking, biking - gondola rides up Mt Bachelor -
you might have to take more vacation

If you decide to stay in Oregon, and go to the southern coast area, now you even have more cool options to see and do. Oregon Caves, Jet Boat Mail rides, completely different coast lines and Bandon makes for a nice stop.

I agree with both LSWink and Gardyloo. For pure scenery, I think the best part of the central and north coast is around Cape Perpetua but the most spectacular coastline of all is from Bandon South (though Shore Acres is definitely worth a visit).

For ocean views from Highway 101, the stretches from Lincoln City to Florence and from Port Orford to Brookings are especially rewarding.

If time does not permit the Florence-Lincoln City drive, explore the area between Ecola State Park (just north of Cannon Beach) and Manzanita (fifteen miles south of Cannon Beach).

From Lincoln City to Garibaldi, Highway 101 goes inland, but much of it is bucolic. Alternatively, you could drive the "Three Capes" route.

In any event, it would be wise to have a guide to sites of interest off Highway 101 or the AAA maps for the Oregon Coast.