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Plan Your Next Oregon Coast Vacation

Planning an Oregon Coast vacation gives you access to one of the most varied stretches of coastline in the country. You can move from wide sandy Oregon beaches to rocky headlands in a single afternoon. Each town feels different, which makes it easy to plan your itinerary around what you enjoy most. Some come for cozy nights in, long beach walks, and ocean views, while others plan an Oregon Coast road trip packed with stops at small towns, state parks, and scenic overlooks.

There is no shortage of things to do in Oregon along the coast. You can explore tide pools, watch migrating whales, or hike trails that lead to hidden coves. Many visitors are surprised to learn that puffins can be spotted along parts of the Oregon Coast during the right season, especially near Haystack Rock, the iconic Cannon Beach landmark. Add in lighthouses, coastal museums, and fresh seafood, and it becomes clear why this region ranks high among places to visit in Oregon.

Choosing the right place to stay is one of the most important parts of the experience. Hotels on the Oregon Coast range from quiet, intimate properties to larger coastal resorts, each offering easy access to the beach and nearby attractions. Choosing a boutique, locally owned property makes your getaway unique. When your lodging feels like part of the destination, your Oregon Coast vacation takes on a different feeling. At Arch Cape Inn, you’ll feel right at home, and while there are plenty of things to explore, you may just want to curl up in your suite and sit back and relax. Book your room today!

Woman standing with a view to a secret beach on Oregon coast. A lovely activity on your Oregon Coast Vacation

The Best Things to do on your Oregon Coast Vacation

One of the best parts of an Oregon Coast vacation is how much you can see and do without spending hours in the car. In Cannon Beach, you can walk along the shoreline near Haystack Rock, explore local galleries, and spot wildlife just offshore. To the south, the lesser-known destination of Manzanita offers wide beaches, easy hiking, and small shops and cafes. From beach walks and coastal hikes to tide pooling and searching for puffins on offshore rocks, the coast offers it all.

Here are some of the best things to do on the Oregon Coast during your vacation, whether you want full days of exploring or relaxed time by the ocean.

  1. Walk the beach in Cannon Beach, stroll the wide shoreline, and take in views of Haystack Rock. At low tide, explore the tide pools at its base and look for sea stars, anemones, and crabs. This area is also one of the best places to learn about local marine life. Many visitors start their Oregon Coast vacation at Cannon Beach.
  2. Birdwatching is a great pastime here; you can look for puffins along the Oregon Coast. During late spring and summer, tufted puffins nest on offshore rocks near Haystack Rock. Bring binoculars and watch from the beach or nearby viewpoints. Puffin spotting is a highlight for many first-time visitors.
  3. Explore downtown Cannon Beach on your Oregon Coast vacation. Spend time browsing art galleries, bookstores, and locally owned shops. Stop for coffee or a casual lunch at Pelican Brewing before heading back to the beach. Everything is walkable, which makes it easy to explore without looking for parking or hopping in and out of your car.
  4. Relax on Manzanita Beach, which is less of a tourist destination than Cannon Beach. Manzanita’s beach feels open and uncrowded, with soft sand and long views of the coastline. It is ideal for long walks, kite flying, or simply sitting and watching the waves roll in.
  5. Visit local shops and cafes in Manzanita. This small downtown is close to the beach and easy to explore on foot. You will find bakeries, wine shops, and casual restaurants that reflect the town’s laid-back vibe.
  6. There are plenty of great Oregon hikes at Oswald West State Park. This park sits between Cannon Beach and Manzanita and offers some of the best coastal hiking in Oregon. Trails range from short forest walks to longer routes with ocean overlooks. Many hikes end at quiet beaches that feel far removed from town.
  7. Plan a short Oregon Coast road trip. Use Arch Cape as a base and drive north or south to explore nearby towns and viewpoints. Short drives lead to scenic pullouts, lighthouses, and hidden beaches. This is an easy way to see more of the coast; don’t miss Gearheart and Tillamook.
  8. The best Oregon Coast vacations start and end with peaceful mornings and quiet evenings. You’re not coming to the coast for lively outings; it’s time to reflect and get that needed break from the busy day-to-day. Catch the sunset, draw a bath, or put on your favorite show.
Beautiful room with a big bed and a fireplace, the ideal homebase for your Oregon Coast Vacation

Reserve Your Suite at One of the Best Oregon Coast Hotels

Staying at Arch Cape Inn places you in a quiet stretch of coastline just south of Cannon Beach, where the coast feels calm and undiscovered. Our castle-esque property offers an impressive, yet welcoming setting from the moment you arrive. Guest rooms focus on comfort and privacy, giving you a relaxing place to return after exploring Oregon beaches, hiking nearby trails, or taking a scenic drive along the coast.

Mornings begin with a thoughtfully prepared breakfast featuring seasonal, local ingredients. Sit back, enjoy good food, and plan a day by the ocean and the surrounding landscapes. As one of the most romantic hotels on the Oregon Coast, you’ll find it’s easy to connect here. Evenings are peaceful, with ocean air nearby and a quiet that carries throughout the property. Couples value the location, close to Cannon Beach and Manzanita, yet removed from busy tourist areas. Embrace the simple coastal moments on your next Oregon Coast vacation and reserve your room today!

Author Details

Cassie Sawyer