Day Trips Less Than 2 Hours from Portland, OR
The following day trips from Portland to the Oregon Coast take less than 2 hours, so you could leave Saturday morning and be back by evening. Any of these trips could also be extended into a full weekend trip returning on Sunday. Driving times are approximate and depend on traffic.
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Day Trip to Astoria, Oregon
Driving Time from Portland: 2 hours
Distance: 95 miles
How to Get There: Take Highway 26 West to 101 North or if traffic is bad, try taking I-5 North to Longview, Washington and crossing the bridge back over to Oregon’s Highway 30 West.
You can also take Highway 30 the whole way. Check your map app to see which route is fastest. Highway 26 and 30 are both scenic drives passing through evergreen forest.
If you have a little more time, take Washington route 4 west along the Columbia River. It will add about 45 minutes, but it follows the edge of the river passing through tiny old towns and a small waterfall, plus you get to cross the Megler Bridge coming into Astoria.
Things to Do in Astoria
Astoria is an old Oregon port town known for historic shipwrecks, spooky houses, The Goonies, views of the Columbia River, passing ships, good seafood and craft beer.
If you left Portland in the morning around 10 a.m., you’d arrive in Astoria in time for lunch. There are many choices for restaurants in Astoria and you can walk along the Astoria Riverwalk or Commercial and Duane Streets for a ton of options.
After lunch, take a walk beside the river, or hop on and off the 1913 trolley “Old 300” along its 3-mile route. Stop and watch the sea lions vying for a spot on the dock or drive up to the Astoria Column for an impressive view (on a clear day).
Find more things to do in Astoria on a day trip from Portland along with suggestions on where to eat and stay if you decide you want to spend another day in this fun town. There are so many places to check out, it’s definitely worth multiple visits or a longer weekend trip.
Day Trip to Seaside, Oregon
Driving Time from Portland: 1.5 hours
Distance: 78 miles
How to Get There: Take highway 26 west from Portland. At the 101 junction, keep right at the fork, follow signs for US-101 N/Seaside.
Things to Do in Seaside
Seaside is Oregon’s beach playground with bumper cars, arcade games and a shoreline promenade with vintage beach-boardwalk vibes.
The Seaside Promenade is an oceanfront walkway and turnaround at the beach originally built in the 1920s. Walk “the prom” and people-watch or take an oceanfront bike ride passing by beach vacation homes.
Broadway Street in Seaside dead-ends at the turnaround, also the end of the Lewis and Clark trail marked by a large statue. Stroll up and down Broadway for restaurants, ice cream and candy shops, arcade games and bumper cars.
Find more things to do in Seaside along with ideas on where to eat and stay. You could spend a few hours checking out Seaside, then head 15 minutes south to Cannon Beach as part of the same day trip from Portland and still be back by evening.
Day Trip to Cannon Beach, Oregon
Driving Time from Portland: 1.5 hours
Distance: 79 miles
How to Get There: Take highway 26 west from Portland. At the 101 junction, keep left at the fork, follow signs for US-101 S/Cannon Beach.
Things to Do in Cannon Beach
Home of Haystack Rock made famous by The Goonies, Cannon Beach is by far the most popular day trip from Portland to the Oregon Coast. This small beach town draws its share of visitors, especially during the summer. It was also recently named one of the best U.S. beach towns to visit in the fall by National Geographic.
It’s easy to see why: Cannon Beach is a walkable town lined with local shops, great restaurants and little nooks and crannies to explore.
Haystack Rock has some of the best tide pools on the Oregon Coast. Check the tide table before you go and try to line up your trip with low tide for the best access.
Find more things to do in Cannon Beach with suggestions on where to eat and stay. It would be easy to spend another whole day (or more) exploring this coastal town and the surrounding area.
Day Trip to Manzanita, Oregon
Driving Time from Portland: 1 hr, 45 minutes
Distance: 85 miles
How to Get There: Take highway 26 west from Portland to OR-53 S. Take OR-53 south to 101 North. Exit at Laneda Avenue/Manzanita.
Things to Do in Manzanita
Manzanita is a laid-back beach town tucked amongst Neahkahnie Mountain, Nehalem Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Dotted with local cafes, restaurants and shops, Laneda Avenue runs through the small, walkable downtown area. Grab a coffee at Manzanita News & Espresso and make your way down the street until it ends at the sand with access to a beautiful stretch of beach.
Find more things to do in Manzanita including suggestions for places to eat and stay in the area. Nehalem and Wheeler are small towns just 10 minutes away that can also be explored in the same day trip. Cannon Beach is just 20 minutes to the north and Rockaway Beach is 20 minutes south.
Day Trip to Rockaway Beach, Oregon
Driving Time from Portland: 1 hr, 45 minutes
Distance: 87 miles
How to Get There: The most common route from Portland is to take highway 26 west to highway 6 west. You’ll drive over the coast range through the scenic Tillamook State Forest until you reach the town of Tillamook. From there, take highway 101 north along Tillamook Bay, through Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach.
Things to Do in Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach is a quirky Oregon coastal town known for corn dogs, a giant cedar tree and Twin Rocks. Head to the end of Minnehaha Street and walk along the beach to get a view of the two ancient rock formations rising up from the Pacific Ocean forming a wide arch.
Highway 101 runs straight through the center of Rockaway Beach so you can’t miss the local shops selling ice cream, candy and souvenirs. While you’re in town, play a round of Wizard-of-Oz-themed mini golf or go on a scenic steam train ride.
Find more things to do in Rockaway Beach including suggestions for restaurants and hotels if you decide to stay in the area. Take a 10-minute drive to Tillamook Bay and explore Barview and Garibaldi in the same day.
Day Trip to Tillamook and Oceanside, Oregon
Driving Time from Portland: 1.5 hours
Distance: 73 miles
How to Get There: Take highway 26 west to highway 6 west. The drive will pass through scenic Willamette Valley farm country and the Coast Range foothills, then follow the Wilson River as it ascends through the Tillamook State Forest and over the summit (elevation 1,586 feet), coming back down into a river valley where 5 rivers converge.
Things to Do in Tillamook and Oceanside
Tillamook is located in a fertile dairy farming area where creeks and rivers intertwine forming a maze of waterways. This makes it an ideal place for kayaking and paddling.
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can always spend some time at the famous Tillamook Creamery eating cheese and ice cream.
From Tillamook, take the 15-minute drive over to Oceanside, grab a bite or a beverage with a nice view of the Pacific and continue up to Cape Meares to see the lighthouse.
Find more things to do in Tillamook and the surrounding area, along with dining suggestions and places to stay. The trip can easily be done in a day, returning to Portland in the early evening or extended into a weekend with an overnight stay in cozy Oceanside.
Day Trip to Pacific City, Oregon
Driving Time from Portland: 2 hours
Distance: 96 miles
How to Get There: Take highway 26 west to highway 6 west, up and over the coast range through the scenic Tillamook State Forest, until you reach the town of Tillamook. From there, take highway 101 south and exit at Brooten Road. An alternative route is to take 101 south and exit at Sandlake Road and come down from the north. It’s about the same distance either way, check your map app to see which way has less traffic.
Things to Do in Pacific City
Pacific City is best known for its interesting sandstone cliffs, Cape Kiwanda, Haystack Rock #2 (bigger than the one in Cannon Beach), surfing, dory boats and the birthplace of Pelican Brewing.
Explore Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area to view the eroding coastline that continuously changes, forming sinkholes and caves. Towering Haystack Rock looms in the distance, about a mile offshore. Grab a pint and some lunch at Pelican Brewing and watch the Pacific City dory boats come in.
Take a 15-minute drive south to see the ancient tree stumps of the Neskowin Ghost Forest. These spooky remnants of Sitka spruce trees stick up out of the sand on the beach and are thought to be roughly 2,000 years old.
Find more things to do in Pacific City with suggestions on where to eat and stay if you don’t feel like making the 2-hour drive back to Portland.
Day Trip to Lincoln City, Oregon
Driving Time from Portland: 2 hours
Distance: 100 miles
How to Get There: One route is to take 99W to highway 18 west, to highway 101 south. An alternate route is via I-5 south to Salem, then take 22 west until it meets the 18. As you leave the I-5 corridor, you’ll pass through scenic Willamette Valley wine country and then ascend into the wooded coast range.
Things to Do in Lincoln City
Lincoln City has the longest stretch of sandy beach on the Oregon Coast with 7.5 miles of shoreline. Known for kite flying, glass blowing and hidden glass treasures on the beach, there many options for activities and dining out in Lincoln City.
One of the most popular things to do in Lincoln City is hunt for glass floats on the beach. A secret fleet of “float fairies” stashes colorful glass floats made by local artisans for visitors to find throughout the year. If you find a float, you can keep it. Look for floats above the high tide line, stashed in the sea grass or hidden amongst the driftwood.
Even when it’s raining at the coast, there are plenty of restaurants in Lincoln City where you can stay dry and sip a hot beverage or warm up with some clam chowder.
Find more things to do in Lincoln City with restaurant recommendations and places to stay if you want to turn your day trip into a longer one.
Day Trips Between 2 and 3 Hours from Portland, OR
If you have more time, these longer day trips from Portland to the Oregon Coast are within 2 to 3 hours driving from the city. Any of these would also make a great weekend trip if you left on Friday evening or Saturday morning and returned Sunday afternoon.
Day Trip to Depoe Bay, Oregon
Driving Time from Portland: 2 hours, 20 minutes
Distance: 102 miles
How to Get There: Take highway 18 west through Willamette Valley wine country to the highway 101 south junction at Otis. Follow 101 south through Lincoln City to Depoe Bay.
Things to Do in Depoe Bay
Depoe Bay is the whale-watching capital of the Oregon Coast and also the smallest harbor in the world. Here, you can watch big waves spout and spray over the sea wall, watch boats navigate the tiny harbor entrance and enjoy the best whale watching year-round, indoors or outdoors.
Most of the restaurants and shops in Depoe Bay are located right along highway 101. A protective sea wall runs the length of the town but during high tides, king tides and storms, the natural spouting horns in Depoe Bay will spray sea water high above Highway 101, drenching cars and unsuspecting onlookers (park in the public parking lot off the highway if you don’t want your car to get sprayed).
Find more things to do in Depoe Bay including dining suggestions, scenic drives and places to stay if you want to extend your trip.
Day Trip to Newport, Oregon
Driving Time from Portland: 2 hours, 25 minutes
Distance: 132 miles
How to Get There: The most common route is via I-5 South to Hwy 20 West, but traffic on I-5 can be unpredictable. An alternate, slightly more scenic route is to take Hwy 18 west and come down from Lincoln City on Hwy 101 south.
Things to Do in Newport
A picturesque Oregon port town set between beautiful Yaquina Bay and the Pacific Ocean, Newport is a little further away from Portland, but worth the drive. With an iconic bridge, renowned aquarium, two lighthouses, great seafood and active historic bayfront, Newport has plenty to explore on a day trip or longer stay.
Have lunch with a view of the bay and walk along the bayfront to visit the local sea lions who like to hang out on the docks. If it’s raining, spend the day at the Oregon Coast Aquarium and walk through the underwater tunnel to view the sea creatures.
Find more things to do in Newport along with restaurant and hotel recommendations in case you decide to stay longer. It would be difficult to see all of Newport in one day, so be sure to plan a return trip or a longer weekend getaway.
Day Trip to Waldport, Oregon
Driving Time from Portland: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Distance: 147 miles
How to Get There: The most direct route from Portland is I-5 south to Albany, then highway 20 west to Newport. An alternative is to pass Albany and take the 34 west to Corvallis, then meet up with highway 20 west. Check your navigation app to see which route has the least traffic. From Newport, drive along the coast down highway 101 south about 20 minutes to Waldport.
Things to Do in Waldport
Waldport is a small, often overlooked town surrounding Alsea Bay at the edge of the Siuslaw National Forest. It’s an ideal, off-the-beaten-path location for outdoor recreation like fishing, clamming and crabbing, birdwatching, paddling, biking and those who are itching to get away from the city.
Grab some pastries from one of the best bakeries on the coast and head out to explore Seal Rock or go crabbing in the bay.
Find more things to do in Waldport including dining options and where to stay for a longer weekend adventure.
Day Trip to Yachats, Oregon
Driving Time from Portland: 3 hours
Distance: 150 miles
How to Get There: One route is to take I-5 south to highway 20 west to Newport, then head south on highway 101. If there are delays on the Interstate, an alternative route is 99W to highway 18 west. Then take 101 south at the Otis junction, north of Lincoln City.
Things to Do in Yachats
The “Gem of the Oregon Coast,” Yachats (pronounced YAH-hots) truly does stand out as one of the most picturesque coastal towns to visit in Oregon. Here, you can watch white-capped waves splash over the rugged, black rocks of Devil’s Churn, Spouting Horn and Thor’s Well while majestic Cape Perpetua towers above in the mist.
Spend the day exploring Cape Perpetua Scenic Area and end with a meal at one of several great restaurants in town. Yachats is small and walkable, with a variety of restaurants, trinket shops, antique stores and galleries featuring local artists.
Find more things to do in Yachats along with suggestions for restaurants and hotels if 3 hours seems like too far to drive after a long day.
Day Trip to Florence, Oregon
Driving Time from Portland: 3 hours
Distance: 170 miles
How to Get There: The most common route from Portland is to take I-5 south to Eugene, then head west on highway 126. Florence is a little over 1 hour west of Eugene.
Things to do in Florence
Near the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and the Siuslaw National Forest, Florence sits at the mouth of the Siuslaw River and is surrounded by natural beauty. Explore the sand dunes, river, beaches, freshwater lakes and forest along with a charming Old Town waterfront district and the iconic Heceta Head Lighthouse nearby.
Stroll through Old Town Florence and check out Bay Street and the waterfront harbor. If it’s rainy out, duck into a museum, antique store, art gallery, or one of many restaurants. Take in the beautiful river views, including the picturesque 1936 Siuslaw River Bridge or drive 15 minutes north to see the lighthouse.
Find more things to do in Florence and get restaurant recommendations and lodging suggestions if you want to stay for the weekend.
Day Trip to Long Beach, Washington
Driving Time from Portland: 2.5 hours
Distance: 115 miles
How to Get There: Follow the directions to Astoria and cross the Megler bridge into Washington on highway 101 north toward Ilwaco/Long Beach.
Things to Do in Long Beach, WA
Just across the Columbia River from Astoria, Oregon, continue northward to Long Beach in southwest Washington, a narrow peninsula famous for oysters. This skinny strip of land is 28 miles long and only 1.5 miles wide. It’s surrounded by water with the Pacific Ocean on the west, Willapa Bay to the east and north and the Columbia River to the south.
You could easily spend a whole day exploring the beaches, boardwalk, shops and restaurants in Long Beach, WA, and will likely want to stay longer. Don’t miss Cape Disappointment at the south end of the peninsula, a beautiful park with a lighthouse on a steep cliff overlooking the ocean that’s popular for winter storm watching and huge waves.
👉 Get more details about Long Beach, WA and Cape Disappointment including where to eat, stay and more things to do.
Transportation to the Oregon Coast
Driving is the easiest and fastest way to get to the coast from Portland but there are also car-free ways to travel to the Oregon Coast. For bus, train and car rental information, see Transportation to the Oregon Coast.
🚗 Search for rental cars and find the best deals on cars at RentalCars.com.
If you’d rather visit the coast with a local expert, leave the driving to a pro and book a guided day tour of the Oregon Coast from Portland.
You may also be interested in:
🥾 Oregon Coast Activities and Attractions
🚙 Plan a longer Oregon Coast Road Trip and explore the southern region.
Whether you live in the city or are just visiting, there are several day trips from Portland to the Oregon Coast that can be done on a Saturday or as a part of a longer weekend. Don’t let a little rain deter you: The coast is a beautiful place, rain or shine. It’s the perfect place to unwind, breathe some fresh ocean air and get a little break, even if just for a day.
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