Regions of the West Coast of Oregon
The western coast of Oregon is divided into three regions:
- Northern Coast – Astoria to Pacific City, 90 miles (145 km)
- Central Coast – Lincoln City to Florence, 75 miles (121 km)
- Southern Coast – Reedsport to Brookings, 134 miles (216 km)
Northern and Central Oregon Coast towns are conveniently located for travelers coming from the Portland area, northern and central Willamette Valley or Washington. It takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours to drive west to the coastline from the I-5 corridor (Portland, Salem, Eugene, Medford).
The Southern Oregon Coast is a bit more off-the-beaten-path and is closer for people coming from the Medford area or California.
This page may contain affiliate links where we earn a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our suggestions are based on our own experience and thorough research. Full disclosure.
Why the Oregon Coast is The People's Coast
In 1967, the Oregon Beach Bill declared free public beach access to everyone. Unlike California and Washington, the public has “free and uninterrupted use of the beaches,” in Oregon so you won’t see sections of the beach cordoned off as private property for hotel guests only.
Northern Oregon Coast Towns and Cities
As the northern Oregon Coast is closer to Portland, it’s naturally more popular with visitors, especially when the weather is nice. These coastal cities are also close together, so it’s easy to visit multiple towns in one weekend or on a day trip from Portland and drive back in 1.5 to 2 hours.
There are more than 20 cities on the west coast of Oregon, ranging from bustling towns to rural, sleepy villages. Learn more about each town in the northern Oregon Coast region below.
Each link provides a complete guide with helpful recommendations for places to stay, where to eat and fun things to do.
Central Oregon Coast Towns and Cities
Towns in the central Oregon Coast region are more spread out and there are longer stretches of highway between small coastal communities. The coastline here changes to rough black basalt rock, forming interesting waterspouts and waves.
The central region of the Oregon Coast takes 2 to 2.5 hours to reach from Portland. Click on a town to learn more about things to do, places to stay and the best restaurants.
Southern Oregon Coast Towns and Cities
The southern Oregon Coast is quieter, a bit warmer and less traveled, and is known as “Oregon’s Adventure Coast.” From Portland, it takes about 4 hours to get to Coos Bay and 6 hours to reach the southernmost Oregon coastal town of Brookings, near the California border.
These towns are even more spread out along the coastline, with about 30 miles between the southern Oregon beach towns of Bandon and Port Orford.
Some of the most photographed and dramatic rock formations on the entire west coast of Oregon are found in this particular region. Pick a town to learn more about outdoor activities, places to stay and where to eat on the southern Oregon Coast.
Plan an Oregon Coast Road Trip
🚐 Check out our Oregon Coast road trip guide for driving distances between coastal Oregon towns with suggested itineraries to help plan your trip.
Coming from Portland? We’ve rounded up a list of day trips from Portland to the Oregon Coast you can drive in less than 3 hours.
If you’d rather explore the coast with a local guide, leave the driving to a pro and book a guided Oregon Coast tour. Get picked up at your hotel and just sit back and enjoy the ride stress-free.
Transportation to the Oregon Coast
Driving is the most convenient way to explore the Oregon Coast but there are also car-free ways to travel. For air, bus, train, car and camper rental information, see Transportation to the Oregon Coast.
🚗 Save up to 70% on your next car rental through DiscoverCars »
Map of Oregon Coast Towns and Cities
Just click the map of Oregon Coast towns and cities below to get directions from your location.
See also:
👉 The Best Beaches on the Oregon Coast
🍴 Restaurants and Dining on the Oregon Coast
🥾 Things to See and Do on the Oregon Coast