There's more to the Coast than the Coast

Who uses paper maps anymore? If you squint your eyes as you hold map up, you can kind of smell fish tacos coming off the griddle and sea air rolling in. Your hands are tired and there are little flecks of bark on your right shoulder from that near miss on your early morning ride. Brush those off before you go up to the bar, or they’ll start to worry about you.

Across the state, Oregon is no stranger to scenic drives, but there’s something undeniably different about road-tripping Highway 101 along the South Coast.

Whether you're coming from north or south, the wild and dramatic stretch of the Oregon Coast near its southern border is one of the most spectacular drives in the state. Known as Oregon’s Banana Belt due to its warmer weather than other spots on the Coast, it’s a scenic wonderland of wide-open spaces, thick forests and stunningly beautiful beaches. Because it’s a leisurely road trip from any major city, there’s another perk: It always feels like you’ve got the place to yourself.

Stretching over 350 miles, Oregon's coastline is immense and varied. With the rush of Portland and Vancouver residents who to head to the beach, northern beaches are often crowded and hectic. For those looking to escape the crowd and to create some new memories, consider driving a little further to the southern coast. We've put together a three-day itinerary for Bandon, Oregon, that's worth the mileage. Historic homes, empty trails, calm beaches, and sunsets that will leave you gobsmacked await!

by Andrew Dickson, June 2022 There are so many reasons to visit the Southern Oregon Coast but the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is at the top of any short list. It’s one of the largest dunes in the world,...

Take a walk on the beach to get a glimpse of Oregon’s marine ecosystems. You can explore the ecology of the Oregon Coast by simply taking a walk. Twice a day, every day, the tides sweep in and out, carrying...