Question:
What are the best small towns to visit on the Oregon Coast?
Answer:
There are many great small towns along Oregon's 363-mile coast that offer a variety of experiences. I'll give you a few of my favorite small towns (under 3000 population) that are on the beach and offer a good selection of shopping, dining and sightseeing options nearby.
On the North Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach offers a beautiful setting and is know as one of the Northwest's top art towns. The small, picturesque downtown area is filled with nice boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Oregon's famous Haystack Rock is on the beach where you can explore tidepools at low tide and observe a variety of bird life. Ecola State Park is in the north end of town, offering panoramic views, easy walking trails and several miles of hiking trails.
On the Central Oregon Coast, consider Yachats. It is the smallest town of those I am suggesting. It is close to the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, which is one of the most interesting scenic areas on the coast. Here you will find rainforest hiking trails, beach access and dramatic rocky shoreline. Just to the north is the scenic Seal Rock State Recreation Site and to the south, you can visit Heceta Head Lighthouse and State Park and the 80-year-old attraction Sea Lion Caves.
On the South Oregon Coast, I would recommend Bandon. It has one of the most spectacular beaches adjacent to a town, with many interesting rock formations on the beach and just offshore. Nearby is the Coquille River Lighthouse. You can rent crab gear on the public docks, catch your dinner and have it cooked just steps from where you caught it. One of my favorite day trips is following the Charleston to Bandon Tour Route where you can visit three beautiful State Parks on Cape Arago, southwest of Coos Bay.
Best Small Towns to Visit on the Oregon Coast
Published: 10/07/2015 Updated: 08/13/2019

Coquille Point in Bandon, Oregon
Photo by Gary Hayes
Coast Explorer publisher Gary Hayes answers questions from travelers as Travel Oregon's "Ask Oregon" expert for the Oregon Coast.
SPONSORED LINKS
Featured Destination
Click to read about how to love Cannon Beach like a local. There is magic here!
Cannon Beach Activities & Attractions
Guided horseback rides on the beach for the entire family.
Cannon Beach Activities & Attractions
Discover the hidden treasures of Cannon Beach at this museum, where history comes to life!
Published: 10/07/2015 Updated: 08/13/2019

Coquille Point in Bandon, Oregon
Photo by Gary Hayes
Coast Explorer publisher Gary Hayes answers questions from travelers as Travel Oregon's "Ask Oregon" expert for the Oregon Coast.
Question:
What are the best small towns to visit on the Oregon Coast?
Answer:
There are many great small towns along Oregon's 363-mile coast that offer a variety of experiences. I'll give you a few of my favorite small towns (under 3000 population) that are on the beach and offer a good selection of shopping, dining and sightseeing options nearby.
On the North Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach offers a beautiful setting and is know as one of the Northwest's top art towns. The small, picturesque downtown area is filled with nice boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Oregon's famous Haystack Rock is on the beach where you can explore tidepools at low tide and observe a variety of bird life. Ecola State Park is in the north end of town, offering panoramic views, easy walking trails and several miles of hiking trails.
On the Central Oregon Coast, consider Yachats. It is the smallest town of those I am suggesting. It is close to the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, which is one of the most interesting scenic areas on the coast. Here you will find rainforest hiking trails, beach access and dramatic rocky shoreline. Just to the north is the scenic Seal Rock State Recreation Site and to the south, you can visit Heceta Head Lighthouse and State Park and the 80-year-old attraction Sea Lion Caves.
On the South Oregon Coast, I would recommend Bandon. It has one of the most spectacular beaches adjacent to a town, with many interesting rock formations on the beach and just offshore. Nearby is the Coquille River Lighthouse. You can rent crab gear on the public docks, catch your dinner and have it cooked just steps from where you caught it. One of my favorite day trips is following the Charleston to Bandon Tour Route where you can visit three beautiful State Parks on Cape Arago, southwest of Coos Bay.
What are the best small towns to visit on the Oregon Coast?
Answer:
There are many great small towns along Oregon's 363-mile coast that offer a variety of experiences. I'll give you a few of my favorite small towns (under 3000 population) that are on the beach and offer a good selection of shopping, dining and sightseeing options nearby.
On the North Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach offers a beautiful setting and is know as one of the Northwest's top art towns. The small, picturesque downtown area is filled with nice boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Oregon's famous Haystack Rock is on the beach where you can explore tidepools at low tide and observe a variety of bird life. Ecola State Park is in the north end of town, offering panoramic views, easy walking trails and several miles of hiking trails.
On the Central Oregon Coast, consider Yachats. It is the smallest town of those I am suggesting. It is close to the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, which is one of the most interesting scenic areas on the coast. Here you will find rainforest hiking trails, beach access and dramatic rocky shoreline. Just to the north is the scenic Seal Rock State Recreation Site and to the south, you can visit Heceta Head Lighthouse and State Park and the 80-year-old attraction Sea Lion Caves.
On the South Oregon Coast, I would recommend Bandon. It has one of the most spectacular beaches adjacent to a town, with many interesting rock formations on the beach and just offshore. Nearby is the Coquille River Lighthouse. You can rent crab gear on the public docks, catch your dinner and have it cooked just steps from where you caught it. One of my favorite day trips is following the Charleston to Bandon Tour Route where you can visit three beautiful State Parks on Cape Arago, southwest of Coos Bay.
Cannon Beach offers access to some of the Northwest's most scenic hiking trails just minutes from elegant accommodations overlooking the Oregon Coast's iconic rocky... [read more]
Relax and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Cannon Beach where oceanfront resorts offer luxurious retreats, romantic getaways or family fun. Vacation rental homes, boutique... [read more]
Spring is a great time to head to Cannon Beach to spot puffins, eagles, murres and more. Here's where to find them. Highlighted by... [read more]
SPONSORED LINKS
Featured Destination
Click to read about how to love Cannon Beach like a local. There is magic here!
Cannon Beach Activities & Attractions
Authentic Finnish sauna, professional therapeutic massages, acupuncture and aromatherapy services.
Cannon Beach Activities & Attractions
A community theater playhouse stages plays, musicals and special events throughout the year.
Cannon Beach Shopping
Featuring European comfort footwear by Birkenstock. Many styles of sandals, shoes and socks.
Bandon Dining
Award-winning cuisine, unique wines, and the best dining experience on the Southern Oregon Coast. Click to view.