Driving Along the Oregon Coastline on Highway 101

The Oregon coastline provides some of the best scenery in all of the Pacific Northwest. The best way to see many of these areas is to simply drive along the highway, stopping at the vista points to get a better look. Along the way, you will see ocean waves breaking on the rocks, a cave full of seals, the Heceta Lighthouse, sand dunes, and much more. Here are a few of the fantastic sights that should not be missed on your next drive along the Oregon coastline.

Driving along the Oregon coastline: Where to start

The drive along the Pacific Northwest coastline is so breathtaking that a portion of U.S. Highway 101 has been named the Pacific Coast National Scenic Byway. One of the best stretches of the drive goes south from Newport, Oregon. As you drive down the highway, the beautiful coastline will be visible on your right. There are several waysides where you can turn off and get a better view. Some of the waysides do charge a small parking fee. This is a safer way to see the Oregon coast than trying to catch a glimpse as your vehicle is moving. The Pacific Ocean is especially magnificent in this area, with the rough water crashing against the rocks.

Driving along the Oregon coastline: Traveling south

Farther south along the Oregon coast, you will see the Seal Rock Area, where there are several dining options and tourist stores. As you go south, the view of the Pacific Ocean will become even more impressive. You will find a visitor's center at Cape Perpetua. Travelers to the Pacific coast of Oregon can often see whales swimming in the ocean water below. Another amazing view of the ocean can be found in the Cook's Chasm region.

Driving along the Oregon coastline: Lighthouses, seals, and dunes

One of the more interesting stops along the Oregon coast is the Heceta Lighthouse, which is open for public touring. The lighthouse charges a fee for parking. Another tourist stop that is near the Heceta Lighthouse is Sea Lion Cave, the world's largest sea cave. Inside the cave, you can watch seals in their natural habitat. Admission to Sea Lion Cave is $10, but you can still get a great view of the region without paying to enter the cave itself. As you near Florence, you will see Heceta Beach and the Jetty area with its massive sand dunes. The beach is rather small and the parking lot fills up quickly, so get there early to beat the crowd.