Meet in Portland. Drift to the Coast.
For attendees with a bucket list, the West Coast is the best coast.
Less than two hours from Portland lies a scenic coastal corridor where rugged headlands frame iconic sea stacks, wide sandy beaches invite adventure and seaside towns offer the freshest catch of the day. The Oregon Coast is a 363-mile stretch of public shoreline along Highway 101 that turns a bleisure opportunity into an unforgettable escape. For event attendees, simply head west into the sunset.
Sightseeing by the Seaside
Enchantment is around every corner and cove on the coast, starting with the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. Astoria, Oregon is home to the 125-foot Astoria Column featuring a spiral staircase that leads to a 360-degree view. Take a walk around downtown to check out art galleries, antique shops, dock-to-table restaurants and craft breweries with sea lion viewing down by the pier. Fun fact: Astoria is the filming site of the beloved movie, “The Goonies.”
Driving south from Astoria, you’ll find Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach. An icon of Oregon, the basalt sea stack rises 235 feet from the waves and hosts a population of Tufted Puffins in spring and summer.
Then it’s on to the Tillamook Creamery — a local favorite known as “the house that cheddar built.” A farmer-owned co-op since 1909, the modern creamery offers a museum-like experience with free self-guided tours and guided tasting tours for $15 a person. Dairy lovers can peruse the gift shop for cookbooks and cow merch, then stop by the cafe for a double grilled cheese and the ice cream counter for a rich, creamy scoop to top off the day.
Whale Watching to Bonfire Building
For adventurers who like to explore by the waves, the Oregon Coast delivers. Twice a year, up to 20,000 gray whales cruise past the shoreline, with prime viewing in winter and spring. Year-round whale watching boat rides launch from the Depoe Bay docks.
At low tide, Cannon Beach, Yachats and Cape Perpetua are among popular stops to see tide pools full of sea stars and anemones, while crabbing boats offer charters that turn fresh Dungeness crab into a hands-on highlight. In cooler months, agate hunters can comb beaches like Moolack, Oceanside and Stonefield for treasures uncovered by king tides.
As the day winds down, relax around a bonfire on the open sand. Most Oregon beaches allow small fires with untreated wood, as long as it’s away from grass and driftwood.
Know Before You Go
Weather on the Oregon Coast can flip quickly between sun, fog, wind and rain, so layers are essential year-round. Water temps peak around 58°F (15°C) in late summer and drop to about 46°F (8°C) in winter. Add in rough surf and rip currents, and this part of the Pacific is better for stunning sunset photos than a swim.
Scenic Highway 101
A drive along Highway 101 is a postcard come to life. The Three Capes Scenic Route wows with ocean vistas and dense, forested cliffs. Be sure to scout Oregon’s nine historic lighthouses dotting the coast, including Tillamook Rock’s “Terrible Tilly,” and the cliff-top beacon at Cape Meares.
Leave the Car, Take the Sunblock
Car-free attendees can still make the most of the coast. The North Coast Express runs Friday–Sunday in summer from Portland’s Sunset Transit Center to Seaside, Astoria, Cannon Beach, Tillamook Creamery and Rockaway Beach, with air conditioning, Wi‑Fi, restrooms and ADA access. For guided options, EcoTours of Oregon offers full-day whale watching and coastal sightseeing, while America’s Hub World Tours runs day trips and brewery-focused excursions from Portland.
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