Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Oregon Coast

As the audio guides play commentary based on your gps location, you can create your own itinerary along the tour route to match your interests and schedule. Or you can use our trip planners for our suggestions on half, full or multi day itineraries. Some of the many highlights are listed below;

Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, with picture-perfect Victorian-age homes overlooking the port. Climb to the top of the Astoria Column to get a birds-eye view of where the Columbia River dumps into the Pacific Ocean. Visit the Riverwalk Trail to find a perfect spot for lunch. Just for fun, drive across the Astoria-Megler Bridge. This four-mile-long bridge was the last link to connect Highway 101 between the Canadian and Mexican borders.

Cannon Beach is exactly why you are visiting the Oregon Coast. It’s a quaint yet bustling town with a wide-open beach with spectacular views of Haystack Rock. The massive basalt outcrop rises up over 235 feet from the shore, surrounded by smaller sea stacks called “The Needles” and in low tide, the tidal pools are perfect for discovering tidepool creatures and sea birds. Sunsets here are spectacular.

Cape Meares State Park offers you a chance to go for hikes, watch for whales, visit an old lighthouse and see a sacred octopus tree. Yes, that’s what we said. At the end of a short trail is an old Sitka spruce that looks like an octopus with giant limbs pointing to the sky. And the views down the coast are superb.

The Cape Perpetua Scenic Area with shore features like the Devils Churn, Thor’s Well and Spouting Horn is the perfect stop to see the rugged edge of the Oregon Coast. Waves smash over the jagged volcanic rocks, casting a mist high into the sky. At low tide, trails take you closer to the action. If the tide is high, go inland on trails rich with thick coastal forests of Sitka spruce. Take a deep breath in to enjoy the best air possible, before you drive a few miles down the road to visit the Sea Lion Caves. This attraction takes you into the largest cave on the west coast to see hundreds of rowdy (and smelly!) sea lions and birds.

Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area on the Otter Crest Loop near Depoe Bay,is a perfect example of the erosional powers of water. What might have been caves in the cliff have been beaten by relentless wave action that finally collapsed the roof. Now, winter waves gush through the openings - churning and foaming like an evil brew. But, if you are there in low tide, it’s a splendid spot to explore the tidal pools and even dare to explore the caldron.

On a coastline dotted with stylish bridges, Florence manages to stand out with its lovely crossing of the Siuslaw River. We'll hear about the common thread behind practically all of the Oregon Coasts bridges as we tour. It's not the biggest, but it certainly projects pleasing features. Be sure to explore the Old Town, which also happens to be the best place for bridge views.

Fort Stevens State Park was once the primary military defence installation right at the mouth of the Columbia River. It was manned for 84 years, but now sits silently with many artifacts waiting to be explored. Wander through the displays at the military museum, then explore the concrete gun batteries. Underground tours take you into the chilling past. Don’t forget to stop along the shore to see the remains of the shipwreck of the Peter Iredale.

The beach at Lincoln City seems to take the brunt of the winter storms, leaving massive logs and driftwood washed up on the shore. It’s a perfect place to beachcomb. Especially on the days the volunteers have hidden signature glass floats amongst the beached logs and tall grasses for you to discover. What a find!!! If you don’t find one on the shore, Lincoln City has many glass blowers with shops full of beautiful ornaments to take home as a souvenir of your trip down the Oregon Coast.

Newport Beach is home to two incredible aquatic learning facilities. Stop in at either the Oregon Coast Aquarium or the Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center to learn about the species that live on or under the shores of the Oregon Coast. Drive around the inviting Newport Harbor with waterfront stores and restaurants. See if you aren't tempted for a snack or refreshment with views to the glorious Yaquina Bay Bridge. When in season, the sea lions are hilarious to watch.

Ssssh! It’s a secret. Tunnel Beach near the town of Oceanside is not exactly a secret, but it does lead to a secluded little beach. Back in the 1920s some folks thought it would be fine to blast a hole in the base of the cliff to take visitors to a hidden beach. The 90-foot-long tunnel is accessed through what looks like an old war bunker, where rocks and stray driftwood litters the floor. It's fun to go through. The shore leading to it is also a gem of a beach. People love strolling this one to look for treasures like clear agates, green and blue jasper, and marine fossils.

What may have been the end of the road for Lewis and Clark, Seaside is the beginning of fun for us. Seaside is Oregon’s answer to, well, seaside fun. An old-time amusement park attracts the crowds, but so does the 1.5-mile promenade and the restaurants and shops. That beach though is home to clam digs and long walks in the sand. If you are looking for signature craft beer or Oregon clam chowder, this is your starting block.

Can you say cheese! Tillamook is more than just cheese, it’s ice cream too! The Tillamook Creamery draws in the crowds offering free tours and samples, but the town offers much more. Check out the air museum housed in the last remaining WWII blimp hangar, which is one of the largest wooden structures in the world. There are a few craft breweries in town, with one boasting a beer fermented using locally sourced yeast and microflora. This is also your gateway to the Three Cape Scenic Loop.