Oregon Coast Series: A Newport to Lincoln City Northbound Drive

Places to Stop Along the Way:

You won't be able to hit every single spot in a single 90-minute drive, so pick a few that catch your eye. There are an incredible number of amazing restaurants along this specific leg of the coast—far too many to list—but a few world-class standouts are absolutely worth planning your day around.

• Hatfield Marine Science Center (Newport): Our starting point. Before you hit start, head inside this interactive Oregon State University research facility to see the hands-on exhibits and meet their resident giant Pacific octopus.

• Newport's Historic Bayfront: Our first loop takes us right through this working harbor. If you are hungry early, this is a culinary jackpot. Stop by Local Ocean Seafoods for arguably the best, freshest dock-to-table seafood on the coast, or head down the street to Clearwater Restaurant for upscale waterfront dining and a deck overlooking the barking sea lions.

• South Beach Fish Market (Newport): If you prefer a gritty, old-school, no-frills coastal vibe, hit this market just south of the bridge. It is legendary for its world-class clam chowder, fresh Dungeness crab, and fried fish baskets.

• Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area: A massive headland featuring Oregon's tallest lighthouse (93 feet). Take the stairs down to the black basalt cobblestone beach to see some of the most vibrant, accessible tide pools on the West Coast.

• Devil's Punchbowl State Natural Area (Otter Rock): A spectacular, collapsed sea cave where you can look right down into a churning volcanic cauldron as the waves slam inside.

• Cape Foulweather: Perched 500 feet directly above the Pacific, this spot offers a panoramic view of the coastline that will absolutely take your breath away. There is a tiny lookout gift shop at the top to duck into if the wind gets too wild.

• Tidal Raves Seafood Grill (Depoe Bay): This is a mandatory stop for lunch or dinner. The restaurant sits right on a cliffside edge in Depoe Bay, meaning you can watch gray whales spout and heavy surf smash against the rocks directly from your dining table.

• Pioneer Joe Coffee (Salishan / Gleneden Beach): Located at the shops at Salishan Lodge, this is the ultimate spot to pull over, stretch your legs, and grab a premium espresso or a specialty baked good to power the rest of your drive.

• Siletz Bay Wildlife Refuge & Ghost Forest: Located at the southern edge of Lincoln City. Pull over at low tide to see the haunting, salt-killed roots of ancient trees that were instantly drowned by the massive Cascadia Earthquake of 1700.

• Otis Cafe (Lincoln City): As you reach the northern end of the tour, do not miss this legendary local landmark. Recently rebuilt after a fire, it is famous for its massive, home-style breakfasts, iconic German sourdough bread, and incredible homemade pies.

You can take this tour year-round, and each season brings a completely different vibe—from sunny summer whale-watching to dramatic, crashing winter storms.

However, the single most important factor is the sun: this tour is designed exclusively for daylight hours. The spectacular coastal viewpoints, historic lighthouses, and dramatic headlands like Cape Foulweather become completely invisible once the sun goes down.

Start early in the day so you have plenty of time to safely pull over, explore the viewpoints, and take in the incredible views before dusk.

The Central Oregon Coast is spectacularly beautiful, but the weather and terrain can change in an instant. Because cell service can be spotty along certain headlands of Highway 101, it is absolutely critical that you download this entire tour over Wi-Fi before you leave the parking lot so you don't lose your audio connection.

When packing your car, remember to dress in layers. Even in the peak of summer, Cape Foulweather can live up to its name with freezing winds and heavy fog, so a solid windbreaker or rain jacket is a must, alongside your sunblock and plenty of drinking water. If you plan to hop out at the Devil's Punchbowl or hike near the lighthouses, wear sturdy shoes with good grip—the damp volcanic rock and wet trails are incredibly slick, so save the flip-flops for the hotel room.

Finally, a mandatory safety rule for the Oregon Coast: never turn your back on the ocean. Keep a safe distance from exposed cliff edges, and look out for sneaker waves—massive, unpredictable surges of water that can sweep up a dry beach without warning and pull even a careful adult out to sea. Drive safely, stay aware of your surroundings, and enjoy the cruise!