Dunes and Coastlines: A Self-Guided Oregon Drive

This self-guided driving tour follows the Oregon Coast between Newport and Lincoln City, one of the most geologically dramatic stretches of coastline in America, shaped by tectonic fury, maritime history, and the instinct to build right where nature is most destructive. The tour starts at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, beneath the Yaquina Bay Bridge, an Art Deco masterpiece by Conde McCullough. You'll drop into Newport's Historic Bayfront, climb into the Nye Beach district, and stop at the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, abandoned after three years and allegedly haunted. Heading north, detour through Agate Beach, where a tsunami dock washed ashore in 2012, and out to Devil's Punchbowl, a collapsed sea cave. Cape Foulweather, named by Captain Cook during an 1778 storm, offers views 500 feet above the surf. The tour ends at Road's End Beach, beneath the basalt formation known as God's Thumb. Along the way, climb Yaquina Head Lighthouse, and watch for gray whales off Depoe Bay.

1. 1

   Newport's Historic Bayfront

   Pass by

   Drop into Newport's Historic Bayfront, a gloriously gritty mix of working fishing boats and overpriced taffy shops. Take in this lively waterfront district as your journey up the coast begins.

2. 2

   Nye Beach

   Pass by

   Climb into the refined Nye Beach district and stop at the notoriously misplaced Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, abandoned after just three years of operation. Discover why this allegedly haunted landmark never lasted as intended.

3. 3

   Yaquina Head Lighthouse

   Pass by

   Climb the restored Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Oregon's tallest at 93 feet. Hear the tide pools' haunting rattle of cobblestones below.

4. 4

   Agate Beach State Recreation Site

   Pass by

   Detour through Agate Beach, where a 188-ton Japanese tsunami dock washed ashore in 2012. Take in this remarkable piece of oceanic debris that made international headlines.

5. 5

   Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area

   Pass by

   Visit Devil's Punchbowl, a collapsed sea cave where the Pacific churns like a cauldron. Take in this dramatic natural formation, one of the coast's most striking sights.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   Pass by

   Pass by the Inn at Otter Crest, a 35-acre oceanfront resort perched on the cliffs above Cape Foulweather. Take in this striking complex, set among protected tide pools and forest trails leading down to Otter Rock.

7. 7

   Cape Foulweather

   Pass by

   Take in the views 500 feet above the surf at Cape Foulweather, named by Captain Cook during a violent storm in 1778. Discover the story behind this dramatically named headland.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   Pass by

   Walk a hidden trail through a living tunnel of Sitka spruce to Whale Cove, saved from resort development in the 1970s. Take in this pristine, protected inlet along the coast.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   Pass by

   Watch gray whales feed just offshore from the seawall at Depoe Bay's world's smallest navigable harbor. Take in the remarkable consistency of sightings from this dedicated whale watching spot.

10. 10

    Lincoln City Outlets

    Pass by

    Pass by Lincoln City Outlets, the first outlet mall built in Oregon, opened in 1989. Take in this sprawling shopping complex, home to over 40 designer and name-brand stores just off Highway 101.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.