Oregon’s coast always calls to me with its misty mornings and craggy headlands, but it’s the small towns perched near those cliffs that truly steal the show. Each community on this list pairs postcard-ready scenery with a pace of life slow enough for lingering over tide pools, fresh-caught chowder, or a windswept sunset.
I’ve counted them down so you can plan an unforgettable road trip from south to north (or vice versa) and see how each stop reveals a different facet of the state’s wild shoreline. From hidden sea caves to historic lighthouses, there’s a mix of famous icons and under-the-radar surprises waiting in every village.
Grab a rain jacket, charge your camera, and follow me along Highway 101 to the 16 most scenic small towns in Oregon for cliffside views you’ll replay in your mind long after the salt has dried on your boots.
16. Coos Bay: Adventure Hub Surrounded by Coastal Cliffs
Coos Bay feels like the coast’s unofficial playground, where I can kayak along sandstone bluffs in the morning and wander boardwalk shops by afternoon. The surrounding Cape Arago Highway loops past sheer cliffs at Shore Acres State Park, where winter storms hurl waves so high they mist the clifftop gardens.
I’m always surprised by the pocket beaches—like Simpson Beach—that hide below the headlands, perfect for a picnic when the wind calms. The downtown’s Egyptian Theatre, with its glowing marquee, hints at a rich history fueled by lumber and shipping.
Food trucks and microbreweries cluster near the harbor, making it easy to refuel between hikes. The average price for a 3-4 bedroom home in Coos Bay ranges from $300,000 to $500,000, offering a variety of options for those drawn to its coastal beauty.
Where is Coos Bay?
Coos Bay sits on Oregon’s south-central coast, roughly halfway between Florence and Gold Beach. The town hugs a protected estuary but is only a 15-minute drive from the open Pacific and its cliff-rimmed state parks, giving it a dual personality of calm harbor and wild headlands.
U.S. 101 runs right through downtown, and I usually fly into Eugene or North Bend’s tiny regional airport before driving the last stretch. Those extra winding miles mean fewer crowds and more room to savor every viewpoint.
15. Garibaldi: Historic Harbor Town with Cliffside Views
Garibaldi may be small, but its working waterfront energy pairs nicely with the basalt bluffs that frame Tillamook Bay. I love hopping aboard the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad’s vintage steam train, which chugs past hillside forests before revealing sudden ocean vistas.
Charter boats here chase lingcod and Dungeness crab, and many skippers will point out the hidden coves tucked below the cliffs. At low tide, I walk the crumbling pilings of the old lumber docks, where sea lions bark beneath weathered timbers.
The Garibaldi Museum, an under-appreciated gem, tells the tale of Captain Robert Gray and early explorers who mapped these dramatic headlands. Cap the day with fresh-shucked oysters at a harbor shack while gulls circle the steep hills beyond.
In Garibaldi, 3-4 bedroom homes are priced between $350,000 and $600,000, providing a range of choices for potential homeowners looking to enjoy the picturesque views.
Where is Garibaldi?
You’ll find Garibaldi on the northern curve of Tillamook Bay, about 90 minutes west of Portland. The town backs up to forested hills, but a quick drive north on U.S. 101 brings you to the Three Graces sea stacks and cliffside pullouts perfect for sunset.
Visitors usually arrive by car, though the scenic railroad also connects Garibaldi with nearby Rockaway Beach. Its protected bay location means calm waters for boating, with dramatic headlands only a few minutes away for storm-watching.
14. Waldport: Bridges, Bays, and Breathtaking Cliffs
Waldport is my go-to stop when I crave both estuary serenity and cliff-top drama in the same afternoon. The graceful Alsea Bay Bridge offers panoramic views of wave-carved bluffs that guard the bay’s mouth.
Just south, the Governor Patterson State Recreation Site unveils a windswept beach bordered by low cliffs where agates often hide in the sand. Crabbing from the public dock is practically a town pastime, and local cafés will cook your catch if you ask nicely.
I’m always impressed by the Alsea River’s glassy reflection of cedar-lined slopes, a mellow counterpoint to the pounding surf beyond. For a hidden detour, hike the Woodland Trail behind Crestline Park—it pops out at a surprise vista overlooking the ocean and forested cliffs.
For those interested in Waldport, 3-4 bedroom houses typically cost between $400,000 and $700,000, reflecting the town’s tranquil charm and scenic landscapes.
Where is Waldport?
Waldport lies on Oregon’s central coast, about 15 miles south of Newport and a scenic two-hour drive from Eugene via Highway 34. The geography is a study in contrasts: calm Alsea Bay on one side, rugged sea bluffs on the other.
Most travelers cruise in on U.S. 101, but I like arriving via the Coast Range backroads for sudden cliff reveals as the trees part. Because it straddles both river and ocean, you’re always within a five-minute drive of either sheltered paddling or windswept viewpoints.
13. Rockaway Beach: Twin Rocks and Tranquil Cliffs
Rockaway Beach trades bustle for breathing room, offering a seven-mile shoreline watched over by the iconic Twin Rocks sea stacks. Behind town, modest cliffs rise just high enough to block highway noise and frame uninterrupted sunset vistas.
I often start mornings at the Pronto Pup stand (home of the original corn dog) before beachcombing for Japanese glass floats that wash up after winter storms. The Jetty Fishery to the north rents tiny boats, letting me explore Nehalem Bay’s quieter cliffsides where herons roost.
Rockaway’s annual kite festival colors the horizon with giant octopuses dancing above the low headlands. 3-4 bedroom homes in Rockaway Beach generally range from $500,000 to $750,000, offering a blend of coastal living and natural beauty.
Where is Rockaway Beach?
Positioned on the north coast between Tillamook and Manzanita, Rockaway sits directly on U.S. 101, making it an easy two-hour drive from Portland. Its gentle oceanfront contrasts with higher cliffs just south at Barview Jetty, giving you two landscapes in minutes.
The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad stops right in town, adding a nostalgic route to nearby Garibaldi. Because development stays low-rise, the surrounding hills remain the tallest landmarks, framing every glimpse of sea and sky.
12. Newport: Lighthouses and Cliffside Attractions
Newport balances tourist fun with genuine maritime grit, all beneath the imposing Yaquina Head cliffs crowned by Oregon’s tallest lighthouse. I can spend hours in the tide pools below the headland, where purple sea urchins dot basalt shelves like tiny constellations.
The historic bayfront tempts with saltwater taffy, fresh crab, and barking sea lions sprawled on floating docks. For a quieter cliff perspective, I head to Don Davis Park, where locals watch storms slam the sea wall while surfers dart between swells.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium adds marine science flair, and its Passages of the Deep tunnel lets me “walk” through a cliffside reef without getting wet. After sundown, Rogue Ales’ brewpub pours pints overlooking the bridge, lights glinting off jagged bluffs upriver.
In Newport, the price for a 3-4 bedroom home averages between $450,000 and $700,000, appealing to those who want to live near stunning coastline and lively attractions.
Where is Newport?
Newport sits roughly in the middle of the Oregon coast, about 130 miles southwest of Portland via Highway 20. The city straddles Yaquina Bay but stretches west to lofty cliffs at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area.
Travelers usually drive, though small commuter flights land at nearby Newport Municipal Airport for those short on time. Because three distinct headlands ring the city, every route in gives a different cliff-framed arrival scene.
11. Oceanside: Hidden Beaches and Tunnelled Cliffs
Oceanside feels like a secret shared just with me, perched on a steep hillside that tumbles toward a pocket beach guarded by sheer cliffs. The star attraction is the hand-carved tunnel at Maxwell Point, which leads to a secluded stretch called Tunnel Beach—an otherworldly spot where sea stacks loom like sentinels.
Café-style patios dot the slope, so I can sip clam chowder while watching hang gliders soar off the headland. Nearby Cape Meares offers a stubby 1890s lighthouse perched dramatically above crashing waves, plus the aptly named Octopus Tree, whose eight massive limbs twist cliffside toward the sky.
At low tide, agate hunters scour the pebbly coves revealed beneath basalt overhangs. With narrow streets and few shops, the village nudges visitors to tune in to the rhythm of surf and seabirds.
Homes with 3-4 bedrooms in Oceanside are typically priced between $500,000 and $800,000, making it an ideal location for those who desire a peaceful coastal retreat.
Where is Oceanside?
This tiny enclave lies 10 miles west of Tillamook on a spur of the Three Capes Scenic Loop. Cliffs hem the town so tightly that Highway 131 dead-ends at the beach parking lot, emphasizing its end-of-the-road vibe.
The nearest major airport is Portland’s PDX, a two-hour drive that climbs coastal mountains before the sudden reveal of ocean and cliff. Limited parking keeps crowds thin, rewarding early arrivals with near-private viewpoints.
10. Pacific City: Dory Boats and Dramatic Cape Kiwanda
Pacific City’s star is Cape Kiwanda, a honey-colored sandstone headland whose cliffs glow crimson at sunset and seem made for epic photos. I never tire of watching the local dory boats launch directly from the beach, punching through surf before hugging the cape’s towering walls to fish offshore reefs.
A steep sand dune invites leg-burning climbs to a hidden viewpoint where waves carve tide channels into the soft stone below. Pelican Brewing pours ales steps from the sand, so I can trade my dune slog for a cold Kiwanda Cream when the wind picks up.
A short walk north leads to secluded McPhillips Beach, framed by lesser-known cliffs that shield agate pockets at low tide. When gray whales migrate, I perch on the cape’s wind-polished shelves and count spouts against Haystack Rock’s silhouette on the horizon.
The average price for a 3-4 bedroom home in Pacific City ranges from $600,000 to $900,000, perfect for those who want to experience coastal living with a variety of amenities.
Where is Pacific City?
Located on Oregon’s Three Capes Route, Pacific City sits 25 miles south of Tillamook and about two hours from Portland via Highway 6. Cape Kiwanda forms the northern tip of a sand-spit peninsula, offering cliffs on one side and a calm Nestucca River estuary on the other.
Most visitors arrive by car, but small planes can use the adjacent airpark for a quick coastal hop. Because the town is slightly off U.S. 101, it enjoys quieter roads and unhurried access to its dramatic headland.
9. Brookings: Coastal Beauty at the Edge of Oregon
Brookings greets me with banana-belt warmth and a jagged shoreline where cliffs ribbon out toward California just a few miles south. Azalea Park erupts in blooms each spring, and its cliff-top trails overlook tidepools brimming with neon sea stars.
I always detour to Harris Beach State Park, whose offshore sea stacks resemble a miniature archipelago battered by frothy surf. For a true hidden gem, hike the 1-mile trail to Secret Beach at milepost 345; the descent through Sitka spruce reveals an isolated cove beneath towering bluffs.
Downtown cafés serve marionberry scones, perfect for sunrise cliff watching. For those looking to settle in Brookings, 3-4 bedroom homes are priced between $350,000 and $600,000, offering affordable options in a picturesque seaside town.
Where is Brookings?
Brookings anchors Oregon’s extreme southwest corner, just six miles north of the California border on U.S. 101. It nestles between the Chetco River and soaring headlands of the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, a 12-mile stretch packed with cliff pullouts.
Most travelers drive from Medford via the Redwood Highway, a winding route that drops dramatically to sea level. Because it’s the last sizeable town before California, services are handy while cliffs stay wonderfully wild.
8. Florence: Historic Old Town and Scenic Sea Bluffs
Florence marries Victorian storefronts with easy access to cliffs that rival any on the Pacific. I love strolling the riverfront boardwalk for crab cakes and saltwater taffy before heading to the nearby Hobbit Trail, which tunnels through ferns to a bluff-top view straight out of Middle-earth.
Heceta Head Lighthouse perches just north, its 1894 tower glowing at dusk above dramatic basalt shelves. During king tides, I watch water spout skyward at Devil’s Churn, a cliffside cleft that thunders like a pipe organ.
The Siuslaw River Bridge frames sunset with graceful arches, and local art galleries nestle in weathered buildings that once served the logging fleet. In Florence, 3-4 bedroom homes are priced between $350,000 and $600,000, providing an inviting option for families seeking a charming coastal lifestyle.
Where is Florence?
Sitting at the mouth of the Siuslaw River on U.S. 101, Florence lies about an hour west of Eugene via Highway 126. The town is sandwiched between the Oregon Dunes to the south and marine terraces that rise abruptly to the north, giving you sand and cliff in one glance.
Visitors often arrive by car, but a small municipal airport welcomes private pilots. Its central-coast position makes it an ideal base to explore headlands both north and south without long drives.
7. Manzanita: Seven Miles of Beach Beneath Towering Cliffs
Manzanita exudes quiet sophistication, where a single main street of boutiques sits below the dramatic cliffs of Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain. I relish morning yoga on its broad, uncrowded sand before tackling the mountain’s 2.6-mile trail, which rewards with panoramic views of wave-sculpted bluffs stretching to the horizon.
For solitude, I follow the lesser-known Short Sand Beach trail in nearby Oswald West State Park—its mossy pathway opens to a cove flanked by sheer forested cliffs perfect for storm watching. Evening often finds me at Neahkahnie Bistro, where local salmon pairs nicely with sunsets igniting the cliff face.
Even in summer, the town’s dog-friendly beach never feels packed, preserving a private-coast vibe. Manzanita offers 3-4 bedroom homes priced between $700,000 and $1,000,000, catering to those who are looking for a more upscale coastal living experience.
Where is Manzanita?
Manzanita lies about 15 miles south of Cannon Beach and two hours west of Portland via Highway 26. The town tucks snugly between the open Pacific and 1,680-foot Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain, whose basalt slopes drop almost straight to sea level at the north end of the beach.
Most visitors travel by car, but cyclists on the Oregon Coast Bike Route favor its flat streets for an overnight stop beneath the cliffs. Because U.S. 101 skirts the base of the mountain, every arrival feels like threading a narrow seam between rock and surf.
6. Gold Beach: Where the Rogue River Meets the Pacific Cliffs
Gold Beach thrills anyone who craves rivers, rainforest, and rugged headlands in a single panorama. Jet-boat tours roar upstream through Rogue River canyons, but I often linger at the river mouth, where cliffs funnel migratory birds onto pebble bars.
Otter Point State Recreation Site is my favorite overlook: climb the short trail and you’ll find twisted sandstone spires jutting from the sea, little known beyond locals. When fog drifts in, the historic Mary D. Hume shipwreck appears ghost-like beneath low bluffs, making for moody photographs.
Seafood shacks serve blackened albacore tacos that taste even better after a cliff-top hike. For a quirky side trip, hunt for scenic agate “dragon eggs” along nearby Bailey Beach, backed by dunes that rise abruptly into forested ridges.
In Gold Beach, 3-4 bedroom homes typically cost between $400,000 and $700,000, making it an attractive destination for those looking to enjoy Oregon’s rugged coast.
Where is Gold Beach?
Situated about 40 miles north of Brookings on U.S. 101, Gold Beach occupies the spot where the Rogue River carves through coastal hills before meeting the ocean. The surrounding Siskiyou Mountains create steep headlands that bracket the town, channeling winds perfect for kite-flying on bluff-top overlooks.
Medford’s airport, a two-hour inland drive, is the closest major air gateway, though many road-trippers loop in from the redwoods of northern California. Because the Rogue River bridge is the only coastal crossing for miles, the cliffs here frame a natural crossroads of land, river, and sea.
5. Port Orford: Artistic Haven with Spectacular Cliffside Views
Port Orford wins my vote for the best combination of cliff drama and creative spirit on the coast. Its dolly dock hoists fishing boats straight up the bluff, a quirky engineering feat worth timing your visit to watch. Battle Rock Park recounts Native and pioneer history atop a wind-buffeted promontory that juts into roaring surf.
Gallery Walk nights spotlight local painters who often depict the very headlands visible outside their studio windows. For solitude, I hike the Port Orford Heads trail, where former Coast Guard barracks perch eerily over 200-foot drops.
Before leaving, I always swing by the WildSpring Guest Habitat—a forested retreat with cliff-edge soaking tubs facing sunsets that painters dream about. 3-4 bedroom homes in Port Orford are priced between $350,000 and $600,000, offering an affordable option in a scenic coastal town.
Where is Port Orford?
Port Orford rests midway between Gold Beach and Bandon on U.S. 101—the westernmost incorporated city in the contiguous United States. Cape Blanco’s 245-foot sea cliffs rise just north, while Humbug Mountain towers directly south, sandwiching the town between two dramatic headlands.
Most arrive by car, though cyclists tackling the Pacific Coast Route prize the relatively flat stretch into town before the highway climbs the next cliff. The geography funnels ocean winds, so clear days grant 30-mile views from nearly every bluff-top vantage point.
4. Depoe Bay: The World’s Smallest Harbor with Majestic Cliffs
Depoe Bay squeezes into a narrow rocky inlet whose surrounding cliffs amplify the ocean’s voice, making it my favorite place to eavesdrop on waves. Gray whales linger almost year-round, and you can spot spouts right from the seawall without boarding a boat.
For adrenaline, I brave the Whale Watching Center’s rooftop platform during king tides, when spindrift sprays above the cliff edge like horizontal rain. Spouting Horn—an ocean geyser beneath the town—erupts explosively as swells compress through lava tubes.
The Tidal Raves restaurant clings to the bluff, so I can savor hazelnut-crusted salmon while storm clouds march in. Hidden below highway level, the short North Point trail offers a quiet bench where gulls nest on lava pinnacles just feet away.
Depoe Bay’s 3-4 bedroom homes generally range from $500,000 to $800,000, perfect for those wanting to experience the town’s stunning coastline and quaint atmosphere.
Where is Depoe Bay?
Depoe Bay rests on Oregon’s central coast, 12 miles south of Lincoln City along U.S. 101. It occupies a lava-formed shelf rising sharply from the Pacific, creating sheer cliffs beside the country’s smallest navigable harbor.
Drivers often reach it from Portland in under two hours via Highway 18, while Salem lies just 75 minutes east. Because parking hugs the cliffside main street, ocean energy feels inescapably close the moment you open your car door.
3. Bandon: Quaint Streets and Striking Sea Stacks
Bandon’s Old Town boardwalk charms with candy-colored storefronts, but the cliffs and monolithic sea stacks of Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint steal the spotlight. I wander the labyrinth of tide pools between Needle Rock and Wizard’s Hat, always finding new anemone clusters at low tide.
Cranberry bog tours inland reveal why the town smells faintly sweet in autumn, a contrast to the salty cliffs just minutes away. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort’s cliff-top fairways lure players worldwide, yet walking the public beach beneath those same bluffs is free and unforgettable.
Bullards Beach’s lighthouse, set against windswept cliffs at the Coquille River mouth, glows amber at sunset and doubles as an art gallery some weekends. The average price for a 3-4 bedroom home in Bandon is between $550,000 and $850,000, offering a mix of coastal charm and modern amenities.
Where is Bandon?
Bandon lies 24 miles south of Coos Bay on U.S. 101, straddling the Coquille River as it meets the Pacific. Low headlands bookend the town, while offshore stacks create one of Oregon’s most photographed cliffscapes.
Drivers approach from Eugene via Highway 38 and the Myrtlewood forests that open suddenly onto ocean bluffs—an arrival that never gets old. Because it sits near Cape Blanco’s wind zone, be ready for bracing breezes that sculpt those dramatic cliffs.
2. Yachats: The Gem of the Oregon Coast Overlooking Rugged Cliffs
Yachats wraps around a headland where jagged black lava meets foamy tide, earning its reputation as the “Gem of the Oregon Coast.” The 804 Trail skirts these cliffs for a front-row seat to spouting blowholes and basalt channels that gurgle like bubbling cauldrons.
I often breakfast at the Green Salmon café before tide-pooling at Cape Perpetua, where Thor’s Well swallows and regurgitates seawater in mesmerizing cycles. Hidden away, the Amanda’s Trail commemorates native history and climbs through misty forest to a cliff overlook that few tourists find.
Evenings bring me to Luna Sea Fish House for rockfish tacos, eaten outdoors so I don’t miss whales cruising just beyond the reef. As darkness deepens, the constellation-speckled sky meets the obsidian cliffs in a seamless horizon.
In Yachats, 3-4 bedroom homes typically range from $600,000 to $900,000, making it a desirable option for those who wish to experience coastal living at its finest.
Where is Yachats?
Yachats is wedged between Florence and Newport on U.S. 101, with Cape Perpetua’s 800-foot bluff—the highest accessible point on the Oregon coast—looming directly south. Portland drivers reach it in about three hours via Highway 18 or 20, while Eugene lies a 90-minute inland hop away.
The town’s compact center makes it easy to explore on foot, and a free shuttle links cliff viewpoints in summer. Because mountains crowd the shoreline here, every bend of the highway seems to unveil a fresh cliff panorama.
1. Cannon Beach: Where Iconic Haystack Rock Meets Coastal Charm
Cannon Beach tops my list thanks to Haystack Rock’s 235-foot bulk rising from the surf like a basalt cathedral against a backdrop of forested cliffs. I kick off each visit with coffee from Sleepy Monk Roasters before strolling to tide pools where tufted puffins nest in summer.
Midtown galleries showcase coastal photography, but nothing beats capturing your own shot at sunset when the cliffs of Ecola State Park blush pink. A short hike to Indian Beach offers a quieter vantage, with capes and cliffs stepping north toward Tillamook Head.
During Stormy Weather Arts Festival, artists paint en plein air as waves hammer the nearby bluffs. For those looking to buy in Cannon Beach, 3-4 bedroom homes are priced between $800,000 and $1,000,000, reflecting the town’s renowned beauty and high demand.
Where is Cannon Beach?
Cannon Beach sits 90 minutes west of Portland via Highway 26, just south of Seaside on Oregon’s northern coast. Ecola State Park’s forested cliffs bracket the town to the north, while Silver Point’s basalt promontories rise immediately south, giving visitors dramatic scenery within walking distance.
Intercity buses connect from Portland, though most arrive by car to maximize backroad cliff lookouts along the way. The town’s location near the Coastal Range gap means quick, scenic access yet a sense of being tucked at the foot of towering headlands, perfectly poised for Oregon’s most iconic cliffside views.