2024 U.S. and International Travel Best Bets: Oregon Coast Wow Factor

Published 1/23/24 at 9:15 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Oregon Coast) – What are the best aspects of the Oregon coast in 2024? Especially for those traveling here from around the U.S. or internationally, there's a few new tidbits and some killer old standbys. (Above: Warrenton, Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

From curiosities of nature to major ocean drama, and from finding lodging deals to some new accessibility, there is much going on around these rustic shores.

Wild Wonders (and Prices) of Winter. One thing that this region is well known for is storm season – essentially winter. From November through February, you can get some real monsters. Even minor monsters can be fun to watch, as big waves smack the rocky cliffs of places like Depoe Bay, Cape Kiwanda, Shore Acres (near Coos Bay) or even Bandon's sea stacks.

The flipside of this is the gnarly winds and maybe even flooding, which can make circumstances inconvenient at times – especially when gusts hit over 40 mph. However, much of this storm-gazing can be done from your car (if you're an international traveler you'll want to rent one in larger towns like Portland or Eugene).

Shore Acres, Coos Bay

See storm watching safety before heading out here.

The largest waves – up to 200 feet – can be found at Shore Acres and Washington coast's Cape Disappointment.

Being winter, prices drop like stones at Oregon coast hotels, and some incredible deals can be found everywhere.

Secrets of Spring. Spring is the unheralded time of the year on this coastline, with much more to it than even locals often realize. March through May often have far less people out here (save for the Spring Break weeks of late March), and thus you'll find beaches and eateries to yourself. Lodging prices are still awfully low as well. 'Secret Spring' on Oregon / Washington Coast: Orcas, Crowds, Prices, Most Photogenic

Some large winter-like storms can happen this time of year, but the best weather tip here is that spring skies contain a different and striking coloration at sunset, often making some of the best times of the year to photograph. Raucous wave conditions often create prime agate hunting possibilities and bring up gobs of interesting things onto the beaches from below.

Seaside / Oregon Coast Beach Connection

The Other Summer. Summer on the Oregon coast is packed, and often even much more so than it used to be just a few years ago. Interestingly, it's not always the best weather of the year. That honor goes to September and early October, known as the “Second Summer.” Those two months often host the warmest temps, bluest skies and least winds. Consequently, lodging prices no longer drop from summer levels in September, but they do in October.

September weekdays and October in general you'll see less and less people, adding to the cajoling amenities of this season.

Tokatee Klootchman, near Yachats

Find the Beaches Less Traveled. Oregon's coast was for decades rather legendary for its sparsely-populated beaches, and that's still true in much of November through May. However, most beaches right up against towns can get pretty packed when things get busy, but there are ways to sneak away. Head to beach accesses in between towns and you're likely to find less humans and more to explore. Often, the extreme northern or southern edges of any given town's beaches yield less souls as well.

Of course, any decent stint of hiking will take you far off the beaten path, and most any trail system or long stretch of beach will get you that. Areas like the stretch between Tierra Del Mar and Cape Lookout is one example. Sections known for lots of alone time also include the 15-mile run between Yachats and Florence, and large swaths of the south Oregon coast, where towns are far more spread out.

Along the Corridor, courtesy Trail Keepers of Oregon

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. One such major tract of hidden spots and rugged fun is the Boardman Corridor between Gold Beach and Brookings. About 15 miles worth of rough 'n tumble wilderness trails are on the menu, including stunning finds like the Natural Bridges, Whaleshead Beach, China Beach, Arch Rock State Park, or Lone Ranch.

Oceanside / Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Three Capes Loop. Some 20 miles of sort'a hidden beaches and – you guessed it – three different capes make for some ridiculously cool finds. The Octopus Tree curiosity is a freaky find with eight gigantic limbs in a unique candelabra shape. Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout and Cape Meares all offer striking vistas from high vantage points that come with a variety of intriguing rocky formations and textures that will keep your camera busy.

The tour just recently completely opened back up as a loop, with the final couple of miles reconnected after the road there was closed off for ten years. 2024 is the year to catch this new part of the attraction. Hotels in Three Capes - Where to eat - Three Capes Maps and Virtual Tours

Steven Smith / Solution 7 Media

Glowing Sands to Singing Sands. If you want something truly unusual with your beach visit, try hitting the beaches at night (especially in summer and fall) and looking for the glowing sands. These are created by tiny, bioluminescent phytoplankton that will make you shout with glee. See how to find glowing sand.

Or try your luck at the rare singing sands in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, in those 40 miles of massive dunes between Florence and Coos Bay.

Famous Shipwrecks. There is one major shipwreck in constant view on this coastline, and for that reason it's one of the most photographed shipwrecks in the world. The Peter Iredale sits at Fort Stevens State Park near Astoria, and has been there in full glory for over 100 years.

In fact, this winter, more of it has emerged from the sands than seen in decades – though that's not expected to last super long.

The other major shipwreck here not talked about much is down near Coos Bay at Horsfall Beach. The Sujameco is visible some parts of the year, and there's more of it still there than most shipwrecks that emerge only every other year or so. Oregon Coast Shipwrecks: List of Those You Can See - and Cannot

It's best to visit in winter when storms have cleared out sand. Hotels in Astoria - Where to eat - Astoria Maps and Virtual Tours

Accessibility Renaissance. 2024 is the year to hit this coastline if you have a wheelchair need of some sort. Several little towns here just recently acquired all-terrain track chairs that can let you onto the beaches. They're free to borrow but you must schedule ahead of time. Some towns, like Seaside and Lincoln City, have large mobi-mats that let wheelchairs or walkers move more easily on the sands. Many towns also have fat tire beach wheelchairs available to borrow as well, although some of the chairs have become worn and are dropping off the roster for awhile until they can be replaced.

This is also the year a lot of accessibility changes are being made around the coastline, thanks to a new state initiative and money. These include attractions like the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad acquiring new accessibility features, among many others.

Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

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