Top Oregon Coast Scenic Viewpoints

Watching the Oregon Coast's weather roll in and out over the beautiful Pacific Ocean is a dance of dazzling beauty and fearsome power. Gazing at sea gulls swooping below you as you peer from the rocky cliffs or looking across jagged gullies to the reassuring brilliant flash of a red-roofed lighthouse — these are the visual wonders that define a trip to the Oregon Coast.
Highway 101 along the Oregon coastline is recognized as a National Scenic Byway for its natural beauty and convenient roadside parks and turnouts. Leisurely travel the stretch of highway from Dunes City to Cape Perpetua, stopping to enjoy the panoramic vistas. Some of the parks offer benches and picnic facilities. Popular activities include whale watching, marine wildlife observation and birding, as well as storm watching, sunsets and stargazing! Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint is a popular spot for photography on the Oregon Coast.

Muriel Ponsler Memorial State Scenic Viewpoint Beach
Photo: Melanie GriffinSea Lion Caves
At the Sea Lion Caves Turnout, just south of the tunnel on the highway, check the rocky ledges below for lounging sea lions. Spotting them outside is best May through August. The rest of the year the sea lions are more likely seen inside the Sea Lion Caves which requires an admission fee to take an elevator down 200 feet into the cave. Check the video monitor in the gift shop before going down to preview the cave's current occupancy. However, going into the cave, even with a low sea lion count, is a pretty cool adventure.
Whale Watching at Sea Lion Caves
Photo: Taj MorganHeceta Head Lighthouse
The iconic Heceta Head Lighthouse is a popular photography stop on the Oregon Coast. Not only are the views lovely from the park itself, but just south of the lighthouse is a roadside pullout that offers views of the classically charming lighthouse from a distance.
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Photo: Thomas MoserHighway 101 Turnouts
The Muriel O. Ponsler Memorial State Scenic Viewpoint is not a particularly high vantage point but it provides a pleasant picnicking spot overlooking a sandy beach. Access the beach from the park for a little beachcombing where several rocky creeks merge with the ocean.

Bob Creek Wayside
Photo: Jerry GowinsAt Cook's Chasm Turnout just south of Yachats the ocean waves and shoreline create two spectacular water "features". "Spouting Horn" shoots water up through a hole in the rock like a fountain at a children's splash park. "Thor's Well" is a deep hole in the midst of tidal pools that the water rushes down as if someone had pulled the plug on the ocean. Stay far back, off the rocks, as these natural displays are unpredictable and dangerous. But from a distance they are impressive to watch.
Cape Perpetua
Drive the winding road to the top of Cape Perpetua for the highest viewpoint accessible by car on the Oregon Coast. On a clear day, see out to sea nearly 40 miles and look along 70 miles of coastline. From your 800 foot perch, hiking trails will take you downhill to the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center, tide pools and the beach.
Cape Perpetua coastline view
Photo: Melanie Griffin / EugeneCascadesCoast.orgViewing tips

Oregon Coast Views
Photo: Taylor HigginsWhen you visit, make sure to take the time to stop and observe. Luckily, Highway 101 along the Oregon coastline is recognized as a National Scenic Byway for its natural beauty and has convenient roadside parks and turnouts. Leisurely travel the stretch of highway from Dunes City to Cape Perpetua, pulling over to enjoy the panoramic vistas. Some of the parks offer benches and picnic facilities. Popular activities include whale watching, marine wildlife observation and birding, as well as storm watching and sunsets!
Check the sunset times, tide tables and weather reports so you can time your visit for optimal viewing. Or just take your chances to see what show nature chooses to offer. You may get a misty cloud bank or a jaw-dropping glimpse of miles of pristine beaches. Be sure to bring your binoculars and your camera.
When pulling into a scenic lookout turnout use caution. Other drivers may be backing out or pulling in at the same time. Open car doors cautiously — there may be surprisingly strong gusts of wind that tug at your doors. Go up to the barriers for the best views and photography but do not cross them. Cliffs may be unstable further down and treading there is not only unsafe for you but could harm native plants and critter habitats.

Oregon Coast Sunset
Photo: Jesse LallyScenic Viewpoint Map
Siuslaw Interpretive Center
- Bay St, Florence OR 97439
- Book Now
Sea Lion Caves
- 91560 Hwy 101 N, Florence OR 97439
- P: 541.547.3111 Book Now
Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint
- 92072 Hwy 101 S, Yachats OR 97498
- P: 541.547.3416 Book Now
Muriel O. Ponsler Memorial State Scenic Viewpoint
- Hwy 101, Florence OR 97439
- Book Now
Neptune Beach State Scenic Viewpoint
- Hwy 101, Yachats OR 97498
- Book Now
Cape Perpetua Overlook Day Use Area
Overlooking the protected Marine Garden shoreline, the Cape Perpetua Overlook Day Use Area is the highest viewpoint accessible by car along the Oregon Coast. The winding, tree-shaded drive leads to an awe-inspiring overlook at 800 ft (244 m). On clear days, views from the overlook can extend far out to sea and along the coastline. There are three hiking trails that begin at the day-use area, featuring the Whispering Spruce Trail that is wheel-chair accessible.
There is a $5 day-use fee or a valid recreation pass is required. There is a vault toilet but no drinkable water at the overlook. Restrooms and water can be found at the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center, located at the bottom of Cape Perpetua Lookout Rd.
- Cape Perpetua Lookout, Yachats OR 97498
- P: 541.547.3289 Book Now

Author: Taj Barnhart Morgan
Taj Barnhart Morgan is the Director of Content Strategy for Travel Lane County. A journalism graduate from the University of Oregon, Taj has two decades of special event management and hospitality marketing experience in San Diego, CA and Maui, HI. Passionate about mothering, and back to her Oregon roots, she is discovering the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region all over again through the eyes of her daughter.