Best Stops on Highway 101 (Honest Guide + Hidden Gems)
This section is a simple list of places I personally visited while driving Highway 101 from Seattle to San Francisco.
Instead of trying to “sell” every location, I wanted to give my honest opinion about each stop. Some places were highlights of the trip, while others were nice but not necessarily worth the time if your schedule is tight.
If you’re planning this coastal road trip, this list should help you decide which places are worth stopping at and which ones you could skip depending on how much time you have.
My rating system
1–4 → I personally wouldn’t stop again
5–6 → Okay stop, but not a must-see
7 → Worth stopping if you’re driving by
8–9 → Highlights of the trip
10 → I would move here
Highway 101 Stops + Hikes Map
Best Stops at a Glance
If you only have time for 3 stops:
Cannon Beach
Oregon Dunes
Redwood National and State Parks
Best scenic viewpoint:
Cape Perpetua
Neahkahnie Mountain
Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
Best short stop:
Depoe Bay
Big Tree Wayside
Sea Ranch Chapel
Featured Posts
Seattle to San Francisco Road Trip: Best Stops, Beaches & Hikes on Highway 101
Seattle to San Francisco Road Trip: Best Stops, Beaches & Hikes on Highway 101 A…
Seattle Travel Guide: What to Do, Where to Stay & Local Tips
Seattle Travel Guide: What to Do, Where to Stay & Local Tips Welcome to SeattleHey…
Is RV Life Worth It for a Weekend Trip? What to Expect
Is RV Life Worth It for a Weekend Trip? What to Expect Who This Page…
Astoria, Oregon
Score: 6.8 / 10
Astoria is the first major town you’ll reach on the Oregon Coast after leaving Washington and crossing the Columbia River.
It’s a historic coastal town known for its colorful houses on the hills, maritime history, and riverfront views.
Downtown Astoria has plenty of restaurants, cafés, and small shops along Commercial Street and Marine Drive, making it a nice place to stop for food or coffee.
Personally, I liked Astoria — it’s not a waste of time at all. But if you’re planning to stop in Cannon Beach, I would probably choose Cannon Beach instead since the overall coastal experience feels a bit more special there.
Cannon Beach
Score: 8 / 10
Cannon Beach is easily one of the highlights of the Oregon Coast.
The main reason people visit is Haystack Rock, the massive sea stack rising out of the ocean just offshore. It’s one of the most recognizable coastal landmarks in Oregon.
There are two main areas worth visiting here:
• The beach itself near Haystack Rock
• Downtown Cannon Beach along North Hemlock Street
The town has small shops, cafés, and restaurants, and the beach views are incredible.
Yes, it can get busy — but the scenery makes it absolutely worth stopping.
• The main beach viewpoint
• The downtown area with small shops and cafés
It can be busy, but the scenery makes it worth the stop.
Tunnel Beach
Score: 7 / 10
I’ve stopped at Tunnel Beach twice, and I actually like this place.
One important tip: check the tide schedule before visiting. If the tide is high, the beach is much less impressive. At low tide, however, the rock formations and shoreline look much better.
The short path that leads down to the beach passes through a small tunnel, which gives the area its name and also makes for some cool photos.
It’s not a huge attraction, but if you enjoy quiet coastal scenery without crowds, this is a nice stop.
Depoe Bay
Score: 6 / 10
Depoe Bay is a small coastal town located along Highway 101 on the central Oregon coast.
It’s often called the “Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast.” During migration seasons you can sometimes spot whales directly from the shoreline viewpoints.
If you’re not specifically planning to watch whales, this is more of a quick stop location.
It’s a good place to grab coffee, stretch your legs, take a few photos of the coastline, and then continue driving south.
You don’t really need to spend hours here.
Cape Perpetua Overlook
Score: 7 / 10
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area offers one of the highest viewpoints along the Oregon Coast.
The drive takes you almost to the top of the headland, which means you can enjoy the panoramic ocean views without a long hike.
When I visited, the weather was rainy, so I didn’t enjoy it as much as I probably would have on a clear day. Looking back at the photos later, I realized the view here is actually really impressive.
If you want a quick scenic viewpoint without hiking, this is a great stop.
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Score: 5.5 / 10
Heceta Head Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses on the Oregon coast.
There’s a short walk from the parking area to a viewpoint overlooking the lighthouse and the surrounding cliffs.
It’s definitely a beautiful location, especially on a clear day.
That said, if you’re short on time, this would probably be one of the stops I’d skip. There are other locations along the coast that I personally enjoyed more.
Sea Lion Caves
Score: Not rated
I never actually stopped at Sea Lion Caves, so I can’t give a real score for this location.
Sea Lion Caves is a well-known tourist attraction where visitors can go inside a large coastal cave that sea lions use as a habitat.
It’s not really my style of stop, so I continued driving. But if you enjoy wildlife viewing, it might be worth checking out.
If you’ve been here, feel free to share your experience in the comments.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Score: 8.8 / 10
This is one of the biggest highlights of the entire road trip.
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area stretches for miles along the southern Oregon coast and features massive coastal sand dunes that reach up to 500 feet high.
The landscape here feels completely different from the rest of the coastline.
You can walk into the dunes, explore the sandy hills, or just relax on the beach nearby.
The sand here is incredibly soft, and the area is great for photography and sunset views.
I highly recommend stopping here.
Natural Bridges
Score: 6 / 10
Natural Bridges is located inside the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor in southern Oregon.
This viewpoint overlooks dramatic coastal rock formations and natural arches carved by the Pacific Ocean.
The hike to the viewpoint is short and easy.
The only downside is that you can’t really get very close to the rock formations themselves — most of the experience is viewing them from above.
If you have time, it’s worth a quick stop. If you’re short on time, you could skip it.
Redwood National Parks
Score: 9 / 10
This is the highlight of the entire road trip.
The Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California protect some of the tallest trees on Earth.
Walking through these forests surrounded by massive redwood trees is an experience that’s hard to describe until you see it in person.
There are many incredible hiking trails here, and even a short walk through the forest feels special.
If you only stop at one place on this road trip, make it the redwoods.
Avenue of the Giants
Score: 8.8 / 10
The Avenue of the Giants is a famous scenic drive through Humboldt Redwoods State Park in Northern California.
Instead of staying on Highway 101, you can take this slower road that winds through massive redwood groves.
Driving here feels completely different from the main highway since you’re surrounded by towering trees the entire time.
It’s a small detour but absolutely worth it.
Glass Beach
Score: 6–7 / 10
I can’t give a precise score because when I arrived it was high tide, so I didn’t really get to see the famous sea glass shoreline.
Glass Beach is located in Fort Bragg, California, and it’s known for small pieces of colorful sea glass that have been polished smooth by the ocean over many years.
If you arrive during low tide, you’ll see much more of the glass along the beach.
It’s a short stop but a fun and unique place to explore.
Thor’s Well
Point: Not Rated
I didn’t stop here personally because it didn’t interest me that much. There’s a similar coastal rock formation near Depoe Bay, so I didn’t feel the need to stop again just for Thor’s Well.
That said, many travelers consider it a very popular photo spot along the Oregon coast, especially during high tide when waves crash into the hole and create dramatic water movement.
Maybe I’m wrong about this one — if you’ve visited Thor’s Well, feel free to share your experience in the comments. I’d love to hear whether you think it’s worth the stop.
📍 Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
This is a natural sinkhole in the rocks where ocean waves crash dramatically.
It looks like the ocean is draining into a giant hole in the rocks.
Best time to visit:
• High tide
⚠️ Can be dangerous if waves are strong.
⭐ Very popular photo location.
Sea Ranch Chapel
Point: 6
Sea Ranch Chapel is a small, unique chapel located along the Northern California coast just north of Mendocino. It was built in 1985 by artist and architect James Hubbell, and the design is very different from traditional churches.
The chapel has an organic, almost sculpture-like shape that blends into the surrounding coastal landscape. The interior is simple and peaceful, with natural light coming through stained glass windows and wooden details.
It’s a quiet place where visitors often stop to take photos or sit for a moment and enjoy the calm atmosphere.
If you enjoy architecture, photography, or unique roadside stops, this can be a nice short break during the drive.
That said, if you’re short on time and focusing on bigger highlights like the redwood forests or coastal viewpoints, it’s also perfectly fine to skip this stop.
🏜 Southern Oregon Stops
Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
📍 Southern Oregon Coast
This entire section of coast is arguably the most dramatic scenery in Oregon.
Top stops inside the corridor:
• Natural Bridges
• Secret Beach
• Arch Rock
• Indian Sands
⭐ Huge highlight area.
You already included Natural Bridges, but the whole corridor is worth mentioning.
🥾 Best Hikes & Scenic Stops Along Highway 101
If you’re short on time, these stops give you great scenery without long hiking:
• Cape Perpetua Lookout
• Big Tree Wayside
• Grove of Titans Trail
• Hobbit Beach
• Avenue of the Giants
These are perfect road-trip friendly stops where you can explore without spending hours on the trail.
Here are some of the best hikes and viewpoints along the Highway 101 route from Oregon to Northern California. These stops range from short scenic walks to longer forest hikes and are perfect if you want to stretch your legs during the drive.
🌊 Oregon Coast Hikes & Viewpoints
Neahkahnie Mountain Trail
📍 Location: Oswald West State Park, Oregon
📏 Distance: 2.8 miles round trip
📈 Elevation gain: ~900 ft
One of the best viewpoints on the entire Oregon coast.
The trail climbs through coastal forest and opens up to incredible panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged cliffs.
If you only do one viewpoint hike on the northern Oregon coast, this is a great choice.
Cape Perpetua Lookout Trail
📍 Location: Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
📏 Distance: 0.6 miles round trip
📈 Elevation gain: ~150 ft
A short hike that leads to one of the highest viewpoints on the Oregon coast. From the top you can see miles of coastline and dramatic ocean cliffs.
It’s an easy stop if you want amazing views without a long hike.
Hobbit Beach Trail
📍 Location: Near Florence, Oregon
📏 Distance: 0.7 miles
📈 Elevation gain: ~150 ft
This short forest trail leads down to a hidden beach surrounded by cliffs. The trail passes through a tunnel of coastal trees before opening up to the ocean.
It’s one of the most peaceful beach access points along the Oregon coast.
Oregon Dunes Overlook Trail
📍 Location: Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
📏 Distance: 1–2 miles depending on route
📈 Elevation gain: minimal
The massive sand dunes here create one of the most unique landscapes along the Pacific Coast.
You can walk directly into the dunes and climb the sandy hills for incredible ocean views.
This area is easily one of the highlights of the road trip.
🌲 Redwood Forest Hikes
Karl Knapp Trail
📍 Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
📏 Distance: 3.2 miles round trip
📈 Elevation gain: ~300 ft
One of my favorite hikes in the redwoods.
The trail winds through quiet forest surrounded by enormous trees and lush ferns. It’s peaceful, scenic, and usually less crowded than some of the more famous trails.
Big Tree Wayside
📍 Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
📏 Distance: 0.3 miles
📈 Elevation gain: minimal
This is a very short walk that leads to one of the largest trees in Prairie Creek Redwoods.
It’s a quick stop and easy to combine with the Karl Knapp Trail.
Boy Scout Tree Trail
📍 Location: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
📏 Distance: 5.5 miles round trip
📈 Elevation gain: ~800 ft
One of the most beautiful hikes in the entire redwood park system.
The trail passes through dense old-growth forest and leads to the impressive Boy Scout Tree, one of the largest redwoods in the area.
If you want a longer redwood hiking experience, this is a great option.
Grove of Titans Trail
📍 Location: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
📏 Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
📈 Elevation gain: ~200 ft
This is one of the newest and most accessible redwood trails.
The boardwalk sections protect the forest while allowing visitors to walk through a grove filled with massive ancient redwood trees.
It’s a relatively easy hike and perfect if you want to see some of the biggest trees in the park.
Fern Canyon
📍 Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
📏 Distance: 1 mile loop
📈 Elevation gain: minimal
Fern Canyon is one of the most unique hikes in Northern California.
The canyon walls are completely covered with lush green ferns, creating a jungle-like atmosphere. The area is also famous because scenes from Jurassic Park: The Lost World were filmed here.
❓ Highway 101 Stops FAQ
How many stops should you plan on Highway 101 between Oregon and Northern California?
Most travelers underestimate how many scenic stops there are along Highway 101.
Even though the distances between towns may look short on a map, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring viewpoints, beaches, and small coastal towns.
For a relaxed road trip, planning 3–5 stops per day is usually ideal. This gives you time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.
What are the best stops along the Oregon Coast on Highway 101?
Some of the most memorable stops along the Oregon Coast include:
• Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock
• Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
• Heceta Head Lighthouse
• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
• Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
These locations offer a mix of dramatic coastal cliffs, scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, and quiet beaches.
Are all Highway 101 stops worth visiting?
Not necessarily.
There are dozens of viewpoints and beaches along the Oregon Coast, but many of them are quite similar.
If you’re short on time, it’s better to focus on the most unique stops such as:
• Cannon Beach
• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
• Redwood National and State Parks
• Avenue of the Giants
These places offer experiences that are noticeably different from the rest of the route.
What is the most unique landscape on the Highway 101 route?
One of the most unique landscapes on this road trip is the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
Massive sand dunes stretch for miles along the coastline, creating a landscape that feels completely different from the rocky cliffs and forests found elsewhere along the route.
It’s one of the most memorable stops between Oregon and Northern California.
Where can you see the tallest trees on this road trip?
The tallest trees along the route are located in Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California.
These parks protect ancient coast redwood trees that can grow over 350 feet tall, making them the tallest trees on Earth.
Hiking through the redwood forests is one of the highlights of the entire Highway 101 journey.
When is the best time of day to visit coastal viewpoints?
Morning and sunset are usually the best times to stop at scenic viewpoints along Highway 101.
Early morning often has fewer crowds and calmer weather, while sunset can create dramatic lighting along the cliffs and beaches.
However, coastal fog can appear quickly along the Oregon Coast, so conditions can change throughout the day
Do tides matter when visiting Oregon Coast beaches?
Yes, tides can make a big difference for certain coastal stops.
Some locations — like Tunnel Beach, tide pools, and sea caves — are much more interesting during low tide, when more of the beach and rock formations are exposed.
Checking a tide chart before visiting can help you experience these locations at their best.
Is it worth detouring off Highway 101 for scenic drives?
Yes — a few short detours can make the trip even more memorable.
One of the most famous detours is the Avenue of the Giants in Northern California, a scenic road that runs directly through massive redwood forests.
This drive is slower than Highway 101 but offers incredible views of some of the tallest trees in the world.
Are the redwood parks easy to explore if you’re short on time?
Yes.
Even if you only have a couple of hours, you can still enjoy the redwood forests.
Many trails — like Grove of Titans or Big Tree Wayside — are relatively short and allow visitors to experience the forest without committing to long hikes.
Even a quick stop in the redwoods can be unforgettable.
What is the most scenic stretch of Highway 101?
One of the most scenic stretches of Highway 101 is the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor in southern Oregon.
This area features dramatic coastal cliffs, hidden beaches, and natural rock formations carved by the Pacific Ocean.
Several viewpoints in this corridor — including Natural Bridges, Secret Beach, and Arch Rock — are some of the most photographed spots along the entire route.
