From its coastal waters to its pristine dunes, Lincoln City, Oregon, is full of natural wonders to explore. A scenic drive is one of the best ways to enjoy the Oregon Coast, surrounded by beachside cliffs, rolling shores, and coastal forests. From the legendary Highway 101 to viewpoints worth pulling over and taking a short hike to see, Coastal Oregon is full of scenic routes that will make for a lovely addition to your trip to Lincoln City! If you're ready to hit the road, follow along for the best scenes to add to your Oregon Coast adventure!
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In This Piece:
- Otter Crest Loop
- Three Capes Scenic Loop
- Yachats Ocean Road State Natural Site
- Cape Foulweather
- Tillamook Bay
- Plan your trip to Lincoln City, Oregon!
Otter Crest Loop
Located just 16 miles outside of Lincoln City, the Otter Crest Loop is a slower drive along the Oregon Coast that lets you fully take in its sights. This route travels west of Highway 101 and gives travelers access to some of the area’s most memorable coastal viewpoints. Along the way, you'll see Devil’s Punchbowl, a hollow rock formation that sits right by the ocean. The Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint, the closest spot on the route to Lincoln City, also sits around 500 feet above the ocean, giving you sweeping views that are sure to blow you away. If you're lucky, you may even see some whales on the shoreline!
- Drive time: 15-20 minutes without stops
- Drive length: Roughly 4 miles
- Stops along the way: Devil’s Punchbowl and Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint
- Best for: Those looking for a short stop while heading south
Three Capes Scenic Loop
The Three Capes Scenic Drive takes you down a rather long stretch of the northern Oregon Coast with stunning scenery and coastal communities along the way, making it perfect for all-day roadtrippers! The route begins in Tillamook, so it'll take about 45 minutes to get there from Lincoln City, with the route sitting just outside of Oretown—that said, it's well worth the time if you've got an open day to explore. The drive passes three picturesque capes: Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda! You'll also pass by places like Oceanside, Netarts Bay, and Pacific City. Depending on how often you stop, the Three Capes Scenic Drive can easily fill most of a day.
- Drive time: About 2-3 hours with no stops; 4-6 hours with sightseeing
- Drive length: About 70 miles as a loop beginning in Tillamook
- Stops along the way: Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, Cape Kiwanda, Oceanside, Netarts Bay, and Pacific City
- Best for: Travelers looking for a longer scenic drive with classic Oregon Coast viewpoints
Yachats Ocean Road State Natural Site
This short-but-sweet drive, just an hour outside Lincoln City, is one of the most beautiful viewpoints near Yachats. Sitting right below the town, the Yachats Ocean Road State Natural Site overlooks Yachats Bay and the Pacific Ocean and offers access to a broad beach where the Yachats River meets the sea. Along the route, visitors can take in ocean views, sandy shoreline, and rocky areas popular for fishing, beachcombing, and exploring the coast. Though the drive is short, it makes for a great detour for those already traveling south, towards California.
- Drive time: Just a few minutes to complete the loop, plus extra time for stops
- Drive length: 1 mile
- Stops along the way: Yachats Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the mouth of the Yachats River
- Best for: Travelers looking for a short scenic drive with beaches and an easy stop near Yachats
Cape Foulweather
Among the most breathtaking scenic drives near Lincoln City, coming off the Outer Crest loop, Cape Foulweather offers you a chance to take in some of Oregon's coastal splendor. Sitting just south of town, this spot makes for an easy yet memorable drive, taking you through rugged shorelines and coastal cliffs along the way. The drive is relatively short, making it a great option if you don't want to spend the whole day on the road.
- Drive time: About 20 to 25 minutes from Lincoln City
- Drive length: Roughly 12 to 15 miles
- Stops along the way: Depoe Bay, Lincoln Beach, and Rocky Creek
- Best for: Those who want a quick spot to see without spending too much time on the road
Tillamook Bay
This short, but mighty drive lies about an hour north of Lincoln City, featuring sights of the bay as well as small towns like Bay City, Pleasant Valley, and Garibaldi. If you want to explore the Oregon Coast at a slower, quieter pace while enjoying more of the local side of the landscape, this drive is for you. Along the way, Bay City offers a lot of local history, while Garibaldi adds a bit of charm with its waterfront, fishing culture, and the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. Check out this spot if you want to mix things up with a quieter destination along Oregon's coastline.
- Drive time: About 1 hour from Lincoln City to the Tillamook Bay area, with extra time for stops
- Drive length: Varies depending on how much of the bay you want to explore
- Stops along the way: Bay City, Garibaldi, bay and estuary viewpoints, and nearby access to the coast
- Best for: Travelers looking for a relaxed scenic drive with bay views, small-town stops, and a different perspective on the Oregon Coast
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Featured Property: Salt & Serenity
From Scenic drives to short walks to the beach and whale watching, Lincoln City, Oregon, offers more than enough adventure for your next vacation! Book directly with us at Lincoln City Vacation Rentals, where our local team specializes in making your trip to the Oregon Coast as memorable as possible. Whether you're looking for homes by the lake, an oceanfront property, or even a spot with a hot tub, Lincoln City Vacation Rentals will work to make it happen!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Scenic Drives Near Lincoln City, Oregon
Which scenic drive near Lincoln City should I choose?
The best drive depends on how much time you're looking to spend on the road. Otter Crest Loop and Cape Foulweather are better for quick, easy outings close to town, while the Three Capes Scenic Loop is the best pick for those who want a longer drive with more stops and a quintessential Oregon Coast experience.
What is the shortest scenic drive near Lincoln City?
Yachats Ocean Road State Natural Site is the shortest drive on the list at just 1 mile, though it sits about an hour south of Lincoln City. The route closest to town, the Otter Crest Loop, is roughly 4 miles long, making it a good alternative if you're visiting Lincoln City.
What can you expect to see on a scenic drive near Lincoln City?
Many routes include rocky shorelines, ocean viewpoints, beaches, bays, coastal cliffs, and small towns that offer a glimpse into local maritime traditions. Some routes also pass well-known stops like Devil’s Punchbowl, Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint, Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, Cape Kiwanda, and Garibaldi.
When is the best time to take a scenic drive near Lincoln City?
Scenic drives near Lincoln City can be enjoyed year-round, but clear days often offer the best coastal views, meaning spring, summer, and early fall are especially popular for road trips, beach stops, and sightseeing along the Oregon Coast.