Dunes and Coastlines: A Self-Guided Oregon Drive

Drop into Newport's Historic Bayfront, a gloriously gritty mix of working fishing boats and overpriced taffy shops. Take in this lively waterfront district as your journey up the coast begins.

Climb into the refined Nye Beach district and stop at the notoriously misplaced Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, abandoned after just three years of operation. Discover why this allegedly haunted landmark never lasted as intended.

Climb the restored Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Oregon's tallest at 93 feet. Hear the tide pools' haunting rattle of cobblestones below.

Detour through Agate Beach, where a 188-ton Japanese tsunami dock washed ashore in 2012. Take in this remarkable piece of oceanic debris that made international headlines.

Visit Devil's Punchbowl, a collapsed sea cave where the Pacific churns like a cauldron. Take in this dramatic natural formation, one of the coast's most striking sights.

Take in this striking complex, set among protected tide pools and forest trails leading down to Otter Rock.

Take in the views 500 feet above the surf at Cape Foulweather, named by Captain Cook during a violent storm in 1778. Discover the story behind this dramatically named headland.

Take in this pristine, protected inlet along the coast.

Take in the remarkable consistency of sightings from this dedicated whale watching spot.

Pass by Lincoln City Outlets, the first outlet mall built in Oregon, opened in 1989. Take in this sprawling shopping complex, home to over 40 designer and name-brand stores just off Highway 101.