Dunes and Coastlines: A Self-Guided Oregon Drive
- 1.5–3 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
This self-guided driving tour follows the Oregon Coast between Newport and Lincoln City, one of the most geologically dramatic stretches of coastline in America, shaped by tectonic fury, maritime history, and the instinct to build right where nature is most destructive. The tour starts at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, beneath the Yaquina Bay Bridge, an Art Deco masterpiece by Conde McCullough. You'll drop into Newport's Historic Bayfront, climb into the Nye Beach district, and stop at the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, abandoned after three years and allegedly haunted. Heading north, detour through Agate Beach, where a tsunami dock washed ashore in 2012, and out to Devil's Punchbowl, a collapsed sea cave. Cape Foulweather, named by Captain Cook during an 1778 storm, offers views 500 feet above the surf. The tour ends at Road's End Beach, beneath the basalt formation known as God's Thumb. Along the way, climb Yaquina Head Lighthouse, and watch for gray whales off Depoe Bay.
Inclusions
What's included
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- App for Android and iOS
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
What's not
- Smartphone and headphones
- Transportation
- Food and drink
- Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
Itinerary
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.
Pass by the Inn at Otter Crest, a 35-acre oceanfront resort perched on the cliffs above Cape Foulweather. 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.
Walk a hidden trail through a living tunnel of Sitka spruce to Whale Cove, saved from resort development in the 1970s. Take in this pristine, protected inlet along the coast.
Watch gray whales feed just offshore from the seawall at Depoe Bay's world's smallest navigable harbor. 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.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- This tour starts at Yaquina Bay and Marine Hatfield Science Center. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- VoiceMap Audio Tours
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in USA, outside the cities
- Its from-price is 87% below the median of the 2274 experiences we list in USA, outside the cities.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
Special offers in USA, outside the cities
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
