My wife and I would like to see the best of the Oregon coast in two or three days. We’ll be doing it after visiting Ashland. Any suggestions? – Rev S.
I’d recommend you stick to the south and central coast, then, if you only have two or three days. I’d think you could enjoy the scenic Highway 42, from Ashland west to Bandon, then north on Highway, 101. If I had three days, two nights, I would probably spend the first night in Florence, see the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, have lunch in Yachats, then the second night in Newport, and spend the morning there (the Oregon Coast Aquarium, beautiful bridge, lovely bayfront) before heading west on Highway 20 to Interstate 5.
The town of Florence is known as the state’s center for rhododendrons. The annual rhododendron festival is May 18 – 20, 2012 this year. But the corridor of Highway 101 between Reedsport and Florence usually is awash in the flowers between May and June.
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Robin says…
I totally agree. Don’t forget Chowder Head restraunt in Gold Beach, Humbug beach is nice and the prehistoric gardens are along 101 south. Florence is really nice too.
Art Spond says…
Go to Bandon and south of town go to the beach loop. 10 miles of beautiful coast. Head north to Coos Bay and head west to Charleston. Proceed to Cape Argo. While there, visit the sea captain home and gardens on the Cape Argo cliffs. Visit all the light houses on the coast, especially Haceta Head. I wouldn’t waste my time doing what Niki said. Flowers are flowers. The actual coast is beautiful.
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About Ask Oregon Expert Niki Price
Niki Price is the editor and co-owner of Oregon Coast Today, a weekly newspaper covering arts, entertainment and the environment on the central Oregon coast. She roams the shores of the Oregon coast, covering everything from pelican proliferation to proffered profiteroles, with two underage editorial assistants often in tow.









