3-Day Tillamook Coast Itinerary: guide to Oregon’s North Coast
With dramatic coastlines, charming small towns, beautiful hikes, and plenty of good food, the Tillamook Coast is one of the best places for a Pacific Northwest weekend getaway! While the area is most famous for the Tillamook Creamery (the “cheese factory”), there are so many other amazing things to do when visiting! We just spent an amazing week exploring Oregon’s North Coast, and we’re sharing the best eats, hikes, and adventures to help you plan a trip! Below is the perfect three day Tillamook Coast itinerary. This itinerary is perfect if you’re looking for a mix of outdoor adventure and exploring quaint coastal towns over a long weekend. You can also consolidate our guide to Oregon’s North Coast for a two-day trip to the Tillamook Coast.
Welcome!
We’re Gwyn and Ami. Based in Spokane, Washington, we’re your guides to the Pacific Northwest and beyond!
We’re adventure travel experts, and our blog is all about helping you find the best hikes, weekend getaways, and national park adventures in the United States and abroad. You can find more on Instagram @gwynandami.
Why should you trust our guide to Oregon’s North Coast? We’ve been to this region MANY times and genuinely LOVE visiting the small and charming towns in Tillamook County. We’ve experienced EVERYTHING we recommend below. Only our favorite activities and restaurants made our guide to Oregon’s North Coast!
This post is in partnership with the Tillamook Coast Visitors Association. All thoughts, experiences, and opinions are our own!
Tillamook Coast Itinerary: everything you need to know before visiting
How to get to the Tillamook Coast
Tillamook County is located on the Northern Oregon Coast. It is about 1 hour 45 minutes directly west from Portland, Oregon. Portland International Airport (airport code: PDX) is the closest major airport. It’s an easy drive, but does involve navigating some windy roads. If you’re prone to motion sickness make sure to have ginger or anti-nausea medication on hand!
In this guide we refer to Tillamook County as “Tillamook.” While Tillamook is a coastal city, there are MANY other small towns in Tillamook County that we loved visiting, including Manzanita, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, and Nehalem. Each of these towns are charming in their own unique right, and we cover many of them below in our Tillamook coast itinerary.
The best time of year to visit the Tillamook coast
The Tillamook coast is a fantastic destination to visit year-round! The climate does not fluctuate significantly between seasons, but the weather can fluctuate dramatically day-to-day. When we visited in September, we had a mix of sun, rain, fog, hot weather, and cool weather! In the summer, Tillamook can be an especially nice escape from the heat farther inland. Make sure to always pack layers!
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How to be a good visitor along the Tillamook Coast
Tillamook County’s small towns and coastal trails are welcoming, but we need to be good visitors when traveling to these special places! Let’s work together to ensure these small coastal towns and wild outdoor spaces remain opening and welcoming for years to come.
Be a good visitor by packing out everything you bring in, and picking up litter when you see it. Support local businesses, stay on marked trails when hiking, and keep noise low in residential areas. A little care goes a long way in keeping the Oregon Coast beautiful and its communities open to visitors. You can find additional leave no trace tips here.
Where to stay along the Tillamook coast
Tillamook County offers a wide range of lodging options, from boutique cabins to campgrounds and RV sites. We stayed at two different places during our trip, both of which we’d recommend depending on your travel style.
Quaint Coastal cabins and RV-spaces: Roam Tillamook
If you’re looking for a quiet, budget-friendly stay with flexible lodging options, Roam Tillamook in Garibaldi is a solid pick. This well-maintained campground offers tent sites, full RV hookups, and newly built tiny cabins. We spent two nights in one of the cabins, which featured a queen-size bed, a full bathroom, and large windows that filled the space with natural light. It felt cozy yet modern. We stayed in cabin #407 which had easy access to the beach!
Later in our trip, we extended our stay by two nights and switched to one of Roam’s RV sites (we travel in a truck camper). The sites were level, clean, and had easy access to electricity, potable water, and sewer hookups. Roam also provides several private showers and restrooms for campers, all of which were spotless and thoughtfully designed. It was nice to take an endless hot shower (no quarters needed)! We especially appreciated the extra amenities like the hot sauna and the indoor communal lounge.
Elegant and romantic cabins in the heart of Manzanita
For a more upscale experience, Coast Cabins in Manzanita offers boutique lodging just a few blocks from the beach. While it is located along the main thoroughfare in town, it feels perfectly tucked away and secluded, with warm, modern interiors and private outdoor spaces. We were greeted with complimentary wine at check-in, and loved lounging next to the cozy fire pit. One of my favorite things about our stay were the beds, which were the most plush, incredibly comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in. We slept so well! Staying here honestly felt like stepping into the pages of Sunset Magazine… stylish and serene, yet distinctly Pacific Northwest.
Beyond the comfort of the cabins themselves, the property is thoughtfully designed with relaxation in mind. Each cabin has its own unique layout and aesthetic, with high-end finishes, and curated decor that blends coastal charm with modern minimalism. The location is ideal, just a short walk to Manzanita’s charming main street, where you’ll find local cafes, wine bars, and boutique shops, as well as easy access to the beach and nearby hiking trails.
The ultimate 3-Day Tillamook Coast Itinerary: weekend getaway on the Oregon coast
Below you will find our 3-day Tillamook coast itinerary. Although I frame this as a long weekend itinerary, this itinerary can be adapted to almost any day of the week. However, one activity (the Manzanita Farmers Market) only occurs once a week on Friday evenings. During certain seasons some businesses might be closed certain days of the week, so make sure to check hours and open days before visiting!
Day 1: Coastal Hikes, Scenic Railroad ride, and the Manzanita Farmers Market
Enjoy a hearty locally sourced breakfast at Yolk
Start your day off in Manzanita with breakfast at Yolk, a beloved café in the quaint town of Manzanita. You’ll find hearty options like French toast and avocado toast, both of which were excellent. This is a popular brunch spot, and can have a long line at opening!
Hike the Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain Trail for stunning views
From there, drive to the Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain Trail. You can choose between two different trailheads: the south trailhead, or the north trailhead. These two trails leave from different trailheads, but reach the same viewpoint on the mountain. It’s a steady climb through forest, and the views at the top are expansive. Bring binoculars if you have them! We heard you can spot whales offshore. When we visited we mostly saw lots of fog – typical for the coast!
Lunch at The Roost in Wheerler
In the afternoon drive south and stop for lunch at The Roost in Wheeler. It’s a small café with fresh sandwiches and homemade baked goods. They have both outdoor and indoor seating. I highly recommend their classic grilled cheese and baked goods. We got an AMAZING piece of pineapple cake that I’m still dreaming about!
Visit the shops in downtown Wheeler, Oregon
Wheeler is a cute and relatively quiet town on the Oregon coast, and it’s known for its amazing antique stores! It’s a great area to walk around. Below are some of our favorite shops to visit in town!
I recommend stopping in at Wheeler Station Antiques for great deals on unique antiques. We also visited Neah-Kah-Nie Smoke House, where we picked up freshly caught and smoked coho salmon! It was some of the best salmon I’ve ever had. Finally, be sure to visit Pelican & Piper, which is a small shop with locally designed t-shirts and prints.
Take a scenic train ride along the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad
After lunch, drive to Garibaldi and board the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad for their early afternoon ride. I recommend booking seats in advance, as spots can fill up quickly (especially in summer!). The steam engine train runs along the shoreline between Garibaldi and Rockaway and offers views of the bay and forested hills. It’s a short and relaxing ride, and is great if you’re traveling with kids or just want to sit back and take in the scenery.
Manzanita Farmers Market and Dinner on the Tillamook coast
If you’re visiting on a Friday, check out the Manzanita Farmers Market (open May through mid-September) local goodies. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Garibaldi, but worth it if you’re looking for local produce, flowers, and hot food vendors. We grabbed farm-fresh apples and poke bowls and enjoyed wandering the stalls!
For dinner, you can either eat at the farmers market or enjoy a PHENOMENAL meal at Offshore Grill in downtown Manzanita. They have vegan and vegetarian friendly options, and are known for their seasonal menus and elevated cuisine. Amiana had their salmon cakes, which were the best she’s ever had. I had a delicious vegetarian mushroom dish. Make sure to save room for dessert!
If you’re staying in Garibaldi and don’t want to drive to Manzanita for dinner then I highly recommend Crab Rock Pizza in Garibaldi, which has phenomenal salads, pizza pies, and homemade gelato. This is a must-visit spot along the Oregon Coast!
Day 2: Exploring the quaint towns of the Tillamook Coast
Breakfast at Olmedo’s
Start your second day with breakfast at Olmedo’s Patio Café in Garibaldi. It’s a classic diner with big portions and friendly service. I had the breakfast burrito, and Gwyn went for eggs and hashbrowns. It’s not fancy, but the food is good, and it’s satisfying and quick.
Visit the Garibaldi Historic Pier and Boathouse
After breakfast, walk along the Garibaldi Historic Pier and Boathouse. There’s free parking and no entry fee, and you can watch local fishermen catch crabs from the pier or just enjoy the view across the bay. This can be a quick stop, or a long one if you want to try to catch some crabs!
Visit the Three Graces near Bay City
After visiting the boathouse I recommend making a quick stop at the Three Graces. The Three Graces are a trio of sea stacks just off the coast near Bay City. There’s a small pull-off where you can park and take photos. The rocks rise dramatically from the water, and you’ll likely see cormorants and seagulls swooping from the rocks! You’ll pass the rocks along the scenic railroad ride (day 1), but I also enjoyed being able to spend more time viewing them from the road. During low tide this is a great place for tidepooling!
Take a short hike to see a giant red cedar
Next, visit the Rockaway Beach Cedar Wetlands Preserve in Rockaway for a short hike to one of the biggest western red cedars in the region. The trail is about a mile round trip. You’ll walk along a wooden boardwalk the whole way, which winds through wetlands and forest before reaching a massive cedar tree estimated to be between 800 and 1,200 years old. This trail is wheel-chair and stroller friendly!
Spend an afternoon exploring the quaint towns of the Tillamook Coast
Spend the afternoon visiting some of the quaint towns along the Tillamook coast! I recommend spending time in Nehalem and Manzanita, which are both walkable towns with lots of independent shops to explore.
Below you’ll find our favorite shops and activities in Nehalem and Manzanita. If you’re looking for more of an adventure, I also recommend checking out the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, which I describe below.
Top things to do Nehalem, Oregon
Nahalem is a very small and very cute town along the North Coast. It’s a must-visit for me whenever we’re in the region! I recommend stopping in to Wild Coast Goods for handmade jewelry, fine art photography, fly fishing gear, houseplants, and gifts from over 70 local artisans. You can also visit BayBay, which is a vintage home décor shop that offers a rotating selection of furniture, art, and coastal-inspired pieces.
North Coast Pinball is also a must-visit. It’s a vintage arcade tucked into a storefront. It’s a nostalgic stop with classic pinball machines and retro charm. Finally, do NOT miss Buttercup Ice Creams & Chowders. They make fresh, small-batch ice cream, as well as chowders (they have vegan options!). The burnt chocolate and marshmallow flavors were especially good.
The best places to visit in Manzanita, Oregon
Manzanita is significantly larger than Nehalem, and has a wide variety of shops and restaurants to explore. I recommend stopping in to Cloud and Leaf Bookstore, which is an independent bookstore just blocks from the beach. We also enjoyed the Cove Gallery & Studio, which is an art gallery that showcases upscale art, home décor, and plants. Finally, Finnesterre is a boutique shop offering upscale housewares, jewelry, apothecary goods, and art.
Visit the the Cape Meares Lighthouse and Octopus Tree
If you want more of an adventure I suggest driving south to Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, which is a beautiful scenic spot on the Oregon coast. Here you will find the lovely Cape Meares Lighthouse, which is especially nice at sunset. I also recommend visiting the Octopus Tree, which is a heritage Sitka Spruce (Picea sitschensis) that is estimated to be 250 years old.
Enjoy scratch-made dinner and dessert at Garibaldi Portside Bistro
In the evening, enjoy dinner at Garibaldi Portside Bistro, a casual spot with both meat and vegetarian options and generous portions. We ordered the Blueberry Goat Burger and fettuccine alfredo. Both were incredibly flavorful, and the service was quick and friendly. Their carrot cake is homemade and a MUST for dessert!
Day 3: Tillamook Cheese Factory & Coastal Hikes
Fresh and flavorful Breakfast at Hygge Kitchen
Drive into Tillamook and have breakfast at Hygge Kitchen, a Scandinavian-inspired spot with clean design and good coffee (good coffee is kind of hard to find on the Oregon coast?). I had the avocado egg toast, and Gwyn tried one of their pastries. It’s a good place to start the day if you’re heading south or inland!
Take a short, flat hike at Sitka Sedge or Whalen Island
From there, explore two nearby trails: Sitka Sedge State Natural Area Loop (3.4 miles, 98 feet elevation) and Whalen Island Trail (1.4 miles, 62 feet elevation). Both are easy walks with views of wetlands, dunes, and coastal wildlife.
In summer, you may get a glimpse of the rare (and threatened) snowy plovers nesting on the beaches here! Please be sure to respect closures and give them space. Sitka Sedge was my favorite of the two hikes, but Whalen Island Trail has options for swimming and clamming if you’re looking to enjoy more activities along your hike.
Enjoy lunch at one of Tillamook’s famous cheese markers
The town of Tillamook is famous for its cheese, and you have two great options for lunch here! See below for our recommendations for the best places for lunch in Tillamook.
Blue Heron French Cheese Company
Lunch at Blue Heron French Cheese Company offers casual dining, wine and cheese tastings, and a small market. We sampled several cheeses, enjoyed a flight of wine, and had one of their delicious freshly-pressed panini sandwiches. They have a lovely outdoor patio that’s perfect for a date or family outing.
Tillamook Creamery
Tillamook Creamery is a popular stop, and for good reason. This iconic cheese brand lets you watch the cheese-making process, sample a variety of cheese, and order ice cream from the café! Tillamook Creamery is a great place to stop in for lunch. I highly recommend getting their mac and cheese for lunch, along with their tomato soup. It’s a classic combination! Their $5 ice cream scoops are also HUGE!
Bonus stop before lunch: Old House Dahlias
Along the way to Tillamook I recommend stopping at Old House Dahlias, a flower farm along Highway 101. The fields are in full bloom in late summer, and you can pick up a bouquet to take home. It’s a short but worth-while stop! They are only open seasonally, so check their operating hours before visiting.
Take a hike at Kilchis Point Reserve or Tillamook Forest Center
On the drive back to Portland, take one last short hike at Kilchis Point Reserve. This short hike (2.1 miles round trip) wanders through a forest and leads out to Tillamook Bay. We ran out of time to visit the Tillamook Forest Center on the drive back to Portland. It features exhibits on forest ecology, a suspension bridge, and short trails through the woods. We’d love to visit next time!
3-Day Tillamook Coast Itinerary: Final Thoughts
I hope you found our Tillamook coast itinerary helpful! From coastal hikes to small-town shops and fresh salmon, Tillamook County is one of my favorite places to explore on the Oregon Coast. I love the diversity of towns and attractions, and think this is one of the best family friendly decisions on the Oregon coast.
If you plan a trip with our guides let us know about it in the comments! We love hearing about your adventures.
Looking for more adventures in Oregon? See below for some additional Oregon travel inspiration!
