The Oregon Coast stretches 363 miles from the Columbia River to Brookings, nested between the great Pacific Ocean and the Coast Range Mountains.

It’s one of the most accessible coastlines in the United States, thanks to the landmark 1967 Oregon Beach Bill, a law that grants free, unrestricted access to all of the state’s beaches.

That’s why the Oregon Coast is often called The People’s Coast.

Adding to that accessibility is U.S. Highway 101, the Oregon Coast Highway, which parallels the coastline and connects it to Washington state and California.

This iconic highway delivers the many wonders of the Oregon Coast, including more than 80 state parks and recreation areas, hundreds of scenic overlooks, lighthouses, shipwrecks, beaches, forests, fishing harbors, artsy oceanfront villages, bayfront and riverfront communities.

The coast’s diverse geography includes sea cliffs, tide pools, ancient rock formations, vast stretches of dunes and areas of pristine sandy beaches.

Haystack Rock, a 235-foot sea stack rising over Cannon Beach, is an iconic sight of the North Coast, which stretches from Astoria to Neskowin.

This area alternates between headlands — formed 15 million years ago by ancient lava flows — and long stretches of unbroken sandy beach. The Central Coast, in contrast, has more stretches of rocky basalt cliffs, terraces, bays and dunes. The Southern Coast, from Reedsport to Brookings, grows more mountainous but still has its share of sandy pocket beaches.

The three regions are diverse in tourism as well, with the North and Central coasts being more heavily visited due to their proximity to Portland and the Willamette Valley. The Southern Coast, farther away from any major cities, feels more remote and less crowded.

Just to the north across the Columbia River is Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula, another popular coastal getaway.

Both coasts’ natural wonders, wide range of accommodations, culinary excellence, art and outdoor recreation and other amenities for visitors make them top travel destinations in the Pacific Northwest.

People come for summer surfing, winter whale watching and in all seasons in between. They come to gaze in wonder at old-growth forests, climb up to the top of windswept lighthouses and run free with the kids and dogs on sandy shores.

What awaits is beachcombing, hiking, cycling, paddling, surfing, kiteboarding and windsurfing, fishing, clamming, crabbing, golfing, horseback riding, off-roading and sandboarding — these are just some favorite activities of the coast.

There’s also the chance to get up close with wildlife at tide pools and nature reserves, explore history at the region’s many museums, sip local brews and spirits and get a taste of world-class seafood.

Ambitious hikers can even walk the entire coast on the Oregon Coast Trail, which winds along beaches, paved roads and trails over 350 miles.

To hear more from local voices on the people and places that make this coast special, and stay up-to-date on local arts and culture news, read Coast Weekend and Our Coast magazine, and check out more on the Discover Our Coast website.

You’ll find everything you need to explore Our Coast in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.