The Ultimate Wheelchair Accessible Oregon Coast Roadtrip Guide

Oregon is a state that has it all: forests, mountains, desert, cities, and rolling green hills. But the coast is something special. Its rugged shoreline is dotted with small towns, and the cooler weather gives it a nostalgic, cozy feel. Highway 101 ties it all together, making it easy to take in as much of the coast as you can.

This guide takes you from Astoria in the north down to the Curry Coast in the south, with stops for accessible hotels, attractions, and restaurants along the way.

Ready for a roadtrip? This one does not disappoint.

Before You Hit the Road

Getting around the Oregon Coast is easiest and best enjoyed by car. Highway 101 hugs the shoreline and connects most of the towns and attractions along the way.

If you’re flying in, Portland International Airport (PDX) is your best entry point. From there, United Access near the airport offers wheelchair-accessible rental. We've used them a couple of times and they have always had amazing service and reliable, accessible vehicles.

Once you have your vehicle, it's time to head to the coast. Just under 2 hours away is the town of Astoria – the first coastal town on your Oregonian roadtrip!

Northern Oregon Coast

Astoria

Your Oregon Coast trip starts in Astoria, the oldest city in the state and one of the most interesting. Perched at the spot where the Columbia River meets the Pacific, the town still feels connected to its fishing and cannery roots. You’ll notice the colorful Victorian homes tucked into the hillsides, massive ships drifting by on the river, and a small downtown that’s perfect for rolling through at an easy pace.

Staying here means you’re right at the gateway to the coast. The Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa sits right on the river, with incredible views of the Astoria-Megler Bridge, while the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Astoria offers comfort, convenience, and verified accessibility. Both are solid choices.

There’s also plenty to do in town. The Columbia River Maritime Museum tells the story of shipwrecks, daring rescues, and the challenges of navigating the “Graveyard of the Pacific.” If you want some fresh air, the Astoria Riverfront Trail is a smooth and accessible path that stretches along the water, dotted with places to stop and enjoy the views. And just a short drive away, Fort Clatsop brings Lewis and Clark’s story to life with accessible exhibits and trails.

Food here is as memorable as the scenery. At Buoy Beer Company, you can sip a pint while watching the river roll by. Bridgewater Bistro serves Northwest seafood with views to match, and Coffee Girl is the perfect cozy café for your morning start, tucked inside a historic cannery.

When you’re ready to trade river views for oceanfront, it’s a straight 20-minute hop on 101 to Seaside.

Seaside

Just 20 minutes south, Seaside is Oregon’s classic beach town — and the vibe shifts immediately. Where Astoria feels historic and maritime, Seaside is playful and full of energy. This is where you’ll find the arcade lights, the carousel mall, and the wide-open beach that stretches for miles.

The Seaside Promenade, a paved oceanfront walkway known simply as “the Prom,” makes this town especially accessible. It runs 1.5 miles along the beach, perfect for a roll or stroll with ocean views the whole way. Access points connect to Mobi-Mats in the summer, making it possible to get a wheelchair out onto the sand.

Downtown Seaside is compact, so it’s easy to explore shops, grab an ice cream at Sea Star Gelato, or sit down for seafood at Mo’s, a local institution. Families love the Seaside Aquarium, one of the oldest on the West Coast, and the Lewis & Clark Salt Works offers a quirky historical stop.

If you want to stay overnight instead of heading back to Astoria, you’ve got options. The Best Western Plus Ocean View Resort puts you right on the sand with rooms facing the Pacific. The SaltLine Hotel is a newer boutique option with modern accessibility features. And there are plenty of other accessible hotels in Seaside if you’d rather make this your base.

Cannon Beach

Twenty minutes south of Seaside, Cannon Beach slows the pace and adds a little sophistication. The town is best known for Haystack Rock, a massive sea stack that towers 235 feet out of the ocean. The viewpoints from Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site and the accessible parking areas nearby make it possible to enjoy the view without trekking across sand.

The town itself is flat and walkable, lined with galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants. If you’re into history, the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum tells the story of the region, including shipwrecks and early settlements. Art lovers can browse local work at the Jeffrey Hull Gallery or shop at the Center Diamond, a colorful quilt and textile store.

For food, you’ve got plenty of accessible options: The Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge serves Northwest seafood with a view of Haystack Rock, while Public Coast Brewing Co. pairs local beers with casual fare. If you’re after something sweet, Suzy’s Scoops is the spot for ice cream and espresso.

If you’d rather stay here than backtrack to Seaside or Astoria, there are plenty of accessible hotels in Cannon Beach that put you close to the beach and shops.

Tillamook Coast

Driving south, the road opens up into the Tillamook Coast, a stretch known for its dairy farms, fishing villages, and rugged headlands that jut into the Pacific. It feels both wild and welcoming, with plenty of stops that are worth slowing down for.

In Tillamook, the famous Tillamook Creamery is a must — fully accessible, with wide pathways and elevators connecting the exhibits. You can watch cheese being made, sample ice cream, and grab lunch in their airy café. Just outside town, the Tillamook Air Museum offers accessible exhibits inside a massive World War II blimp hangar.

Heading north, Garibaldi is a small harbor town where the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad runs accessible excursions along the shoreline. History fans will also appreciate the Garibaldi Maritime Museum, which tells the story of Captain Robert Gray and his ship, the Columbia. For a bite, the Garibaldi Portside Bistro is known for hearty seafood dishes and local brews.

If you want a quieter stop, Rockaway Beach delivers. Its long, flat stretch of sand is perfect for a sunset, and the Cedar Wetlands Preserve has an accessible boardwalk trail tucked among the trees. Kelly’s Brighton Marina is another fun stop, where you can roll right up to the docks and watch the day’s catch come in.

For nature, the Cape Meares Lighthouse offers ocean views from an accessible path, while the Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site has one of Oregon’s tallest waterfalls with an easy viewpoint trail. If you’d rather stay by the sea, Nehalem Bay State Park and Cape Lookout State Park both have paved paths, picnic areas, and wide-open views that show off the best of the coast.

When it’s time to eat, you can’t go wrong at the Offshore Grill and Coffee House, a cozy and accessible spot in Manzanita, or the Blue Heron French Cheese Co. for wine and cheese tastings in a rustic barn setting.

For overnight stays, there are verified accessible hotels on the Tillamook Coast, including the Garibaldi Inn at the Bay, Hotel Garibaldi, and the Ocean Inn at Manzanita. Each one puts you close to the shoreline and within easy reach of the region’s top stops.

Central Oregon Coast

Lincoln City

Heading south from Tillamook, your next stop is Lincoln City, where the beach seems to stretch on forever. The town is spread out along Highway 101, but it’s easy to get around and has some of the most accessible beach access points on the coast.In summer, Mobi-Mats are rolled out at both Taft Waterfront Park and D River State Recreation Site. That might sound like a small detail, but it’s the difference between sitting on the sidelines and actually getting out on the sand.

Lincoln City leans playful. At the Glass Center, you can sit close and watch glowing glass take shape, or even try making your own. Families often head for Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area, which has flat trails and picnic tables shaded by evergreens. If shopping is your idea of a break, the Lincoln City Outlets are step-free and easy to roll through.

The food scene has plenty of favorites. Kyllo’s Seafood & Grill sits right on the sand with panoramic ocean views, while Mo’s Seafood & Chowder dishes out bowls of chowder that have been part of Oregon Coast tradition for decades.

If you decide to spend the night, you’ll have no trouble finding a spot that works. Surftides Lincoln City puts you right on the ocean with views from your room, while Pelican Shores Inn and the Comfort Inn & Suites Lincoln City offer verified accessibility features and easy access to town.

Newport

Newport feels like the heart of the Central Coast. It’s one of those towns where you can do a little bit of everything: stroll a historic bayfront lined with sea lions, dive into marine science at a world-class aquarium, or grab a meal that was swimming in the Pacific just hours before. The balance of working waterfront and coastal charm makes it worth at least a couple of nights.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is the big draw here, and it’s been verified for accessibility. Smooth pathways connect the exhibits, and touch tanks mean you don’t just look at the ocean — you feel it. A short roll away, the Hatfield Marine Science Center takes that curiosity even further with hands-on displays that are easy to navigate and built for all ages.

Downtown, the Historic Bayfront is lively but manageable. Wide sidewalks and curb cuts make it simple to roll past fishing boats unloading the day’s catch while sea lions bark on the docks. If you’re hungry, stop into Local Ocean Seafoods. It’s part restaurant, part fish market, and the crab cakes here are the kind of thing people come back for year after year.

For accessible hotels in Newport, here are a few solid options:

• The Hallmark Resort Hotel Newport sits right on the beach, so you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves.
• The Inn at Nye Beach feels more boutique but still offers verified accessibility features.
• The Best Western Plus Agate Beach Inn puts you right off Highway 101, making it an easy stop on a road trip.

And before you leave, make time for a sunset at Yaquina Head Lighthouse. You don’t need to trek far — the accessible parking lots and viewpoints mean you’ll catch the golden light splashing across the sea stacks without any hassle.

South Oregon Coast

Coos Bay

From Newport, it’s about two hours south to Coos Bay, the largest town on the Oregon Coast. Downtown stretches along the waterfront, where the Coos Bay Boardwalk makes it easy to roll right up to the edge of the harbor. Fishing boats come and go, plaques tell stories of the maritime past, and sometimes local festivals and markets set up along the docks.

Culture is easy to find here too. The Coos History Museum explores the stories of Native communities, shipbuilders, and pioneers, while the Coos Art Museum brings in rotating exhibits inside a former post office. If you’re into rail history, the Oregon Coast Historical Railway Museum is a fun stop with accessible displays of locomotives and vintage equipment.

For outdoors time, head to Shore Acres State Park, where paved paths wind through manicured gardens before opening up to cliffs with waves crashing below. A few minutes away, Cape Arago State Park has accessible viewpoints where you can spot sea lions. And at John Topits Park, there’s an ADA kayak launch that makes paddling accessible on the coastal lakes.

Seafood is everywhere here, and it’s fresh. The 7 Devils Waterfront Alehouse is a local favorite, pairing craft beer with fish tacos and chowder right on the bay. In nearby North Bend, Wildflour Public House mixes comfort food with live music. Or for something laid-back, head to Miller’s at the Cove in Charleston, where you’ll find locals tucking into seafood after a day on the water.

When it’s time to rest, there are verified accessible hotels in Coos Bay for every style:

• The Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park puts entertainment, dining, and accessible rooms in one place.
• Bay Point Landing has sleek cabins and campsites right on the water.
• Edgewater Inn Coos Bay is a smaller option with water views and a quieter feel.
• Quality Inn & Suites at Coos Bay is a reliable, budget-friendly stay close to Highway 101.

Curry Coast

Keep driving south and you’ll reach the Curry Coast — the stretch of Highway 101 where rugged cliffs meet quiet beaches and small towns feel tucked away from the world. It’s less crowded than the northern coast, and that’s part of its charm.

Start in Port Orford, a creative little town with a working harbor and a strong art scene. At Battle Rock Park & Visitor Center, you’ll find sweeping ocean views from paved walkways, plus interpretive signs that share the story of the town’s early days. The Hawthorne Gallery adds a splash of color with contemporary art, while Redfish serves fresh seafood with some of the best oceanfront dining views on the coast.

In Gold Beach, things get more adventurous. Jerry’s Rogue Jets runs accessible jet boat tours up the Rogue River, mixing scenery with a bit of thrill. If you’d rather slow it down, cozy stops like Spinner’s for dinner or Gold Beach Coffee Books & Art for a relaxed morning fit the bill. And if you want to roll right onto the sand, David’s Chair Gold Beach offers all-terrain power wheelchair rentals that open up the shoreline.

Further south, Brookings has a sunnier climate — it’s often called Oregon’s “banana belt.” The big natural highlight here is Samuel H. Boardman State Park, where roadside pull-offs showcase dramatic sea stacks and natural archways. If you’d like something easier, Harris Beach State Park has paved paths, picnic areas, and tidepools you can explore at low tide. For food, Compass Rose Café is a friendly breakfast stop, and Superfly Martini Bar & Grill mixes craft cocktails with small-town hospitality.

When it’s time to rest, you’ll find plenty of verified accessible hotels along the Curry Coast. The Beachfront Inn in Brookings sits right on the sand, Jot’s Resort in Gold Beach has river views and easy access to town, and the Pacific Reef Hotel pairs oceanfront views with cozy stays. Wherever you land, you’ll be close to beaches, parks, and that quieter side of the Oregon Coast.

Quick Tips for a Smoother Trip

Part of what makes the Oregon Coast special is its unpredictability — the weather, the tides, even the timing of traffic on Highway 101. A little planning (and the right gear) can make the difference between a stressful trip and one where you just roll with it. Here are a few things worth keeping in mind:

• Pack for all kinds of weather. Even in summer, the coast can swing from sunny to misty in minutes. Layers are your best friend.
• Bring a rain jacket. Locals don’t usually carry umbrellas — the wind makes them useless.
• Plan extra time. The coast is slower driving than you might expect. Stop often — that’s part of the joy.
• Book ahead in summer. Accessible rooms and rentals can fill quickly in peak season. If you know your dates, reserve early.

Plan Your Oregon Coast Roadtrip With Peace of Mind

The Oregon Coast is more than just a drive down Highway 101 — it’s a collection of small towns, big views, and the kind of coastal moments you don’t forget. From Astoria’s maritime history to the quiet coves of the Curry Coast, the route is packed with stops that are beautiful, welcoming, and increasingly accessible.

Along the way, you’ll find:

• Verified accessible hotels in every region, from boutique inns to waterfront resorts.
• Restaurants and breweries that are easy to roll into and known for fresh coastal flavors.
• Outdoor experiences like Mobi-Mats in Seaside, paved paths in Newport, and David’s Chair rentals in Gold Beach and Florence that make the beach itself part of the trip.

The best part? You can plan it all in advance. Every hotel, attraction, and restaurant we’ve mentioned is mapped on Wheel the World, with detailed accessibility information and photos so you know exactly what to expect.

So pack your bags, grab a rental from United Access in Portland if you need one, and hit the road. The Oregon Coast is ready for you.

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