A few years back we were dreaming about taking a trip down the Oregon/California coast. I remember reading that the best views would be to travel south. There were also mentions of the best time of year. I think the early spring but now I can't remember for sure.Now that we have retired and have more time we are thinking about making this trip in 2017.Can someone suggest the best time of year for this trip?Thanks!

South in OR is best for large rigs due to ocean side view pullouts. Anytime schools are in session is better due to fewer travelers.

September and October are great in Calif -- clear skies, fewer tourists. Good waves, too!

Mid to late September is the best. The sun is out, the winds have died down, and the kids are back in school. Don't tell anyone though, we Oregonians like that time for ourselves.

We are leaving in about a week for our 5th trip to the OR Coast - we love it there. Have been to the whole Coast and also CA Coast. Our favorite area - which we are doing again - is Cannon Beach down to Bandon.Travel south.Do not go before mid July unless you like rain! :-) We go Aug to mid Sept.

In Astoria: Maritime Museum (all ages), waterfront trolly, Ft Stevens, Lewis & Clark fort, the Column and not to mention you are at the mouth of the Columbia River which is perhaps the most dangerous river entry in the world with about 300 large ship wrecks! Want a clue about the river? The cannon found at Cannon Beach sank at Astoria before being found at Cannon Beach years later.

Oregon/California coast--best time of year? | Good Sam Community

ksg5000
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
North to South provides a better view and waiting until Sept when it's still dry and the kids are heading back to school allows you to travel without reservations. Been their done that.
korbe
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
We prefer traveling northbound - for some reason, it appears that there is a lot less traffic going in that direction. :B And we enjoy mid-September best.
samsontdog
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
We leave in a week for two months along the Oregon and Wash Coast. Wish we had left two weeks ago as it has been up to 107 several days and over 100 other days
in a row
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Jun 30, 2016
We've been in spring, summer and fall and all were great. We've volunteered giving lighthouse tours and even seeing a storm move in or on a foggy day is awesome!
GizmosMom
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
Wow! Great responses! Thanks, everyone. Looks like we will plan a trip for next September!
rhagfo
Explorer III
Jul 03, 2016
Just about any time of year, September and early October, we have spent the last three week between Christmas and New Years at South Beach SP and have had decent weather. You would want to avoid Seaside on Friday and Saturday August 26 & 27 as that would s Hood to Coast weekend.
Roy_Lynne
Explorer
Jul 04, 2016
Just about any time, but summer is crowded and winter is cold. If I had to pick, I would think September, October and April and May.

Forum Discussion

Oregon/California coast--best time of year?

About Bucket List Trips

Related Content

Best East Coast Beaches

California 395 north to Oregon in early February

Best route to Oregon Coast from I-5

4 years 6.7Powerstroke update

Year Round Living