Oregon's 363-mile-long coastline is studded with historic lighthouses, dramatic rock formations, sandy beaches and quaint towns that host all kinds of festivals: kite flying, sandcastling, arts, seafood & wine and more. And there's no shortage of things to do and stuff to see, including incredible golf, Sahara-like sand dunes, whale-watching and Lewis & Clark historical sites.

The coast is just a 90-minute drive from downtown Portland, making it a fun day trip or a longer sojourn. Start your trip by following 99W just south of Portland. This will take you through the heart of Oregon's Wine Country, making it an easy (and delicious!) wine tasting detour. From there, you'll take Hwy. 18 all the way to Hwy. 101, which spans the Oregon Coast.

The first beach town you'll come across is Lincoln City. Beachcombers will love strolling this beach, where from mid-October through Memorial Day you can discover one of the 2,000-plus glass floats that are placed on the shoreline. Or try your hand at blowing your own glass float at The Jennifer L. Sears Glass Studio. Further north you'll come across Pacific City, a hidden surfing spot with an excellent brewpub, Pelican Pub & Brewery. Climb the dune north of Cape Kiwanda for an unbeatable view of the Pacific Ocean.

Continue to head north until you hit the coastal town of Tillamook. The area's stream-fed grasslands and mild climate make an ideal environment for dairy herds, which is why the famous Tillamook County Creamery Association calls this beautiful place home. This farmer-owned cooperative has been producing naturally aged cheeses and other dairy products (ice cream!) for more than 100 years.

The Tillamook Cheese Factory is not only a showcase of their products, it is also an educational look at their history and the cheesemaking process. Take a free, self-guided tour with video presentations, historical displays and interactive kiosks. View the cheesemaking process and its packaging in their upstairs observation area. Stop by the sample counter for a delectable cheese tasting. The Cheese Factory provides cheese, gift and gourmet shops, the Farmhouse Cafe for breakfast or lunch, and creamy Tillamook Ice Cream at their dipping counter...irresistible in a freshly baked waffle cone! They are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the summer and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. the rest of the year. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Continue your journey north on Hwy. 101 and you'll have your pick of stops, from Cannon Beach with its many boutiques and art galleries to the video arcades and bustle of Seaside to the many historic sites of Astoria, where Lewis & Clark and the Corps of Engineers spent the winter of 1805. You can even visit a replica of their camp, Fort Clatsop.

Tour the Oregon coastline with Singing Planet e-bikes and pedal as much or as little as you like!

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