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 100 years.

You can help them celebrate their 100-year Anniversary at the Tillamook Cheese Factory on August 1st. There will be musical entertainment, milking demonstrations, a petting zoo for the kids, wine and cheese pairings and much more! Stay for a free, self-guided tour and learn about the cheesemaking process firsthand, tasting samples of their many varieties of cheese as you go. Be sure to get a two-scooper of Tillamook ice cream (try the fresh Oregon Strawberry or Marionberry Pie, both of which use locally grown berries), and head to the gourmet food and gift shops for treats to go.

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.

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