Tillamook Travel Guide: Things to do on the Oregon Coast

We might be biased, but the Tillamook Creamery is surely the best destination on the Oregon Coast. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a bunch of other great restaurants, experiences and more that can make a trip to the coast even better, so we assembled a list of our go-to places, hidden gems and top attractions in and around Tillamook that locals recommend.

Tillamook Creamery

Of course, at the top of the list is the Tillamook Creamery. No dairy-lover's trip is complete without it, but did you know there are multiple premium experiences you can book in advance to make the visit even more memorable? The Creamery offers a variety of exclusive offerings like guided Tour & Tasting Experiences – including an option that lets you in before the general public. Or book the immersive Tillamook Taste Bud Experience and see if you have what it takes to be a super taster, sampling and testing delicious ice creams alongside our flavor and sensory experts – you might just have a new dream job afterward. 

Self-guided tours are always free, require no reservation and let you check out all the dairy goodness at your own pace. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the cheese factory, explore the Farm Exhibit, sit behind the wheel of our Yum Bus for a photo op, visit the sample counter, hunt for Tillie the cow with your younger dairy-lovers and more. Then satisfy your cravings with award-winning cheese and creamy ice cream in the Dining Hall. Cap off your visit at the Market, where you’ll find merchandise, apparel, cheese and much more to commemorate your trip. 

Restaurants

If you’re spending one or two days on the coast and need some insider tips on some of our faves outside of the Tillamook Creamery, we’ve got you covered. 

• Pelican Brewing has several locations where you can enjoy local brews and delicious bites in a casual setting with expansive indoor seating and an outdoor patio. Bonus, our famous fried cheese curds are on the menu. 

• Seabreeze Ice Cream in Rockaway Beach has saltwater taffy, shakes, candy and Tillamook Ice Cream – which, maybe you already had some at the Creamery, but more Tillamook Ice Cream is always a good idea.

• Part garden center, part restaurant, Jandy Oyser Co. is 10 minutes south of Tillamook and features fresh harvested oysters, shucked to order and served with house-made hot sauce. The menu is fairly small, but high quality and features an incredible beer list. 

• A hidden gem in Astoria is La Cabana de Raya, with stunning views of the Columbia River and an extensive menu of authentic expertly crafted Mexican cuisine, including steak asada, birria tacos and enchiladas with house-made sauces.

• An icon in Newport, OR, Local Ocean Seafoods is a casually sophisticated fish market and grill where fresh-grilled seafood dishes are served alongside great views of fishing boats in the harbor. 

Sites & Activities

Whether you’re looking to work off some of your delicious meals or just take in some amazing views of the Oregon Coast, the sites around Tillamook are definitely worth seeing. 

• Located on a sand pit between Netarts Bay and the Pacific, Cape Lookout State Park is a scenic destination for hiking, beachcombing and sightseeing along the Three Cape Scenic Route.

• Cape Meares has some of the most amazing views on the coast along with unique attractions like the Cape Meares Lighthouse – interestingly, both the tallest and smallest lighthouse on the West Coast – and Short Beach, a lesser-known beach that lives up to its name, but is a great spot for rock hunting and even features a waterfall.

• Located just five miles from the Tillamook Creamery, Kilchis Point Reserve in Bay City has around two miles of trails, so it’s an excellent place for a pre- or postCreamery nature walk.

• Located on Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock is one of Oregon’s most famous landmarks. Standing at over 200 feet tall, it’s one of the largest sea stacks on America’s Pacific Coast and home to colorful tidepools and diverse birdlife. 

• Rail Riders offers multiple pedal-powered rail car experiences suitable for a variety of ages and abilities. The rides give you a view of bays, rivers, trestles, farms, cows and even the Tillamook Creamery (hello, again). 

• Board a historic train for a scenic and immersive trip on Oregon Coast Train Rides. Passengers enjoy a leisurely ride, complete with on-board narration, beautiful views and a layover where you can explore shops, restaurants and the beach. 

Lodging

A visit to the Tillamook Creamery is an easy daytrip, but if you want a more leisurely pace or are planning on spending additional time on the coast, here are some of our favorite places to stay. 

• Relax, recharge and rejuvenate at Headlands Lodge, with miles of expansive beaches to explore, an on-site spa and restaurant and even custom-curated adventures like morning clamming or a moonlight dune hike.

• The Stephanie Inn is consistently ranked one of the best inns by Conde Nast, and with stunning views, beachfront reading rooms and an award-winning restaurant, we tend to agree it’s pretty sweet. 

• Just steps from Haystack Rock, Surfsand Resort offers full-service, family-oriented lodging amidst sweeping coastline views for a stay that’s equal parts serene and fun. 

• Completely refurbished in 2025, the Inn at Cape Kiwanda is an ideal home base for adventure, relaxation and ocean-view comfort. Family-focused amenities like kidfriendly bunk alcoves, an indoor pool and hot tub, e-bikes, putting course, playground and more make this one of our favorite places for the whole family to stay. 

We hope this list helps you plan and expand your next trip to the Tillamook Creamery and who knows, maybe we’ll see you at one of our favorite spots.