Traveling abroad isn’t always in the cards—but that doesn’t mean your summer adventures have to feel ordinary. Right here on the Central Oregon Coast, you’ll find places that don’t just feel like a getaway—they look like far-flung destinations across the globe (and maybe even Middle Earth and beyond!) These spots aren’t stand-ins—they’re stunning in their own right, but their uncanny resemblance to international locales makes them feel like a passport-free journey around the world.
Read on and pack your bags for a fabulous jet-setter vacation (minus long security lines and lost luggage!)
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area LOOKS LIKE: The British Isles
While our coastline has more trees, many travelers discover that the Oregon Coast bears a striking resemblance to certain areas of the British Isles. With its dramatic cliffs, moody skies, and misty sea stacks, it’s easy to imagine yourself wandering the shores of Ireland or Scotland—without the transatlantic flight.
Plan Your Visit: “Visit Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, a stunning coastal destination along the Oregon coast. With dramatic cliffs, tide pools, and ocean views, it’s a wonderful spot to explore local wildlife and natural landscapes. Whether you’re interested in seeing the historic Yaquina Head Lighthouse, hiking, or tidepooling, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.” (750 NW Lighthouse Dr., Newport, OR 97365)
Cape Perpetua LOOKS LIKE: Scotland and Hawaii
Much like Yaquina Head, Oregon’s breathtaking Cape Perpetua has drawn comparisons to the wild, rugged coastlines of Scotland. And beyond the difference in vegetation, several spots along the Central Coast even evoke the dramatic beauty of the Hawaiian Islands.
Plan Your Visit: “Cape Perpetua is a large forested headland on the central Oregon Coast which projects into the Pacific Ocean. It’s part of the Siuslaw National Forest and it is a great place to experience towering trees looming through a coastal fog, frothy surf crashing upon jagged shores, and majestic headlands offering clear views for miles.” (Cape Perpetua Visitors Center, 2400 Hwy 101, Yachats, OR 97498)
Hobbit Trail LOOKS LIKE: Middle Earth / New Zealand
Named in the 1970’s for J.R.R. Tolkein’s novel of the same name, the Hobbit Trail attracts legions of travelers with its other-worldly charm. This magical hike along the Pacific coastline begins in a lush forest full of Sitka spruce trees and leads to a hidden beach at the foot of coastal cliffs. This one-mile (1.6 km) hiking trail is a popular family hike because of its mossy and enchanting landscape!
Plan Your Visit: “The trailhead can be accessed directly from Highway 101 and is approximately one mile (1.6 km) north of Heceta Head Lighthouse. The parking area is on the right side when driving north on Highway 101. The trail will begin across the road. The Hobbit Trail is downhill from the parking area and will be an entirely uphill climb on the return. Parking is limited and the closest restrooms are at the Heceta Head Lighthouse. From the Heceta Head Lighthouse, there is access to Hobbit Beach with an additional 1.5-mile (2.4 km) hike.” (Hobbit Trail, 91892-91974 Oregon Coast Hwy, Florence, OR 97439)
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area LOOKS LIKE: Arrakis (Dune)
While the Oregon Dunes near Florence are home to an active ATV scene, they’re more famous as the inspiration for Frank Herbert’s science fiction classic Dune. While working in Florence for the USDA in 1957, Herbert was inspired by the colossal natural wonder of Oregon’s majestic sand dunes to create his legendary series. Herbert’s personal library even resides at the Siuslaw Public Library!
Plan Your Visit: “Florence is connected to a 40-mile (64.37 km) stretch of sand dunes known as the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, North America’s largest coastal dunes. With a dramatic landscape of sandy slopes that reach up to 500 ft (152 m) in height, the Oregon Dunes are a bucket list sight.” (855 Hwy 101, Florence to Coos Bay, Florence, OR 97439)
Book your Sweet Homes Vacation Getaway on the Central Coast as your home base for year-round road trips. Because—why fly when you could drive to exotic destinations?