Gas is expensive but we all still want to go out and explore! There can still be affordable trips in Oregon. This road trip along the southern Oregon coast from Brookings to Florence clocks in at about 150 miles and will take you to 10 amazing places for less than $100. Assuming your car gets 25 miles to the gallon, and gas is around $5 a gallon, the gasoline part of this trip will cost you about $32. Most of the sites that you’ll visit on this trip are absolutely free to explore, and the few that charge a fee will still keep you and one or more companions under $100 total for the trip. Pack lunch and some snacks and get ready to hit the road. Brookings to Florence, here we come!

1. Azalea Park; Brookings - Free
Azalea Park, 640 Old County Rd, Brookings, OR 97415, USA
Eric B/Google Local
Azalea Park in Brookings is a great (and free) place to start your adventure. This 33-acre park has 1,100 azaleas, trails, a bandshell, a playground, and more.
2. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor - Free
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, U.S. 101, Brookings, OR 97415, USA
Gary Boardman
This long and narrow state park is free to visit and covers 12 miles of the coast north of Brookings. You can enjoy beach access and sand dunes here, plus 300+-year-old Sitka spruce trees.

Join Waypoint of View on this look at the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor and the incredible views you will see when you hike and explore the area:
3. Wreckage of the Mary D. Hume; Gold Beach - Free
Mary D. Hume, 29980 Harbor Way, Gold Beach, OR 97444, USA
Delmar/Google Local
The Mary D. Hume was a steamer built in 1881. She had a long career hauling goods from San Francisco to Oregon, served as a fishing boat in Alaska, and also worked as a tugboat. She retired in 1977 and returned to this area; she sank in this spot in 1985. Today, the Mary D. Hume is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
4. Prehistoric Gardens; Port Orford - $14
Prehistoric Gardens, 36848 US-101, Port Orford, OR 97465, USA
Viveka Singh/Google Local
Prehistoric Gardens is one of the only activities on this list. Currently, the cost to enter is $14 per adult with discounts for children and seniors, but check the website to see if that's current when you read this. This roadside attraction was founded in 1955 and features 23 life-sized dinosaur sculptures along a forested path.
5. Cape Blanco Lighthouse - $5 Day Use Fee Per Car; $2 Tours
Cape Blanco Lighthouse, 91100 Cape Blanco Rd, Port Orford, OR 97465, USA
Ellen Robinson/Google Local
The Cape Blanco Lighthouse was built in 1870 and is the oldest standing lighthouse on the Oregon coast. Tours are available, but if you want to skip that part, there are lovely trails nearby as well.

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6. Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint; Bandon - Free
Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, Bandon, OR 97411, USA
Ry An/Google Local
Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint is a lovely section of beach and rocks named for the offshore island that looks like a woman's face.

Take a tour of the Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint with the Lowmads in this cute video:
7. Shore Acres State Park; Coos Bay - $5 Day Use Fee Per Car
Shore Acres State Park, 89526 Cape Arago Hwy, Coos Bay, OR 97420, USA
Kristopher K. Sims/Google Local
Shore Acres State Park is a 745-acre state park with 5 acres of formal gardens and fantastic ocean views.
8. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area; Reedsport - Free
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, 855 US-101, Reedsport, OR 97467, USA
Andrew Dance/Google Local
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a true Oregon gem. It is 31,566 acres in size and some of the 100,000-year-old dunes are as tall as 500 feet.
9. Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area; Reedsport - Free
Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area, 48819 OR-38, Reedsport, OR 97467, USA
Crissa Foulke/Google Local
Not far from Oregon Dunes, the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area will give you the opportunity to explore several different ecosystems and almost definitely see some of the 100 elk that live there.
10. Exploding Whale Memorial Park; Florence - Free
Exploding Whale Memorial Park, 612 Rhododendron Dr, Florence, OR 97439, USA
Patricia White/Google Local
In 1970, a sperm whale washed ashore at the site of this park and died. To get rid of the carcass, locals decide to blow it up with dynamite - and that event did not go as planned. Stop by this park to learn more about this interesting story, and to take great photos of the Siuslaw River Bridge.

If ever there was an unusual reason to create a state park it is this one. Learn more about the Exploding Whale Memorial Park in this quick video:

With many free places to visit in OR, planning an affordable road trip is possible. Based on the prices of things at the time this post was written, this road trip will cost you well under $100 for two people. Gas will cost $20 to $40 depending on gas prices (and your vehicle), two parks with day-use fees will cost you $10, a tour of the Cape Blanco lighthouse will cost $2 each, and entry to Prehistoric Gardens will cost $14 each. Add that all up and you’ll still have a little bit left over for snacks. Get out there and start exploring! You’ll love this memorable road trip!

Looking for more great affordable trips in Oregon to try? Check out this list for more unforgettable road trips to take in Oregon.

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More to Explore

More fun things to do on Oregon vacations

Chris Muras | February 07, 2023

What are some low-cost things to do in Oregon?

With miles and miles of coastline to explore, more waterfalls than you can fit on the head of the world's biggest pin, and amazing natural attractions to explore, there is no shortage of things to do in Oregon. Many of these things do not have to cost a fortune. Here are a few low-cost things to do in Oregon:

  • Visit the Painted Hills: This beautiful scenic area can be enjoyed with a simple drive along the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway, or you can stop at any number of scenic overlooks and spend a day hiking.
  • Silver Falls State Park: Oregon's state parks are some of the best in the nation, and you can spend all day exploring for a low-cost parking pass. Or, even better visit as many as you can with a yearly state parks pass. Silver Falls State Park is the largest in Oregon and contains the amazing Trail of Ten Falls with a series of stunning waterfalls.
  • Wallowa Lake: In Northeastern Oregon you'll find the beautiful Wallowa Mountains and this stunning crystal-clear lake. All around the lake, you can enjoy hiking, swimming, camping, and even a scenic gondola ride for a small fee.
  • Oregon Vortex and House of Mystery: In Gold Hill, Oregon you'll find this mysterious place where the laws of physics seem to have gone on a long hike to nowhere. There is a per-person fee of around $13 for adults with a discount for children and seniors, but the unique experience is certainly worth checking out at least once.
  • Bagby Hot Springs: These glorious hot springs are a must-see if you enjoy a relaxing hot soak in natural spring water. It can get busy during the day but in the early mornings and evenings, you may find plenty of quiet time to enjoy the hot spring-fed bathhouse nestled in the deep woods of Oregon. To use the private tubs there is a $5 per person fee. Camping is also available in the area.

 

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