Tillamook: Cheese Factory Tours, Hiking & Ocean Views
Searching for the best things to do in Tillamook, Oregon on your road trip? Well, you are in the right place! Known as the "Gateway to the Oregon Coast," Tillamook is famed for its dairy farms, scenic coastline, and maritime heritage. I loved the mix of ocean views, lush pastures, and those classic lighthouses perched above dramatic cliffs. After a one hour and 20 minute drive frmo Portland, we stayed at the 3-star Surfside Resort.
My week in Tillamook began at the Tillamook Air Museum and was filled with coastal magic, from the wide beaches of Cape Lookout and Oceanside to the famous Tillamook Creamery, where I sampled delicious cheeses. I also soaked up history at Cape Meares Lighthouse. This guide describes my favorite attractions that I want to share.
Best Time to Visit Tillamook, OR
If you ask me, go between May and October. I’ve been in summer and it’s just perfect—mild weather, clear skies, and everything is open and buzzing. But if you like that misty, moody coastal feel and fewer people around, I’d recommend a winter trip. I did that once and it was cozy and atmospheric in a different way.
How to Get to Tillamook, OR
- By Car: I usually drive from Portland—it’s only 1.5 to 2 hours on Highway 6. You can make it a day trip, but I always end up staying longer.
- By Air: If you're flying in, land at Portland International Airport (PDX). I’ve done that and the drive to the coast is a scenic part of the adventure.
- By Bus: I haven’t personally taken the bus, but the Tillamook County Transportation District does offer transit to and from Portland. It’s a good option if you’re going car-free.
Where to Stay in Tillamook, OR
- Recommended for Families: Shilo Inn Suites Tillamook – I stayed here once with my family and the indoor pool was a hit with the kids. You’ll appreciate how close it is to everything.
- For Budget Travelers: Western Royal Inn – I’ve passed through here solo and it’s clean, simple, and a great base for exploring without breaking the bank.
Cape Lookout State Park
Stretching out between the ocean and the bay like a rugged coastal arm, Cape Lookout is one of the most spectacular and untouched places I’ve explored in Oregon. We started our road trip here.
First thing we did was park and just stand there in awe because the forest felt magic, tall trees everywhere, ocean air, and it already felt like a hidden gem.
After that we headed straight for the Cape Lookout Trail, which everyone says is the absolute best hike here, and honestly it was an amazing underrated experience.
The trail felt cool and peaceful, winding through old growth forest, and we kept stopping to look at the views.
Reaching the viewpoint was my favorite part because the cliffs dropped into the ocean and it felt romantic, exciting, and kind of unreal all at once.
Once we finished hiking we walked down to the beach, which felt like a secret gem, wide open, quiet, and perfect for a family or romantic picnic.
We laid out a blanket, ate snacks, and watched waves crash which was simple but one of the most joyful and affordable experiences of the trip.
Later we explored the campground area and thought it was such a brilliant idea for a weekend stay since everything felt peaceful and well spaced.
In the afternoon we wandered more short trails and just enjoyed how unique and interesting the park feels compared to busier coastal spots.
As sunset came we went back to the beach, and the sky turned vibrant colors which was honestly the most amazing part of the day.
Ending the day listening to the ocean felt like pure magic, and Cape Lookout easily became one of our favorite and most underrated things to do near Tillamook.
What I loved Best"
The headland trail alone makes this worth the trip—towering spruce, sweeping Pacific views, and that breathtaking cliffside panorama at the point. If you're looking for a quieter alternative to the busier state parks nearby, this is easily one of the best options on the Tillamook Coast!
Cape Meares Light
Ready for a coastal viewpoint with real wow-factor? Cape Meares Light is a standout! I loved walking the short path to the lighthouse in late November, when the air felt crisp and the ocean looked impossibly dramatic.
With its striking cliff views, nearby trails, and rich maritime history, I think it’s the perfect half-day adventure on the Tillamook Coast.
Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site
What I love most about this site is the way the trail runs just below towering cliffs and ancient trees, opening up suddenly to that stunning waterfall view.
The sound of the cascade echoes through the canyon, making the whole place feel serene and otherworldly. For me, it’s one of the best short hikes around Tillamook—beautiful, quiet, and surprisingly dramatic.
After, I stopped at the Blue Heron French Cheese Company for lunch. I ordered the brie and ham panini with a cup of creamy tomato basil soup. The brie melted like silk, and the bread was just the right kind of crisp. The café had a sweet, funky smell, equal parts cheese cave and bakery. I wandered the farm animal pens out back with a cookie in hand, feeling five years old in the best way.
Tillamook Forest Center
Chris and I both absolutely love Tillamook Forest Center, and have been many times. What I love most about this place is how it rises just above the curve of the Wilson River—close enough to hear the water but elevated enough to feel open and airy. I instantly thought our journey was worth it!
The suspension bridge gives you those sweeping views of the river corridor, and the center’s architecture blends perfectly into the landscape. It’s one of my favorite places to bring out-of-town visitors for an easy taste of the Coast Range.
Tillamook Air Museum
Housed in a colossal WWII blimp hangar—one of the largest clear-span wooden structures in the world—the Tillamook Air Museum is one of the most unique museums I’ve ever visited.
Stepping inside feels like walking into a cathedral built for aircraft: towering ceilings, vintage planes, and that unmistakable aroma of old wood and engine stories. If you’re looking for something truly distinctive near Tillamook, this is my top pick.
Tillamook County Pioneer Museum
This is one of my favorite small-town museums because it’s easy to reach, thoughtfully curated, and packed with local history.
I especially love stopping by on cool fall days when the weather pushes you indoors and the exhibits feel extra cozy. I think it’s the perfect spot to learn something new about the Oregon Coast.
Latimer Quilt and Textile Center
Housed in a historic schoolhouse, this is one of the most charming and unexpectedly captivating museums I’ve visited on the Oregon Coast.
The rotating exhibits showcase exquisite quilts, weaving, and fiber arts from across the region, all displayed in a space that still feels rooted in local history. If you’re looking for a creative, peaceful break from the coastal bustle, this is one of the best.
Hoquarton Interpretive Trail
Ready for a calm, nature-rich break? Head to the Hoquarton Interpretive Trail — it’s a standout for anyone craving a peaceful coastal walk.
I loved spending cool autumn afternoons here, learning about the region’s history through the interpretive signs and watching the marshlands shift with the tide. It’s one of my favorite low-key things to do in Tillamook.
De Garde Brewing
Tucked just off the main road, this is one of the most distinctive breweries I’ve ever visited. I think it’s one of the very best beer experiences on the Oregon Coast. Why? De Garde Brewing crafts world-class spontaneous and oak-aged beers, with flavors shaped by the region’s unique coastal microflora.
It’s a blissfully unpretentious spot far from the typical brewery scene.
For me, De Garde Brewing is one of the best things to do in Tillamook because it's relaxing and local!
The tasting room was mellow, full of locals chatting in low tones, my favorite highlight.
Tillamook Creamery
Of course, no road trip to Tillamook is complete without a stop at the local creamery .
First, we walked through the factory watching cheese being made, which felt kind of magic and unusual, and also very interesting for families.
Then we grabbed ice cream inside, and it was the best, most joyful scoop ever, totally an amazing underrated dream moment.
After that we drove a few minutes to Cape Meares Lighthouse nearby, and the views were spectacular and felt very romantic.
We took our time walking around the trails there, which felt peaceful, vibrant, and like a cool hidden coastal gem.
Next we headed into downtown Tillamook which is small but charming, and grabbed lunch that was affordable and surprisingly good.
Later we checked out the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum near the center of town, which was unique and kind of underrated.
We learned so much history there and it made the whole trip feel more meaningful and like a brilliant idea stop.
In the afternoon we drove toward Oceanside Beach, just ten minutes away, and it felt like the most relaxing experience.
The beach was quiet, wide, and absolutely beautiful, perfect for families or a romantic sunset walk.
We sat on the sand watching waves crash, which felt exciting and calming at the same time.
Before dinner we stopped at a local cheese shop again because honestly Tillamook cheese is the best.
Dinner was casual and cozy, and the whole vibe felt like a perfect coastal weekend getaway.
The next morning we went back to the Creamery for coffee because it was our favorite spot.
Leaving Tillamook felt bittersweet since it’s such an amazing, cool, and unforgettable coastal gem.
It was bustling but cheerful, people peering through windows into the cheese-making process. I had the grilled cheese (extra sharp cheddar, golden sourdough) with a side of tomato soup and followed it with a scoop of Marionberry pie ice cream. The sandwich was buttery-crisp and gooey in the middle. The ice cream tasted like Oregon summer in a cone, sweet, tart, creamy, perfect.
Congratulations for reading through all my Best Things to Do in Tillamook on a Road Trip. I hope that our experiences inspire you to go on your own road trip to one (or more!) of my favorite destinations!
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
