Oregon Coast Brewery Guide: Craft Beer with Ocean Views Along Highway 101
The Oregon Coast isn't just about dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches—it's also home to some of the state's most iconic breweries. From Fort George's innovative program in Astoria to Pelican Brewing's beachfront taproom in Pacific City, discover the best coastal brewery stops along Highway 101, complete with world-class beer and unforgettable ocean views.
There's something magical about sipping a perfectly crafted IPA while watching Pacific waves crash against the shore. The Oregon Coast, stretching 363 miles along Highway 101, offers one of the most scenic brewery road trips in America—where exceptional craft beer meets dramatic coastal landscapes. Whether you're planning a summer beach getaway or a moody fall storm watching weekend, these coastal breweries deliver experiences you won't find anywhere else. Fort George Brewery: Astoria's Crown Jewel Your Oregon coast brewery adventure should begin where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Fort George Brewery, housed in a historic 1920s automobile service station in downtown Astoria, has become a pilgrimage site for serious beer lovers. This isn't just another brewpub—it's a sprawling complex that includes the original Public House, the Lovell Taproom, and a production facility that ships beer across the Pacific Northwest. The 1811 Lager has become Fort George's flagship, a pre Prohibition style lager that's impossibly drinkable and named for the founding year of Fort Astoria. At 5.2% ABV, it's crisp, clean, and showcases the brewing team's technical skill. But Fort George really shines with their adventurous side projects. The Matryoshka series explores different iterations of their Russian Imperial Stout, while their barrel aging program produces some of Oregon's most sought after releases. Don't miss the rooftop patio at the Lovell Taproom, especially during summer months. From this elevated perch, you'll catch glimpses of the Columbia River while enjoying rotating taps that often feature small batch experiments unavailable elsewhere. The kitchen serves elevated pub fare—try the fish and chips made with local catch, or their phenomenal burger paired with a Vortex IPA. Practical tip: Fort George opens at 11 AM daily, but the rooftop doesn't open until noon. Summer weekends get busy, so arrive early or plan for a wait. Street parking can be challenging, but there's a public lot two blocks south on 14th Street. Pelican Brewing: Where Beach Meets Brewery Continuing south on Highway 101, you'll reach one of the most dramatically situated breweries in America. Pelican Brewing's Pacific City location sits directly on the beach, offering unobstructed views of Cape Kiwanda's sandstone cliffs and Haystack Rock rising from the surf. This isn't just marketing—you can literally walk from your table onto the sand. Pelican has racked up more medals than almost any Oregon brewery, including multiple wins at the Great American Beer Festival. Their Kiwanda Cream Ale remains a coastal staple—light, refreshing, and perfect for beach days. The Tsunami Stout offers something richer, with notes of coffee and dark chocolate that pair beautifully with their Dungeness crab cakes. What sets Pelican apart is their commitment to showcasing Oregon ingredients. The India Pelican Ale uses Northwest hops exclusively, while seasonal releases often incorporate local hazelnuts, berries, or honey. During summer, look for their Doryman's Dark Ale on nitro—it's smooth, malty, and surprisingly refreshing despite its rich profile. The beachfront brewpub gets absolutely packed during summer weekends, especially when the weather cooperates. Reserve a table if possible, or plan to arrive right when they open at 11 AM. The upstairs dining room offers the best views, though the downstairs bar has a more casual, local vibe. If you're visiting in fall or winter, the storm watching experience here is legendary—watching massive waves roll in while staying warm with a stout is quintessentially Oregon. Pelican has expanded to multiple locations (including Cannon Beach and Tillamook), but the Pacific City flagship remains the essential stop. Pro tip: Walk north along the beach to the Cape Kiwanda sand dune for sunset views, then return for dinner and evening beers. Rogue Ales: Newport's Waterfront Institution No Oregon coast brewery guide would be complete without Rogue