The Oregon Coast is incredibly beautiful with its sea stacks, headlands, and capes. The beaches are wide and seem to go on forever, making it difficult to distinguish where the sand starts and the ocean ends. Natural landmarks, like these, draw people from all over the world.
What really sets the Oregon Coast apart is the lack of development, which has helped preserve the finest beaches and its irresistible charm. As you travel along Highway One, you’ll come across adorable small towns and villages where people live their lives near the water and surrounded by hills.
This perfect balance allows easy access to local beaches near the towns, as well as hidden paradises waiting at the end of remote trails.
12. Arcadia Beach State Recreation Area
Arcadia Beach State Recreation Area is a beautiful location in Oregon near one of the best beaches in the area. It is often overlooked but can be a pleasant alternative to Cannon Beach. The beach has golden sand and is typical of the Oregon Coast.
What sets it apart is its tranquil atmosphere and a waterfall that can be found along a walk on the beach. This natural landmark features thin veils of water falling over rocky outcrops. As you continue walking along the beach, you will discover beach caves and tide pools at the north and southern ends of Arcadia.
11. Nye Beach
Nye Beach in Newport, Oregon is a popular coastal spot that has everything you need for a great beach day. It offers beautiful wide open beaches, easy access, interesting rock formations called sea stacks, and picnic areas. The beach is well-loved by locals who can easily walk there from the nearby neighborhood of the same name.
Visitors can relax on the sandy shores, play games on the beach, or have a picnic while taking in the view. In addition to the beach, there is a historic district behind it that spans twelve blocks and is known for its many art galleries. And of course, there are plenty of delicious dining options to satisfy any appetite. Nye Beach has been an attraction for travelers for more than a century, and it’s easy to see why.
10. Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach is located west of Portland and can be easily accessed from the city. It is a beautiful and expansive beach along the west coast. With almost 20 points of entry along its seven-mile stretch, you can easily find a peaceful spot to enjoy the sand.
Along the beach, you’ll come across fascinating structures made of driftwood and kite surfers taking advantage of the steady breeze. Depending on your location, you can even take a walk to Tillamook or Nehalem Bay.
9. Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area in Oregon is known for its breathtaking beauty. Unlike the typical cliffs found along the Oregon Coast, Cape Kiwanda features unique sandstone formations carved by the wind, rain, and ocean. These formations resemble the curves and grooves found in Arizona’s Antelope Canyon.
Visitors can enjoy stunning coastal views from the top of the cape and can also make their way to the beach through a sand dune. The beach at Cape Kiwanda offers a great opportunity for relaxation or a memorable walk along the shore.
8. Heceta Beach (Cape Cove)
Heceta Beach is a small cove that can be found on the Oregon coast. It stretches for 1,000 feet along the rugged coastline. The beach is surrounded by Cape Creek and Heceta Head, but its main attraction is the rocky stacks that are found on the beach.
When you visit this beach, you will see seagulls, cormorants, and murre flying above the crashing waves. Even though Cape Cove is quite rugged, its secluded location provides a peaceful experience in nature. There are picnic areas and bathrooms available for beachgoers in the nearby car park.
Don’t forget to also visit the Heceta Head Lighthouse, which is located on top of the head, towering over 1,000 feet above the ocean. You can easily find the trail to this historic lighthouse in the car park.
7. Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is a beautiful destination known for its stunning natural feature, Haystack Rock. This rock is an incredible 235 feet tall and acts as a striking focal point, dividing the ocean. Alongside Haystack Rock, there are also smaller stacks and endless waves from the Pacific.
You may recognize this beach from movies and TV shows, but experiencing it in person is truly something special. Cannon Beach is a part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and visitors may even spot puffins. The beach itself offers a vast stretch of golden sand that seems to go on forever.
Despite its popularity, Cannon Beach rarely feels overcrowded. The swimming near the shore is quite enjoyable, and there are also opportunities for surfing further out.
6. Seaside Beach
Seaside Beach, located 90 minutes northwest of Portland, is a popular holiday destination and beach. It offers a great atmosphere and attracts both families and beach enthusiasts looking for an affordable getaway. One of the reasons why Seaside Beach is so appealing is its size, which can accommodate large crowds without feeling overcrowded.
You can enjoy beach soccer and relax with a tan while surrounded by a lot of people. Additionally, the beach is famous for hosting the largest beach volleyball tournament on the west coast. Seaside Beach provides all the necessary facilities such as restrooms, showers, beachfront restaurants, and access to the vibrant town of Seaside.
5. Lone Ranch Beach
Lone Ranch Beach is located at the end of the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, and it combines stunning nature with a beautiful beach. To reach the beach, you will walk along a trail from the car park and pass by a picnic area.
During high tide, it may be difficult to fully appreciate the rocky shoreline, but at low tide, you can see fascinating tide pools and sea stacks rising from the ocean. Take your time to enjoy the breathtaking views of the coastline, including the lush Cape Ferrelo.
When it’s lunchtime, you can return to the picnic area, which has four tables and offers a picturesque view of the entire beach.
4. Indian Beach
Indian Beach is located within Ecola State Park and is a well-liked surfing spot. It was even used as one of the filming locations for the movie Twilight. The state park offers various trails that take you along the beautiful Oregon coast, where you can see sea stacks rising out of the ocean, similar to planes through a cloud.
Indian Beach is conveniently located a short drive away from Portland, making it easily accessible and a popular spot for locals. If you want to secure a prime beach spot, it’s recommended to arrive early.
However, for those who enjoy beach hiking, the coastal trails are best accompanied by a refreshing dip in the ocean and some rock scrambling before continuing. When the waves become larger, spectators on the sand can witness surfers attempting to conquer the powerful Pacific Ocean, providing some captivating free entertainment.
3. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Oregon beaches offer more than just sea stacks; the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area stands out as particularly breathtaking. Instead of lounging on white sand, visitors can explore 40 miles of towering dunes, some reaching heights of 500 feet.
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and a lush forest, the area boasts stunning scenery. While hiking offers fantastic views, riding a dune buggy or sandboarding adds an extra layer of excitement. Beyond the dunes, the beach provides opportunities for fishing and kayaking, with 30 lakes to explore within the park.
2. Short Sand Beach
Short Sand Beach in Oswald West State Park offers a beautiful view. The water is calm and sparkles in the sunlight. On each side of the beach, there are tall cliffs covered in lush green trees. Since the beach is located within the state park, it is usually not crowded with people.
It’s a great place for families to enjoy a day out, whether the kids want to play or if someone wants to relax under an umbrella with a book. Occasionally, the beach experiences strong waves, attracting surfers who come early in the morning and stay until sunset.
1. Manzanita Beach
Manzanita Beach is located near a small seaside town and is known for its beautiful and expansive seven-mile stretch of white sand. This long beach often feels like a private getaway. Visitors can enjoy relaxing beach walks during sunset. The beach curves along the coast and leads to Nehalem Bay State Park.
At the sand spit, you can explore a lush sanctuary. Another recommended activity is a hike to the summit of Neahkahnie Mountain, which offers unparalleled views of Manzanita Beach.
