I am an Oregonian through and through. Born and raised in this great state I have come to learn and love all of the amazing sights that it has to offer! I grew up an hour and a half away from the coast, so throughout the years, hopping in a car with friends to go visit where Oregon meets the Pacific Ocean was a regular thing. In case you are visiting, taking a coastal road trip, or just looking for something new, I have compiled a little list of 8 of my favorite beach spots. And as there are many places to visit on this beautiful coast, I am sure more coastal lists are to come!
Let us know in the comments your favorite places to visit on the Oregon coast!
1. Cannon Beach
Photo of Cannon beach from KATU’s Chris Liedle
Cannon beach is covered with scenic spots covering the miles of sandy beaches. From Haystack Rock (One of the Oregon Coast’s most iconic scenic landmarks) to the many trails to explore around the area.
Once you have soaked in the scenery, you can head into the city of Cannon Beach and visit one of their many art galleries, restaurants, community events and so much more. With many campgrounds around, Cannon beach is a great place to come, park for a few nights, and enjoy all the great views!
2. Nye Beach (Newport, Oregon)
One of Newport’s favorite beaches for centuries, not just because of it’s amazing ocean views, but also it’s a thriving art community. As you stroll in the sand, maybe fly a kite on some of the best kite-flying summer days, you can easily stroll from beach to a 12-block long shopping, dining, and art experience.
Newport City has so much to explore and offer that staying here for more than a few days is not only recommended but a must! Local areas and shops to explore, nature, whale watching, and a busy harbor make this a perfect place to get lost.
3. The Secret Beach (Brookings, Oregon)
The first rule of Secret Beach club is, we don’t talk about Secret Beach club…. But now that we are this far down the list, I think we are past secrets! And while some might argue with how “secret” this Secret Beach is, one thing no one can argue is how stunning and surreal this place is. This beach is located in the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor on the Southern Coast and is accessed by a small gravel parking lot. A steep ¾ mile trail down beach transports you into almost another world. Greeted by a cascading waterfall as you reach the beach, and if you go during low tide, you then gain access to the true secret…. A little cove that you often find all to yourself. Truly a place of peace.
4. Seaside
On the northern coast, you will find the city of Seaside, one of Oregon’s most established and historical resort destinations. Just a short drive to Portland, Seaside is a prominent Oregon Coast destination with many attractions for the whole family, including the Seaside Aquarium.
Beach soccer, surfing, tanning, and the largest annual beach volleyball tournament on the coast has people from all around visiting. It might be the busier of the coastal beaches, but it also is one of the most activities enriched as well. Hiking, golfing, restaurants, art galleries, local events and so much more, this is a great place to soak in the culture and the coast all at once.
5. Arizona Beach (Port Orford, Oregon)
Ok, this one might be a little confusing… but since there are no coastal beaches in Arizona (unless you are gullible and purchased some), Oregon has the only Arizona Coastal beach. Corny “dad” jokes aside, Arizona Beach feels like you’ve stepped into another world, far from civilization. The first half of the beach is littered with huge sea stacks the size of small buildings on and offshore.
At first, you might feel like you are in the land of the lost, but as you continue down the beach you start to feel comfort in these huge sea landmarks and the seclusion of the beach. And if you come during low tide, you can get up-close and personal with the monolithic “Sister” rocks. A truly humbling experience that will leave you awe of this planet.
6. Arcadia Beach State Recreation Area (Arch Cape, Oregon)
On the northern Oregon coast, stretching over a mile, this less busy alternative to the nearby Cannon Beach is a great spot for expiration. This beach is nestled between two protruding rocky landscapes, showcasing waterfalls and hidden caves, this is a perfect full day of scenic walking and hiking.
Tidepools to comb, beach to stroll, terrain to hike and scenery to soak in, this place is a true gem off the beaten path
7. Rockaway Beach
One of Oregon’s longest continuous beaches, this 7-mile sand shore has over 20 different public access points and plenty of room for you and your family to spread out and claim a little beach that is all to you. With Tillamook bay nearby, you can get all the beach you want and then visit the Disneyland of cheese, the Tillamook factory. Seriously, this is an experience you don’t want to miss! Completely free and you get to test different cheese and see how it is made…. But I digress.
Rockaway can feel like you own your own little spot on the Oregon Coast and give you the seclusion you might be looking for.
8. Otter Rock and Devils Punch Bowl State Natural Park
One of Oregon’s most historic headlands on the coast, this unique sandstone bowl formation is a sight to see and experience! Formed due to the caves joining after a collapse, it is one of the coasts most iconic and favorite picnic areas.
December and January this also becomes a hot spot for gray whale migration sightings! Picnic, whale watch, enjoy the sights and sounds of the sloshing waves in the punch bowl, and stay for the stunning sunset, a day well spent!
Conclusion:
And there we have it! Now of course there are so many great places to visit on the Oregon Coast, and this is just a tip of the iceberg, but these places are a great place to start. Let us know your favorite Oregon Coast destinations and stay tuned for more trip destinations (including another Oregon Coast list!)
“In every outthrust headland, in every curving beach, in every grain of sand there is the story of the earth.”
Rachel Carson
