In This Article

Oregon’s beaches are made for peaceful escapes and wild coastal beauty. These beaches in Oregon are perfect for moody sunsets, dramatic cliffs, and long walks on windswept sands.

Highlights:

  • Marvel at Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach.
  • Explore the rugged coastline of Bandon Beach.
  • Stroll along the historic promenade at Seaside Beach.
  • Discover tide pools at Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area.
  • Take photos of the sea stacks at Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint.

Unique Beaches in Oregon:

1. Cannon Beach - 1.5 hours west of Portland, OR

Cannon Beach - 1.5 hours west of Portland, OR

© Courtesy of Dan Breckwoldt - Fotolia.com

Location: Cannon Beach, OR

Recommended For: Beach lovers, photographers, bird watchers, tidepool explorers, and anyone craving iconic coastal views.

What I Love: "Haystack Rock rising from the waves? It's an Oregon postcard come to life. Add tidepools teeming with color and puffins nesting in spring — this place feels magical every time you visit."

  • Marvel at Haystack Rock, a towering 235-foot monolith just offshore — one of Oregon’s most iconic landmarks.
  • Explore tidepools at low tide, where sea stars, crabs, and anemones color the base of the rock.
  • Spot puffins nesting on Haystack Rock from early spring to mid-summer — a favorite among birders and photographers alike.

Cost: Free beach access; parking may be limited during peak seasons.

Best time to visit: Spring and summer for puffin viewing and clear coastal walks; fall and winter for quieter, moodier beach scenes.

Local tips: Visit during low tide for the best tidepool access and bring binoculars to spot puffins from shore.

Distance: About 1.5 hours west of Portland, OR.

How to Get to Cannon Beach: From Portland, take US-26 W toward the coast, then merge onto US-101 S. Follow signs to Cannon Beach and head toward the beach access points near downtown.

2. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area - 40 minutes south of Newport, OR

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area  - 40 minutes south of Newport, OR

© Courtesy of RG - Fotolia.com

Location: Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, near Yachats, OR

Recommended For: Hikers, oceanview seekers, nature lovers, families, and photography enthusiasts.

What I Love: "Towering forests meet dramatic headlands — and then, there’s that view. Cape Perpetua’s wraparound vistas and crashing surf make every turn on the trail a wow moment."

  • Admire sweeping Pacific Ocean views just three miles from Yachats, where dramatic cliffs and lush forests collide.
  • Explore miles of scenic coastline and tranquil trails through old-growth forest, perfect for a peaceful day outdoors.
  • Visit the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center for panoramic deck views, interpretive exhibits, and seasonal guided tours.

Cost: Day-use fee may apply; visitor center access is free. Trail passes available on-site or online.

Best time to visit: Year-round for coastal views and hikes; summer for ranger-led programs and wildlife spotting.

Local tips: Stop by the visitor center bookstore for maps and local trail guides. Arrive early on weekends for parking near the viewpoints.

Distance: About 3 miles south of Yachats; 40 minutes south of Newport, OR.

How to Get to Cape Perpetua Scenic Area: From US-101, head south from Yachats. Turn east at the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center sign and follow the road to the parking area.

Review:★★★★★ "I went to Cape Perpetua Scenic Area on a hike with my friends. The views really surprised me. There were waves crashing below. The cliffs are jwa-dropping. We stopped at Thor’s Well which was great."

3. Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park - 20 minutes south of Yachats

Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park - 20 minutes south of Yachats

© Courtesy of cascoly 2 - Fotolia.com

Location: Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park, Oregon Coast

Recommended For: Campers, hikers, beachcombers, whale watchers, and nature lovers looking for a peaceful retreat.

What I Love: "Tucked behind a lush screen of trees, this park feels like your own private slice of the coast. Add quiet campsites, a five-mile beach, and access to Heceta Head — it’s Oregon magic at its most relaxing."

  • Camp in secluded tent or RV sites, or reserve one of two cozy yurts tucked into coastal forest.
  • Hike scenic trails leading to Heceta Head Lighthouse and a remote stretch of serene Oregon shoreline.
  • Relax on a five-mile beach — perfect for beachcombing, whale watching, or a simple seaside picnic.

Cost: Park entry is free; campsite fees apply. Yurts require advance reservation, all other sites are first-come, first-served.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for best camping weather and wildlife watching.

Local tips: Get there early to snag a campsite on busy weekends. Trails to the beach are great for sunset walks — bring a flashlight for the way back!

Distance: About 10 miles north of Florence, OR; 20 minutes south of Yachats.

How to Get to Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park: Travel along US-101. The campground entrance is on the east side of the highway, clearly marked with signs just north of the Heceta Head turnoff.

Romantic Beaches in Oregon:

4. Clatsop Spit - 30 minutes from Astoria

Clatsop Spit - 30 minutes from Astoria

© Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com

Location: Clatsop Spit, Northern Oregon Coast

Recommended For: Clam diggers, hikers, bird watchers, history buffs, and beach walkers.

What I Love: "There’s something special about a beach that combines epic clamming, a kid-friendly hike, and history where Lewis and Clark once camped. Clatsop Spit has all that — plus incredible wildlife watching."

  • Dig for razor clams along this 18-mile beach — a hotspot for clam diggers from all over the region.
  • Hike a 4.6-mile loop trail that’s easygoing and packed with scenic views and birdwatching opportunities.
  • Discover the historic site at Point Adams where Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery once camped in the early 1800s.

Cost: Free access; clamming requires a shellfish license available through the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall for ideal clamming conditions and fewer crowds; summer for family hikes and wildlife spotting.

Local tips: Check tide charts before heading out to dig. Bring a bucket, a clam gun or shovel, and dress for getting sandy!

Distance: Located at the northwestern tip of Oregon, near Fort Stevens State Park; about 30 minutes from Astoria.

How to Get to Clatsop Spit: From US-101, take the exit for Fort Stevens State Park. Follow park signs toward Clatsop Spit and the beach access points.

5. Cobble Beach, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area - just north of Newport, OR

Cobble Beach, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area - just north of Newport, OR

© Courtesy of granitepeaker - Fotolia.com

Location: Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Newport, OR

Recommended For: Lighthouse lovers, tidepool explorers, wildlife watchers, photographers, and coastal hikers.

What I Love: "Where a towering lighthouse meets crashing waves and tidepools teeming with life — Yaquina Head is dramatic, wild, and beautiful from every angle."

  • Visit Oregon’s tallest lighthouse, perched on a basalt headland and guiding ships since the 1870s.
  • Explore Cobble Beach, known for unique basalt rocks and tidepools filled with anemones, crabs, and sea stars.
  • Watch harbor seals, nesting seabirds, and even migrating gray whales from scenic cliffside overlooks.

Cost: $7 per vehicle for a 3-day pass; federal interagency passes accepted.

Best time to visit: Spring and summer for wildlife watching and lighthouse tours; winter for storm watching and fewer crowds.

Local tips: Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the rocky beach. Head to the interpretive center first for tide charts and wildlife info.

Distance: Located just north of Newport, OR; about 2.5 hours from Portland via US-20 W.

How to Get to Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area: From US-101 in Newport, turn west onto Lighthouse Drive and follow signs to the entrance gate and parking areas.

Family Beaches in Oregon:

6. D-River Wayside - 2 hours west of Salem

D-River Wayside - 2 hours west of Salem

© Courtesy of jkraft5 - Fotolia.com

Location: D River State Recreation Site, Lincoln City, OR

Recommended For: Beachgoers, kite enthusiasts, families, float seekers, and fans of quirky roadside trivia.

What I Love: "The world’s shortest river? Yep — just 120 feet! Add a huge beach, epic kite festivals, and the magic of finding a hidden glass float — it’s small in length but big on charm."

  • Visit the D River — officially one of the world’s shortest rivers — flowing from Devils Lake to the Pacific Ocean.
  • Play on a wide, sandy beach perfect for swimming, fishing, beachcombing, and classic Oregon coast picnics.
  • Join the famous Finders Keepers search, where handmade glass floats are hidden for lucky visitors to discover.

Cost: Free public access; no day-use fees.

Best time to visit: June and October for massive kite festivals; any time of year for beach walks and float hunting.

Local tips: Check festival calendars before visiting and keep your eyes on the sand — you just might find a beautiful glass float to take home!

Distance: Located in the heart of Lincoln City; about 2 hours west of Salem or Portland, OR.

How to Get to D River State Recreation Site: Take US-101 to Lincoln City. The site is just off the highway near the D River Bridge, with parking and beach access clearly marked.

7. Harris Beach State Park - Just north of Brookings, OR

Harris Beach State Park - Just north of Brookings, OR

© Courtesy of Sherri Camp- Fotolia.com

Location: Harris Beach State Park, Brookings, OR

Recommended For: Campers, bird watchers, wildlife photographers, coastal storm chasers, and beach lovers.

What I Love: "Tidepools, sunsets, yurts, and Bird Island — Harris Beach gives you a front-row seat to the wildest, most beautiful stretches of Oregon’s coast."

  • Camp with sweeping ocean views in tent sites, RV hookups, or cozy up in one of six on-site yurts.
  • Spot seabirds at Bird Island, the largest island off the Oregon coast and a protected wildlife sanctuary.
  • Enjoy modern comforts like flushing toilets, hot showers, and an RV dump station just steps from the sand.

Cost: Park entry is free; camping and yurt rental fees vary by season and site type.

Best time to visit: Year-round — come in spring for wildlife, summer for sun, fall for sunsets, and winter for powerful coastal storms.

Local tips: Bring binoculars to watch birds nesting on Bird Island, and don't skip the sunset — it's one of the best on the coast.

Distance: Just north of Brookings, OR, off US-101; about 6 hours south of Portland via I-5 and OR-42.

How to Get to Harris Beach State Park: From US-101, head north out of Brookings. The park entrance is clearly marked on the west side of the highway, just a few minutes from downtown.

If you are a photographer, don't miss:

8. Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint - 20 minutes south of Yachats

Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint - 20 minutes south of Yachats

© Courtesy of Jamie Hooper- Fotolia.com

Location: Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint, near Florence, OR

Recommended For: Lighthouse buffs, hikers, photographers, bird watchers, and coastal romantics.

What I Love: "That iconic lighthouse perched high above the crashing Pacific? It’s a dream to hike, a joy to photograph, and even better when you get to spend the night in the old keeper’s house."

  • Hike the short trail from the beach to Heceta Head Lighthouse — part of a larger 7-mile network with unforgettable ocean views.
  • Watch for seabirds like cormorants and gulls nesting on offshore rocks while enjoying scenic cliffside overlooks.
  • Stay overnight in the historic keeper’s house — a one-of-a-kind coastal getaway perfect for special events or cozy evenings.

Cost: $5 day-use fee per vehicle; overnight stays at the keeper’s house priced separately.

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for the best weather and wildlife; winter for moody skies and crashing surf.

Local tips: Bring binoculars for bird watching. Arrive early for parking on weekends and pack layers — even summer mornings can be chilly.

Distance: About 12 miles north of Florence, OR; 20 minutes south of Yachats via US-101.

How to Get to Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint: Follow US-101 and look for signs for the viewpoint parking area at the mouth of Cape Creek. Trailheads and beach access are just a short walk from there.

9. Horsfall Beach - 2 miles north of Coos Bay

Horsfall Beach - 2 miles north of Coos Bay

© Courtesy of BillionPhotos.com - Fotolia.comSatoshi Kina

Location: Horsfall Beach, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Recommended For: ATV riders, anglers, campers, horseback riders, hikers, and beach lovers looking for a wide-open escape.

What I Love: "Soft white sand, massive dunes, and coastal adventure in every direction. Whether you're reeling in surf fish or chasing sunsets on horseback, Horsfall Beach is coastal Oregon at its wildest."

  • Play across 47 miles of rolling sand dunes, wetland areas, and expansive white-sand beaches within the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
  • Ride off-road vehicles or go horseback riding right on the beach — it’s one of the few places in Oregon where you can.
  • Camp just two miles from Coos Bay at a designated campground with easy access to hiking trails and the shoreline.

Cost: Day-use and camping fees vary by activity and season; off-road permits may be required for vehicles.

Best time to visit: Summer for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing; winter for storm watching and rare glimpses of ancient shipwrecks.

Local tips: Bring plenty of water and sunscreen — there’s not much shade! Winter storms sometimes reveal shipwreck remains, so keep an eye out during coastal walks.

Distance: About 2 miles north of Coos Bay, OR; just minutes off U.S. 101.

How to Get to Horsfall Beach: From U.S. 101 North near Coos Bay, follow signs for Horsfall Beach Road. The campground and beach access are well-marked and easy to reach by car.

10. Lincoln City Beach

Lincoln City Beach

© Courtesy of jryanc10 - Fotolia.com

Location: Lincoln City, Oregon Coast

Recommended For: Families, surfers, birdwatchers, paddlers, and anyone who wants a beach town with both charm and adventure.

What I Love: "From surfing to crabbing to kayaking on the bay, Lincoln City does coastal fun right. Add in lake views, beach strolls, and easy access to big-name attractions — it’s got something for everyone."

  • Play on a 685-acre stretch of pristine beach, perfect for surfing, crabbing, and beachcombing.
  • Explore Devils Lake and Siletz Bay for birdwatching, boating, and paddling through scenic, wildlife-filled waters.
  • Venture inland to nearby favorites like the Tillamook Cheese Factory and Oregon Coast Aquarium — great day trips from town.

Cost: Beach and park access are free; some activities and attractions may have individual fees.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for outdoor fun; winter for storm watching and off-season peace.

Local tips: Bring a wetsuit if you plan to surf — the water’s chilly year-round. Don’t miss the seasonal glass float hunts or the kite festivals!

Distance: About 2 hours southwest of Portland, OR via US-101 or OR-18 W.

How to Get to Lincoln City: From Portland, take OR-99W or I-5 south to OR-18 W, then follow signs west to US-101. Lincoln City sits right along the coast.

Watch a Video: Watch now

Plan Your Trip