Best Beaches in Oregon
Searching for the best beaches in Oregon to visit on your next day trip or vacation? Well, you are in the right place! From family-friendly beaches to romantic escapes and outdoor adventures, Oregon’s coastline offers something for everyone. Here are the beaches I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
Best Time to Visit
I’ve always found that late spring through early fall (May–September) is the best time to explore Oregon’s beaches because the weather is mild and more stable. Yes, I've visited during the colder months and the sunset were still amazing but the wind can be sharp!
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: I usually take U.S. Highway 101 which hugs the coastline and connects nearly all the major beach towns and the drive itself is part of the amazing beach exploring experience in Oregon!
- By Plane: We usually land at Portland International Airport (PDX) and then rent a car because from there, it’s about a 1.5–2 hour drive to reach the coast, depending on where you’re headed. We found Eugene Airport (EUG) also convenient if you plan to explore the central or southern Oregon beaches.
- By Bus: The NorthWest POINT bus line runs daily between Portland and several coastal towns like Cannon Beach, Seaside, and Astoria, and I think it's convenient on solo trips because you can sit back and enjoy the views.
Best Beaches in Oregon:
1. Cannon Beach - 1.5 hours west of Portland, OR
While I love Portland as a home base, heading out to this beach is is pure coastal magic! I can spend hours admiring sweeping sea stacks, tide pools teeming with life, and a rugged shoreline that feels wild yet welcoming.
I thought that Cannon Beach is one of the best beaches in Oregon. Why? It had the drama of Oregon’s famous coast but with a charming small-town vibe that made evenings just as enjoyable as the days.
From Portland, it was less than two hours west to reach this seaside town. We stayed at 2-star Hi-Tide Oceanfront Inn just steps from the ocean.
We started the day walking barefoot along the shoreline, where the sound of crashing waves and salty air instantly slowed everything down. Seeing Haystack Rock rise 235 feet from the shore, from the misty ocean felt surreal, like stepping into a painting.
My favorite part was wandering the beach at low tide, hand in hand, discovering tiny tide pools filled with starfish and sea anemones—quiet little worlds hidden between the rocks that made everything feel intimate and unhurried.
Downtown Cannon Beach had a relaxed, coastal charm, with art galleries, local boutiques, and cozy cafés that encouraged us to take our time and duck in wherever caught our eye. We shared a warm bowl of clam chowder, creamy and comforting, the perfect contrast to the cool coastal breeze—simple food that somehow tasted better by the sea.
I loved browsing the small galleries and shops, full of coastal art, handmade jewelry, and thoughtful souvenirs that felt meaningful rather than touristy.
A peaceful highlight was driving up to Ecola State Park, where the sweeping views of forest meeting ocean left us standing quietly together, taking it all in without needing to say much.
We also learned about the area’s coastal ecology and history, which gave the landscape more depth and made the experience feel richer and more connected to the place.
- Location: On the northern Oregon coast along the Pacific Ocean, south of Seaside, known for Haystack Rock
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Walking into town to enjoy galleries, cozy cafés, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere was my favorite highlight.
2. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area - 40 minutes south of Newport, OR
Chris and I both absolutely love Cape Perpetua, and have been many times. This was one of the most spectacular spots on the Oregon Coast, a place where forested mountains plunge straight into the sea. On top of that, every bend in the trail seemed to reveal another dramatic view. To me, it felt both untamed and welcoming, with a mix of wild shoreline and dense Sitka spruce forest. We stayed at Tillicum Beach Motel for two days.
From Florence, we drove about 20 minutes north and spent two days exploring. We hiked through mossy old-growth forest up to the Cape Perpetua Overlook. Down at the shoreline, I marveled at Thor’s Well and the Devil’s Churn.
- Location: On the central Oregon coast near Yachats, overlooking the Pacific Ocean within the Siuslaw National Forest
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
The Giant Spruce Trail led me to a 500-year-old, 185-foot giant of a tree, my favorite highlight. I also loved that the tidepools at Cook’s Chasm shimmered with sea stars, anemones, and crabs.
3. Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park - 20 minutes south of Yachats
I found this park to be one of the most peaceful beach gems on the Oregon Coast, a place where forest, dunes, and ocean all meet in a beautifully balanced way.
True, it didn’t have the same drama as Haystack Rock or Cape Perpetua’s crashing waves, but instead offered a quieter kind of magic. I adored the long sandy beaches, mossy trails under towering spruce, and a sense of calm that made me want to linger.
Just north of Florence where we were based for a week in an Airbnb, the wide, uncrowded beach stretched for miles—perfect for long walks with seabirds wheeling overhead and the occasional gray whale spouting offshore.
The park is conveniently located right off Highway 101, between Yachats and Florence, making it an easy stop on any Oregon Coast road trip. Parking is straightforward, and day use is free, which makes it an especially appealing place to linger without feeling rushed.
If you make the trip, I think you should spend time walking the long, sandy beach and then head inland to explore the forested campground area and trails.
I’ll mention that the park is fairly spread out, and it’s easy to wander casually without realizing how much ground there is to cover. On our first visit, we focused just on the beach, but on later trips we made a point to explore the trails and nearby viewpoints, which really rounded out the experience.
- Location: On the central Oregon coast along the Pacific Ocean, about 20 minutes south of Yachats, near Heceta Head
- Map & Directions
- Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park website
What I loved best:
Inland, I hiked through fern-filled forest trails that wound up to Heceta Head Lighthouse, one of the most photogenic lighthouses on the coast and my favorite highlight. On clear days, the views from the headland are spectacular, and during certain seasons you might even spot migrating whales offshore.
4. Clatsop Spit - 30 minutes from Astoria
This beach, at the mouth of the Columbia River near Fort Stevens State Park, is one of the most unusual and exciting coastal spots I’ve ever visited. I always feel like it’s a hidden gem, with its wild, windswept landscape stretching for miles and a history that makes it even more fascinating.
We drove about 25 minutes south from Astoria to Clatsop Spit, a 5-mile-long sand peninsula at the mouth of the Columbia River.
- Location: At the northern tip of Oregon’s coast within Fort Stevens State Park, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
This area is steeped in history: Fort Stevens State Park (4,300 acres, $5 parking) guarded the river from the Civil War through World War II, and its gun batteries are still open to explore.
5. Cobble Beach, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area - just north of Newport, OR
This beach completely won me over and I think it's one of the best beaches in Oregon! Why? When I visited this month, I thought it was wild, musical, and alive with wildlife. Instead of sand, the shore is made up of millions of smooth black basalt cobblestones. I heard every wave rolling in set them tumbling with a hollow, clattering sound.
- Location: At Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area on the central Oregon coast, just north of Newport, overlooking the Pacific Ocean
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
We drove just 10 minutes north from Newport to Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area ($7 per vehicle, covers 3 days).
6. D-River Wayside - 2 hours west of Salem
I adored this beach and the unique D-River, which amazingly is only 120 feet long at high tide. Locals told me that it's listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “shortest river in the world” which made the trip even cooler! In addition, I enjoyed stopping by the Lincoln City Cultural Center on the way, housed in a historic 1929 school (free entry).
We drove about 20 minutes north from Depoe Bay to Lincoln City, home to D River State Recreation Site. We spend the night at 3-star Shearwater Inn ($179), just a short stroll from the sand with a romantic fireplace in our room.
What I loved best:
Wide sandy beach, crashing surf, and the ever-changing river channel were my favorite highlight.
7. Harris Beach State Park - Just north of Brookings, OR
We started our weekend getaway driving down the southern Oregon coast, and Harris Beach State Park near Brookings instantly felt like one of the best hidden gems we’ve ever found. Chris and I ended up spending two full days exploring from our comfy base at 3-star Beachfront Inn.
The first thing we did was pull over at the main viewpoint, and honestly the experience was pure magic with sea stacks rising out of the ocean in the most spectacular way.
Walking down to the beach felt exciting and joyful, like discovering a secret place, even though it’s right off Highway 101 near the California border.
We spent time wandering the sand, checking out tide pools, and it felt like the absolute best way to slow down and really enjoy nature.
The rock formations here are so unique and unusual, it almost feels like a dream landscape you only see in photos, but this was real and vibrant.
After that we explored the trails above the beach, which gave us incredible views and felt like a brilliant idea for stretching our legs.
This park is very affordable too, which made the whole weekend feel even better and totally worth it.
We laid out a blanket and just watched the waves crash, and it was one of my favorite moments of the trip.
The sound of the ocean mixed with the cool coastal air was calming and romantic, perfect for couples or a relaxed family afternoon.
Later we noticed seals lounging on the rocks, which was such an amazing underrated wildlife moment.
Harris Beach felt less crowded than most, making it one of the most peaceful beaches we’ve been to in Oregon.
As the sun started to dip, the colors turned unreal and the whole place felt like a hidden coastal gem.
What I loved best:
The hiking trails led me to cliffside viewpoints where I could watch gray whales spout offshore, especially during their spring-time migrations.
8. Horsfall Beach - 2 miles north of Coos Bay
When I'm in the mood for an adventure this beach about an hour south from Florence jumps to mind. I loved the big sky and sand on a windy summer day here. The road first wound past tall pines before breaking open into sprawling dunes.
Horsfall Beach was one of the most untamed stretches of sand I visited on the coast—wide, windswept, and endlessly inviting. Just a couple miles north of Coos Bay, it felt like a place where the elements ruled. It had the perfect mix of solitude and raw beauty. 3-star Best Western Salbasgeon Inn & Suites Of Reedsport is about half an hour north from Horsfall Beach if you are staying overnight.
What I loved best:
I spent a morning here exploring both beach and dunes (of course!). The shoreline seemed to go on forever, with just a few other walkers in the distance and shorebirds racing the waves. Inland, the massive sand dunes rose like desert hill. From the top, I could see ocean in one direction and forested hills in the other, a striking contrast.
9. Lincoln City Beach
This beach is one of my favorites on the Oregon coast, and every visit from Portland (2 hours away) feels like stepping into a slower pace of life.
We started our day walking along the wide, windswept beach, where rolling waves and misty horizons made everything feel expansive and calm, like the world had slowed down just for us.
My favorite part was strolling barefoot near the shoreline, letting the cold Pacific water rush over our feet while seabirds traced the sky above us. The coastline felt endlessly cinematic, with driftwood scattered like natural sculptures and cliffs rising in the distance, giving every moment a sense of adventure.
We took our time exploring tide pools and scanning the sand for the famous hidden glass floats, turning the walk into a playful little treasure hunt. Later, we wandered into town, where cozy cafés and small shops offered a warm contrast to the cool ocean air.
We shared a hot bowl of clam chowder, rich and comforting, the kind of meal that tastes even better after a long beach walk. My quiet personaly highlight was sitting together overlooking the water as the light shifted, talking softly while the sound of the waves filled the pauses.
10. Meyers Creek Beach
This is one of my favorite Oregon beaches for an affordable day trip. This wild and windswept stretch of coastline totally won me over with its dramatic sea stacks, long golden sands (nearly 2 miles!), and Pacific light that shifts constantly across the water. I loved how it managed to feel both rugged and deeply peaceful at the same time — like a place meant for wandering, daydreaming, and breathing in the ocean air on a day trip.
I drove just under an hour north from Brookings and spent a full day exploring the beach. I walked along the sand at low tide, weaving between tidepools brimming with starfish, sea anemones, and tiny crabs, while pelicans and gulls glided overhead.
What I loved best:
Even though it felt remote and untouched, access is easy and free (including free on-site parking)!
11. Nye Beach in Newport, Oregon
As I slipped down the wooden stairs to the beach, where soft sand, gentle waves, and panoramic views created the perfect slow-coast atmosphere, I thought this was one of my favorite stops on the Oregon coast!
Beyond the beach, this historic seaside neighborhood in Newport, Oregon felt like stepping into a charming blend of coastal beauty and old-world character. With its broad sandy shoreline, quirky shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés lining the bluff, it was both a cultural hub and a perfect place to breathe in the salty Pacific air.
- Location: On the central Oregon coast in Newport, along the Pacific Ocean, just west of downtown in the historic Nye Beach neighborhood
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Enjoying the ocean air was my personal highlight...
12. Oceanside
With its iconic sea stacks, this is one of the best Oregon beaches for powerful scenery! From my last stop in Newport, OR, I drove a little over an hour north and stayed for two relaxing days at Three Arch Inn.
We started our weekend getaway driving along the Oregon Coast, and Oceanside felt like a hidden gem tucked near Tillamook, one of the best coastal towns that still feels untouched and kind of magic.
First thing we did was park near the beach and walk straight onto the sand, and the experience instantly felt like a dream with the Three Arch Rocks rising out of the ocean in the most spectacular way.
This beach is seriously underrated, and seeing it in person was one of those moments you wish you could freeze forever, especially during golden hour which was my favorite part.
After walking along the shoreline, we explored the village itself, which is tiny but unique, and felt like one of the coolest and most unusual beach towns in Oregon.
We grabbed coffee nearby and just sat watching the waves, and honestly it was one of the most joyful and relaxing experiences we’ve had on the coast.
Later on, we walked through the tunnel that leads to the north side of the beach, which felt exciting and kind of secret, like a brilliant idea someone had years ago.
The views from that side were amazing and wild, and it really showed why Oceanside is an absolute best beach for photographers, as you can see in my photos.
We spent the afternoon beachcombing and talking about how affordable and peaceful this spot is compared to other Oregon beaches.
As evening came, we stayed to watch the sunset, and it felt romantic but also perfect for a family weekend too.
Being so close to Tillamook made it easy to turn this into a full two-day getaway with lots to see.
What I loved best:
I ventured to nearby viewpoints along the Cape Meares Scenic Loop. Standing at Cape Meares Lighthouse I looked out across the endless Pacific while waves crashed far below, my personal highlight.
13. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
This surreal stretch of shifting sand and sea was a highlight on my coastal road trip! I admired the towering dunes, hidden forests, and vast ocean horizons that all made it feel like stepping into another world.
We started our Oregon coast day trip driving toward Florence near the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, already feeling excited.
The first thing we did was park near the dunes, which felt like a hidden gem right away.
Walking onto the sand felt unreal, the dunes looked massive and unusual, honestly one of the best experiences.
We spent time climbing the soft hills, laughing a lot, and it felt like a joyful dream escape.
This area near the central Oregon coast is affordable and such an underrated beach destination.
Next we wandered toward the ocean side, where the contrast of dunes and waves was spectacular.
Not every beach lets you see sand dunes meet the Pacific, which makes this place unique.
The wind was strong but cool, making the walk feel refreshing and exciting at the same time.
Later we watched off-road vehicles glide over dunes, which was interesting and kinda brilliant idea.
We found quiet spots away from crowds, making it one of the most peaceful beach moments.
This beach felt perfect for a family adventure. As the afternoon passed, the light turned vibrant and the scenery felt absolutely amazing.
We sat down near the water, just listening, which was my favorite simple experience.
The scale of the dunes makes everything feel small, in the best way possible.
We realized this was one of the absolute best beaches in Oregon, no question.
Heading back, everyone agreed it was an exceptional and underrated coastal gem.
- Location: Along the central Oregon coast between Florence and Coos Bay, within the Siuslaw National Forest
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
I explored the nearby historic Heceta Head Lighthouse (my favorite highlight!), its beam cutting through the evening fog while sea lions barked in the distance. Between the ocean, the forests, and the ever-changing sandscapes, the Oregon Dunes felt both raw and magical – an unforgettable stop on the journey.
14. Seaside Beach, Oregon
This lively stretch of Oregon coastline was a highlight of my Pacific Northwest road trip!
We started our day driving north from Cannon Beach, and it felt like a perfect weekend getaway since Seaside is located right along the northern Oregon Coast near the Columbia River.
The first thing we did was park near the Promenade, which is such a cool and unique boardwalk that runs right along the sand.
Walking along the Promenade was an amazing experience, with the ocean on one side and cute shops and cafes on the other - it felt vibrant and joyful.
After that, we kicked off our shoes and walked straight onto the wide sandy beach, which felt like an absolute best kind of freedom.
The sand here is flat and perfect for long walks, and we spent most of the morning just wandering around.
Later we watched families flying kites, couples walking hand in hand, and it felt super family friendly.
One of the most interesting parts was seeing Tillamook Head in the distance, adding this spectacular and dramatic backdrop.
We grabbed an affordable lunch nearby, which made this beach feel like such a hidden gem even though it’s popular.
In the afternoon, we rented bikes and cruised along the Promenade, which was honestly a brilliant idea and one of the coolest things we did.
The ocean breeze, the sound of waves, and the magic of the place made it feel like a dream.
Before leaving, we stayed for sunset, and wow, it was one of the most beautiful and underrated sunsets I’ve seen.
What I loved best:
Nearby Ecola State Park was an absolute joy to visit!.
For me, this is one of the best beaches in Oregon because it's scenic and unique!
Whether I was strolling barefoot along the shoreline or people-watching from the boardwalk, Seaside delivered that quintessential coastal charm.
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, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
