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:
Unique Beaches in Oregon:
1. Cannon Beach - 1.5 hours west of Portland, OR
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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