Beaches in Oregon

Oregon’s coastline is home to some of the best beaches in the United States, and they’ve quickly become some of my favorite spots for adventure and relaxation.

Driving along the Oregon coast always feels like flipping through a book of incredible photos. I want to stop at every lookout point and every cove so I have to remind myself that time exists. Year-round I come here for the solitude, dramatic cliffs, and fresh air. I’ve been covering Oregon for 30 years, which makes me a true local expert. In the summer, these beaches get busy with day trippers so it's a good idea to arrive early to get a parking spot.

From rugged cliffs to wide sandy stretches, Oregon delivers the best mix of natural beauty and coastal charm, often in unique and sometimes underrated places that make every visit unforgettable.

Whether you’re exploring the best views at Cannon Beach, walking along the unique shoreline at Bandon, or discovering the underrated charm of places like Manzanita and Gold Beach, Oregon’s coast is full of hidden gems. That’s why it’s considered one of the best beach destinations in the Pacific Northwest, and why so many of its beaches have become my favorite escapes.

The best part is the variety: dramatic rock formations, tide pools, lighthouses, and peaceful stretches of sand. Think the best sunsets over Haystack Rock, unique driftwood-covered shores, and underrated small-town vibes that make you want to linger longer. These details are what make Oregon’s beaches both unique and some of the best in the country.

With beaches stretching the entire coastline, it’s easy to plan the best kind of trip whether you want scenic walks, surfing, or a romantic getaway. Oregon’s beaches deliver the best balance of adventure and tranquility.

Which Oregon beach will you choose for you next day trip or weekend getaway? If you’re searching for the best mix of scenery, relaxation, and adventure, these coastal destinations deliver. They’re not just stretches of sand, they’re the best, sometimes underrated, always unique, and forever some of my favorite escapes in the Pacific Northwest.

Best Beaches in Oregon:

Cannon Beach - 1.5 hours west of Portland, OR

I drove about 1.5 hours from Portland to reach Cannon Beach. Early in the morning, Haystack Rock rose out of the water like something mythic, fringed in mist and seabirds. The sand was flat, hard-packed, perfect for a walk. It felt like a beach designed for reflection.

When I think about the best beaches in Oregon, Cannon Beach is always the first place that comes to mind. Just an hour and a half drive from Portland, this stretch of coast feels like stepping into a dream, with the iconic Haystack Rock rising proudly from the shoreline.

I love how vibrant and lively the town feels, yet the beach itself offers a peaceful and almost magical vibe. My favorite time to visit is early morning, when the mist lingers and the sand is nearly empty—it feels like a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered.

Walking along the wide shoreline is both joyful and exciting, especially when the tide pools open up around the base of Haystack Rock. It’s one of the coolest and most unusual natural experiences I’ve had, spotting colorful sea stars and tiny crabs.

What makes Cannon Beach so special for me is how it works perfectly as either a romantic getaway or a family weekend escape. One moment I’m savoring a coffee from a local café, and the next I’m chasing the waves with kids splashing nearby.

I also think Cannon Beach has some of the best coastal sunsets in Oregon. Watching the sky shift from golden to vibrant pinks and purples over the ocean feels absolutely spectacular. It’s the kind of magic that you just can’t capture fully, even if you try (though I always try to see in my photos!).

For me, Cannon Beach isn’t just another destination—it’s one of the most amazing, underrated treasures on the West Coast, and I can never wait to return.

Check prices at Hi-Tide Oceanfront Inn just steps from the ocean.

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

Cape Perpetua is a three-hour drive from Portland so I like to stay overnight.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, just a few miles south of Yachats on the central Oregon coast, is one of my absolute favorite places to explore. Every time I go, I feel like I’ve stumbled on an underrated gem that combines rugged coastline with lush forest trails.

What excites me most about Cape Perpetua is its unusual mix of landscapes. One moment I’m wandering through towering old-growth spruce and hemlock, and the next I’m standing on volcanic cliffs watching the waves crash with incredible force. It’s truly one of the coolest spots in Oregon.

I love hiking here—the trails range from easy walks to more challenging climbs, and every single one rewards me with something special. My favorite is the trek up to the Cape Perpetua Lookout, where the view stretches endlessly over the Pacific. On a clear day, it feels absolutely spectacular.

The coastline itself is full of magic. Thor’s Well, which looks like a giant hole in the ocean swallowing the sea, is one of the most exciting natural features I’ve ever seen. Nearby, the Spouting Horn sends water shooting dramatically into the air—it’s awesome and unforgettable.

For me, Cape Perpetua is the perfect weekend getaway. It’s affordable, family-friendly, and equally romantic if I’m traveling with someone special. Every visit leaves me joyful and recharged, and I always feel like I’ve uncovered one of Oregon’s most unique treasures.

If you’re looking for the best mix of forest, ocean, and adventure, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is without a doubt one of the coolest and most spectacular spots on the Oregon coast.

Check prices at nearby hotels.

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

Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park, tucked along Highway 101 between Florence and Yachats, is one of my favorite underrated coastal escapes in Oregon. I always feel like it’s a hidden gem, the kind of place where I can truly slow down and enjoy the magic of the Pacific Northwest.

What makes this park so special for me is the mix of forest, dunes, and a long stretch of beach that feels almost endless. Walking through the vibrant coastal forest before stepping out onto the wide, sandy shore is such an exciting and joyful experience every single time.

I love that it’s not as crowded as Cannon Beach or Newport, which makes it the perfect spot for a romantic weekend or a quiet family getaway. The cool part is that you can camp right near the ocean, and waking up to the sound of waves is absolutely one of the best feelings ever.

One of the most unique features here is the access to trails that connect to the historic Heceta Head Lighthouse. That hike is one of my favorite things to do—it’s affordable, scenic, and ends with a view that feels like a dream.

Whether I’m hunting for agates, watching for whales offshore, or just sitting in the sand with a good book, this park always feels spectacular. To me, Carl G. Washburne is one of the coolest, most peaceful places on the Oregon coast, and every visit reminds me why I keep coming back.

Clatsop Spit - 30 minutes from Astoria

We drove about 25 minutes south from Astoria to Clatsop Spit, a 5-mile-long sand peninsula at the mouth of the Columbia River.

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.

Clatsop Spit, 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.

What I love most about Clatsop Spit is how raw and untamed it feels. Walking along the sand, I can see the waves colliding in spectacular patterns where the river meets the sea—it’s honestly one of the coolest natural shows on the Oregon coast.

I find it thrilling to explore the area knowing it’s home to the “Graveyard of the Pacific.” Shipwrecks once littered this coastline, and you can still see remnants like the Peter Iredale nearby, which is one of my favorite things to photograph.

Whenever I go, I bring binoculars because the birdwatching here is amazing. It’s such a vibrant place, full of migrating shorebirds, sea lions lounging, and even whales passing by in the distance. Every visit feels unique and magical.

Clatsop Spit is also a brilliant idea for a weekend getaway. Whether I’m camping at Fort Stevens, biking the trails, or just soaking up the ocean air, it always feels like one of the best and most underrated experiences in Oregon.

For me, Clatsop Spit is more than just a beach—it’s an exciting, unusual, and absolutely spectacular coastal adventure that I can’t wait to return to again.

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

We drove just 10 minutes north from Newport to Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area ($7 per vehicle, covers 3 days).

Cobble Beach at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, just north of Newport, is one of the coolest and most unique beaches I’ve ever stepped foot on. Instead of soft sand, the shore is covered in smooth black cobblestones that create the most unusual sound as the waves roll in and out. Every visit feels like discovering a hidden gem.

I love how vibrant and alive the place feels. The tide pools here are some of the best on the entire Oregon coast, filled with colorful sea stars, anemones, and crabs. Watching kids and families explore the pools is always joyful, and I feel just as excited every time I crouch down to peek into one.

What makes Cobble Beach absolutely spectacular is how close it is to the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, one of my favorite landmarks in Oregon. Standing on the cliffs and looking down at the rocky shoreline feels like something out of a coastal dream.

I always bring my camera, because the wildlife here is incredible. Harbor seals nap on the rocks, seabirds circle overhead, and during migration season, I’ve even spotted whales offshore—it’s honestly one of the most magical experiences you can have.

For me, Cobble Beach is perfect for a weekend getaway, whether I’m exploring on my own, bringing family, or planning a romantic stop with someone special. It’s underrated, unusual, and one of the most amazing places to connect with the raw beauty of the Oregon coast.

If you’re anywhere near Newport, visiting Cobble Beach is without a doubt one of the best ideas you can have—it’s an absolute coastal treasure.

D-River Wayside - 2 hours west of Salem

We drove about 20 minutes north from Depoe Bay to Lincoln City, home to D River State Recreation Site.

The D River itself is only 120 feet long at high tide (listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “shortest river in the world”). I stopped by the Lincoln City Cultural Center, housed in a historic 1929 school (free entry).

D-River Wayside, right in the heart of Lincoln City, is one of my favorite quick stops on the Oregon coast.

I love how accessible it is. I can park my car, step out, and within minutes be standing on a wide, sandy stretch of beach that feels absolutely spectacular. It’s the perfect affordable idea for a family weekend or a spontaneous romantic getaway.

The coolest part for me is how vibrant and lively it gets during kite festivals. Watching the sky fill with brilliant colors and shapes is honestly one of the most joyful and exciting experiences I’ve had on the coast.

I also think it’s underrated for simple beach walks. I’ve strolled along the shore at sunset, listening to the waves while the sky turned vibrant pink and gold, and it felt like pure coastal magic.

What I find especially unique about D-River Wayside is its combination of lake, river, and ocean in one compact spot. Whether I’m snapping photos, flying a kite, or just enjoying the ocean breeze, it always feels like one of the best little stops on Highway 101.

For me, D-River Wayside is more than a roadside pull-off—it’s a joyful, exciting, and absolutely awesome place to soak in the charm of the Oregon coast.

Check prices at the Shearwater Inn ($179), just a short stroll from the sand with fireplaces in every room.

Harris Beach State Park - Just north of Brookings, OR

We drove about 40 minutes south from Gold Beach (30 miles on US-101) to Harris Beach State Park (484 acres, free entry, $5 parking).

The park was named for George Scott Harris, who settled here in the late 1800s, and its coastline still feels wild. Offshore lies Bird Island, Oregon’s largest island and a National Wildlife Refuge, where tufted puffins and cormorants nest..

Harris Beach State Park, just outside the town of Brookings near the California border, is one of my absolute favorite spots on the southern Oregon coast. Every time I visit, I feel like I’ve discovered a spectacular hidden gem, with dramatic rock formations rising from the sea and some of the most vibrant sunsets I’ve ever seen.

What I love most is how unusual and exciting the landscape feels. Massive sea stacks and tiny offshore islands create a coastline that looks straight out of a dream. I always find myself snapping photos, hoping to capture even a piece of the magic I see in front of me.

Walking the beach here is pure joy—soft sand, tide pools full of colorful life, and the sound of the ocean rolling in against the rugged cliffs. It’s one of the coolest places for families, since kids love searching the pools for starfish and anemones, but it’s also romantic and peaceful if I’m looking for a weekend getaway.

I think the campground at Harris Beach is one of the best on the coast. Waking up surrounded by forest, then walking just minutes to the shore, feels affordable yet absolutely exceptional. It’s such a brilliant idea for anyone who wants both comfort and nature in one place.

Every time I come here, I leave with a sense of awe. For me, Harris Beach State Park is not just another coastal stop—it’s an amazing, underrated treasure where the ocean, cliffs, and wildlife come together in the most spectacular way.

Check prices at Beachfront Inn

Horsfall Beach - 2 miles north of Coos Bay

I drove about an hour south from Florence to Horsfall Beach. I loved the big sky and sand on a windy summer day. The road first wound past tall pines before breaking open into sprawling dunes.

Horsfall Beach, just north of Coos Bay near the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, is one of my favorite coastal discoveries. It feels like an underrated gem, stretching for miles with soft sand, rolling dunes, and that wild Pacific energy that always leaves me in awe.

What makes Horsfall Beach so unusual and exciting is its direct connection to the towering sand dunes. One moment I’m climbing up a sandy ridge, and the next I’m running down toward the ocean—it’s one of the coolest playgrounds for both kids and adventurous adults.

I love how this spot balances peaceful beauty with high-energy fun. Whether I’m walking quietly along the shoreline, searching for shells, or watching people zoom across the dunes on ATVs, it always feels vibrant and full of life.

Camping at Horsfall is one of the best weekend ideas I’ve ever tried. Falling asleep to the sound of waves, with the dunes at my doorstep, is pure coastal magic. It’s affordable, family-friendly, and just as perfect for a romantic getaway.

The sunsets here are absolutely spectacular. The sky lights up in brilliant shades of pink and orange, reflecting off both the dunes and the water, and I always find myself snapping photos I can’t wait to share.

For me, Horsfall Beach is more than just a stop along Highway 101—it’s an amazing and unique coastal experience, one of Oregon’s coolest treasures where adventure and tranquility blend perfectly.

Check prices at Best Western Salbasgeon Inn & Suites Of Reedsport about half an hour north from Horsfall Beach.

Lincoln City Beach

Lincoln City Beach is one of my favorite stretches of sand on the Oregon coast, and every visit feels like discovering a spectacular gem. Right in the heart of town, it offers miles of shoreline that feel vibrant, joyful, and full of energy no matter the season.

What I love most is the sheer variety of things to do. One moment I’m flying a kite in the steady coastal breeze—it’s actually one of the best places in the world for kite flying—and the next I’m strolling along the sand hunting for agates and shells. Every time, it feels like a new adventure.

I think the coolest part is how the beach feels both exciting and peaceful at the same time. Families build sandcastles, couples wander hand in hand, and surfers paddle out into the waves, while I just enjoy the wide-open views that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Sunsets here are absolutely spectacular. I love watching the sky shift through vibrant oranges and pinks as the waves roll in—it always feels like a bit of coastal magic, and I try to capture it in my photos every time.

For me, Lincoln City Beach is the perfect weekend getaway. It’s affordable, family-friendly, and also romantic if I’m in the mood for a slower pace. Whether I’m walking near the D River Wayside or exploring tide pools at low tide, this beach always feels like one of the best, most underrated treasures on the Oregon coast.

I can honestly say Lincoln City Beach is an amazing destination that never disappoints—it’s cool, unique, and one of my absolute favorite places to return to.

Conclusion

For me, Oregon’s beaches are more than just destinations—they’re a collection of vibrant, unique, and absolutely spectacular experiences. From the magic of Cannon Beach and the unusual charm of Cobble Beach to the hidden gem feel of Carl G. Washburne or the wild beauty of Clatsop Spit, each spot offers its own dreamlike adventure.

What I love most is the variety. Some beaches feel romantic and peaceful, perfect for a weekend getaway, while others are joyful playgrounds for families, full of tide pools, dunes, and endless shoreline to explore. Each visit feels exciting, and every beach I’ve walked has given me new memories I can’t wait to capture in my photos.

Whether I’m chasing sunsets, hiking to a lighthouse, watching whales breach offshore, or simply listening to the waves, I always find a sense of magic here. Oregon’s coast is full of affordable, underrated, and truly amazing gems that make me want to keep coming back.

In the end, these beaches aren’t just places—they’re experiences. And for me, Oregon’s coastline is one of the absolute best treasures in the Pacific Northwest, offering cool adventures, romantic escapes, and unforgettable family moments every single time.

Hi, I'm Ema. Ready to plan your next weekend getaway? Let me help. I have 30 years of experience, over 400,000 social media followers and I've been featured as a travel expert on abc6 Morning Show, Best of the Web, USAToday, and many other media outlets, government and educational institutions. Click for more.

 

Leave a Comment