15 Best Beaches in Oregon to Visit This Year
Not sure which beach in Oregon to visit this summer? There are many options, depending on the time you have and your budget! In this article, travel enthusiast Sarah McDonagh shares some of her favorite beaches to visit in Oregon this year!
Last updated: May 21, 2024
4 min read
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Stretching for over 363 miles along the Pacific Ocean, the Oregon Coast is renowned for its rugged beauty, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches. From secluded coves to expansive sandy shores, there’s a beach for every type of traveler to explore along this stunning coastline.
After living in Seattle for a short stint, I drove the entire coast down to California. Although I am now loyal to SoCal, many of the beaches in Oregon remain my all time favorite on the west coast. Here are a few of my favorites that you should add to your Oregon itinerary sometime this year!
Cannon Beach
Activities
Ecola State Park, Haystack Rock, Oswald West State Park, Tillamook Rock Lighthouse Tour
Peak Season
Summer Months (June to August)
Weather
Hotels
I’ve talked about this one before, but if you can only visit one beach along this stretch then I recommend you make it Cannon Beach. Cannon Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the US. It’s famous for its iconic Haystack Rock and long stretches of sandy shoreline, it’s a really unique and stunning beach with an equally charming town.
Seaside Beach
Activities
Ecola State Park, Broadway Street, Seaside Aquarium, Lewis and Clark Salt Works
Peak Season
Summer Months (June to August)
Weather
This beach is very family friendly with a classic promenade and a wide sandy beach. It’s a popular destination for beachcombing, kite flying, and picnicking and there are also lot’s of nearby shops, restaurants, and arcades. Many people spend an entire week here vacationing, but it’s also a fun pit stop along the coast.
Manzanita Beach
Activities
Nehalem Bay State Park, Manzanita City Park, Neahkahnie Mountain, Oswald West State Park
Peak Season
May to September
Weather
Nestled between Neahkahnie Mountain and the Pacific Ocean, Manzanita Beach offers a more tranquil escape with its pristine sands and stunning scenery. This beach also has some of the best tide pools to explore if you are traveling with young kids or just like to explore them yourself.
Oswald West State Park
Activities
Short Sand Beach, Neahkahnie Mountain, Hiking Trails, Surfing, Picnicking, Wildlife Viewing
Peak Season
June to August
Weather
Known for its rugged coastline, old-growth forests, and secluded beaches, Oswald West State Park is a hidden gem along the Oregon Coast. This is a great destination for hiking as there are many trails leading to hidden coves like Short Sand Beach and Devil’s Cauldron. The latter is only about .5 miles to reach, making it a great spot to escape some of the crowds but not have to put in too much work to reach an awesome vantage point.
Lincoln City Beach
Activities
Chinook Winds Casino Resort, Devils Lake State Recreation Area, D River State Recreation Site
Peak Season
June to August
Weather
Stretching for seven miles along the coast, Lincoln City Beach offers endless opportunities for beachcombing, kite flying, and sandcastle building. I actually saw a whale from this beach, so keep your eyes peeled on the sea and you might catch a glimpse of one too!
Depoe Bay
Activities
Whale Watching, Depoe Bay Scenic Park, Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
Peak Season
June to August
Weather
Hotels
If you don’t see a whale at Lincoln City Beach, then head to Depoe Bay for a good shot at seeing one. Known as the “Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast,” Depoe Bay offers prime opportunities to spot gray whales and other marine life. There is also a cool Whale Watching Center to visit, or you can just stroll along the seawall and explore nearby shops and restaurants.
Newport Beach
Activities
Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Oregon Coast Aquarium
Peak Season
June to August
Weather
Home to the historic Yaquina Bay Lighthouse and bustling Newport Bayfront, Newport Beach offers a mix of natural beauty and coastal charm. Here you can explore sandy beaches, visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and sample fresh seafood at local eateries. This is a great beach town for a weekend escape if you are wanting a charming coastal retreat.
Yachats Beach
Activities
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Yachats Ocean Road State Natural Site, Thor’s Well, Devil’s Churn
Peak Season
June to August
Weather
Surrounded by rocky headlands and tide pools, Yachats Beach is a picturesque destination for beachcombing and tidepooling. There are also some great trails here, many that lead you along ridges with panoramic views of the coastline.
Florence Beach
Activities
Heceta Beach, Siuslaw River Bridge, Old Town Florence, Sea Lion Caves
Peak Season
June to August
Weather
If ATVing is on your bucket list, then Florence is the place to go. Known for its towering sand dunes and scenic beauty, it’s a popular destination for sandboarding, ATV riding, and beachcombing. We rented ATVs for a few hours here and it was one of the most memorable experiences of our whole trip! If you want to explore the dunes in a more tranquil way, you can also go horseback riding along the shore, or simply relax on the beach.
Bandon Beach
Activities
Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, Old Town Bandon, West Coast Game Park Safari
Peak Season
June to August
Weather
Hotels
Famous for its stunning sea stacks and rugged coastline, Bandon Beach offers unparalleled natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. If you don’t have much time to set up on the beach, you can also just drive the Beach Loop Drive for panoramic views of the ocean without having to leave your car. This loop is also stunning at sunset!
Port Orford Beach
Activities
Battle Rock Park, Port Orford Heads State Park, Cape Blanco Lighthouse
Peak Season
June to August
Weather
Tucked away in the charming town of Port Orford, Port Orford Beach offers a peaceful retreat with its sandy shores and scenic vistas. Explore nearby Battle Rock Park, go beachcombing for agates and shells, or watch fishing boats come and go from the harbor. This is another great spot for a full weekend retreat with many charming inns right by the beach.
Gold Beach
Activities
Jerry’s Rogue Jets, Gold Beach Books, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
Peak Season
June to August
Weather
Hotels
Named for the gold discovered in the sands along the coast, Gold Beach is a hidden gem with its uncrowded beaches and stunning scenery. This beach is unique because it’s where the Rogue River meets the ocean, giving you a chance to enjoy the beach and also explore the river by jetboat if you’re up for an adventure.
Brookings Beach
Activities
Chetco Point Park, Brookings Harbor, Harris Beach State Park, Whale Watching, Azalea Park
Peak Season
June to August
Weather
Known for its mild climate and natural beauty, Brookings Beach is a tranquil oasis with its sandy shores and rugged coastline. It’s also set in close proximity to Harris Beach State Park which has tons of trails and picnic spots.
Hug Point State Recreation Site
Activities
Beachcombing, Waterfall Exploration, Picnicking, Coastal Views, Tide Pooling, Hiking Trails
Peak Season
June to August
Weather
A lesser known hidden gem, this spot is named for the “hug” carved into the cliffs by early travelers. It has a gorgeous beach, sea caves, and a waterfall to explore. Low tide is the best time to visit this area to give you a chance to really explore all of the tide pools and unique geological features.
Cape Blanco State Park Beach
Activities
Cape Blanco Lighthouse, Beachcombing, Picnicking, Hiking Trails, Wildlife Viewing
Peak Season
May to September
Weather
Situated on the westernmost point of Oregon, Cape Blanco State Park Beach offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and historic lighthouse. This is one of my favorite spots for sunset and equally gorgeous in the early morning.
