From the Northern Oregon coast to the Southern Oregon coast, visitors will find an array of breathtaking beaches along the Pacific Ocean in Oregon. Each beach provides exciting landscapes, from hidden coves to looming sea stacks. With unique beach locations requiring hikes through caves for access, unobscured views of sea lions, scenic overlooks, and seaside dunes, Oregon truly has some of the best beaches in the country. Below, we explore the best Oregon beaches throughout the state for nature enthusiasts.
1. Cannon Beach
Likely the first beach that comes to mind for most Oregon visitors and locals is Cannon Beach, and for good reason. With impressive sea stacks alongside the perimeter of the beach, like the famed Haystack Rock, visitors will find a picturesque destination worth exploring. Low tide is an especially magical time to visit this beach, as you can inspect the tide pools filled with anemones, starfish, and other marine life.
Multiple films have used this beach as a background, such as The Goonies, Free Willy, and Twilight, providing visitors with nostalgia. The nearby beach town is also worth checking out, as Cannon Beach, OR, has a plethora of cute cafes, mom-and-pop shops, and various eateries.
Nearby Ecola State Park provides additional walking routes for visitors, along with views of Cannon Beach from afar.
2. Short Sand Beach
Situated in the stunning Oswald West State Park, Short Sand Beach offers the option for many activities, including swimming, hiking, whale watching, and picnicking. However, it’s become most popular for surfing and bodyboarding by locals and visitors. It has a unique location in a small bay between Cape Falcon and Neahkahnie Mountain, creating a protected area with relatively calm waters.
The beach is accessible via a short 0.5-mile hike through an old growth forest. Should you want to spend more time hiking in Oswald West State Park, there’s an additional 5-mile route to Cape Falcon.
3. Indian Beach
One of the best Oregon beaches is Indian Beach, a secluded spot near Cannon Beach that provides you with relatively few crowds. Accessible via a shorter or longer hike from Ecola State Park (depending on the starting point), this beach offers incredible Pacific Ocean views. You can also see the famous Tillamook Lighthouse and rugged sea stacks while trekking to the beach. The beach itself is tucked into a hidden cove yet still offers plenty of activities, including birdwatching, paddling, and surfing (for beginners).
4. Rockaway Beach
Sitting about 80 miles south of Portland, visitors will find Rockaway Beach. This beach is beloved by families for its incredible views and ample activity offerings. It’s especially magnificent during sunrise and sunset. Here, visitors will find unique rock formations jutting out of the water, a kid’s playground, and the opportunity to fish for local seafood like crabs (with a shellfish permit). To extend your excursion to Rockaway Beach, consider visiting other natural wonders nearby like the “Octopus Tree”.
5. Sandy Beach
Adventure seekers will enjoy visiting Sandy Beach in Maupin, OR, one of the Oregon beaches that provides the perfect launch spot for river rafting. Multiple excursions are available for this group activity, which all leave from Sandy Beach. Other activities can also be done at this lovely beach, including walking, swimming, and viewing butterflies. This beach also has a swimming area with no currents, which makes it a top choice for families as younger children can safely play and hangout in the water.
6. Seaside Beach
Seaside Beach is part of the town with the same name (Seaside), a top vacation spot for families year-round. With a large selection of restaurants, cafes, and shops a short distance from the beach, it’s an ideal spot for a day-long excursion (or weekend getaway). The beach is excellent for various activities, including kite flying, kayaking, strolling, surfing, ATVing, and hunting for razor clams. Those who want to enjoy the views without getting sandy can stroll along the beachside promenade. With opportunities for entertainment for all ages, it’s easy to see why Seaside Beach has remained one of the top choices for Oregon beaches.
This list notes only a few of the many beaches Oregon has to offer. For longer visits, consider visiting one of the following beaches in Oregon: Fogarty Creek Beach (near Lincoln City), Harris Beach State Park, Gold Beach, NYE Beach, Pacific City, Oregon Dunes, and Manzanita (near Nehalem Bay State Park).
