8 Oregon Coast Beaches And Why To Visit Them

When you live in Oregon, you have the best of both worlds- drive in one direction and you can reach the mountains to hit the slopes, or drive in the opposite direction and wind up at the sandy beach. The Oregon Coast runs 362 miles along the Pacific Ocean with roughly 28 different beach towns. Some towns you may know right away when you hear the name while others you might have to look up, but you can always be sure you’re in for a treat along the Oregon Coast. Here, I’ll be outlining 8 different Oregon Beaches and what you can expect when visiting!

1. Seaside

   
   Seaside is located in northwestern Oregon and boasts many activities for all ages, however it is a town that would draw in kids and teens. Downtown seaside on the main strip you will find shop upon shop upon shop. On one side of the main street there is a fabulous Seaside Carousel Mall with an array of shops ranging from a store of only hats to a toy store to beautiful jewelry. You will also find nestled in the mall a place to have a character drawing done of yourself, and even dress up and take an “old time” photo. Centered in the mall is a massive carousel for kids and parents alike to enjoy together. On the opposite side of the main strip there is a FULL arcade! Full of games, prizes, bumper cars, and personally my favorite being FASCINATION. Maybe it’s my family’s history of loving it, or the pure addiction of the game! Up a little closer to the beach you have an indoor spot to play a game of putt putt, which comes in handy during the rainy months and still allows you to enjoy the town. The fudge shops, the candy stores, the elephant ears, is every child’s dream in this beach town! So sugar them up and let them hit the arcade! The Aquarium is also another great attraction, and it’s located right on the boardwalk. You walk in to see seals right off the bat…but be careful they aren’t afraid to splash! All of this within a few minute’s walk to the sand it’s no wonder it’s a great spot for families to head for the week or a short fun weekend. If shopping is what you are after and the main street of shops isn’t doing it for you, there is a small outlet mall in Seaside as well with roughly 27 different stores. To me, Seaside is definitely a town built around big family fun with the kids! So pack everyone up, and don’t forget the family dog!

2. Lincoln City

   
   This beach is more on the central coast of Oregon, and is loaded with greatness. One of the biggest features about this beach town is its massive outlet mall! The Lincoln City Outlets is home to over 40 stores including Coach, Nike, Columbia Sportswear, Carters, and more. It is covered outdoor space so make sure to pack a warm jacket during the colder months. Lincoln City also offers you a lake to have some fun as well called Devil’s Lake. You can do some good ol camping and still be within the city to do all the beach town stuff you enjoy so much! Devil’s Lake also offers a spot to rent jet ski’s or boast for a day of fun at Blue Heron Landing! for a day of fun during the summer! Lincoln City is one of my favorite beach towns, and while I’ve stayed at many of their nice motels my absolute FAVORITE has to be The Coho Oceanfront Lodge. They have all you can ask for from beautiful rooms, outdoor fire pit, complementary breakfast, exceptional customer service and an array of wines and beer to choose from for your stay, they have my highest recommendation. So be sure to book your stay and add on a fun little package to your room experience! At the beach you can test your kite skills, or search for glass floats along the 7 miles of beach! You heard me…year round there are over 3,000 glass floats hidden above the high tide line and below the embankment. So be sure to take a nice slow stroll and have a keen eye! And don’t forget about all of the beach shops you just can’t get enough of! While it’s just a small stretch of stores compared to Seaside, there is still plenty of fun to be had at Lincoln City.

3. Tillamook

   
   I’m sure the first thing you think when you hear Tillamook is the infamous Tillamook Cheese Factory. If you’ve never been, it’s definitely worth the visit! From getting to see workers first hand in the cheese factory to the DELCIOUS food and ice cream there to purchase, you’re sure to enjoy every second of being there! Outside of that, there is plenty to do outdoors all times of the year. If you are into fishing you can pack your gear and head to the Trask, Wilson or the Nehalem River for Fall Chinook. In the winter you can be sure you’re in a great spot to catch some Steelhead. Tillamook is also home to Cape Meares Lighthouse, the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast! It stands a full 38 feet tall and was built in 1889. In the summer time everyone has their eyes on the Tillamook County Fair, it’s said to be pretty wonderful and quite the great time! The beach may not be as explored as some of the others along the Oregon coast, but because of this the beaches are less crowded and more pristine.

4. Depoe Bay

   
   Now I don’t know if you would call this a “beach town” or not, but it is a location that is one of the most popular among the Central Oregon Coastline. Shopping in this town not only is enjoyable, but it helps support the local economy as most of the shops are owned by local residents. Each shop is unique, and you can always find something different and at a price you are looking to spend! Depoe Bay has a huge sea wall that runs the length of downtown, so whether you’re shopping or dining you’re always able to view the beautiful Ocean. Depoe Bay is also big for whale watching and is home to the world’s smallest navigatable harbor right on the ocean, so for the fishing charters there is easy access to the ocean. Tradewinds is a well known local charter for fishing and whale watching. What’s nice about Depoe Bay also, is it’s a quick 15 minutes from Lincoln City so you have access to everything in a larger beach town if you so desire.

5. Newport

   
   There’s a couple things Newport is known for. #1 is it’s the home of Rogue Nation World Headquarters for all of you beer drinkers. And #2, the Oregon Coast Aquarium which is a complete MUST see when staying in Newport. The Oregon Coast Aquarium, on Yaquina Bay, features local marine life with underwater walkways and a seabird aviary. Inside Rogue World Headquarters there is a 2 story brew pub that looks out onto Yaquina Bay and the Marina in Newport. You can also get souvineers or beer to go from the gift shop. Want to tour the brewery? Tours are offered daily and include Rogue Spirits Distillery, Rogue Rolling Thunder Cooperage and Rogue House of Spirits. Nearby, the iconic Yaquina Bay Bridge has 2 observation areas. Yaquina Bay State Park is home to the 1871 Yaquina Bay Lighthouse. A Basalt rock beach and the 1800s Yaquina Head Lighthouse are highlights of the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. During the winter months the storms can be a big attraction if you’re into that kind of thing. Winds so strong you can lean against them and feel like you’re flying, waves in the 40-foot range, epic surf. What’s nice is there are plenty of hotels with big banks of windows facing the surf to keep your eyes on it all.

6. Cannon Beach

   
   Cannon Beach is a small coastal city in Northwest Oregon known for it’s long sandy beaches. Home to one of Oregon’s most recognizeable landmarks, Haystack Rock is home to colorful tide pools and diverse bird life. Haystack Rock is protected as a part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, and provides habitat to all sorts of creatures including a colony of Tufted Puffins. There are numerous state parks around Cannon beach, Hug Point being 5 miles south to name one. At Hug Point, you will find a beautiful waterfall that splashes onto the sand, sea caves and some great history. If you’re staying in Cannon Beach and you love horses, drive into Nehalem Bay State Park and enjoy ocean trails for your horseback ride with Oregon Beach Rides! If you’re looking for big shopping, you’re better off driving into Seaside. Cannon Beach offers a tiny grocery store and a variety of shops and galleries, but for the locals it suits them just fine!

7. Rockaway Beach

   
   Rockaway Beach is a city located within Tillamook County. It is well known for having 7 miles of sandy shoreline, which makes it a very popular vacation destination on the Oregon Coast! This might be a small beach town, but aren’t those the best sometimes? There is Plenty to do in and around Rockaway Beach including hiking, biking, fishing, clamming, storm watching, and lots of options for lodging. The #1 Motel in Rockaway rated by the public is the Sea Haven Motel. While they are not ocean front, they are located one short block from beach access, at the north end of Rockaway Beach.  Outiside you can enjoy their provided gas BBQs as well as a crab cooker available to help you enjoy the bounty from the sea! Rockaway is just a great beach to get away to for a nice quiet weekend to disconnect from your busy life, and has the twin rocks which makes for beautiful photos!

8. Pacific City

   
   Pacific City is a beach town again in Tillamook County, West of McMinnville. It’s more of a sleepy (but peaceful) beachfront town, but it is perfect for outdoor fun! Home to Pelican Brewery, beach go-ers can enjoy their favorite brew ON the sand at this beach front pub. Speaking of beach, Pacific City is a favorite spot for surfers and anglers being thanks to a natural breakwater. So if you’re looking for a new spot along the Oregon Coast to surf, I’d suggest checking out this off the beaten trail town. If Horses are more your thing, Pacific City has your back there too! Green Acres Beach & Trail Rides offers horseback riding for the experienced and non experienced with 2 different rides. You can do a 1 hour beach ride or, for the more experienced, a 2 hour park tour ride. BUT WAIT! Are you planning on proposing to your significant other?! You have 2 different destination options and Green Acres Beach & Trail will help you get the question popped…HORSEBACK! Also when visiting Pacific City, don’t forget your ATV. Whether your experienced or a beginner you’ll have a great time riding the dunes, or you can travel about 8 miles to Sandlake for a much bigger riding experience.