The Oregon coast is known for its stunning beaches that stretch for miles along the Pacific Ocean. From secluded coves to expansive sandy shores, there is a beach for every type of visitor to enjoy. With over 360 miles of coastline, the Oregon coast offers a diverse range of landscapes and activities.
One popular beach on the Oregon coast is Cannon Beach, famous for its iconic Haystack Rock and picturesque coastal views. This beach is ideal for both sunbathing and exploring tide pools, where visitors can discover a variety of marine life. Another well-known beach is Newport Beach, which offers stunning scenery and is a popular spot for surfing enthusiasts.
For those looking for a more secluded beach experience, there are several hidden gems along the Oregon coast. One such beach is Cape Kiwanda, located in Pacific City. This beach is surrounded by dramatic sandstone cliffs and dunes, providing a unique and breathtaking setting. Another hidden beach is Harris Beach, located near Brookings. This beach is known for its rugged beauty and is a great spot for picnicking and beachcombing.
Whether you’re looking for a lively beach with nearby amenities or a quiet retreat in nature, the Oregon coast has it all. With so many beaches to choose from, each offering its own unique features and charm, a trip to the Oregon coast is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is a captivating coastal town located on the northern coast of Oregon. It is renowned for its picturesque sandy beach, Haystack Rock, and charming village atmosphere. The beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and vibrant community.
Haystack Rock, one of the most iconic landmarks on the Oregon coast, stands tall at the edge of Cannon Beach. This magnificent rock formation is a haven for marine life and a favorite spot for birdwatching and tide pool exploration. At low tide, visitors can observe an array of colorful sea creatures among the rocks surrounding Haystack Rock.
Cannon Beach offers much more than just stunning scenery. The town’s village features numerous art galleries, boutique shops, and delicious restaurants, providing plenty of opportunities for leisurely strolls and shopping sprees. It is also home to the renowned Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest, where talented artists create impressive sculptures using the beach’s sand as their medium.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find ample activities to enjoy in Cannon Beach. Surfing, kite flying, and beachcombing are popular pastimes along the shore, while hiking trails like the Ecola State Park Trail offer breathtaking views of the coastline and nearby forests. The town is also a great base for exploring nearby natural attractions such as Hug Point State Recreation Site and Oswald West State Park.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or artistic inspiration, Cannon Beach has something to offer. With its stunning beach, unique landmarks, and vibrant community, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and captivating destinations on the Oregon coast.
Haystack Rock
Haystack Rock is one of the most iconic landmarks on the Oregon coast. Located in Cannon Beach, this massive sea stack rises out of the ocean, reaching a height of 235 feet. Its distinctive shape and prominent location make it a popular spot for visitors and photographers.
Haystack Rock is composed primarily of basalt, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. The rock is home to a diverse array of marine life, including tidepool creatures such as sea stars, anemones, and crabs. During low tide, visitors can explore these tidepools and observe the fascinating ecosystem that exists within.
Climbing Haystack Rock is prohibited to protect the plants, animals, and rock formations that make up the area’s delicate ecosystem. However, visitors can still enjoy the rock from afar and take in its breathtaking beauty. The beach surrounding Haystack Rock also provides opportunities for picnicking, beachcombing, and flying kites.
If you’re planning a trip to the Oregon coast, be sure to add Haystack Rock to your itinerary. This natural wonder is not to be missed, offering stunning views, educational experiences, and a chance to connect with nature in a unique way.
Seaside Beach
Seaside Beach is one of the most popular and well-known beaches on the Oregon coast. Located in the town of Seaside, this beautiful stretch of sand offers visitors a variety of activities and attractions. The beach is easily accessible and has a wide sandy area, making it perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and beach games.
Seaside Beach is also known for its iconic Promenade, a 1.5-mile-long boardwalk that runs parallel to the beach. The Promenade is lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels, offering a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, enjoying the stunning ocean views and breathing in the fresh sea air.
In addition to sunbathing and sightseeing, Seaside Beach also offers a range of water activities. The beach is popular for surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with rentals available for those who don’t have their own equipment. The waves at Seaside Beach are known to be ideal for beginners, making it a great spot to try out a new water sport.
For nature lovers, Seaside Beach is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The beach is bordered by Tillamook Head, a lush forested headland that offers hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. Visitors can explore the nearby Ecola State Park, which features beautiful coastal landscapes and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
Overall, Seaside Beach is a must-visit destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, and lively atmosphere make it a perfect spot for a day trip or a longer beach vacation on the Oregon coast.
Manzanita Beach
Manzanita Beach is a beautiful stretch of coastline located on the Oregon coast. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a wide range of recreational activities.
One of the main attractions of Manzanita Beach is its wide sandy beach, which stretches for miles along the coast. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and beachcombing. Visitors can also enjoy beach volleyball, frisbee, and kite flying on the sandy shores.
The beach is surrounded by scenic beauty, with rocky cliffs and rolling sand dunes providing a backdrop for the stunning ocean views. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, exploring tide pools and searching for shells and driftwood.
For those looking for more adventure, Manzanita Beach offers a range of water sports and activities. Surfing, boogie boarding, and kayaking are popular options for those looking to catch some waves or explore the coastal waters.
Manzanita Beach is also home to a vibrant community and a charming downtown area. Visitors can enjoy shopping in unique boutiques, dining in local restaurants, and exploring art galleries and museums.
Overall, Manzanita Beach is a true gem on the Oregon coast, offering a perfect combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, and a welcoming community.
Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
The Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is a stunning coastal landscape located on the Oregon coast. This natural area is known for its rugged beauty and unique geological features.
One of the highlights of Cape Kiwanda is the towering sand dunes that overlook the Pacific Ocean. These impressive dunes offer visitors the opportunity to climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. The shifting sands and wind-blown patterns create a constantly changing landscape that is truly mesmerizing.
In addition to the sand dunes, Cape Kiwanda is also famous for its iconic Haystack Rock. This massive rock formation juts out of the ocean and is a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can witness the powerful waves crashing against the rock, creating a dramatic and captivating scene.
Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area offers more than just stunning views. It is also a great place for outdoor activities such as hiking, beachcombing, and picnicking. The natural area features several hiking trails that wind through the dunes and along the coastline, allowing visitors to explore the diverse ecosystems and witness the local wildlife.
With its breathtaking beauty and recreational opportunities, Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is a must-visit destination on the Oregon coast. Whether you are looking for a peaceful hike, a thrilling sandboarding adventure, or simply a place to relax and take in the scenery, this natural area has it all.
Rockaway Beach
Located in Tillamook County, Oregon, Rockaway Beach is a beautiful coastal town known for its stunning beaches and charming atmosphere. This popular destination offers visitors a chance to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities and relax in a serene and picturesque setting.
One of the main attractions of Rockaway Beach is its long stretch of sandy shoreline, which provides ample space for beachcombing, picnicking, and sunbathing. The beach is ideal for families and offers opportunities for building sandcastles, flying kites, and playing beach games.
In addition to its sandy beaches, Rockaway Beach is also known for its magnificent rock formations. Walk along the shore and you’ll find interesting rock formations and tide pools teeming with marine life. It’s a great spot for exploring and discovering sea creatures, shells, and unique rock formations.
For those who enjoy water sports and recreational activities, Rockaway Beach offers opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The calm waters of the nearby Lake Lytle are perfect for paddling, while the ocean is a popular spot for fishing and boating enthusiasts.
Visitors to Rockaway Beach can also take a stroll along the town’s bustling main street, which is lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Here, you can browse for unique souvenirs, sample delicious seafood, or admire the work of local artists.
Overall, Rockaway Beach is a must-visit destination on the Oregon coast, offering a diverse range of activities, stunning natural beauty, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.