Best and Fun Beaches in Oregon, United States

Best and Fun Beaches in Oregon, United States
Best and Fun Beaches in Oregon, United States

Oregon Coast is one of the stunning coastlines in the United States. So, if you are looking for a wonderful family beach holiday, try the following best beaches in Oregon.

Sea stacks, boulders, soft sand, rolling dunes, and windswept waters are unique features of this 362 mile (approximately) coastline.

Some of the most popular beaches in Oregon are Cannon Beach, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Nye Beach, Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, Hobbit Beach, Secret Beach, and Arizona Beach.

This list contains important travel information about family-friendly beaches, secluded beaches, adventurous beaches, beaches suitable for watersports, and scenic beaches in Oregon. Please read it, and add your favorite beaches to the bucket list.

Beaches in Oregon

1. Beaches in Oregon: Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Yachats

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is one of the most stunning beaches in Oregon.

Located just three miles away from Yachats, it is famous for the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and its lush rainforest surrounding. Also, its rocky shore adds more value to it.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Yachats
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Yachats

To get the best view, you should head to the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center. It offers you a wraparound observation deck to capture the views easily and comfortably.

If you are in Cape Perpetua Scenic Area in the summer, this visitor center is ready to guide you for short hikes and interpretive programs. There’s a bookshop to buy guidebooks and souvenirs as well.

Apart from catching scenic views, you can visit this coastal forest to explore more. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area hosts junior ranger programs that your kids can join.

On the other hand, they offer you winter and spring whale watching events for the whole family. Therefore, surely add it to your list.

Address: 2400 US-101, Yachats, OR 97498, United States   Phone: +1 541-547-3289

Recommended Hotel Near Cape Perpetua Scenic Area: Overleaf Lodge    

Beaches in Oregon

2. Cannon Beach, Oregon

If you have to choose only one beach from this list, you must choose Cannon Beach. Here’re the reasons.

Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach, Oregon

Being one of the most scenic beaches in the world, Cannon Beach is home to the iconic Haystack Rock. It is a 235-foot basalt sea stack created due to an ancient lava flow.

So, if you are looking for the most scenic beach in Oregon, it is undoubtedly Cannon Beach.

Also, if you are looking for a fabulous beach for beachcombing, walking, and sightseeing with your family, Cannon Beach is ideal for that too. This four-mile shoreline has many tide pools filled with diverse aquatic life. So, kids will love to explore them.

Aside from all the wonderful natural reasons, Cannon Beach contains restaurants, art galleries, ocean-front hotels, and many other entertaining events.

Therefore you can see plenty of beach lovers on this wide sandy beach, especially on the summer and sunny days.

Address: Cannon Beach, OR 97110, United States   Phone: (503) 436-2623

Recommended Hotel Near Cannon Beach: Hallmark Resort in Cannon Beach 

Beaches in Oregon

3. Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, Pacific City

Cape Kiwanda is the only cape made with sandstone in Oregon. And also, it is the southernmost cape located along the Three Capes Scenic Route.

(The other capes on the Three Capes Scenic Route are Cape Lookout and Cape Meares).

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, Pacific City
Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is a famous family picnic destination in Oregon. Also, it is perfect for dory boating, kite flying, and hang gliding.

In the evening, you can catch the spectacular sunset from Cape Kiwanda or a nearby oceanfront restaurant.

And also, when you visit Cape Kiwanda’s Peak, you can get breathtaking views of Nestucca Bay, another Haystack Rock, and the Pacific Ocean.

Address: Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, Pacific City, OR 97135, United States  Phone: +1 800-551-6949

Recommended Hotel Near Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area: Inn at Cape Kiwanda

Planning to visit Northern California?? Check these Northern California beaches before travel. 

4. Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park, Florence

Looking for a beach suitable for dogs and kids? Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park in Lane Country, Oregon, offers you such a beach. It is a very scenic, wide beach ideal for kids and dogs.

Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park, Florence
Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park

Sitting on the east side of Highway 101, it also has a great first-come, first-served basis campsite for tents and RVs. And this campsite has all the facilities like flushing toilets, showers, drinking water, and many others.

While camping, you can hike to the Heceta Head Lighthouse and other secluded beaches in the Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park.

Also, this 5 miles long spectacular beach is ideal for doing many fun beach activities with your kids. For example, kiting, picnicking, whale watching, and beachcombing.

Address: Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park, Florence, OR 97439, United States  Phone: +1 541-547-3416

Recommended Hotel Near Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park: Adobe Resort 

5. Beaches in Oregon: Nye Beach, Newport

Nye Beach is a beautiful historic beach town in Newport, Oregon. Although it does not attract many visitors, it considers as one of the prettiest beaches in Oregon for more than a century.

Beaches in Oregon Nye Beach, Newport
Nye Beach, Newport

Located on a sea cliff, Nye Beach is surrounded by an artistic community. And also, it has cafes, restaurants, gorgeous bungalows, art galleries, and shops. So, no need to pack food for your picnic.

Since Historic Nye Beach offers easy access, anyone can easily get there. Plan a fun picnic with your family at Nye Beach for this holiday.

Address: Nye Beach, Newport, OR 97365, United States 

Recommended Hotel Near Nye Beach: Inn at Nye Beach

Beaches in Oregon

6. Hobbit Beach, Florence

Are you dreaming of an exciting hike that ends at a secluded beach? Try Hobbit Beach in Oregon.

Hobbit Beach, Florence
Hobbit Beach, Florence

Located north of Florence on Highway 101, the entrance for Hobbit Beach is an adventurous hiking trail through a lush forest. In the end, you will meet a hidden, calm, seashell beach where you can spend quality time with your friends and family.

This hike is not a long one, so that anyone can try it. This is ideal for nature lovers since it runs through lush dark woods, thick shrubbery, and hobbit holes.

If you like to lengthen the hike, continue towards Heceta Head Lighthouse, a 5.2-mile roundtrip (Hobbit Trail). Try that too.

However, this hiking trail ensures breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Are you excited?

Address: 93111 Highway 101, Florence, OR 97439, United States  

Recommended Hotel Near Hobbit Beach: Best Western Pier Point Inn

Beaches in Oregon

7. Beaches in Oregon: Secret Beach, Brookings

Just like its name, Secret Beach is a hidden beach in Brookings, Oregon. It doesn’t even appear on many maps. Located within the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, Secret Beach is undeniably stunning.

Beaches in Oregon Secret Beach, Brookings
Secret Beach, Brookings

The parking lot of Secret Beach is located just south of mile marker 345 off the 101. Then, you have to take a steep three-quarter-mile hiking trail. Before meeting the beach, you will see the terminal of Miller Creek that cascades like a waterfall before hitting the sea.

After crossing Miller Creek, you will see vertical sea walls, sea stacks, and plenty of scenic views of the ocean.

Usually, the beach vanishes during the high tide. So, it is better to visit Secret Beach at low tide to discover more coves and tide pools.

Address: Brookings, OR 97415, United States  

Recommended Hotel Near Secret Beach: Beachfront Inn

8. Clatsop Spit, Oregon

Do you like clam digging?

Stretching for an 18-miles Clatsop Spit beach is filled with diverse razor clams. So, it is a famous destination for clam digging. You can see plenty of local clam diggers and clinics on this beach throughout the year.

Clatsop Spit, Oregon
Clatsop Spit, Oregon

(Clatsop Spit is a huge sand spit located between the north end of Tillamook Head in Clatsop County and Astoria)

This beach features a 4.6-mile loop hike along the beach. Since it is suitable for all ages, you can try it with your family.

You can explore double-crested cormorants, brown pelicans, Caspian terns, fowls, and many other birds while hiking. So, kids will love it.

Address: Astoria, OR 97121, United States

Recommended Hotel Near Clatsop Spit beach: Best Western Astoria Bayfront Hotel

Beaches in Oregon

9. Beaches in Oregon: Arizona Beach, Port Orford

Arizona Beach State Recreation Site is a famous state park in Oregon. Spreading 86 acres of land, it is home to birds, mammals, and much other diverse wildlife.

Beaches in Oregon Arizona Beach, Port Orford
Arizona Beach, Port Orford

Located at an average elevation of 7 feet, Arizona Beach has a historical value as well. Since it occupies ancient grounds, you can see sea stacks in various sizes and landscaped prehistoric gardens. Therefore, it is surely a scenic beach.

Try to visit the southern end of Arizona Beach in the low tide to catch spectacular views of the emerged monolithic rock structures.

Address: 37000 US-101, Port Orford, OR 97465, United States  Phone: +1 800-551-6949

Beaches in Oregon

10. Lone Ranch Beach, Brookings

There’s no shortage of stunning beaches on the Oregon Coast. For example, Lone Ranch Beach in Brookings.

Lone Ranch Beach, Brookings
Lone Ranch Beach, Brookings

Located in a protected cove (south of Cape Ferrelo), Lone Ranch Beach is a small beach with scenic surroundings. Being a part of the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is administered this beach.

Crescent-shaped Lone Ranch Beach is perfect for family picnics. There are picnic tables on the grasses overlooking the beach. Bring your food and eat while looking at dreamy views of the ocean.

Also, you can beach comb with your kids in the low tide as there are many tide pools. After that, do not forget to try the short walk to the top of the prominent headland from the picnic table area.

Just drive for four miles north of Brookings and explore all the natural features of this easy access, Lone Ranch Beach, with your family.

Address: Highway 101, Brookings, OR 97415, United States  

Recommended Hotel Near Lone Ranch Beach: Westward Inn

Beaches in Oregon

11. Seaside Beach, Seaside

Seaside Beach is a historic coastal destination in Oregon. Located just 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Portland, this beach attracts thousands of visitors annually.

Seaside Beach, Seaside
Seaside Beach, Seaside

Its scenic, wide ocean views, soft sand, clean shoreline, safe waters, Seaside Promenade, and Seaside Aquarium attract beach lovers for generations now.

If you are looking for surfing, sunbathing, playing beach volleyball, swimming, and any other water activity with your family, Seaside Beach is perfect for that.

There’s sufficient space to spread out towels and lay down for suntanning.

Aside from that, Seaside Beach offers you headland hiking trails, delicious seafood restaurants, local shops, and scenic golf courses.

Seaside Beach can be considered one of the best fun family beaches in Oregon by considering all the features.

Address: 229-299 S Promenade, Seaside, OR 97138  Phone: (971) 308-3055 

Recommended Hotel Near Seaside Beach: Seashore Inn on the Beach Seaside

Beaches in Oregon

12. Cobble Beach, Yaquina Head Marine Garden, Newport

Yaquina Head, a large basalt headland, spreads into the Pacific Ocean north of Newport, Oregon. And it is the site of the Yaquina Head Light, the tallest lighthouse in Oregon.

Cobble Beach, Oregon
Cobble Beach, Newport

Also, it is home to the stunning coastline, Cobble Beach, located at the bottom of the headland. It is a scenic beach that contains thousands of interesting basalt rocks.

If you visit Cobble Beach in the low tide, you can see plenty of tide pools filled with diverse sea creatures. So, you can explore with your kids.

Cobble Beach, Yaquina Head Marine Garden, Newport
Cobble Beach

On the other hand, its offshore islands attract harbor seals, nesting birds, and many other creatures. Also, you can easily catch migrating gray whales from Cobble Beach during the migrating season.

That’s why many nature lovers, birdwatchers, whale watchers, and families visit this beach throughout the year.

Address: Cobble Beach, Newport, OR 97365, United States

Recommended Hotel Near Cobble Beach: Best Western Plus Agate Beach Inn

Beaches in Oregon

13. Short Sand Beach, Arch Cape

Short Sand Beach or Shorty’s is a paradise for surfers. Even if you are not a surfer, Short Sand Beach offers plenty of fun outdoor activities to do.

Short Sand Beach, Arch Cape
Short Sand Beach, Arch Cape

As there’s a lush forest surrounding, this beach area offers many hiking trails through the forest. While exploring nature, you will see a wooden suspension bridge and a mountain path too.

Therefore, Short Sand Beach gets quite crowded, especially on weekends and in the summer. If you are looking for a solo travel adventure, avoid weekends and the summer.

Address: Arch Cape, OR 97102, United States   Phone: (800) 551-6949

14. Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site, Arch Cape

Another attractive beach in Arch Cape.

Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site features a stunning one-mile beach located between two headlands near Cannon Beach.

Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site, Arch Cape
Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site, Arch Cape

If Cannon Beach is too crowded, Arcadia Beach is the next best option to have a relaxing beach time. (just 2 miles south of Cannon Beach)

Arcadia Beach features a beach cave, many tide pools, and a stunning waterfall that hits the beach. Yeah, it is like a natural paradise. But, still, it doesn’t attract many visitors.

If you are planning for a relaxing beach vacation to explore nature with your kids, Arcadia Beach is undoubtedly the best.

Hikers can hike to Oswald West State Park and Humbug Point from Arcadia Beach. But, it should be the correct tide time to continue the whole hike along the beach.

Another unique feature of Arcadia Beach is, sometimes its white sand creates a unique violin-like noise when entering the beach.

Address: Arch Cape, OR 97102, United States  Phone: (800) 551-6949

Recommended Hotel Near Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site: Inn at Cannon Beach

Beaches in Oregon

15. Rockaway Beach, Tillamook County

Rockaway Beach is a fun beach city in Tillamook Country, Oregon. It offers a wide and long sandy beach that spreads for 7 miles. As it offers 20 easy access points for visitors, there’s no crowding effect.

Rockaway Beach, Tillamook County
Rockaway Beach, Tillamook County

When you walk towards the north side of the beach, you will see the South Jetty of Nehalem Bay. Also, you can view the rest of Tillamook Bay.

After sightseeing, you and your family can kite fly, sunbathe, swim, and do other water activities. As this beach has a lot of driftwood, you can build driftwood log forts with your kids.

As there are plenty of delicious restaurants, no need to bring food from home. So, plan the tour to Rockaway Beach with your family and have fun.

Address: Tillamook County, OR 97136, United States

Recommended Hotel Near Rockaway Beach: Sheltered Nook On Tillamook Bay

Beaches in Oregon

16. D River State Recreation Site, Lincoln City

D River State Recreation Site is a state park in Lincoln City, Oregon. And D River is the shortest river in the world, with a 120-foot length. It takes water from Devils Lake into the Pacific Ocean.

D River State Recreation Site, Lincoln City
D River Beach Wayside

D River Beach Wayside also features a wide, sandy beach suitable for picnicking, fishing, beachcombing, swimming, and many other outdoor activities.

D River Beach is perfect if you are looking for an entertaining beach as it hosts numerous festivals. Ex: Two world’s largest kite festivals in June and October. Kids will love joining it.

Address: 101 US-101, Lincoln City, OR 97367, United States  Phone: +1 800-551-6949

Recommended Hotel Near D River Beach: Lincoln Sands Oceanfront Resort, Ascend Hotel Collection

17. Beaches in Oregon: Lincoln City Beach, Lincoln City

Lincoln City in Oregon has a wonderful temperate climate throughout the year. Therefore, its stunning coastline attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country during the summer.

Beaches in Oregon Lincoln City Beach, Lincoln City
Lincoln City Beach

Spreading for 7 miles, the Lincoln City coastline features clean, soft sand beaches with moderate warm waters. So, the coastline fills with kite flyers, beach bums, inflatables, beach balls, campers, bonfires, and swimmers in the summer.

Lincoln City Beach is kid-friendly and offers so many fun things to do.

Address: Lincoln City, OR 97367, United States  Phone: (541) 996-1274

Recommended Hotel Near Lincoln City Beach: Anchor Inn Resort

Beaches in Oregon

18. Gleneden Beach, Lincoln City

Do you like to see seals for real? Gleneden Beach is a famous destination for seal sightseeing. Located between Lincoln City and Depoe Bay, Gleneden Beach is a stunning beach surrounded by high ocean bluffs.

Gleneden Beach, Lincoln City
Gleneden Beach, Lincoln City

Gleneden Beach State Recreational Site has a small picnic area, restrooms, and a walking path. Aside from that, it doesn’t feature any other facility. Therefore, it doesn’t attract more crowds.

Due to that minimum development and less crowd attraction, Gleneden Beach creates a perfect environment for a calm and relaxing beach stay.

Come along with your kids to watch seals and spend some quality time.

Address: 6595 Gleneden Beach Loop, Gleneden Beach, OR 97388, United States  Phone: +1 541-764-2475

Recommended Hotel Near Gleneden Beach: Alderwood Haven  

Beaches in Oregon

19. Beaches in Oregon: Gold Beach, Curry County

Gold Beach is a scenic beach city in Curry Country, Oregon. Facing the Pacific Ocean, Gold Beach is surrounded by the Siskiyou Mountains and the Rogue River. So, it is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches on the Oregon Coast.

Beaches in Oregon Gold Beach, Curry County
Gold Beach, Curry County

Located along the scenic Highway 101, Gold Beach contains soft white sand with a mix of golden colors. That’s how its name was created.

When you are on Gold Beach, you can try unique outdoor activities like beachcombing, treasure hunting, rock painting, geocaching, and river fishing.

Aside from that, you can hike mountain trails through the nearby forests and wilderness areas.

If you want to catch all of these unique adventures, just plan your beach vacation to Gold Beach.

Address: Gold Beach, OR 97444, United States 

Recommended Hotel Near Gold Beach: Pacific Reef Hotel & Light Show

Beaches in Oregon

20. Harris Beach State Park, Brookings

Located on US Highway 101, Harris Beach State Park is an Oregon State Park famous for bird watching. (The park is named after the Scottish pioneer George Harris)

Harris Beach State Park, Brookings
Harris Beach State Park

Being home to the largest island off the Oregon coast, Bird Island, Harris Beach is famous among bird watchers. Bird Island is a National Wildlife Sanctuary. Especially, it is a breeding ground for diverse coastal fowl species.

If you like to see more wildlife around this area, plan for a tent or RV camping as there’s sufficient space for that. Also, the Harris Beach camping site has facilities like flushing toilets, an RV dump station, and hot water showers.

Therefore, beach lovers visit the Harris Beach State Park throughout the year (during summer, winter, and fall). Just pack your things and head to Harris Beach for an unforgettable camping experience.

Address: U.S. 101, Brookings, OR 97415, United States  Phone: +1 800-551-6949

Recommended Hotel Near Harris Beach State Park: Brookings Inn Resort

Beaches in Oregon, United States

  • Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
  • Cannon Beach, Oregon
  • Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, Pacific City
  • Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park, Florence
  • Beaches in Oregon: Nye Beach, Newport
  • Hobbit Beach, Florence
  • Beaches in Oregon: Secret Beach, Brookings
  • Clatsop Spit, Oregon
  • Beaches in Oregon: Arizona Beach, Port Orford
  • Lone Ranch Beach, Brookings
  • Seaside Beach, Seaside
  • Beaches in Oregon: Cobble Beach, Newport
  • Short Sand Beach 
  • Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site, Arch Cape
  • Rockaway Beach, Tillamook County
  • D River State Recreation Site, Lincoln City
  • Beaches in Oregon: Lincoln City Beach, Lincoln City
  • Gleneden Beach, Lincoln City
  • Beaches in Oregon: Gold Beach, Curry Country
  • Harris Beach State Park, Brookings

Beaches in Oregon