15 Best Beaches in Oregon

Imagine a coastline where dramatic sea stacks pierce the sky, where ancient forests meet vast stretches of sand, and where the raw power of the Pacific Ocean carves a landscape unlike any other. Welcome to the Oregon Coast, a truly wild and captivating stretch of shoreline that promises adventure, tranquility, and breathtaking beauty around every bend. Far from your typical sun-bathing destination, Oregon’s beaches are a realm of rugged cliffs, hidden coves, vibrant tide pools, and iconic natural landmarks that invite exploration year-round.

You will discover a diverse array of experiences, from bustling beach towns with art galleries and breweries to secluded havens perfect for quiet reflection or wildlife spotting. To truly immerse yourself in this coastal wonderland, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons – late spring or early fall – when the crowds are thinner, the weather is often mild, and the natural beauty is at its peak. This guide will equip you with all the practical information and detailed cost insights you need to plan your unforgettable Oregon beach adventure.

Roads End State Recreation State

Roads End State Recreation Site, nestled just north of Lincoln City, offers a captivating blend of accessible beach and intriguing natural features that make it truly unique. What sets this spot apart are its magnificent tide pools, which reveal a vibrant underwater world at low tide, and the dramatic rock formations, including a sea cave that beckons the adventurous to explore. You can spend hours here carefully navigating the rocky shoreline, discovering colorful anemones, scuttling crabs, and various starfish species clinging to the rocks.

The beach itself is a mix of sand and pebbles, perfect for beachcombing for unique shells or pieces of driftwood. This is an ideal spot for families with curious children, solo nature enthusiasts, or couples seeking a quiet, scenic walk. Historically, this area was simply a rugged stretch of coastline, now cherished for its raw, untouched beauty and the ease with which visitors can connect with marine life.

Otter Rock and Devils Punch Bowl State Natural Area

Otter Rock and Devils Punch Bowl State Natural Area is a geological marvel that will leave you in awe of nature’s power. The Devils Punch Bowl itself is a massive hollow rock formation, open to the ocean, where waves crash and swirl, creating a mesmerizing, froiling spectacle. It’s particularly dramatic during high tide or stormy weather.

Otter Rock, just south, is a popular spot for surfing, with its gentle, consistent waves making it ideal for beginners and longboarders. You can often see seals and sea lions lounging on the rocks offshore, adding to the wildlife viewing opportunities. This area is perfect for adventurers seeking unique geological formations, surfers of all levels, and wildlife enthusiasts. The history of the Punch Bowl is rooted in ancient sea cave collapses, where the roof eventually caved in, leaving behind this incredible natural amphitheater.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is arguably Oregon’s most iconic beach, instantly recognizable by the majestic Haystack Rock rising dramatically from the surf. This colossal sea stack, home to puffins during nesting season, creates an unforgettable backdrop for your coastal adventures. You can walk for miles along the expansive sandy beach, fly kites, build sandcastles, or explore the tide pools around Haystack Rock at low tide.

The charming town of Cannon Beach itself offers a delightful array of art galleries, boutique shops, and excellent dining options. It’s a perfect destination for families, couples seeking a romantic getaway, and photographers looking to capture stunning landscapes. The beach has long been a source of inspiration for artists and a beloved retreat for visitors, embodying the quintessential Oregon Coast experience.

Cobble Beach – Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

Cobble Beach, nestled within the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area near Newport, is a truly distinctive gem on the Oregon Coast. As its name suggests, this beach is composed not of sand, but of smooth, rounded basalt cobbles, polished by the relentless ocean waves. The sound of the waves receding, pulling the cobbles back with a gentle rumble, is a unique auditory experience.

Towering above the beach is the historic Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Oregon’s tallest and second oldest, which you can tour for a fascinating glimpse into maritime history. The tide pools here are among the best on the coast, teeming with colorful sea stars, anemones, and crabs. This spot is ideal for families, nature photographers, and anyone fascinated by geology, lighthouses, and marine biology. The geological history of Yaquina Head is one of volcanic activity and erosion, forming the unique landscape you see today.

Pacific City

Pacific City offers a quintessential Oregon Coast experience, dominated by the magnificent Cape Kiwanda and its own Haystack Rock, smaller than Cannon Beach’s but equally impressive. What makes Pacific City truly special is the unique dory boat fleet, which launches directly from the beach into the surf, a sight you won’t see anywhere else. You can climb the massive sand dune at Cape Kiwanda for breathtaking panoramic views, watch the dory boats come and go, or simply relax on the wide, sandy beach.

The Pelican Brewing Company, right on the beach, provides a perfect spot to enjoy local brews and fresh seafood with unparalleled ocean views. This destination is perfect for adventurers, families, foodies, and anyone looking for a vibrant, active beach town. The dory boat tradition dates back generations, a testament to the community’s deep connection with the sea.

Gearhart Beach

Gearhart Beach provides a refreshing contrast to the more bustling coastal towns, offering a quieter, more expansive experience just north of Seaside. This wide, flat sandy beach is unique for allowing vehicles to drive and park directly on the sand in designated areas, making it incredibly convenient for hauling beach gear or enjoying a tailgate picnic. You can enjoy long, uninterrupted walks, horseback riding, or even clamming for razor clams during season.

The town of Gearhart itself maintains a charming, old-school coastal resort feel, with a beautiful golf course nearby. It’s an ideal spot for families looking for easy beach access, horseback riders, clamming enthusiasts, and those seeking a more serene beach experience away from the crowds. The history of Gearhart is tied to its development as one of Oregon’s earliest coastal resort towns, attracting visitors for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

China Beach

China Beach, located within the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor near Brookings, offers a truly secluded and dramatic coastal experience. This hidden cove is accessible via a relatively steep but rewarding trail through dense coastal forest, opening up to a stunning, intimate beach framed by towering cliffs and sea stacks.

What makes it unique is its untouched, wild beauty, feeling miles away from civilization. You can explore intriguing rock formations, search for unique shells and agates, or simply soak in the tranquility and breathtaking scenery. It’s perfect for adventurous hikers, photographers, and those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature. The name “China Beach” is said to derive from Chinese laborers who may have camped here during railroad construction in the late 19th century, adding a layer of historical intrigue to its natural allure.

Harris Beach State Park

Harris Beach State Park, located in the southernmost part of Oregon near Brookings, is a true jewel of the coast, renowned for its dramatic sea stacks, including the massive Bird Island (officially Goat Island), a designated wildlife sanctuary. This park offers a wide, sandy beach perfect for strolling, playing, and beachcombing, while the rugged headlands provide excellent vantage points for whale watching during migration seasons.

You can explore tide pools teeming with marine life at low tide, or simply marvel at the sheer scale of the rock formations against the crashing waves. Harris Beach is an excellent destination for families, birdwatchers, photographers, and campers, offering a blend of accessible beach fun and stunning natural beauty. The park’s namesake, George Harris, was an early homesteader in the area, and his legacy lives on through the preservation of this spectacular coastline.

Horsfall Beach

Horsfall Beach, located north of North Bend and Coos Bay, is a dynamic and expansive stretch of coastline known primarily for its vast sand dunes and recreational opportunities. What makes Horsfall truly unique is its designation as an OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) riding area, making it a paradise for ATV and dune buggy enthusiasts. You can spend hours exploring the towering, shifting dunes, or find quieter spots along the beach for horseback riding, beachcombing, or fishing.

The sheer scale of the dunes here is impressive, creating a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. This beach is perfect for adventure seekers, ATV riders, equestrians, and those looking for a high-energy, active beach experience. The dunes are part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, a result of thousands of years of wind and water shaping the coastline.

Meyers Beach

Meyers Beach, another stunning stop along the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, embodies the rugged, dramatic beauty of Oregon’s southern coast. This beach is characterized by its towering sea stacks, natural arches, and powerful surf, offering breathtaking vistas around every turn.

What makes Meyers Beach particularly unique is the opportunity to witness the iconic Natural Bridges, a series of rocky arches and blowholes carved by the relentless ocean. While direct access to the Natural Bridges viewpoint is via a short trail, you can often find trails leading down to Meyers Beach itself for a closer look at the impressive rock formations and powerful waves. It’s an unparalleled destination for photographers, adventurous hikers, and anyone who appreciates the raw, untamed power of the Pacific. The geological formations here are a result of millions of years of erosion, showcasing nature’s artistry.

Moolack Beach

Moolack Beach, located just north of Newport, offers a vast and often uncrowded stretch of sand, making it a perfect escape for those seeking peace and quiet. What makes Moolack unique is its reputation as one of the best beaches on the Oregon Coast for agate hunting. The combination of its long, flat expanse and the constantly shifting sands reveals countless treasures, particularly after a storm or during lower tides.

You can spend hours here strolling along the shoreline, searching for colorful agates, interesting driftwood, and unique shells. It’s an ideal spot for rockhounds, solitude seekers, and anyone looking for a long, uninterrupted beach walk. The name “Moolack” is said to be derived from a Native American term, reflecting the long history of human interaction with this bountiful coastline.

Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach, a charming coastal town just north of Tillamook, is defined by its seven miles of pristine sandy beach and the iconic “Twin Rocks” sea stacks offshore. What makes Rockaway unique is its classic, laid-back beach town vibe, complete with an antique steam locomotive (the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad) and a historic bright red caboose in the town center.

You can enjoy long walks on the expansive beach, go clamming or crabbing, fly kites, or simply relax and take in the panoramic ocean views. It’s a fantastic destination for families, clamming enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a relaxed, authentic Oregon beach town experience. The town has a rich history as a popular summer resort, drawing visitors with its natural beauty and recreational opportunities for over a century.

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, stretching along the southern Oregon Coast from just north of Brookings to the California border, is not a single beach but a series of breathtaking viewpoints, natural bridges, and secluded coves that will leave you utterly spellbound. What makes this corridor unparalleled is its continuous display of dramatic coastal scenery: towering sea stacks, natural arches, hidden beaches, and dense old-growth forests tumbling down to the ocean.

You can spend an entire day, or even several, stopping at various pull-offs to hike short trails to iconic spots like Natural Bridges, Arch Rock, or Secret Beach. It’s an absolute must-visit for photographers, avid hikers, and anyone seeking the most dramatic and wild coastal landscapes Oregon has to offer. The corridor is a testament to the powerful geological forces that have shaped this rugged and beautiful coastline over millennia.

Sunset Bay State Park

Sunset Bay State Park, located just south of Coos Bay, offers a tranquil and picturesque coastal experience that sets it apart from the wilder, more exposed beaches. What makes Sunset Bay unique is its sheltered cove, protected by towering sandstone cliffs and rock formations, which creates remarkably calm waters perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

You can explore fascinating tide pools at low tide, hike scenic trails that connect to nearby Shore Acres State Park and Cape Arago, or simply relax on the sandy beach. The calm waters make it an ideal spot for families with young children, paddle sports enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a safe, serene beach environment. The park’s formation is due to its unique geological position within a protected bay, allowing for calmer waters than typical Oregon beaches.

Bullards Beach State Park

Bullards Beach State Park, situated north of Bandon, offers a sprawling and diverse coastal landscape centered around the historic Coquille River Lighthouse. What makes Bullards Beach unique is its combination of a long, sandy beach perfect for horseback riding, the iconic lighthouse, and extensive camping facilities nestled within a protected forest. You can explore the lighthouse, wander along miles of pristine beach, search for unique driftwood, or enjoy a peaceful picnic.

The park also provides access to the Coquille River, offering opportunities for fishing and crabbing. It’s an ideal destination for campers, equestrians, families, and lighthouse enthusiasts looking for a blend of natural beauty and recreational amenities. The Coquille River Lighthouse, built in 1896, stands as a beacon of the region’s maritime history, guiding ships through the river bar.

Plan Your Visit

As you have seen, the Oregon Coast is far more than just a collection of beaches; it’s an ever-changing masterpiece of nature, offering a spectrum of experiences from serene tide pooling to exhilarating dune riding. You will discover iconic landmarks like Haystack Rock, hidden coves accessible only by trail, and vast stretches of sand perfect for quiet contemplation. Each of the 15 beaches we’ve explored boasts its own unique character, ensuring that every traveler, whether a family with young children, an adventurous solo explorer, or a couple seeking romance, will find their perfect coastal haven.

So, pack your layers, sturdy shoes, and a sense of wonder, and prepare to be captivated by the raw beauty and untamed spirit of Oregon’s magnificent coastline. Remember to utilize the cost breakdown to tailor your trip to your budget, knowing that many of Oregon’s most stunning attractions come with minimal or no entry fees. Your unforgettable Oregon beach adventure awaits!