The 10 Most Stunning Beaches in Oregon

While it might not be the first state that comes to mind for iconic American beaches, Oregon boasts 363 miles of rugged coastline filled with breathtaking sandy shores, dramatic cliffs, and excellent surfing spots. Additionally, this coastline has been preserved from development and is known as The People's Coast.

Since the passage of the Beach Bill in 1913, Oregon's beaches, coves, and coastline have been designated as public lands for all to enjoy. From the northern coastal towns of Astoria and Cannon Beach to the central coast adorned with lighthouses and striking dunes, and down to the warmer, sunnier southern coast, there's something for everyone along The People's Coast.

If you’re unsure about which beach suits you best, don’t worry! We’ve highlighted 11 of our favorites to help you start planning your adventure today.

1. Cannon Beach

Top beach for birdwatching

Charming Cannon Beach is one of the most beloved beach towns along the Oregon coast, primarily due to its iconic landmark – Haystack Rock. This impressive monolith towers 235 feet above the sand and has appeared in various films. It is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and hosts an array of seabirds, including the adorable tufted puffin.

During low tide, visitors can walk out to the rock and explore tide pools (but remember, don’t take anything from them) and sea caves. In the summer, volunteers are available to protect the area and share information.

When the surf is up, you can rent a board and wetsuit from Cleanline Surf Shop – a welcoming local establishment that offers equipment rentals and surf spot recommendations. Alternatively, you can participate in Cannon Beach's biggest event, Sandcastle Day (usually held in June, depending on the tides), where teams compete for creativity and craftsmanship in sand sculptures.

2. Seaside

Best beach for a lively carnival vibe

Oregon's largest resort town, Seaside, is vibrant, casual, and draws families and young crowds seeking an enjoyable and budget-friendly beach escape. During summer weekends and holidays, the bustling central area filled with ice-cream parlors, arcades, and souvenir shops transforms into a carnival-like scene.

Seaside's two-mile boardwalk, known locally as The Prom, is a haven for bicycles and surreys, while the expansive sandy beach remains relatively tranquil. Join the cyclists on the promenade by renting bikes and four-wheel surreys from Prom Bike Shop. For surf tips, check out Cleanline Surf Company. Expect a livelier party atmosphere during spring break.

3. Yachats

Best beach for escaping the hustle

A hidden gem along the Oregon coast, the charming town of Yachats (ya-hots) sits at the base of the impressive Cape Perpetua. Known for its breathtaking views of a rugged, windswept landscape, Yachats is a popular retreat for those looking to unwind. The nearby beach, with its scenic sands and sea stacks, along with the expansive Cape Perpetua, provides ample opportunities to explore and enjoy the coastline.

Situated three miles south of Yachats, this volcanic remnant was discovered and named by Captain James Cook of England in 1778. Known for its stunning rock formations and crashing waves, the area features numerous trails that lead through ancient shell middens, tide pools, and old-growth forests. The views from the cape are breathtaking, offering sights from Cape Foulweather to Cape Arago. After a day of exploration, enjoy a meal and a brew at the Yachats Brewing & Farmstore.

4. Gold Beach, Oregon

Best beach for spotting wildlife

Located at the mouth of the Rogue River, Gold Beach was established after gold was found here in 1853. Although the mining didn't yield as much as in other areas, the town persevered. In the early 1900s, the salmon-rich waters attracted renowned anglers like Jack London and Zane Grey. The coastline surrounding Gold Beach is nothing short of spectacular.

Take a moment to relax at Cape Sebastian State Park, a rocky promontory seven miles to the south, where you can enjoy sweeping views from California to Cape Blanco. Stretch your legs on a 1.5-mile walking trail leading to the cape, and from December to April, watch for migrating whales. Another major attraction in Gold Beach is the jet-boat tours along the Rogue River, one of Oregon's most rugged and secluded waterways. Wildlife sightings are plentiful, including deer, elk, otters, beavers, eagles, and osprey.

5. Florence and the Oregon Dunes

Best beach for surreal landscapes

Extending nearly 50 miles from Florence to Coos Bay, the Oregon Dunes represent the largest stretch of oceanfront sand dunes in the United States. These towering sandy hills reach heights of up to 500 feet and roll inland for as much as three miles, blending into coastal forests that support unique ecosystems teeming with wildlife, particularly various bird species. This enchanting landscape inspired Frank Herbert to write his renowned sci-fi series Dune.

The northern and southern extremes of the dunes are populated by dune buggies and dirt bikes (off-highway vehicles, or OHVs); it's best to avoid hiking in these areas. The central portion is off-limits to OHVs and is preserved for wildlife, as well as more tranquil activities like hiking and canoeing. Make your way to Florence's Old Town to experience the town's most picturesque aspect—a charming waterfront area alongside the scenic Siuslaw River next to the Oregon Coast's most beautiful harbor.

6. Manzanita

Best beach for an intimate atmosphere

Manzanita is a quaint beach resort along Oregon's coast, featuring stunning white-sand beaches and a more upscale crowd. Smaller and less commercialized than Cannon Beach, it still maintains a serene vibe, despite becoming busier over the years. Here, you can easily find tranquility, unwind on the beach, and engage in relaxing activities.

For a bit of exercise, hike up nearby Neahkahnie Mountain for breathtaking coastal views. Don't miss Oswald West State Park, located just north of Manzanita. This stunning preserve features dense coastal rainforest and two headlands. For a great hike, follow the 2.4-mile trail to Cape Falcon, which offers wide vistas and excellent birdwatching. Surfers and bodyboarders can find good waves at Short Sand Beach, just a quarter-mile from the highway parking lot, while kayaking is available about four miles south in Wheeler.

7. Brookings

Best beaches for stunning vistas

Located just six miles from the California border, Brookings is a warm coastal town by the Chetco River. With winter temperatures averaging around 60°F, Brookings is often referred to as the state's 'banana belt,' attracting many retirees. Four miles north, US 101 winds through 11 miles of headlands in Samuel H. Boardman State Park, showcasing some of Oregon's most picturesque coastline. Along the highway, you’ll find various turnouts and picnic spots with short trails leading to hidden beaches and breathtaking viewpoints. Tiny island chains stretch far into the sea, serving as homes for shorebirds and barking sea lions.

Lone Ranch Beach, the southernmost access point, features picnic areas and tide pools within a sandy cove adorned with triangular sea stacks. Just half a mile north lies the turnoff to Cape Ferrelo, offering fantastic ocean views. Another mile further is House Rock Viewpoint, a lofty, windy promontory with even more breathtaking scenery. Beyond the Thomas Creek Bridge, which is Oregon's tallest at 345 feet, you’ll find Natural Bridge Viewpoint, where collapsed sea caves have left behind striking rock arches. A mile north at Arch Rock Point, explore fascinating eroded volcanic headlands.

Roads from Brookings lead inland along the Chetco River towards the western edge of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. This area boasts Oregon's only redwood forests; visit Alfred A. Loeb State Park to see them, though the tallest trees are located further south in California.

8. Bandon

Best beach for marine life

Nestled by the Coquille River, the charming town of Bandon features an Old Town district that has been beautifully revitalized, perfect for leisurely walks, shopping, and indulging in sweets. Just south of the town, hidden from the highway, are miles of sandy beaches interspersed with towering rock formations that are home to numerous vocal sea birds. Rocky ledges rise from the ocean, offering refuge to seals, sea lions, and a variety of tide pool inhabitants.

For the best access to the beach, head west to Beach Loop Drive. This area is great for whale watching in spring and offers marine life sightings year-round. At Coquille Point, you can observe sea lions and shorebirds on Table Rock. A trail leads over the headland at Face Rock State Park Wayside to the sandy beaches surrounding Face Rock. Once you’ve built up an appetite, visit Tony's Crab Shack for incredibly fresh seafood.

9. Depoe Bay

Best beach for whale watching

Situated just 10 miles south of Lincoln City, the quaint town of Depoe Bay is flanked by contemporary timeshare condos while still preserving its coastal charm. It proudly boasts the title of having the world’s smallest navigable harbor and is known as the whale-watching capital of the world – quite a claim for such a small community. Whale-watching and charter fishing are the area's primary draws throughout the year. Additionally, five miles south lies the Devil's Punchbowl, a stunning collapsed sea cave that roils with waves and features excellent tide pools nearby, accessible via the scenic Otter Crest Loop road.

10. Indian Beach

Best beach for coastal hiking trails

Located north of Cannon Beach at the base of Tillamook Head in Ecola State Park, Indian Beach is a favorite among surfers and famously served as La Push beach in the original Twilight film. The area features numerous hiking trails, including paths that lead to the headlands, offering sweeping views of the coastline. Due to Indian Beach's close proximity to Portland, it's advisable to arrive early to avoid large crowds.