4 Best Beaches in Oregon Coast Towns

From beaches and waterfalls to charming seaside villages with ancient streets, the Oregon Coast really has something to offer everyone. It can be difficult to decide which charming communities are worth seeing, though, because there are so many of them. We put up this guide to some of our favorite Oregon Coast cities to help you compile the ideal coastal bucket list.

The range of Oregon Coast cities is astonishing, ranging from quirky art enclaves to tranquil fishing villages and beach cottages perched on cliffs.

If you're traveling down the coast without a set itinerary or with a specific destination in mind, you'll come across amazing scenery, bustling gastronomic towns, and diverse cultural experiences.

1. Astoria

• Location: Along the Columbia River on the North Coast

• 9,800 people live there.

• Why end right here? a sleepy port town with a nostalgic feel, an amazing food scene, and lots of activities.

Astoria, an unusual town on the Oregon Coast that is oriented around fishing, is well known for being the setting of numerous filming locations for The Goonies.

It's an excellent starting point for exploring the northern coast, offering a plethora of in-town hiking possibilities, fascinating museums, and a vibrant food and beer culture. Astoria is a fantastic day trip destination when you consider how close it is to Portland (around two hours).

Top Activities In Astoria

• Trek the Cathedral Tree Trail for sweeping vistas of the Pacific and the Columbia River to the elaborately decorated Astoria Column.

• Take a stroll down Main Street, passing by the Sunday farmer's market and the Victorian Flavel House Museum.

• Grab a brew at the seaside Buoy Beer Company. Savor their mouthwatering clam chowder while observing tankers glide over the estuary of the Columbia River.

• Visit Fort Stevens State Park to discover the white sand beach and Peter Iredale shipwreck.

• Explore a lush, old-growth forest by hiking the Gnat Creek Trail.

Where To Stay In Astoria

• Norblad Hotel: clean, modern rooms in a historic building on Main Street Airbnb with river views, a classic claw-foot soaking tub, and a sauna

• Fort Stevens Park Campground is a beachfront campground offering basic and full-hookup campsites.

2. Seaside

• Location: North coast

• 6,500 people live there.

• Why end right here? Tourist-heavy seaside resort town with a strong family focus

We've made it known rather openly that we're not really fond of Seaside. We think it's a little too generic and touristic, but that's just our opinion!

People adore Seaside for a variety of reasons (it is extremely well-liked, after all), such as the arcade, diners, cheap souvenir stores, and an abundance of laid-back beachside places to get a slice of greasy pizza.

Seaside might just end up becoming one of your favorite Oregon Coast destinations if you're searching for a traditional beach break experience.

Top Things To Do In Seaside

• Catch the sunset on the named Seaside Beach. Even though the beach is very crowded, it is easy to find a spot because there is a lot of sand.

• Visit the arcade to play laser tag or classic games.

• For a tacky family-focused adventure, visit to the Seaside Inverted adventure.

• Visit the tiny aquarium to view octopi, seals, and other aquatic creatures.

• To get away from the throng, visit Ecola State Park. Trek the 2.5-mile Clatsop Loop Trail, then visit Indian Beach's tide pools or surfers' area.

Where to Stay in Seaside

• Driftwood Mansion Pet-friendly historic property with a hot tub available on Airbnb

• Rivertide Suites: spacious, cozy accommodation near the beach that may be walked to

• Elegant oceanfront condo with views of the ocean, a community pool, and a fireplace

3. Cannon Beach

• Location: North coast

• 1,491 people live there.

• Why end here? A well-known beach in Oregon featuring tide pools and sea stacks that are worth exploring

Even though Cannon Beach is only seven miles away from Seaside, it feels much more like a tiny town and isn't quite as touristy—though it is, to be honest, somewhat touristy.

Famous Haystack Rock is a breathtaking sight close offshore and makes a perfect backdrop for beach walks and bonfires at night. A lover of brews, both coffee and beer, will find Cannon Beach to be an absolute paradise. It's impossible not to fall in love with this little Oregon Coast town when all of these things are there!

Top Things To Do In Cannon Beach

• For the best sunset views of Haystack Rock, build a bonfire on the beach. Beach bonfires are one of our favorite things to do on the entire Oregon Coast and are definitely "things" in Oregon. They're great for cozy (if chilly) evenings spent with friends and family.

• Explore the charming "downtown" area, pausing for a cup of coffee at the cozy Sleepy Monk or Insomnia Coffee.

• Visit Arcadia Beach and investigate the tidal pools. Make sure your visit coincides with low tide!

• Hug Point is a must-see location; its stunning beach features a waterfall that plunges down into the ocean and a sea cave to explore!

• Short Sand Beach at Oswald West State Park, affectionately known as "Shorty's" by locals, is a great place to swim, surf, and hike and is only ten minutes or so away from Cannon Beach.

Where To Stay In Cannon Beach

• Wright's Campsite: Among the best in Washington, this is a small campground with first-rate amenities.

• The Ocean Lodge is a five-star hotel with views of the ocean.

• Spanish-style boutique inn with complimentary bike rentals

4. Manzanita

• Place: North Coast

• 393 people in total

• Why end right here? A peaceful hidden gem with picture-perfect scenery and a diverse, artistic attitude among the neighboring, much busier Oregon Coast cities

Essentially, tiny Manzanita is a main street with charming shops lining it. Despite its small size, Manzanita offers plenty of activities, including a lovely beach and a few top-notch dining and drinking establishments.

Top Things To Do In Manzanita

• Stroll the artsy main street, stopping into Amanita Gallery for an upmarket memento.

• Enjoy a flight of whiskey or a soothing drink at the well-known Macgregor's Whiskey Bar.

• Shop local fruit, baked goods, and handcrafted items at the vibrant Friday night farmers' market, which is open during the summer.

• Discover the breathtaking Nehalem Bay State Park, which is close by and has sand dunes, peaceful hiking trails, and a sizable beach.

• Go hiking in Oswald West State Park's Neahkahnie Mountain. The partly uphill hike through a pine forest rewards you with a beautiful view of the shore and nearby mountains.

Where To Stay In Manzanita

• Nehalem Bay State Park: this beachside campground offers a variety of sites, including yurts, and is located just outside of town.

• Whispering Pines House: a bright, airy three-bedroom house close to the beach and stores on foot

• The charming San Dune Inn is located in the heart of the community.