Let The Road Lead You: Discover Oregon’s Most Beautiful Drive-To Beaches

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Sarah McDonagh
Destinations, Travel
View of Canon Beach in Oregon During Sunset

Stretching for over 363 miles along the Pacific Ocean, the Oregon Coast is renowned for its rugged beauty, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches. From secluded coves to expansive sandy shores, there’s a beach for every type of traveler to explore along this stunning coastline.

After living in Seattle for a short stint, I drove down the entire coast to California. Although I am now loyal to SoCal, many of the beaches in Oregon remain my all time favorite on the west coast. Here are a few of my favorites that you should add to your Oregon itinerary sometime this year!

Cannon Beach

Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Oregon, reflected upon itself from the glassy surface it rests upon. The rock formation stands prominently against the backdrop of the beach, with its rugged texture and natural hues blending into the surroundings. The reflection creates a mirror-like effect.
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I’ve talked about this one before, but if you can only visit one beach along this stretch, then I recommend you make it Cannon Beach.

Cannon Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the United States. It’s famous for its iconic Haystack Rock and long stretches of sandy shoreline. It’s a really unique and stunning beach with an equally charming town to visit while in the area.

Seaside Beach

Seaside Beach in Oregon presents a wide stretch of sandy coastline, flanked by lush green grass on its periphery. In the backdrop, the scene unfolds with gently rolling green hills. Above, the sky is adorned with light, wispy clouds.
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This beach is very family-friendly, with a classic promenade and a wide sandy beach. It’s a popular destination for beachcombing, kite flying, and picnicking, and there are also many nearby shops, restaurants, and arcades. Many people spend an entire week here vacationing, but it’s also a fun pit stop along the coast.

Manzanita Beach

Manzanita Beach in Oregon, USA, with the Pacific Ocean surf visible along the Oregon coast. The perspective is from above, offering a sweeping view of the beach and ocean. The scene is characterized by abundant greenery surrounding the beach.
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Nestled between Neahkahnie Mountain and the Pacific Ocean, Manzanita Beach offers a more tranquil escape with its pristine sands and stunning scenery. This beach also has some of the best tide pools to explore if you are traveling with young kids or just like to explore them yourself.

Oswald West State Park

Oswald West State Park in Oregon, showcasing a wide beach with white sand. In the background, a hill covered with pine trees and other vegetation.
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Known for its rugged coastline, old-growth forests, and secluded beaches, Oswald West State Park is a hidden gem along the Oregon Coast. This is a great destination for hiking as there are many trails leading to hidden coves like Short Sand Beach and Devil’s Cauldron. The latter is only about .5 miles to reach, making it a great spot to escape some of the crowds but not have to put in too much work to reach an awesome vantage point.

Lincoln City Beach

Lincoln City and its surroundings in Oregon, USA. The beach is depicted as long and wide, stretching alongside the ocean with small waves visible. On the right side of the beach, there are several hotel complexes.
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Stretching for seven miles along the coast, Lincoln City Beach offers endless opportunities for beachcombing, kite flying, and sandcastle building. I actually saw a whale from this beach, so keep your eyes peeled on the sea, and you might catch a glimpse of one, too!

Depoe Bay

Condominiums nestled amidst a conifer forest, extending across headlands near Otter Rock, close to Depoe Bay, Oregon. The buildings blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings, showcasing a mix of residential and vacation properties.
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If you don’t see a whale at Lincoln City Beach, then head to Depoe Bay for a good shot at seeing one. Known as the “Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast,” Depoe Bay offers prime opportunities to spot gray whales and other marine life. There is also a cool Whale Watching Center to visit, or you can just stroll along the seawall and explore nearby shops and restaurants.

Newport Beach

Yaquina Head Lighthouse, situated in Newport, Oregon, USA, within the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. The lighthouse stands tall against the coastal backdrop, its classic white structure contrasting with the deep blue of the ocean and the clear sky above.
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Home to the historic Yaquina Bay Lighthouse and bustling Newport Bayfront, Newport Beach offers a mix of natural beauty and coastal charm. Here you can explore sandy beaches, visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and sample fresh seafood at local eateries. This is a great beach town for a weekend escape if you are wanting a charming coastal retreat.

Yachats Beach

Yachats, Oregon, USA, capturing the surf and beach along the central Oregon coast from Brays Point. The beach appears wide with small ocean waves gently rolling in. On the left side of the image, there is a coast lined with hills abundant in vegetation.
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Surrounded by rocky headlands and tide pools, Yachats Beach is a picturesque destination for beachcombing and tidepooling. There are also some great trails here, many of which lead you along ridges with panoramic views of the coastline.

Florence Beach

Heceta Head Light, a lighthouse located on the Oregon Coast. The lighthouse structure is prominently featured, standing tall against the coastal backdrop. The surrounding area includes a wide stretch of Florence Beach, flanked by numerous hills covered in lush vegetation.
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If ATVing is on your bucket list, then Florence is the place to go.

Known for its towering sand dunes and scenic beauty, it’s a popular destination for sandboarding, ATV riding, and beachcombing. We rented ATVs for a few hours here, and it was one of the most memorable experiences of our whole trip! If you want to explore the dunes in a more tranquil way, you can also go horseback riding along the shore or simply relax on the beach.

Bandon Beach

Wizard Hat rock formation located at Bandon Beach along the US West Coast in Oregon. Its structure consists of weathered rock, sculpted by the forces of erosion over time. The predominant color of the rock is a mix of earthy tones, blending with the sandy beach and the deep blue of the ocean in the background.
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Famous for its stunning sea stacks and rugged coastline, Bandon Beach offers unparalleled natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. If you don’t have much time to set up on the beach, you can also just drive the Beach Loop Drive for panoramic views of the ocean without having to leave your car. This loop is also stunning at sunset!

Port Orford Beach

View of the ocean coastline on a sunny day in Port Orford, Oregon. In the background, mountains covered with dense forest create a picturesque backdrop. The coastline features Port Orford Beach, characterized by sandy shores and the rhythmic crashing of waves.
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Tucked away in the charming town of Port Orford, Port Orford Beach offers a peaceful retreat with its sandy shores and scenic vistas. Explore nearby Battle Rock Park, go beachcombing for agates and shells, or watch fishing boats come and go from the harbor. This is another great spot for a full weekend retreat, with many charming inns right by the beach.

Gold Beach

Gold Beach Pacific Coastline in Oregon's Northwest region. Dominating the foreground are two large black rocks protruding from the sandy beach.
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Named for the gold discovered in the sands along the coast, Gold Beach is a hidden gem with uncrowded beaches and stunning scenery. This beach is unique because it’s where the Rogue River meets the ocean, giving you a chance to enjoy the beach and also explore the river by jetboat if you’re up for an adventure.

Brookings Beach

Brookings Beach features small waves and a medium-sized sandy shoreline. The water showcases oblong rock formations adorned with greenery.
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Known for its mild climate and natural beauty, Brookings Beach is a tranquil oasis with its sandy shores and rugged coastline. It’s also set in close proximity to Harris Beach State Park which has tons of trails and picnic spots for your venture through Oregon.

Hug Point State Recreation Site

The image depicts Hug Point in Oregon, USA, showcasing a tall rock formation with trees atop it. This rock structure offers the opportunity for visitors to go underneath it. Situated on the beach, the rock is in close proximity to the ocean,.
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A lesser-known hidden gem, this spot is named for the “hug” carved into the cliffs by early travelers. It has a gorgeous beach, sea caves, and even a waterfall to explore. Low tide is the best time to visit this area to give you a chance to really explore all of the tide pools and unique geological features.

Cape Blanco State Park Beach

Cape Blanco State Park Beach in Oregon, USA. A winding road is depicted passing by a sea stack on the beach. The beach itself is long but not particularly wide, flanked by small hills and forested areas.
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Situated on the westernmost point of Oregon, Cape Blanco State Park Beach offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and a historic lighthouse. This is one of my favorite spots for sunset and equally gorgeous in the early morning.