Oregon’s Beaches Are the Most Underrated in the Country—Here’s Where to Go

You hear about Florida and California beaches all the time, from glamorous South Beach in Miami to iconic Venice Beach in Los Angeles. While they’re two of the most popular states for beach lovers searching for that perfect coastal getaway, there’s one you probably haven’t considered: Oregon. But after exploring much of America’s coastline, I can confidently say that Oregon’s beaches are among the most underrated (and most breathtaking) you’ll find.

Often overshadowed by its flashier neighbor to the south, Oregon quietly delivers one of the most stunning and diverse coastlines in the country, spanning 363 miles of rugged beauty. Sure, it may not offer endless sunshine, but that doesn’t mean you won’t catch some rays. And even when the skies are gray, the breathtaking beauty—from remarkable sea stacks and historic lighthouses to tidepools filled with colorful marine creatures—makes it worth visiting any time of year. With famously romantic vistas and dune-swept shores perfect for adventure, to long sandy stretches for strolling or castle-building and hidden gems tucked away from the crowds, Oregon offers plenty.

Just a short distance south of the Oregon/Washington border, Seaside offers a nearly two-mile stretch of soft, powdery sands. It’s the quintessential beach for families, but just about everyone will enjoy it— you can take a long stroll, fly a kite, build a sandcastle and dip your toes in the chilly waters of the Pacific. With the currents strong and the waves often powerful, full on swimming isn’t recommended, although you’ll often see experienced surfers enjoying a ride. 

Plus, the beach is backed by a promenade, with plenty of attractions just steps away. From the famous Seaside Aquarium (where you can feed the harbor seals), to arcades, shops and a wide range of eateries. Insider tip: For fish ‘n chips, crab legs and other fresh seafood, locals swear by Bell Buoy, a bit further inland.

Arguably the most famous beach in Oregon, Cannon Beach draws romance-seekers with its wild, windswept beauty. It’s best known for Haystack Rock, the towering sea stack just offshore. At low tide, you can wander around its base and explore tide pools filled with sea urchins, starfish, hermit crabs, and more. Plus, tufted puffins are typically breeding and nesting here from around April through July. If you visit in early June, you can watch for the colorful auks and check out the incredible sandcastles (or even compete yourself) in the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest.

If you want to enjoy one of the most scenic stretches on the Oregon Coast, practically all to yourself, head to Crescent Beach. Just a short drive from Cannon Beach, Crescent Beach stays blissfully uncrowded thanks to the roughly 1.6-mile hike each way through Ecola State Park—where you’ll wind through old-growth forest and a sea of ferns before reaching the shore. One of the state’s most secluded beaches, you can explore caves at Ecola Point and enjoy awe-inspiring views of sea stacks thrashed by the waves. Watch for seals and sea lions that are frequently spotted offshore, along with a variety of seabirds, including pelicans, murres and cormorants. 

Located in Oswald West State Park, Short Sand Beach (affectionately known as ‘Shorty’s’ by locals) is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and a lush temperate rainforest just over 10 miles south of Cannon Beach. Though tucked away, it’s a popular spot in summer and on weekends, thanks to its striking beauty. Sheltered in a fern-draped cove and framed by sandstone and basalt cliffs, the beach is reached by a short, kid-friendly walk (about 5 to 10 minutes) through a Sitka spruce forest. Check the tide tables if you want to explore tide pools or reach the waterfall at the beach’s north end. You can pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the tables overlooking the waves, or better yet, stick around for a stunning sunset.

Just 20 minutes west of the famous Tillamook Creamery, south of Cape Meares along the Three Capes Scenic Route, you’ll find the aptly named Oceanside. Here, the lush hillsides dip down to the Pacific while the sandy shoreline overlooks the Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge, made up of protected islands home to tufted puffins and sea lions. At low tide, you can explore a hidden beach, accessed through a tunnel, hence the name “Tunnel Beach.” Those into rockhounding can also search for agates in the winter when the sand is stripped away. Plus, Jasper and sea glass can be found. During the summer, Oceanside is popular for exploring tidepools and beachcombing. If you bring a picnic, go light as you’ll want to travel a bit inland after your visit to enjoy the delectable offerings at the Tillamook Creamery, including cheeses and ice cream. 

Lincoln City boasts over seven miles of soft sand, with easy access points scattered throughout. It’s perfect for long walks, flying kites, and peeking into tide pools for a glimpse of sea creatures. It’s also a treasure hunter’s dream—known for its seashells, agates, and most famously, hand-blown glass floats. Once used to keep fishing nets afloat, these colorful orbs are now hidden by ‘Float Fairies’ as part of the city’s beloved Finders Keepers tradition. With sweeping ocean views and that crisp salty air, you could easily spend hours searching the shore for your own magical find.

Just a 10-minute drive north of Newport, Cobble Beach is a hidden gem made up of smooth, rounded black stones. Tucked into a small cove and sheltered by basalt headlands below the iconic Yaquina Head, it offers more than just scenic views. When waves roll in at high tide, the cobbles shift and tumble, creating a mesmerizing, melodic sound. There are some great photo ops to take advantage of here, from Yaquina Head Lighthouse to multiple sea stacks and abundant wildlife, including Pacific harbor seals that can often be seen lounging on nearby rocks. From the Yaquina Head observation decks, you can watch for migrating grey whales in the spring and winter. 

Roughly 28 miles south of Cobble Beach lies what I’d argue is the most breathtaking beach in all of Oregon. It’s a best-kept secret in the tiny town of Yachats at the base of Cape Perpetua, offering a rugged stretch with sea stacks and tide pools. There’s also a notable natural wonder nearby called Thor’s Well, a seemingly bottomless sinkhole where water rushes in and out with the tides, making it popular among photographers. It appears as if it’s a giant hole that’s going to drain the entire ocean, but it’s actually a collapsed sea cave estimated to be perhaps 20 feet deep. At low tide, there are some exposed areas of sand between large rocks where you can look for starfish and sea anemones.

It’s no surprise that Hobbit Beach feels like something out of a J.R.R. Tolkien novel—you half expect a hobbit to appear from the mist. Reached by a scenic trail winding through dense forest and blooming rhododendrons, the path opens up to a stretch of sand framed by the iconic Heceta Head to the south. On foggy days, the mist curling around its summit feels straight out of Tolkien’s Misty Mountains. The trailhead splits here, with one route leading to Heceta Head Lighthouse and the other to the beach itself. Once you’re there, it’s perfect for beachcombing, rockhounding, and, at low tide, poking around tide pools for signs of sea life.

The Siuslaw River runs through the town of Florence and connects to the 40-mile stretch of towering sand dunes known as the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, the largest coastal dunes in North America. Extending just north of the Coos River in North Bend, some dunes soar up to 500 feet, creating a dramatic, otherworldly landscape. This surreal setting offers no shortage of adventure: hike the dunes for sweeping views, hop on a dune buggy tour, or ride horseback along sandy trails. Near the mouth of the South Jetty, surfers carve the waves while others fish from the pier or lower crab nets in hopes of a fresh catch. You can even bring a sandboard or sled to zip down the lower hills on your way to the beach.

Nestled west of Grants Pass at the Otter Point State Recreation Site, Agate Beach is a rocky stretch reached by a short, hidden trail at the northeast end of the Otter Point parking lot. The path is a bit rough and requires some caution, but once you make it down, you’re often rewarded with a quiet, uncrowded beach all to yourself. True to its name, it’s a great spot for hunting agates, though visitors also come for the twisted driftwood, tidepooling opportunities, or simply to watch the waves roll in.

The Bandon State Natural Area offers miles of windswept beaches dotted with dramatic sea stacks, harbor seals and flocks of seabirds. There are plenty of access points near the jetty by Old Town, like Devil’s Kitchen and Kronenberg County Park, perfect for peaceful strolls, beachcombing, wading, picnics and soaking in vibrant sunsets. Just inland, the town of Bandon is worth a stop. Known as the ‘Cranberry Capital of Oregon,’ it’s a thriving arts hub with a charming historic lighthouse.

Near the southern end of the Oregon coast lies the mouth of the Rogue River, home to Gold Beach, named after the ore discovered here in 1853 (though, in the end, there wasn’t all that much of it). Still, the name stuck. These days, visitors come for sandcastle building, beachcombing and long seaside strolls—but the real highlight isn’t on the beach at all. Jet boat excursions on the Rogue River are the top draw, offering a thrilling ride through one of Oregon’s wildest, most remote rivers. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way like elk, deer, beavers, otters and eagles.

Only six miles north of the Oregon/California border, Brookings is where you’ll find Pretty Lone Ranch Beach. The area is known as one of the warmer, drier areas along the Oregon Coast, in the “banana belt.” The beach itself offers tidepools and picnic spots in a sandy cove with interestingly shaped sea stacks in various sizes, creating fantastic photo ops. Beachcombing is a popular pastime, especially at low tide and after a storm, while revealing a wealth of marine creatures in the tidepools near Cape Ferrello. On a calm day, it’s ideal for kayaking. Windy days provide opportunities for kitesurfing. Picnics with a beautiful view can be enjoyed at the tables on the south end of the beach.