North Oregon Coast Beaches

Ocean Vista Drive Tillamook Head

Seaside Beach. Seaside’s miles of white, sandy beach are ideal for beachcombing, surfing, kite flying, beach-bike riding and clam digging. The most popular beach on the coast, visit Seaside during the summer and attend the beach volley ball tournament or the famous Hood–to–Coast Relay. On warm summer nights, the beach is dotted with bonfires until dawn. Across the river, the northernmost end has sandy beach, sizeable sand dunes, a viewing platform, and the Estuary Trail. Kids love the beach playground while parents can indulge on nocturnal beach walks. During the winter, Seaside’s terrific atmosphere and glorious sunsets beckon you.

Cove Beach and Ocean Vista Drive. Ocean Vista Drive leads to Cove Beach, which is a surfer’s heaven. Take Avenue U to this quaint beachside drive past interesting old cottages, and watch the beach change from sandy strands to bulkier cobblestones.

Cannon Beach. Ranked 7th of the "World's Best Beaches" by the Travel Channel, Cannon Beach offers vacation fun along the Pacific Ocean. The scenic beach features Haystack Rock – one of the largest monoliths in the world – and protected tidepools brimming with marine life. Cannon Beach is also home to Ecola State Park, one of the most beautiful places to view Oregon's Coast. Enjoy a terrific vantage point on the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, one mile out to sea. Terrific art galleries and fresh seafood abound in the charming town parallel to the beach.

Gearhart Beach. Drive onto Gearhart Beach, between Seaside and Warrenton – just shy of Fort Stevens State Park, where driving your car on the beach is legal. These drivable beaches go on for about ten miles. The Beach Access at Pacific Way goes to Gearhart’s tiny “downtown” district, where an attractively decorated gallery sits.  [Top]

Tillamook Head. Between Seaside and Cannon Beach, Tillamook Head – with Ecola State Park at its crest – offers scenic picnic spots, viewpoints and hiking trails. Tillamook Head’s hiking trails are accessible from both Seaside and Cannon Beach – a six- mile hike either way. Explore breathtaking views from the cliffs, hidden spots in the forests, and remnants of an old army bunker in the brush along the trail. To get to the trailhead, take Avenue U to the end and follow Ocean Vista Way up the hill, where you’ll discover amazing views of the cove.

Sunset Beach & Park. Access to this popular beach and park is about a half mile west of Highway 101, between Seaside and Warrenton. Vehicles are allowed on the beach and there’s a freshwater lake known for great swimming. As you drive along Highway 101, stop at small roadside farm stand selling flowers, eggs, honey and fresh produce.

Del Rey Beach. Head to Del Rey Beach where trails abound over the sand dunes and driving on the beach is legal. Dogs allowed.  [Top]