In Search of the Prettiest Beach on the Oregon Coast
What is the prettiest beach on the Oregon Coast? Well, there isn’t one… Not just one!
The Oregon coast is home to dramatic rocky cliffs, soft sandy beaches, and quaint coastal towns. Each view point is different from the next, the weather can vary minute to minute, and the seasons bring atmospheric changes every few months. In short, it’s a place where you can spend A LOT of time exploring, visit again and again, and still barely scratch the surface.
Here are five spots on the Oregon Coast with some of the most beautiful views. For each location, I’ve also shared the most recommended viewpoints, nearby scenic spots, and a few suggested places to eat and stay*.
Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor
The Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor is known for incredible sea stacks, dramatic views, and challenging hikes. (Photo by Rachel Irene)
Overview: The Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor, located North of Brookings, is a collection of scenic viewpoints, trails, and beaches along Highway 101 along the Southern Oregon Coast. Many of the viewpoints only require a short walk from the parking lot (some paths are paved, others are not). Optionally, there are a few of steep trails that take you to some gorgeous beaches.
Best Views:
Best Beach Access:
Nearby Scenic Spots:
Head North for 10-15 minutes to reach Meyers Creek Beach- (one of the best spots on the Southern Oregon Coast!)
Head South for 10-15 minutes to reach Harris Beach State Park
Head further South for 45-60 minutes to reach Jedidiah Smith Redwood State Park in California
Top-rated Restaurants in Brookings:
Top-rated Lodging in Brookings:
2. Bandon Beach
Bandon Beach is famous for Face Rock, a sea stack that looks like a face gazing up at the sky. (Photo by Rachel Irene)
Overview: Bandon is a small town on the Southern Oregon Coast. Known for a cute little downtown area and incredible off-shore rock formations, it’s a great place to spend a few days.
Best Views in Bandon, OR:
Nearby Scenic Spots:
Head 30-40 minutes North to reach Shore Acres State Park and Cape Arago (highly recommend!)
Head 30 minutes South to Port Orford for scenic views and historical sites
Top-rated Restaurants in Bandon, OR:
Top-rated Lodging in Bandon, OR :
Suggested Weekend Itinerary:
3. Cape Perpetua
Cape Perpetua is home to the highest drivable point on the Oregon Coast and a handful of unique geologic features.
Overview: Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is a gorgeous stretch of coastline in between Florence and Yachats. Florence is a much larger town that Yachats, though both are great places to stay. There are a handful of interesting areas within Cape Perpetua to explore including the highest point on the Oregon Coast, rocky spouts from the ocean waves, and coastal forests.
Best Views in Cape Perpetua:
Cape Perpetua viewpoint
Thor’s Well area
Nearby Scenic Spots:
The drive from Florence to Cape Perpetua is full of great views including:
Downtown Florence and the Siuslaw River Bridge
Some of Oregon Dunes are just outside Florence
Top-rated Restaurants in Florence, OR:
Top-rated Lodging in Florence, OR:
Top-rated Restaurants in Yachats, OR:
Top-rated Lodging in Yachats, OR:
4. Cape Kiwanda & Pacific City
Cape Kiwanda, located in Pacific City, is known for enormous sand dunes, wind-carved sandstone formations, and beautiful views.
*Stock photo from Unsplash
Overview: Cape Kiwanda is a surprisingly large headland located in Pacific City. There are vast sand dunes and beautiful sandstone formations. Just off shore sits Pacific City’s Haystack Rock. Cape Kiwanda is part of the Three Capes Scenic Route.
Best Views in Cape Kiwanda and Pacific City:
Climb the dunes for the best views (stay behind all fencing)
Nearby Scenic Spots:
Head 20 minutes South to Neskowin’s Ghost Forest (visible at low-tide) and Proposal Rock
Head 20 minutes North to Cape Lookout State Park (on the Three Capes Scenic Route)
Head 20 more minutes North from Cape Lookout to reach Cape Meares (final stretch of the Three Capes Scenic Route)
Top-rated Restaurants in Pacific City:
Top-rated Lodging in Pacific City:
5. Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is home to the most well-known coastal spot in Oregon: Haystack Rock. (Photo by Rachel Irene)
Overview: Cannon Beach is Oregon’s most well-known coastal town. There is a cute downtown area with many shops and restaurants, beach access points right in town, and a few state parks nearby with great views and trails. Cannon Beach can be very busy in the summer, but is delightfully quiet in the off-season.
Best Views in Cannon Beach, OR:
Haystack Rock- there are many beach access points that will get you close to Haystack Rock, but the two places with the most parking public parking are either 1) at Tolovana State Park or 2) the lot at Hemlock and Coolidge.
Ecola State Park- this park closes somewhat frequently due to landslides. Be sure to check if it’s open.
Nearby Scenic Views:
Head 40 minutes North to Astoria. On the way, scenic spots include:
Promenade in Seaside
In Astoria:
Astoria is also home to historic sites, museums, and a great downtown area,
Head 20 minutes South towards Manzanita. On the way, scenic spots include:
Hug Point (as of this post, it is closed- be sure to check if it’s open)
Neahkahnie Mountain (stay behind rock wall)
In Manzanita, be sure to check out their cute little downtown area and the long stretch of sandy beach!
Top-rated Restaurants in Cannon Beach, OR:
Top-rated Lodging in Cannon Beach, OR:
Consider checking out our Oregon Coast sightseeing guides for more suggestions!
*All recommendations, travel information, and opinions are provided for informational purposes only and may change over time. Readers are responsible for verifying current conditions, accessibility, regulations, weather, and safety information before traveling. Some links on this page maybe affiliate links which may generate a small commission. This comes at no cost to you and helps supported the continued creation of content.
