Hello Friends!
With the abundance of beach locations to host or have a gathering, it can be overwhelming deciding on where to plant your blanket and party gear! Have no fear, I am going to walk you through the 10 best beach locations on the northern Oregon Coast for your next 'to-do'!
1. Seaside Beach - an easy on and off walking access point at the main beach in town. Walk on from the Turnaround or many points off the Prom. Miles of sand and spectacular views of Tillamook head. Always part of the action - Seaside Beach hosts the largest volleyball tournament in the world and is also the party spot at the end of the Hood To Coast run. Added bonus for access to bathrooms and beach swings!
2. Sunset Beach - you can walk on or drive on to this beach. Bathrooms are located at the access point right before the entrance. Can get busy during the summers and weekends.
3. Del Rey Beach - nestled in Gearhart, this wonderful beach has walk on and drive on access. There is a parking lot located before the entrance and you easily can walk over the dunes to the beach. It is an all around go-to beach for my family!
4. Cannon Beach - Exceptional Beach with views of both Haystack Rock and Terrible Tilly. It can get a bit windy and busy here. There are many walk on access points to the beach in town or through the neighborhoods. During low tide, enjoy the tidepools around Haystack Rock and ask a volunteer any questions you have about the sealife, puffins, or the largest rock on the Pacific Ocean.
5. Hug Point - Heading south from Cannon Beach you will find the turnoff for Hug Point. There are some steps down to the beach and some small rocks to walk over but it is worth it. Waterfalls hit the sand here along with fun sea caves to explore at low tide. But be careful! The tide turns quick and you can get stuck. You can also see the tracks from the original 101 highway.
6. Fort Stevens Beach - Shipwreck Beach - Enter into Fort Stevens in Warrenton and head to the shipwreck! The Peter Iredale wrecked there over 100 years ago and the shell of the ship is still partially out of the water. Climb (at your own risk!), take pictures, and enjoy this beautiful beach. The sand area is much narrower here than places like Seaside Beach so you have to watch out for tides if you are hosting a party. Daily rates into Fort Stevens do not apply if you are only going to the beach.
7. Short Sands - A surfers paradise! Short Sands is one of the go-to beaches for surfing. Heading south of Cannon Beach, look for the Short Sands sign and park in the parking lot across the street. Bathrooms are available here. Cross the road and take a beautiful, short, wooded walk to the beach. Walk on access only, but totally worth it!
8. The Cove in Seaside - Another local surfer hangout, The Cove is a beautiful spot to lay your blanket down. You can park in the lot headed towards Tillamook Head to walk on (although there are big rocks you need to climb over) or, there is an small parking lot and walk on access at U Street. During low tide you can find all sorts of sealife connected to the rocks. Please look but don't remove! Shells and hermit crabs are also abundant!
9. Arcadia Beach - A mile south of Cannon Beach lies Arcadia Beach. It is a small, one mile stretch of sand perfect for a day at the beach. Sit amongst the groves of trees and enjoy a slower pace!
10. Rockaway Beach - it's a bit of a drive from Seaside but the vibe is really fun! There are 7 miles of beach making space for any kind of relaxing or celebration you are looking for! Across the beach are little, fun shops and eateries.
BONUS! Long Beach - just a little ways over the Oregon/Washinton border lays Long Beach. If you couldn't guess already, Long Beach is the world's longest beach on a penisula, with a staggaring 28 miles of beach! A must-see if you are in the area!
I hope this has been helpful! I mean, really, you can't go wrong with ANY of the beaches on the Northern Oregon Coast! Enjoy your time in the sand!