Oregon Coast towns range in amazing variety from eccentric art settlements to tranquil fishing villages and coastal villas set on cliffs. Whether your vacation is road-tripped down the coast or you have a specific goal in mind, you will find amazing views, big gastronomic cities, and rich cultural events.
Note: In case you wish to arrange a tour visiting many of these towns, they are arranged geographically from north to south along the Oregon Coast.
4 Beautiful Oregon Coast
1. Astoria
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Location: North shore by the Columbia River
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Population: 9,800 people
Why stop right here? A surprisingly fantastic culinary scene, a sleep harbor town vibe with classic elements, and lots of activities.
Best recognized for being home to several of The Goonies movie sites, Astoria is an eccentric Oregon Coast town oriented around fishing.
It's an excellent base camp for seeing the northern coast with fascinating museums, various in-town walking paths, and a strong food and beer culture. Factor in its closeness to Portland (just shy of two hours), and Astoria is a wonderful day excursion.
Top Things To Do In Astoria
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Hike the Cathedral Tree Trail to the artistically adorned Astoria Column for wide views of the Columbia River and the Pacific.
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Stroll the old-timey Main Street, dropping into the Victorian Flavel House Museum and Sunday Farmer’s market.
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Grab a beer at the seaside Buoy Beer Company. Sample their wonderful clam chowder while watching tankers cruise the Columbia River estuary.
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Venture to Fort Stevens State Park to explore the Peter Iredale shipwreck and white sand beach.
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Hike through a beautiful old-growth forest on the Gnat Creek Trail.
Where To Stay In Astoria
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Norblad Hotel: clean, contemporary rooms in a historic building on Main Street Airbnb with river views, a classic claw-foot soaking tub, and a sauna
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Fort Stevens Park Campground: beachfront campground with both full-hookup and rustic sites
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For additional ideas, check out our comprehensive guide to Astoria, Oregon, which contains everything you need to know to plan your vacation!
2. Seaside
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Location: North coast
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Population: 6,500
Why stop here? Family-focused beach resort town that’s immensely popular with vacationers
We’ve been quite honest about the fact that we don’t exactly adore Seaside. It’s a touch too touristic and generic for our own preferences, but that’s just our opinion!
There are numerous reasons people enjoy Seaside (it is immensely popular, after all!), including the arcade, eateries, affordable souvenir stores, and an abundance of informal beachside venues to get a piece of greasy pizza.
If you’re searching for a classic beach getaway experience, Seaside may really be one of your favorite Oregon Coast communities.
Top Things To Do In Seaside
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Catch the sunset on the named Seaside Beach. While the beach becomes quite busy, there’s a ton of sand so it is not difficult to carve out a position.
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Play vintage games or laser tag at the arcade.
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For a tacky family-focused adventure, visit to the Seaside Inverted adventure.
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Stop by the little aquarium to observe seals, octopi, and other aquatic life.
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To escape the congestion, travel to Ecola State Park. Hike the 2.5-mile Clatsop Loop Trail, then watch the surfers or explore the tidal pools at Indian Beach.
Where To Stay In Seaside
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Driftwood Cottage Airbnb: pet-friendly refurbished historic home with hot tub
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Rivertide Suites: spacious, nice motel walking distance from the beach
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Stylish Oceanfront condo: a fireplace and community pool to go along with the ocean views
Read Also: Best Hikes In Zion National Park
3. Cannon Beach Location: North Coast
Population: 1,491
Why stop here?: One of Oregon’s most renowned beaches with magnificent sea stacks and tide pools to explore
Despite being just seven miles from Seaside, Cannon Beach isn’t quite as touristy (though, to be honest, it is a touch touristy) and seems much more like a tiny town.
Iconic Haystack Rock is a breathtaking sight just offshore and a superb background for anything from strolls down the beach to evening beach bonfires. Cannon Beach is also a brew lover’s dream – both the coffee and the beer variety. With all of these features together, it’s hard not to fall in love with this little Oregon Coast town!
Top Things To Do In Cannon Beach
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Build a campfire on the beach to enjoy spectacular views of Haystack Rock around sunset. One of our favorite pastimes on the whole Oregon Coast and very much an Oregon “thing,” beach bonfires make for convivial (and freezing!) nights with friends and family!
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Wander the charming “downtown” center, dropping into lovely Sleepy Monk or Insomnia Coffee for a cup o’ Joe.
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Head to Arcadia Beach to investigate tidal pools. Be sure to time your visit during low tide!
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Hug Point is a definite must; the stunning beach here features a sea cave to explore and a waterfall running directly into the ocean!
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Just 10 minutes or so from Cannon Beach, Short Sand Beach in Oswald West State Park (lovingly dubbed “Shorty’s” by locals) is a wonderful alternative for swimming, surfing, and hiking.
Where To Stay In Cannon Beach
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Wright’s for Camping: A tiny campground with superb facilities, one of the nicest campgrounds in Washington
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The Ocean Lodge: An expensive hotel with ocean views
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Spanish-style boutique inn with complimentary bike rentals
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If you’re seeking for more, we have a comprehensive list of the greatest Cannon Beach camping alternatives on our sister page!
4. Manzanita
Location: North Coast Population: 393
Why stop here? A peaceful hidden treasure among more larger Oregon Coast communities nearby with postcard-perfect scenery and a diverse, creative feel
Tiny Manzanita is more or less a small main street dotted with lovely stores. Don’t be dissuaded by its small, though; Manzanita will keep you engaged with a lovely beach and a few outstanding restaurant and drink options.
Add in the magnificent surroundings —Manzanita is wonderfully situated between the Pacific and lush pine forest—and this is certainly one of the most laid-back, quiet Oregon Coast towns.
Top Things To Do In Manzanita
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Stroll the artistic main street, stopping into Amanita Gallery for an upmarket memento.
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Savor a soothing sip or a flight at the famed Macgregor’s Whiskey Bar.
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Shop artisan goods, delicacies, and local vegetables at the vibrant Friday night farmers’ market, open throughout the summers.
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Explore magnificent adjacent Nehalem Bay State Park, where you’ll find sand dunes, calm hiking paths, and a huge beach.
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Hike Neahkahnie Mountain at Oswald West State Park. The partly uphill hike through a pine forest rewards you with a beautiful view of the shore and nearby mountains.
Where To Stay In Manzanita
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Nehalem Bay State Park: located on the outskirts of town, this beachside campsite provides a selection of sites and even yurts
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Whispering Pines house: airy, bright 3-bedroom house within walking distance to the beach and shops
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San Dune Inn: a small motel situated in the middle of town