10 Best Coastal Towns in Oregon
What are the Most Beautiful Towns on the Oregon Coast?
The best towns on the Oregon coast include scenic beach destinations, family-friendly communities and places with amazing wildlife. As you travel along the rugged coastline, you’ll discover dramatic cliffs, lush forests and peaceful beaches, all with inviting small towns nearby. The towns and their surrounding natural beauty provide serene spots for hiking or simply admiring the views.
If you enjoy strolling through vibrant art galleries, browsing through quirky shops or sampling fresh seafood at local restaurants, you’ll find towns in the state that suit your needs. The most beautiful coastal towns in Oregon are sure to enchant and entertain you.
1. Tillamook
Dairy farming and rich history
Ideal para: Alimentação, Famílias
Tillamook is a town on the northwest Oregon coast that’s famous for its cheese and other dairy products. Its reputation comes from the generations of dairy farmers in the lush valleys who have collaborated over the years to build a renowned dairy brand.
On a visit to Tillamook, you could explore the Tillamook Creamery to learn about the town’s dairy heritage and craftsmanship, complete with tastings of cheese and ice cream products. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Tillamook’s parks and forests, where you can wander in beautiful nature with views of the ocean. Visit the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum to explore the fascinating history of the coastal town.
Tillamook
2. Seaside
Fun by the ocean
Ideal para: Famílias, Casais, Econômico
The resort city of Seaside in Oregon offers a wealth of things to see and do at the water’s edge. If you’d like to fly a kite, build a sandcastle or stroll along a peaceful promenade, you’ll have plenty of opportunities. Water sports and activities abound, including kayaking, canoeing, swan boating and surfing. Rent a boat at the Necanicum River dock or embark on a guided trip at Broadway Park’s Neawanna dock.
Seaside is also full of inland fun. You’ll find golf courses, biking and hiking trails and skateboarding parks. You could explore the shops and boutiques, pausing to ride the historic carousel in Seaside Carousel Mall. Watch out for special events like art walks, car shows and volleyball tournaments.
Seaside
3. Astoria
Historic charm and riverfront scenery
Ideal para: Famílias, Casais, Econômico
Astoria is a port city with an old-town feel and a fascinating history. In northwest Oregon on the south shore of the Columbia River, it was the first permanent American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. The city has featured in popular films like The Goonies (1985) and Free Willy (1993).
Climb the Astoria Column on Coxcomb Hill for panoramic views of the city and its surrounding landscapes or walk the Astoria Riverwalk Trail to explore breweries, restaurants and viewing areas. History fans will love Fort Stevens State Park, a former military fort where you can explore historic bunkers. There’s also a 1906 shipwreck you can access from the beach. Visit Flavel House Museum for beautiful architecture and antiques.
Astoria
4. Florence
Coastal wonders with sea lions and sand dunes
Ideal para: Famílias, Aventura, Econômico
Florence is a coastal town full of natural beauty and cultural treasures. It’s a great place to discover fascinating wildlife, sand dunes and wide stretches of beach. You could try a buggy tour or ATV to explore the wonders of the dunes or rent a sandboard for thrills on the soft slopes.
For an easier pace, you could stroll along the beach and take in stunning views from the working 19th-century Heceta Head Lighthouse, perched on the coastal cliffs. For wildlife exploration, don’t miss the Sea Lion Caves, the cavernous home of Stellar sea lions. Take the lift to descend 61 metres into the viewing area or wander along the shoreline path to spot birds, whales and other marine animals.
Florence
5. Bandon
Riverside activities and cultural attractions
Ideal para: Aventura, História
Bandon is a charming beach town on the south bank of the Coquille River. Known for its beautiful beaches, sea stacks and windswept dunes, it’s a fabulous place for outdoor activities. You could stroll along one of the beaches, exploring tide pools and admiring wildlife, or enjoy a round of golf with ocean views.
For a fun and active day out, visit the Coquille River Water Trail, where you can paddle past tranquil nature. If you work up an appetite on your adventure, try some fresh produce from local farms or visit the Old Town district to find charming eateries. Don’t miss the Coquille River Lighthouse, where the views are especially breathtaking at sunset.
Bandon
6. Newport
Vibrant town with a fishing tradition
Ideal para: Aventura, Famílias
Newport has swathes of sandy beaches and a rich maritime history. This coastal town is home to Oregon’s largest fishing fleet, and you can watch fishing boats bringing in their fresh catches at the bustling Yaquina Bay. Nearby, you’ll see the Yaquina Head Light Station standing tall, surrounded by nesting sea birds.
You can get up close to aquatic animals and plants at the interactive and informative Oregon Coast Aquarium. In the Bayfront district, you’ll find shops, art galleries and a wide choice of seafood restaurants. Try the fresh Dungeness crab, clam or scallop fish stew for a truly delicious Newport experience.
Newport
7. Depoe Bay
Whale-watching and dramatic views
Ideal para: Famílias, Casais
Depoe Bay is a coastal town with a rocky shore and a tiny harbour, said to be the smallest navigable harbour in the world. The charming town has many scenic viewpoints and outdoor recreation areas. At the Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area, you could enjoy a picnic above the rocky shoreline, go surfing or explore tide pools.
Depoe Bay is a great place for whale-watching, as it’s home to a pod of grey whales for much of the year. You might spot the whales from an observation spot or on a whale-watching boat trip. Plan your visit for summer or autumn for the best chance of seeing whales close to the shore.
Depoe Bay
8. Brookings
Scenic coastal beauty
Ideal para: Aventura, Famílias
Brookings is a small town at the southernmost end of the Oregon coast that’s known for its milder climate and stunning scenery. You’ll see dramatic rock formations at Harris Beach State Park, and you can hike through the nearby redwood forests, go biking or launch into a kayaking adventure.
In the downtown area, you’ll find lots of small and interesting shops, locally-owned restaurants and quirky cafes, many with ocean views. Brookings is also the gateway to the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a state park that stretches along 19 km of rugged coastline. Stroll along the small sand beaches and stop to view dramatic rock formations, caves and natural bridges.
Brookings
9. Rockaway Beach
Relaxed atmosphere and miles of sandy shoreline
Ideal para: Famílias, Aventura, Econômico
Rockaway Beach is a laid-back coastal town between the Pacific Ocean and Oregon’s Coast Range. You’ll find 11 km of uninterrupted sandy beaches that are great for relaxing strolls, beachcombing and kite flying. If you’d like an outdoor adventure, you could hike Neahkahnie Mountain or wander to the waterfront for clamming, crabbing and trout fishing.
The town is a regular venue for family-friendly annual events, including a kite festival and an arts and crafts fair. You’ll also find unique shops selling trinkets and treasures, and restaurants serving dishes made with fresh local ingredients. Visit Rockaway Beach in December for a chance to see whales swimming past as they begin their annual migration.
Rockaway Beach
10. Manzanita
Beach fun in a tranquil town
Ideal para: História, Aventura
Manzanita is a small and peaceful coastal retreat close to Neahkahnie Mountain. If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, you’ll find horse riding, biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing and kitesurfing on offer in the area. You could also go on a short drive to hike the scenic trails of Nehalem Bay State Park to the south or Oswald West State Park to the north.
The town is friendly and walkable, with a seasonal farmer’s market and lots of boutiques and cozy cafes to explore. Manzanita’s wide, sandy beach is great for long walks, picnics and quiet reflection by the ocean. Check out the fascinating galleries, workshops and events at the Hoffman Center for the Arts for friendly, arty fun.
Manzanita
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