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Explore the Top Five Best Oregon Beaches on the Coast

No visit to the coast would be complete without exploring the best Oregon beaches—with their sweeping white sand, stunning rock formations, and crisp saltwater sea air. However, for those looking for a peaceful retreat, there are a few beaches off the beaten path for a secluded trip. While Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach is a beautiful locale and should be a stop on your list, if you’re looking for a lesser-known place to sit back and take in the waves, there are many fantastic options on the coast.

One of the best and often undiscovered Oregon beaches is Cove Beach, aka Magical Rocks Beach, just south of Arch Cape, Oregon, right on the cusp of Oswald West State Park. Cove Beach got its nickname from the volcanic rock sections dotting the white sand. As the waves recede from the rocks, there’s an audible click and clack that creates an out-of-this-world experience. It’s one of the best things to do on the Oregon Coast!

Before you start planning your adventure exploring the best Oregon beaches, you’ll want to choose your lodging. Arch Cape Inn is the ideal place to stay, especially for couples looking to relax and reconnect. Our boutique Oregon Coast Bed and Breakfast offers only nine elegant guest rooms, all designed with couples or solo travelers in mind who hope to reset after a busy day-to-day routine. Book your lodging today!

There are so many beautiful Oregon beaches on the coast to explore, especially Cannon Beach,

Our Favorite Oregon Coast Beaches Near the Inn

The Oregon Coast makes a fantastic destination whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer getaway, and its beaches are the heart of that appeal. Here are five of our favorite Oregon beaches to visit during your stay.

1. Cove Beach in Arch Cape

This secluded beach is reached by a scenic trail through old-growth forest that opens onto a wide, unspoiled stretch of sand. Volcanic outcroppings mix with the shoreline, and at low tide, the receding water over the rocks creates that signature “cove” soundscape. It’s a five-minute walk from the inn. Ask us for the trailhead directions when you check in.

2. Short Sand Beach at Oswald West State Park

Half a mile from Arch Cape Inn at Oswald West State Park, Short Sand Beach is one of the most popular surf spots on this stretch of coast. Expect to see local surfers out year-round, plus a short, well-marked forest trail down to the sand that’s manageable for most fitness levels.

3. Hug Point Recreation Area

Hug Point is a sandy stretch framed by striking rock formations and a small waterfall. Time your visit for low tide; that’s when you can access the hidden cove that’s underwater the rest of the day. Check tide tables before you go; this is one beach where timing makes or breaks the visit.

4. Neahkahnie Beach in Manzanita

Just south of Arch Cape, Manzanita is a quieter alternative to the busier tourist towns. Neahkahnie Beach sits at one end of a seven-mile stretch of white sand, dunes, and forested bluffs. This is a great pick for a slower, less crowded beach day.

5. Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach

Oregon’s most-photographed coastal landmark is worth a visit at least once. Haystack Rock sits right off a charming beach town, making it a natural gathering point for artists, photographers, and anyone who wants a classic postcard view of the coast.

Tips for Visiting Oregon Beaches on the Coast

A few things that make for a better beach day here:

  • Check tide tables first. Several of the best spots, Hug Point especially, have areas only accessible at low tide.
  • Layer up. Coastal weather shifts fast; even summer mornings can start foggy and cool.
  • Go early or go golden hour. Parking at Haystack Rock and Short Sand Beach fills up midday in peak season.
  • Bring sturdy shoes. Several beaches, including Cove Beach, require a short forest hike to reach the sand.

The Most Romantic Oregon Coast Bed and Breakfast

There’s something magical about our Oregon Coast Bed and Breakfast, a quiet paradise with an elegant design, luxurious amenities, and welcoming hospitality.  A recent remodel of the property brings a fresh look with calming white walls, custom furnishings, and modern en suite bathrooms. You’ll feel completely at home here in one of our nine unique guest rooms, letting the everyday stresses melt away with each wave of the ocean.

Located in the hidden gem of Arch Cape, our Oregon Coast Bed and Breakfast is set back from the busy tourist areas but close enough to enjoy them if you so choose. One of the best Oregon beaches is just steps away from our property—a beautiful sweeping shoreline on the ocean that you’ll often feel like you have all to yourself.

Each morning, join us for a gourmet, farm-to-table breakfast featuring seasonal ingredients, made with skill and care. Pair that with rich, freshly brewed coffee from Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters, and you’ll be ready to start your adventure on the Oregon Coast. Breakfast is just one of the complimentary amenities you’ll indulge in during your stay. We can’t wait to host you; book your lodging today!

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Cassie Sawyer

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Book Your Oregon Coast Getaway Today!

Book our non-refundable rate by April 30. If your plans change, we’ll convert your booking into a non-expiring gift certificate.