10 Best Beaches near Portland

If you follow Highway 26 from Portland northwest to the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, you’ll hit the magical Seaside Beach. The town, Seaside, Oregon, can best be described as quaint and charming, thanks to its nostalgic 1920’s promenade and wide array of attractions. Parallel to the beach, the 1.5-mile-long (2.4-km) walkway is popular with cyclists, walkers, and vacationers. You’ll find multiple places to rent bikes nearby. 

But if you’d rather sink your toes into soft sand, Seaside Beach is perfect for an afternoon walk. September through November you’ll see people digging for sweet, meaty razor clams. Note that a shellfish license is required for anyone 12 and older. Experienced surfers and sea kayakers also enjoy heading into the waves here. 

Southwest of Portland, between Devil’s Lake and the Pacific Ocean is Lincoln City Beach, a beautiful place to stop and watch the sunset. It’s a great spot, especially, to bring the family and explore the tidepools or comb the beach for seashells and glass treasure.   

The best time for sun bathers to visit Lincoln City Beach is in the summer, when the temperatures can exceed 80°F (27°C). Keep in mind, though, that the Pacific Ocean is chilly year-round and will lead to some refreshing swimming. As it’s the Pacific Northwest, you can experience fog any time of year, so keep an eye on the forecast if you’d like to look out for whales.    

The Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area near Pacific City, Oregon, offers a unique beach experience. One of 3 capes along the Three Capes Scenic Route, the impressive 240-ft-high (73 meters) sandy dunes lead to a picturesque, yet rugged cliffside. The beachfront is a favored spot for hiking and picnics, especially because of the area’s views of Nestucca Bay and Cape Lookout.  

Embrace the windy weather and partake in popular activities such as flying kites on shore or kiteboarding in the choppy water. Landlubbers can watch for whales or dory boats (an old school fishing boat) sweeping across the Pacific. Visit in July to experience a special dory boat festival, held in honor of the area’s iconic fishing industry.    

An hour and a half drive from Portland you’ll find Cannon Beach, a true hidden gem of the USA. The soft, tan-colored sand, interspersed with natural grasses and the gentle lapping of ocean waves are punctuated by vibrant, picturesque sunsets. If you’re a budding photographer, make sure you get the iconic Haystack Rock in the frame when you’re snapping that sunset pic. The towering boulder adds a striking look to any photo.  

After a day on the beach, head into the city for freshly prepared seafood and a draft beer. Part of Oregon’s North Coast Food Trail and North Coast Craft Beer Trail, you can explore the map of must-hit businesses that make the area noteworthy.  

Hug Point State Recreation Site, west of Portland, is a scenic beach that’s ideal for nature enthusiasts. The sandy cove is bursting with sites to explore including tide pools, sandstone caves, and nearby waterfalls. If you have an interest in the past, you should also check out the historic stagecoach trail, made by pioneers hugging the rocks while moving along the headland.  

Though it remains one of the most beautiful beaches in the Portland area, the tides can be dangerous as they come in quickly, so be sure to check the tidal schedule before venturing out. Don’t forget to bring a picnic so you can sit back and enjoy the lush views. 

Located on the western coast of Tillamook, Oregon, Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site is a family-friendly beach, ideal for spending a summer day. It is a popular destination for surfing, kite flying, and beachcombing. Look for amber-banded agate gemstones and sea glass to decorate your sandcastles.  

Adventurers will be pleased to know Oceanside Beach contains hidden depths. During low tide, you can access the secret Tunnel Beach via a manmade passageway through the northside Maxwell Point. Keen-eyed nature enthusiasts might be able to spot sea lions and their pups out on the sea. From there you can continue to Lost Boy Beach to explore the tidepools. Remember to be aware of the tide at all times. 

Oregon’s Sand Lake Recreation Area is one of the area’s best beaches thanks to its 1,076 acres of space and the wide range of activities available. You can pitch a tent and camp at the Sandbeach Campground or the East Dunes Campground, fish and crab in the Sand Lake estuary, or zoom across the dunes on rental buggies. There’s also a wealth of wildlife to observe, from Giant Canada Geese to otters and deer. 

Across the way from Sand Lake Recreation Area is Whalen Island, another forest-filled recreation area with some beautiful hikes. It’s possible to walk around the lake to the island or take kayaks the short way across the water.  

There are numerous beaches to visit along the Oregon Coast, but Cape Lookout State Park is one to behold. The golden sands and blue waters are easy to access and are surrounded by sheer cliffs topped with lush trees. The remnant of lava flows from 16 million years ago, it’s the middle cape of the Three Cape Scenic Route.  

Cape Lookout State Park is the perfect spot for hikers looking to end their trip with a dip in the ocean. The 5-mile (8-km) hike features stunning scenery typical of the Pacific Northwest. Stay for the night at a campsite, yurt, or deluxe cabin and catch an idyllic Oregon Coast sunset, then enjoy the stargazing at this International Dark Sky Park. 

Oswald West State Park might feel like an inland detour, but it only takes a short hike through the temperate rainforest to get to the secluded, gorgeous beach. It’s a favorite for water sports enthusiasts because the volcanic basalt cliffside protects it from harsh weather.  

Short Sand Beach, aka ‘shortys’, is found within Smuggler’s Cove and is a peaceful spot for a relaxing post-hike picnic. If you keep walking north, you’ll find the small but pretty Blumenthal Falls. Seeing the beach from above is also a must, so hike up to Cape Falcon and watch the surf break. If you look carefully, you might even see a whale in the distance passing by. 

The robust Nehalem Bay State Park, west of Portland, has a dreamy beach punctuated by sand dunes, tall grasses, and shore pines. With 4 miles (6 km) of sand pit and a forested path nearly 2 miles (3 km) long, it provides ample space for all sorts of activities, from fishing and windsurfing to biking and kayaking. There’s even a playground for little ones.

Several amenities at Nehalem Bay State Park make camping accessible for everyone, including horse campers. Nehalem Bay is a serene cove, perfect for swimming in the tranquil waters or sunbathing on the sand. If you need a trip to civilization, the nearby town of Manzanita has cozy diners and romantic wineries worth visiting.