As the gateway to the Pacific Northwest, Portland, Oregon is often thought of as a destination for those who love art, coffee and nature and those who have a free and creative spirit. Boasting a quirky vibe and a lively atmosphere, Portland, Oregon is a wonderful destination for a weekend getaway. Not only is the city famous for its commitment to the arts and its cultural scene, but it is also home to some of the best beaches in the Pacific Northwest.
The best beaches in Portland will not resemble the tropical beaches of the Caribbean. Known for unique and scenic views, the top Portland beaches feature rugged terrain and crashing waves. It might be foggy and even a bit cool — you may not even need a bathing suit — but you will find that the beaches in Portland are unlike anything you have ever experienced before. Below we’ve broken down the 8 best beaches near Portland Oregon to visit during your getaway to the City of Roses.
1. Walton Beach and Collins Beach
- These two beaches, which are located on Sauvie Island, are the two closest beaches to Portland Oregon.
Just 20 minutes away from the heart of downtown Portland, Walton Beach and Collins Beach are the easiest beaches to find when you are spending time in the city. With cycling trails winding around the island, you will find plenty of people biking around the area. If you want to spend a day in the surf and sand, your best option is Walton Beach. This is one of the best places for sunbathing near Portland Oregon. Collins Beach, on the other hand, has a smaller sandy area, but is more well-known as a peaceful and private natural refuge.
2. Cannon Beach
- Home to the infamous Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the Oregon Coast.
When you are daydreaming about a day on the beach, you might conjure up images of swaying palm trees and crystal white sand. While these beaches are beautiful, they pale in comparison to the majesty and natural beauty of Cannon Beach near Portland Oregon. The beach itself is anchored by the towering Haystack Rock, a larger-than-life monolithic rock that is only accessible during low tide. It's quickly become one of the best photo spots in Oregon, but this beach is also an ideal place to spend the day reading, enjoying a picnic or playing in the surf. The tidepools that form around Haystack Rock during low tide are particularly inviting, showcasing the incredible creatures who live along the Oregon Coast.
3. Arcadia Beach
- Famous for its rockhounding opportunities, Arcadia Beach features all of the beauty of the Oregon Coast with fewer crowds.
Located just one mile away from Cannon Beach, Arcadia Beach showcases the breathtaking coastal views you are hoping for — yet it's rarely frequented by tourists. As one of the top beaches Portland, this beach is favored by locals who enjoy those views of Haystack Rock but who don't want to be bombarded by the selfie-taking vacationers who are crowding Cannon Beach. In addition to the views, this beach offers ample opportunities for rockhounding and is well-known for its abundance of agates. There also are sea caves to explore, making this a favorite beach for those seeking adventure and it's the perfect place to see the Hug Point Falls.
4. Sunset Beach
- This beach is one of the few beaches in Portland that allows cars to drive on the sand and it's one of the best places to see the sunset along the Oregon Coast.
Nearly two hours away from Portland, Sunset Beach is the perfect day trip from the city. Offering uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean, it is aptly named — it truly is one of the best places to watch the sun slip below the horizon at the end of the day. It is also one of the only beaches in Oregon that allows cars to drive on the sand, giving you more freedom and flexibility for your day at the beach. It's not uncommon to find beachgoers enjoying a picnic meal on the hood of their car as they watch the sun set on another fantastic day in the Pacific Northwest.
5. Manzanita Beach
- With an upscale atmosphere and fewer tourists, Manzanita Beach is one of the best beaches in Portland for those in search of luxury and privacy.
Defined by exposed cliffs and its effervescent and persistent layer of fog, Manzanita Beach features a dreamlike vibe for vacationers in Oregon. While it's a resort town situated on the Oregon Coast, it's far less popular than Cannon Beach and other coastal hotspots, allowing it to remain a hidden gem. The beach itself is ideal for those looking to escape the tourist-centric Oregon attractions, with most beachgoers relaxing, reading, strolling and simply enjoying their time there. It does appeal to adventure seekers, though, particularly those who want to hike to the top of Neahkahnie Mountain.
6. Short Sand Beach
- Situated in the heart of Manzanita, Short Sand Beach is one of the best spots to go surfing along the Oregon Coast.
Short Sand Beach is situated in a cove near Manzanita. Featuring breathtaking views of the Neahkahnie Mountain, this intimate beach is protected from the wind, making it one of the best beaches in Portland for surfing, bodyboarding and paddleboarding. If you do plan to jump into the waters of Short Sand Beach, keep in mind that the water temperature is usually quite chilly — even in the summer months. It's best to bring your wetsuit along for this excursion.
7. Seaside Beach
- Considered to be the perfect beach for a family vacation in Oregon, Seaside Beach is a large resort town with plenty of things to see and do.
Reminiscent of a typical beach resort town, Seaside Beach has long been a favorite among families who are looking for a fun, affordable and energetic getaway with their little ones. The beach itself features miles of soft sand beaches, which are perfect for building sandcastles and jumping in the surf. The Prom — a two-mile-long boardwalk — is the perfect place to take a bike ride and soak up the Pacific Ocean views. With ice cream shops, restaurants, souvenir stands and more, it is easily one of the top Portland beaches for families with kids.
8. Indian Beach
- One of the smaller beaches in Portland, Indian Beach is a favorite among families and surfers alike.
Often overlooked by travelers who want to visit Crescent Beach, Indian Beach is a quieter and more secluded beach near Portland. Located just 90 minutes away from the city and featuring a day-use area, this beach is one of the best day trips from Portland. The beach itself is known for its clean, soft sand beaches and the gentle surf is perfect for those who are trying out surfing for the first time during their visit to the Oregon Coast.
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