Looking for ocean beaches near Portland? You’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll cover the best ocean beaches near Portland for a variety of activities.
Whether you’re looking for a beach day with the kids, a relaxing weekend getaway, or just learning about the Oregon coast near Portland, we’ll help you choose a beach close to Portland Oregon.
As lover’s of Portland Oregon beaches, we have done our fair share of exploring beaches near Portland. We have gathered our knowledge in this article, and are excited to share our local tips about the best beaches in Oregon near Portland with you!
So pack your beach towel and sense of adventure and let’s explore the best Oregon beaches close to Portland!
Beaches Near Portland Oregon Overview
The Oregon coast near Portland is a magical place. With cute beach towns, rugged coastline, numerous viewpoints, and memorable hikes, there is so much to explore at beaches near Portland.
The closest ocean beach to Portland Oregon is Cannon Beach about a 1.5 hour drive. In addition, there are 6 other popular beach towns near Portland within 2 hours that are worth visiting.
In between these sleepy Oregon beach towns are stretches of undeveloped coastline and some of the best campgrounds and state parks in all of Oregon and beyond.
Best Beaches Near Portland: At a Glance
If you’re in a rush, use the table below to choose a beach near Portland. Keep in mind, we’ll cover each one of these in more detail later in this article.
| Beach | Distance From Portland | Great for | Keep in mind |
| Cannon Beach | 80 miles | Cafes, restaurants, cute shops. Easy beach access from town. Legendary Haystack Rock. | Can be crowded on weekends. |
| Ecola State Park | 80 miles | Expansive views of rugged undeveloped coastline. Beautiful hikes. Easy beach access. Surfing. | Day use fee. Windy narrow road to beach. |
| Oswald West State Park | 85 miles | Variety of incredible hikes. Lush old growth forest. Surfing. | Long walk to the beach from the parking lot. |
| Nehalem Bay State Park | 87 miles | Awesome campground and day use area. Miles of sand dunes. | Campground is often full during summer. Reserve early. |
| Seaside | 80 miles | Cafes, restaurants, shops. Easy beach access from town. Stroll the promenade. Surfing. | Can be crowded on weekends. |
Beaches Near Portland Oregon Map
Beaches Near Portland Oregon: North to South
In this section, we’ll take a drive down Highway 101, starting from the mouth of the Columbia River and heading south 100 miles to Pacific City.
Along the way, we’ll stop by the larger beach towns and give a brief summary of each. Of course, we’ll also highlight notable things to do nearby including campgrounds, hikes, state parks, other natural areas, and of course: the best beaches.
Astoria
Astoria, nestled at the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon, is a charming coastal town renowned for its maritime history and Victorian architecture.
Visitors can explore the historic downtown with its boutique shops, enjoy panoramic views from the Astoria Column, delve into maritime heritage at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, and take a scenic stroll along the Riverfront Trolley or the Astoria Riverwalk.
Astoria has a taste of local cuisine at its diverse eateries and breweries, making it a delightful destination for those seeking coastal charm and rich cultural experiences. Outside of town, check out Fort Stevens State Park and Cape Disappointment State Park.
Fort Stevens State Park
Fort Stevens State Park is a historic and expansive park offering a diverse range of outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the remnants of a military fort and an old shipwreck on the beach, enjoy miles of sandy beaches along the Pacific Ocean, go hiking and biking on various trails, and appreciate the natural beauty of the park’s landscapes.
With camping facilities and opportunities for wildlife watching, Fort Stevens State Park provides a recreational haven for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Cape Disappointment State Park
A short drive from Astoria is Cape Disappointment State Park. It is fun to drive on the large bridge over the Columbia River into Washington.
Cape Disappointment has lots of trails and viewpoints, including two lighthouses and old military structures. You can also plan a trip from Portland Oregon to Long Beach Washington, which is near Cape Disappointment.
Seaside
Seaside Oregon, is a popular coastal town known for its accessible beaches, lively atmosphere, and family-friendly attractions. Visitors can stroll along the iconic Promenade, explore the classic Seaside Arcade, feed sea lions, and relax on the sandy shores.
The town offers a mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it a vibrant destination for beachgoers and those seeking a relaxed coastal experience.
Seaside and Cannon Beach (more below) tie for the closest beach town to Portland Oregon at about 1.5 hours of driving. In fact, the distance from Portland to Seaside is about 80 miles.
Stroll the Seaside Promenade
Strolling the Promenade in Seaside Oregon, is a quintessential coastal experience. This iconic 1.5-mile boardwalk offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, complemented by charming shops, eateries, and amusement activities.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk, breathe in the fresh sea air, and take in the lively, family-friendly atmosphere. The Promenade’s inviting ambiance, dotted with sculptures and monuments, makes it a central hub for seaside relaxation and enjoyment.
Cannon Beach Oregon
Perhaps the most charming town on the entire Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach is a must-visit. This touristy yet wholesome town has tons of cafes, shops, and restaurants to enjoy.
The beach is a short walk away where the legendary Haystack Rock sits solemnly. While this area can get crowded, parking is fairly plentiful, and you can walk from town to the beach easily, so you don’t have to drive.
The journey from Portland Oregon to Cannon Beach Oregon is about 1.5 hours without traffic and one of the most popular day trips to the coast from Portland.
Ecola State Park
Just 5 minutes north of Cannon Beach is Ecola State Park, an incredible stretch of natural rugged coastline. The main viewpoint area is spectacular and worth the drive over by itself.
Furthermore, a narrow windy road lets you access Indian Beach, which is perfect for a day on the sand. There are also some excellent Ecola State Park hiking trails.
Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site
Right off of Highway 101 and 10 minutes south of Cannon beach is the Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site. It is so fun to explore the unique sandstone rock formations in this area and poke your head in the nooks and crannies of interesting beach caves.
Hug Point State Recreation Site
Right next to Arcadia Beach, Hug Point State Recreation Site also provides access to this impressive area of the Oregon coast. More unique rock formations exist, including the unique Hug Point Falls and some super fun caves.
Manzanita
Manzanita is smaller than Cannon Beach, but also has an excellent selection of cafes, shops, restaurants, and bars. Outside of town, you’ll find easy access to nearby beaches, as well as some more spectacular scenery:
Oswald West State Park
A favorite of ours and many others, Oswald West State Park is a must-visit in our opinion. The old growth forest, extensive trail network, and beautiful oceanside cliffs make this one of the dreamiest places on the Oregon Coast.
We also love surfing here! Keep in mind it is about a half mile walk from the parking lot to the beach.
Neahkahnie Viewpoint
Perhaps the most impressive viewpoint on all of the west coast, Neahkahnie Viewpoint is a must-see. It’s easy accessibility combined with sweeping views will leave a lasting impression. The viewpoint lies 600 feet above the ocean below, with only a sheer cliff in between!
Hike Neahkahnie Mountain
If you want to earn your view, consider hiking to the top of the striking Neahkahnie Mountain. You can start this hike from two trailheads. Start from Oswald West State Park for a 10 mile hike, or start from the South side for a 3.5 mile hike. The views from the top are incredible on a clear day.
Nehalem Bay State Park
Another one of our favorites, Nehalem Bay State Park has an awesome campground and day use area. We recommend staying at the campground for a weekend trip from Portland. The trails around the park are great for biking and hiking.
There are endless miles of beach with tons of sand dunes to explore (great for kids to run around in). Also, Manzanita is close by for food and supplies.
Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach invites visitors to explore the large stretch of beach which includes views of the unique Twin Rocks Arch. A few steps inland, you can explore the accessible boardwalk trail of the Old Growth Cedar Preserve, which has the largest cedar tree in Oregon.
A few minutes down the road lie the Three Graces, another unique rock formation. The route from Portland to Rockaway Beach takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes without traffic
Tillamook
Located along the Oregon coast, Tillamook is renowned for its dairy heritage and natural beauty. The town is famous for the Tillamook Creamery, which draws a lot of visitors each year.
Beyond the creamery, Tillamook offers nearby opportunities for outdoor recreation, including the stunning Cape Lookout State Park, Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, and Oceanside Beach State Park.
Overall, Tillamook is a delightful destination for those seeking a mix of agricultural charm, coastal landscapes, and artisanal dairy experiences.
Tillamook Creamery
Tillamook is home of the Tillamook Creamery, which produces some excellent dairy products including cheese and ice cream. Their factory is a major attraction and draws visitors from far and wide to see the cheese being made and sample their delicious ice cream. Yum!
Cape Lookout State Park
Looking for an incredible hike? Check out Cape Lookout State Park. A popular five mile hike follows the cape through lush forest out to an awesome lookout point. There are also several other hikes and Cape Lookout Campground, which is a great place to pitch a tent or park the camper for a night or two.
Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, located on the Oregon coast, is a stunning natural site known for its captivating vistas and unique attractions. Visitors can explore the historic Cape Meares Lighthouse, take in panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from the viewpoint, and marvel at the famed Octopus Tree, a colossal Sitka spruce.
Oceanside Beach State Park
Oceanside Beach State Park offers beachcombing, tidepooling, and viewing the iconic Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge just offshore. There is a unique tunnel through the rock that leads to the “secret” Tunnel Beach.
Pacific City Oregon
Pacific City is a bit of a relatively unknown gem in our opinion. Most Portlanders visit the Cannon Beach – Seaside area as it is closer than Pacific City.
However, Pacific City is an excellent place for a weekend trip from Portland. There are some great restaurants and beach activities, including hiking the famous massive sand dune that is Cape Kiwanda.
Learn more in our full guide to Pacific City Oregon.
Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
Certainly one of the more unique features on the Oregon coast, Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area has a truly massive sand dune that you can earn a great view at the top after completing a tough trek.
There are lots of unique views to be witnessed from different parts of the area. We love exploring here and urge others to try it out!
Other Beaches Near Portland
We are only just scratching the surface of the amazing beaches near Portland Oregon to explore. We urge you to explore these incredible beaches by Portland Oregon, but don’t forget everything else south of Pacific CIty that the Oregon Coast has to offer.
Beaches Near Portland FAQ
What beaches are closest to Portland Oregon?
The beaches that are closest to Portland Oregon are Cannon Beach, Seaside, Ecola State Park, Oswald West State Park, Arcadia Beach, Hug Point, and more! There are lots of options to choose from, depending on what you are looking for.
How close is Portland to the beach?
Portland is about 80 miles from the closest beaches (Cannon Beach and Seaside) which is about a 1.5 hour drive without traffic.
Which is better: Cannon Beach or Seaside Oregon?
You will have to see for yourself! Cannon Beach feels a bit more upscale, but both are worth a visit. Both Cannon Beach and Seaside have cafes, restaurants, and their own unique things to do.
What is the most visited beach in Oregon?
Cannon Beach is the most visited beach in Oregon. It is the closest beach to Portland (actually tied with Seaside) and has lots of great things to do, including the iconic Haystack Rock.
How long is the drive from Portland to the beach?
The drive from Portland to Cannon Beach and Seaside is about 80 miles, or 1.5 hours without traffic.
What is the closest ocean beach to Portland Oregon?
The closest coastal beach to Portland Oregon is Cannon Beach or Seaside, which are both about 80 miles or 1.5 hours.
What is the best beach close to Portland Oregon?
That depends on what you want! If you just want a great beach day, check out Cannon Beach, Seaside, Ecola State Park, or Oswald West State Park.
Can you swim in Oregon beaches in summer?
Only if you can handle cold water! Also, it is critical to be aware of rip tides and other strong currents in order to swim safely. That said, there are many days with excellent swimming conditions on the Oregon coast.
Conclusion
Hopefully you found this article about beaches near Portland helpful. You learned about the beach closest to Portland Oregon as well as other great options for beaches by Portland Oregon.
