The stunning beauty of Oregon’s coastline unfolds in an array of pristine beaches near Tillamook, OR.
Renowned for their breathtaking landscapes, these natural treasures offer a myriad of beachcombing and agate hunting opportunities.
Many beaches on the list have very little footfall, thus allowing visitors a tranquil escape, away from the usual tourist hustle and bustle.
Other options are parts of developed state parks with excellent campgrounds and amenities, perfect for road trippers.
The rugged coastline and mesmerizing Pacific Ocean views guarantee to take your breath away!
1. Short Beach
- Distance from Tillamook: 11 miles
- Activities: hiking, agate hunting, sightseeing
- Amenities: Larson Creek Falls
Short Beach, a gem on the north Oregon coast, rewards the adventurous with an array of unique offerings.
Requiring a quarter-mile hike to access, the beach is a haven for those in pursuit of tranquility and natural beauty.
Open to the public for only two decades, its appeal remains largely undiluted.
This slice of coastal paradise is an agate hunter’s dream, with winter and spring presenting the best opportunities for rock hounds.
Beyond the lure of agate hunting, Short Beach offers surf fishing, picturesque hikes, and captivating sightseeing.
Despite its growing popularity, the beach manages to retain its secretive allure, making it a coveted yet elusive destination for both locals and visitors alike.
2. Tunnel Beach
- Distance from Tillamook: 9 miles
- Activities: hiking, agate hunting, sightseeing
- Amenities: parking
Tunnel Beach, near Oceanside, Oregon, is a haven for those seeking adventure and natural beauty.
Access to the beach necessitates a walk from the parking area through a 90-foot man-made tunnel, a unique feature adding an element of intrigue to the journey.
Visitors are advised to carry a flashlight for safe passage through the dark, rock-laden passageway.
The beach offers ample allure for rock hounds with its array of unique rock shapes.
Agate hunting is a popular pastime, with the best findings often made during winter and early spring.
With its captivating blend of accessibility and seclusion, Tunnel Beach continues to enthrall visitors with its distinctive, rugged charm.
3. Lost Boy Beach
- Distance from Tillamook: 10 miles
- Activities: hiking, sightseeing
- Amenities: cave, tide pools
Venturing to Lost Boy Beach in Oregon is an escapade for the daring – it is only accessible from Short Beach or Tunnel Beach during exceptionally low tides.
This clandestine shoreline invites visitors to test their mettle against nature’s whims.
Adding to the beach’s allure, it boasts an impressive cave, home to intriguing features and marine life.
Once inside the cave, explorers discover thriving tide pools, brimming with diverse sea life, offering a unique spectacle for the curious.
However, this beachside expedition is not for the faint-hearted – it requires careful timing and quick retreats to avoid the swift incoming tide.
The unique blend of danger and discovery that Lost Boy Beach offers makes it a thrilling, one-of-a-kind Oregon adventure.
4. Oceanside Beach
- Distance from Tillamook: 9 miles
- Activities: hiking, sightseeing, beachcombing, agate hunting
- Amenities: parking, restrooms
A favored haunt for beachcombers, Oceanside Beach in Oregon is a beach lover’s dream.
It’s linked by a tunnel to the neighboring Tunnel Beach, so visitors can cross both destinations off the list in one trip.
Offering convenient amenities like parking and restrooms, the beach is a popular site for locals and tourists alike.
But beyond practicality, Oceanside Beach exudes charm.
With its sandy shores, which become a treasure trove for agate hunters in winter, it offers plenty of opportunities for exploration.
Moreover, the beach draws surfing enthusiasts, who come here to ride the Pacific Ocean waves.
5. Cape Meares Beach
- Distance from Tillamook: 8 miles
- Activities: hiking, sightseeing, beachcombing, picnics
- Amenities: parking, picnic tables, lighthouse, lookout
Renowned for its natural allure, Cape Meares Beach in Oregon is an enduring favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Conveniently providing parking facilities, the beach serves as an easy-to-access gateway to the mesmerizing ocean.
Notably, it is a stone’s throw from the esteemed Cape Meares Lookout and Lighthouse, famous for its historical importance and striking views.
A must-visit in the area is the Cape Meares Refuge, where the intriguing Octopus Tree resides.
Accessible, packed with points of interest, and in close proximity to landmark sights, Cape Meares Beach serves as a captivating nexus of nature and culture.
6. Bayocean Peninsula Park Beach
- Distance from Tillamook: 8 miles
- Activities: hiking, sightseeing, beachcombing, picnics
- Amenities: parking, porta-potties, loop trail
Bayocean Peninsula Park Beach, steeped in history and serenity, offers a unique seaside experience.
Once home to a bustling community – Bayocean, the beach now stands as a tranquil part of the larger Bayocean Peninsula Park, its past echoed only by a commemorative sign.
Visitors can embark on the park’s 7.8-mile loop trail, providing ample opportunities for birding, fishing, and hiking amidst the ethereal calm.
A rarity in today’s crowded world, the beach provides an unparalleled experience of seclusion, often devoid of people.
Bayocean Peninsula Park Beach, with its intriguing past and promising present, stands as a hidden jewel in Oregon’s array of coastal treasures.
7. Happy Camp Beach
- Distance from Tillamook: 7 miles
- Activities: hiking, sightseeing, beachcombing, picnics, clamming, crabbing
- Amenities: parking, restrooms
Tucked away on the northern fringe of Netarts Bay, Happy Camp Beach offers a secluded slice of coastal paradise.
This under-the-radar location isn’t on every tourist’s map, providing visitors a tranquil retreat away from the bustling crowds.
With a compact parking lot that favors 4×4 vehicles, it promises an adventurous getaway.
The beach is a popular spot for kayaking, clamming, and hiking enthusiasts, presenting an array of activities to enjoy.
However, visitors are urged to exercise caution as the site has strong currents that can pose potential risks.
Regardless, Happy Camp Beach with its careful balance of beauty and adventure, serves as a unique gem along Oregon’s coastline.
8. Rockaway Beach
- Distance from Tillamook: 15 miles
- Activities: hiking, sightseeing, beachcombing, picnics, surfing
- Amenities: parking, restrooms, restaurants, hotels
Rockaway Beach, spanning an impressive seven miles of pristine coastline, is the ultimate coastal retreat.
Accessible from more than 20 different points scattered throughout town, this sandy haven opens up to a world of fun and exploration.
Here, beachcombing isn’t just a hobby; it’s a cherished tradition.
From shells to polished fragments of glass, the sand hides countless treasures including elusive glass floats.
But the allure doesn’t stop at the shoreline. Within a stone’s throw of the beach, visitors can find a variety of amenities, including restaurants, making Rockaway a comprehensive coastal destination.
All in all, Rockaway Beach provides an unmatched fusion of relaxation and adventure, framed by the majestic Pacific.
9. Manhattan Beach
- Distance from Tillamook: 17 miles
- Activities: hiking, sightseeing, beachcombing, picnics
- Amenities: parking, restrooms, picnic tables, no fee
Tucked just off Highway 101, Manhattan Beach State Recreation Site invites visitors to explore its majestic Pacific Coast offerings, all for free.
The beach, renowned for its generous space and cleanliness, is a hidden gem that allows nature lovers to scour for beautiful seashells and sand dollars.
But the charm of this Oregon park doesn’t end with its shoreline.
Boasting ample parking and convenient restrooms, the park offers a hassle-free experience for all its guests.
Picnic tables, nestled in the shore pine, offer idyllic spots for a leisurely lunch.
Despite its easy access and decent amenities, the beach is seldom overcrowded, offering a rare blend of tranquility and accessibility.
In short, Manhattan Beach is a delightful haven that is ready to be discovered.
10. Cape Lookout State Park
- Distance from Tillamook: 11 miles
- Activities: hiking, sightseeing, beachcombing, picnics, camping, paragliding
- Amenities: parking, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, campground, yurts, cabins, trails
Cape Lookout State Park, nestled on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the Pacific Ocean, is a hot spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering year-round camping, including charmingly rustic yurts and cabins.
It’s not just accommodation that makes this place stand out.
With a whopping 5-mile stretch of beach, it’s a haven for beachcombing and a sought-after spot for paragliders seeking thrilling experiences.
To complement these attractions, the park is well-equipped with amenities like showers for campers, ensuring a comfortable outdoor experience.
With over 15 miles of hiking trails that hug the coast and deliver breathtaking ocean views, Cape Lookout truly offers an immersive Pacific Northwest coastal experience.
11. Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
- Distance from Tillamook: 23 miles
- Activities: hiking, sightseeing, beachcombing, picnics
- Amenities: parking, restrooms, picnic tables, trails
In the heart of the Oregon coastline, Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area thrives as a center of natural wonder and cultural heritage.
This scenic beach park offers a myriad of experiences to visitors, with peculiar rock formations and trails, making it a rewarding choice for hiking enthusiasts.
A distinctive feature is the ‘Chief Kiwanda rock’, an intriguing sea stack adding character to the landscape.
Cape Kiwanda also boasts a maritime tradition. Pacific City, located nearby, is home to the Pacific Dory Fleet.
Every year, the city celebrates this heritage with the Dory Days Parade, where these fishing vessels take center stage, offering an extraordinary spectacle.
With a unique blend of natural beauty and tradition, Cape Kiwanda offers an unparalleled coastal experience.
