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Top 20 Best Beaches Near Portland

Top 20 Best Beaches Near Portland

| Last Updated: January 2024

Wide-angle shot displaying the scenic beauty of a beach’s coastline, with surfers in action

Portland, with its fantastic beaches and Oregon’s glorious sun, sets the scene for endless fun and relaxation. But guess what? There’s even more waiting just outside the city limits! 

Picture-perfect shores and nearby attractions offer the perfect recipe for a spontaneous summer break here. Want to know where these hidden gems are? Check out our handpicked list of the coolest beaches near Portland (and a few surprise spots beyond!).

Cannon Beach

Website: https://www.cannonbeach.org/ 

Address: Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce 207 N Spruce, Cannon Beach OR 97110

Contact Details: (503) 436-2623

Operating hours: Open 24 hours

Roughly an hour and a half’s drive from Portland, Cannon Beach is a must-visit if you’re after a romantic escape. Here, you can wander along the sandy beach, with the iconic Haystack Rock providing picture-perfect moments and a chance to explore tide pools.

This charming beach town has loads to offer, which is why it’s a magnet for visitors year after year. Treat your taste buds to the flavors of the Pacific Northwest at the village by the sea and kick back in some top-notch oceanfront accommodation.

Seaside

Website: https://www.seasideor.com/ 

Address: 7 N. Roosevelt (Hwy 101), Seaside, Oregon 97138

Contact Details: (503) 738-3097

Operating hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

This Oregon beach town is a total blast for beach lovers. You can surf, join volleyball tournaments, and check out a cool aquarium. The 1.5-mile historic boardwalk, known as the Seaside Promenade, is perfect for biking or rollerblading. 

And of course, there are miles of sandy beaches – all great for swimming or just chilling in the sun. And for surfers, you’ll find some sweet waves at Seaside Beach.

On summer weekends, holidays, and during festivals, the main area gets super lively. Stores amp up the fun, giving off a cool carnival vibe you won’t want to miss.

Indian Beach

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Website: https://www.oregonbeachvacations.com/indian-beach/

Address: 84318 Ecola Park Rd, Cannon Beach, OR 97110, United States

Contact Details: 800-551-6949

Operating hours: Open 24 hours

Just north of Cannon Beach within Ecola State Park, there’s Indian Beach – a small, quiet spot with amazing views. It’s perfect for surfing, hiking, checking out tide pools, and soaking up stunning scenery.

To get to the beach, it’s a chill hike through about 2.5 miles of thick forest. Once you reach the shore, you can kick back and watch daring surfers take on the big waves of the Pacific. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of some whales, too!

Moreover, the gentle waves here are great for launching a sea kayak or giving surfing a shot. Expect to share the beach with other folks enjoying the vibes or trying out fun water adventures. 

Short Sand Beach

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Website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=139 

Address: N Hwy 101. Manzanita, OR 97130

Contact Details: 800-551-6949

Operating hours: Open 24 hours

An hour and 45 minutes away from Portland, you’ll find Short Sand Beach, dubbed ‘Shorty’s’ by the locals. It’s a hotspot cherished by surfers, swimmers, and bodyboarders – ideal if you’re into those activities too.

Tucked away off of Smuggler Cove, nestled between Cape Falcon and Neahkahnie Mountain, this little beach might be small, but it’s buzzing with life – especially on weekends and during the summer. 

If you’re up for a bit of exercise before taking a refreshing swim, consider the moderate, 5-mile round-trip hike to Cape Falcon and back. It’s a fantastic way to soak up the beauty of this stunning beach.

Newport

Website: https://www.discovernewport.com/ 

Address: 555 SW Coast Hwy, Newport, OR 97365

Contact Details: 1 (800) COAST – 44

Newport might be a three-hour drive from Portland, but it’s totally worth it. This cozy coastal town promises an unforgettable coastal getaway – we’re talking a mix of historic bayfront attractions, surf spots suitable for all skill levels, and a bunch of quirky things to check out!

Surfers, this place is your jam, no matter your level. Hit up breaks like Otter Rock or Agate Beach – just make sure to arrive early to snag your spot in the lineup. 

Need gear? Ossies Surf Shop has your back, offering board and wetsuit rentals. And if you’re new to surfing, they’ll sort you out with lessons to help you catch those waves.

Sunset Beach

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Website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=182 

Address: Between U.S. Route 101, Neacoxie Lake and the Pacific Ocean, Oregon 97146, USA

Contact Details: 800-551-6949

Operating hours: Open 24 hours

True to its name, Sunset Beach offers an unobstructed view that’s perfect for catching those breathtaking sunsets. Located just south of Warrenton, there are several roads leading to this area.

Pack a picnic, perch atop your car, and enjoy the sunset show. For a full trip experience, consider visiting the Gearhart Hotel, a pretty cool spot where you can grab a satisfying meal and stay the night. 

If golf is your thing, the nearby Gearhart Golf Links is worth checking out too, by the way.

Pacific City Beach/Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area

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Website: http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=130 

Address: Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, Pacific City, OR 97135, United States

Contact Details: +1 800-551-6949

Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Pacific City stands out among Oregon’s beaches, boasting towering haystack rock and the impressive yet weathered Cape Kiwanda to the north. 

It’s about a two-hour drive from Portland, but don’t let the distance deter you. This beach is bustling with nearby restaurants, hotels, great surfing spots, and plenty of things to do.

Accommodation options range from various campgrounds and RV parks to numerous Airbnbs, catering to different preferences. The activities here are diverse: you can hike up the dune at Cape Kiwanda or catch a stunning sunset over the Pacific.

You can also observe the dory boat fishermen as they launch from the beach, or simply relax while sipping a cold beer on the patio of Pelican Brewing.

Arcadia Beach/Hug Point

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Website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=135 

Address: Arcadia Beach State Park, Arch Cape, OR 97102, United States

Contact Details: +1 800-551-6949

If you’re into hunting for agates or checking out sea caves, this spot is a cool place to swing by while you’re traveling to or from your favorite spots along the Oregon Coast.

Arcadia Beach and Hug Point have their own spots where you can park and easily access awesome views. You’ll catch sight of a waterfall, cool caves carved into the cliffs, and a distant view of Haystack Rock and Ecola Point. 

When the tide is low, you can wander around both sides of the beach by Hug Point. It’s usually not too crowded, so you can have a relaxing time exploring tide pools or taking a leisurely stroll. 

Just be mindful of the tide, as it can surprise you in certain spots if you’re not cautious about rising water levels!

Sauvie Island

Media by stevecmatt

Website: https://www.travelportland.com/culture/sauvie-island/ 

Sauvie Island, just a quick 20-minute drive from downtown Portland, is like an oasis in the midst of the city hustle. While the beaches here line the riverside, they’re absolutely worth a visit, especially the sandy beaches on the north and east coasts of the island.

For a delightful outing, consider a scenic 6-mile round trip hike to Warrior Rock Lighthouse. There’s a lengthy beach by the lighthouse – perfect for a pit stop or a leisurely lunch break!

However, if you’re all about that sandy beach life, Walton Beach is your spot. It’s located on the eastern side of the island. 

Here, you can soak up the sun and enjoy some serious sunbathing. Remember, while leashed dogs are allowed, setting up fires or camping is a no-go.

Kelley Point Park

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Website: http://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=ViewPark&ShowResults=yes&PropertyID=209 

Address: N Kelly Point Park Rd, Portland, OR 97203, United States

Contact Details: +1 503-823-2525

Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Kelley Point Park, among Portland’s easily reachable beaches, might not boast the most picturesque views due to its industrial surroundings, but it’s incredibly convenient. Situated just outside the city, less than a 20-minute drive away, it’s a handy beach to have on your radar!

The park offers paved walking trails and a sandy spot perfect for unwinding. It’s worth noting that, due to active boat traffic, it’s not advisable to swim here. 

Nevertheless, if you’re seeking a quick nature getaway close to the city, this spot fits the bill nicely.

Poet’s Beach

Media by scott_conwell

Website: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/73880 

Address: Marquam Brg, Portland, OR 97201, USA

The paved path winding through South Waterfront Park eventually leads to Poet’s Beach, a beloved spot near town you won’t want to miss (especially in the summer!) 

Just a heads up: there’s no lifeguard on duty here, so swimming is at your own risk. It’s also a good idea to have swimming shoes for added safety while you’re in the water.

Besides swimming, Poets Beach is a fantastic spot for cycling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. If you’re a fan of watersports or outdoor adventures and prefer to stay close to Portland, this spot ticks all the boxes.

George Rogers Park

Media by sophiaoutside

Website: https://www.ci.oswego.or.us/parksrec/george-rogers-park 

Address: 611 S State St, Lake Oswego, OR 97034, United States

Contact Details: +1 503-675-2549

The beach at George Rogers Park, situated in Lake Oswego, is often called a hidden gem even though it can get pretty busy on hot, sunny weekends. This park spans 26 acres along the Willamette River and boasts a cozy little beachfront. 

When the sun’s out, local families and folks from the south side of Portland gather here, making the small beach area quite lively. But don’t worry, with lots of other cool stuff in the park, there’s usually enough room for kids to play freely.

Apart from beach hangouts, George Rogers Park offers loads of other fun things to do. You’ll spot people playing pickleball, kids having a blast at the playground, and visitors checking out the historic Oswego Iron Furnace.

Fort Stevens State Park

Website: http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=129 

Address: 1675 Peter Iredale Rd, Hammond, OR 97121, United States

Contact Details: +1 503-861-3170

Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

If you’re coming from Portland, getting to this huge state park takes about a 90-mile drive or a two-hour trip. But honestly, it’s totally worth it for the endless shoreline and fun things to do@

Fort Stevens’s beach is a hub for clamming, fishing, leisurely walks, and just enjoying the scenery. You’ll also find the striking Peter Iredale shipwreck, which has been sitting on the Oregon shore for more than 115 years. 

Plus, you can cruise along parts of the coast in your vehicle throughout the year, which adds to the adventure!

Rockaway Beach

Website: https://www.rockawaybeach.net/ 

Address: 103 S. 1st Street, Rockaway Beach, OR 97136

Contact Details: (503) 355-8108

The cozy town that is Rockaway Beach is a popular coastal escape from Portland, just a 90-mile drive away. There are loads of things to do here – imagine nearly seven miles of unbroken sandy shoreline to wander, tons of attractions to explore, great shopping spots, and fantastic restaurants. 

Plus, they’ve got plenty of activities to keep you entertained, from beachcombing and tidepooling to hunting for glass floats.

And no matter where you are on the beach, you’ll get treated to stunning views of the Rockaway coastline, complete with the iconic Twin Rocks formation rising from the surf!

Lincoln City

Media by victorykram

Website: https://www.lincolncity.org/ 

Address: 801 SW Highway 101. Lincoln City, OR 97367

Lincoln City is like a picture-perfect postcard along the Oregon Coast, just about a 100-mile drive from Portland. With over seven miles of sandy shoreline, it’s a paradise for all sorts of activities.

You can spend your days building sandcastles, soaking up the sun, and venturing through the rugged landscape. Don’t miss spots like Lincoln City Beach Access and the Instagram-worthy Road’s End State Recreation Site.

Here’s a cool thing: Lincoln City runs the Finders Keepers program. Volunteers scatter unique treasures, like handmade glass orbs, along the coastline as part of this program. 

Throughout the year, and on special “drop dates,” these hidden treasures were dispersed on the beaches. Visitors lucky enough to find them get to take a special keepsake home!

Fogarty Creek Beach 

Media by texmeg29

Website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=158 

Address: 3115 US-101, Depoe Bay, OR 97341, United States

Contact Details: Open 24 hours

This one is awesome for nature lovers and families. Forgarty Creek Beach is perfect for little kids to have a blast splashing around, especially on those scorching hot days. 

You have some fantastic birdwatching and tide pooling opportunities here too – loads of weird critters hanging out on the rocks when the tide is low. Now, if you’re patient and have a sharp eye, you might stumble upon some cool shells and gemstones scattered around the beach.

What’s great is that it’s nicely sandwiched between Depoe Bay and Lincoln City. So, you have a bunch of choices for places to crash or grab some tasty grub – a truly perfect spot for a fun day out!

Otter Crest Beach

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Website: Otter Rock, OR 97369, United States

Address: Open 24 hours

Small but stunning! This beach is a real hidden treasure, totally worth a visit, particularly if you’re checking out the busier Devil’s Punchbowl nearby.

To get here, park at Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area (they’ve got two parking lots) and head north on C Avenue. Look for a path on your left that takes you straight to the beach.

Quick tip: The rocks around these pools can get slippery, so be careful not to take an unexpected slide and disturb the critters chilling out there.

Carver Park

Media by rightbayoucajun

Website: https://www.clackamas.us/parks/carver.html 

Address: 14888 S Springwater Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045, United States

Contact Details: +1 503-742-4414

Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Carver Park Reserve hugs the Clackamas River, offering a cozy spot along its shores. Inside the park, you’ll find a handful of small beaches where you can kick back and relax by the lake. 

Boating is an option too, thanks to the convenient boat ramp. Fishing opportunities are also available. Parking will set you back $6 per day, and there are restrooms available right on-site.

Needless to say, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy a quiet picnic or simply unwind outdoors, especially when the weather is warm!

Oswald West State Park 

Website: http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=139 

Address: Oswald West State Park, Arch Cape, OR 97102, United States

Contact Details: +1 800-551-6949

Operating hours: Open 24 hours

Just a short 7-mile hop from Cannon Beach, you’ll find Oswald West State Park – a gorgeous slice of white sandy heaven surrounded by lush, green landscapes. 

To uncover this hidden gem, take a leisurely stroll through a half-mile of stunning forest, following the stream and crossing a bridge.

This beach is famous for its seriously big waves, especially among Oregon’s coastal beaches. It’s a dream spot for surfers! However, because of those gnarly waves, it’s probably not the best idea to bring the little ones along.

Oxbow Regional Park

Media by d33lovv

Website: https://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/oxbow-regional-park 

Address: 3010 SE Oxbow Pkwy, Gresham, OR 97080, United States

Contact Details: +1 503-663-4708

Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM

This park has plenty of sandy spots to savor. With its expansive beaches and gentle, shallow river, it’s a top choice for a safe and kid-friendly swimming area. It’s also perfect for family aquatic adventures like kayaking and exploration.

Here’s a tip: Oxbow Regional Park hosts an awesome festival every October that celebrates salmon. 

The festival features guided salmon walks, viewing stations, and a bunch of other exciting attractions. If you can, plan your visit for that month – you won’t want to miss out on all the fun!

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