Where to Stay on the Oregon Coast
If you ask any Pacific Northwest local what they’re favorite town on the Oregon Coast is, everyone will have a different answer — that’s how great the coast is! There are so many adorable places, great beaches, and fun things to do. That’s why we’re outlining the best places to stay here, including the best campgrounds.
If you’re interested in exploring the entire coastline, check out our Oregon Coast road trip guide!
Disclosure: We’ve included affiliate links with recommended hiking gear in this post. If you click through and buy something, we’ll receive a small portion of that sale. You won’t be charged more, and we haven’t been paid by any of these retailers to share their information. These are all our genuine preferences.
Beach access
If you want to stay in a place with beach access, don’t assume lodging that looks like it’s close to the ocean will have it. The Oregon coast is full of cliffs and rocky shorelines, so ask about beach access before booking if this is a concern for you.
Campgrounds
Many of the campgrounds along the coast are open year-round, however, they book up quickly during the summer months.
State park reservations can be made up to six months in advance, and if you’re planning on staying between June and September, these sites get booked up quickly. We recommend creating an account with the Oregon State Parks in advance and reserving your campsite as soon as they go on sale at 6:00 a.m.
Where to stay on the Oregon coast
We’ve listed the very best towns to stay along the coast here, in order of north to south. Already know where you want to explore? Click on the towns listed below to skip to that section.
Astoria
Technically, Astoria is on the Columbia River, not the coast, but this is the first marine town you’ll come across if you’re headed to the coast from Portland. It’s full of boutique shops, art galleries, breweries, and small museums.
Luxury:
Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa
This hotel is located on a pier, 600 feet into the Columbia River. That means every room has a gorgeous view and the chance to see wildlife swim by. Plus, breakfast is complementary, and it’s pet friendly.
Mid-range:
Bowline Hotel
Somehow contemporary, yet almost nautical, this small hotel sits on the Columbia River. Some rooms have private balconies and soaking tubs.
Near the Pier Boutique Hotel
Although it’s farther from the Columbia River, this hotel is within walking distance of the Sunday market and restaurants. Stay on the top floor for the best views.
Budget:
Norblad Hotel
The Norblad Hotel is in the middle of historic downtown. As a result, the building is older and it can be noisy, but the reviews are positive overall. Bathrooms are shared.
Camp:
Fort Stevens State Park
Located on the northernmost point of Oregon, Fort Stevens State Park is right between Astoria and Seaside. It’s a fantastic spot to camp, with access to a historic fort, shipwreck, lake, and seasonal bike and kayak rentals.
Seaside
Seaside is the most family-friendly town on the coast. Explore downtown and you’ll find an aquarium, arcade, and candy shops. Fill your time by walking the Promenade, a 1.5-mile stretch of sidewalk that follows the coastline, having a fire on the beach, or exploring boutique shops downtown.
Mid-range:
The Kathryn Riverfront Inn
Located in downtown Seaside, on the river. The views are excellent, and it’s less than a ten-minute walk to the beach and Broadway Street with all the best shops.
McMenamins Gearhart Hotel
If you’re a fan of McMenamins, then this hotel just outside of Seaside may interested you. It’s on an 18-hole golf course, has a pub and bar, loans bikes, and is a five-minute walk to the nearest beach entrance.
Budget:
Ebb Tide Oceanfront Inn
You can’t get a better location than this. The Ebb Tide Oceanfront Inn sits on the coastline and every room has an ocean view. Breakfast is included.
Cannon Beach
This is our favorite town on the coast. Although it’s a short drive from Seaside, lodging here tends to be more expensive because it’s home to the famous Haystack Rock. We recommend tide pooling, enjoying fires on the beach, and renting bikes to get around town.
Luxury:
The Ocean Lodge
Enjoy this cozy, rustic-style lodge, with ocean views, beautiful decks, and beach access right next to the hotel. It’s pet friendly, too.
Arch Cape Inn and Retreat
Beachside castle is the best way to describe the Arch Cape Inn. It’s located ten minutes outside of Cannon Beach, so you can expect a quieter stay. We love that breakfast is included, and the nearest beach is a five-minute walk away.
Mid-range:
Hallmark Resort and Spa
The Hallmark Resort has the perfect location. It’s close to Haystack Rock and downtown, so you’ll be able to walk to the town’s best restaurants and shopping. The ocean-view rooms have iconic views, it’s pet friendly, and there are stairs down to the beach right in front of the resort.
Wayside Inn
Located on the southern side of Haystack Rock, the Wayside Inn is a bit cheaper than the Hallmark Resort. It’s farther from the downtown shops, but still has great beach access.
Camp:
Wright’s For Camping
This quiet campground is only a 15-minute walk from the beach and downtown. Sites aren’t very private, but it is forested. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see elk while you’re here, too!
Manzanita
Manzanita is more neighborhood-like and less touristy than the Seaside and Cannon Beach, but you’ll still be able to find a few inns and cabin rentals here. There is easy beach access in town, with some of the coast’s most notable hikes nearby.
Luxury:
Coast Cabins
Choose between modern lofts, cabins, and homes. The Coast Cabins have a place to fit everyone’s needs.
Mid-range:
San Dune Inn
This small inn has recently been updated, and we love that it’s only a ten-minute walk to the beach.
Camp:
Nehalem Falls Campground
Located 25 minutes outside Manzanita, this is a beautiful campground bordering the Nehalem River. It’s seasonal, open from mid-May to early October. There are 20 sites available for reservation and 20 sites available for walk-ins.
Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach is a tiny town that sits along Highway 101. The town has homely restaurants, eclectic shops, and seven miles of sandy beach.
Budget:
Tradewinds Motel
Longtime guests say they love how consistently clean this hotel is, and we love its oceanside location and beach access nearby. Just be aware that you’ll have to get your luggage up a few sets of stairs from the parking lot.
Pacific City
Home of the dory boat, a great spot to surf, and the Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area. This is a great spot for those who want to be more active (or sit back and watch the action unfold from an oceanside café or brewery).
Luxury:
Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa
The Headlands Coastal Lodge “blends the finest accommodations with a casual approach,” and you can’t get a more Pacific Northwest style than this. All rooms and condo-style cottages have beautiful ocean views, and it’s pet friendly.
Mid-range:
Inn at Cape Kiwanda
This inn is one street away from the Headlands Coastal Lodge, so you know it’s a great location. Walk across the street to get to the beach and Cape Kiwanda, with a cafe and Pelican Brewing nearby.
Budget:
Surf & Sand Inn
This inn has been adorably updated in a fun retro way. It’s a ten-minute walk to get to the beach, with a few restaurants nearby. Plus, it’s pet friendly.
Camp:
Sandbeach Campground
Located next to the Sand Lake Recreation Area, this is a great spot to stay if you’d like to play at the dunes. The campground has plenty of parking, but sites are not very private.
Cape Lookout State Park Campground
This campground is 30 minutes north of Pacific City, located on Netarts Bay. The campsites don’t have much privacy, but we love the trails you can hike to from here.
Neskowin
With a population of 79, Neskowin might be the smallest town on the Oregon coast. Most of the town sits atop a cliff, so it’s a great spot to whale watch from. You’ll find beach access near the general store and restaurant at the entrance to the town, as well as a few public paths along the shoreline.
Mid-range:
Dog Friendly Home
Stay here for great views on the cliffs above Proposal Rock and enjoy the deck, hot tub, and space for 8.
Breakers Beach House
Enjoy this condo with beach access right off your patio. It’s homey and sleeps seven.
Oceanfront Condo
This condo is dog friendly, with great beach views of Proposal Rock. Beach access is a ten-minute walk away, and it sleeps four.
Lincoln City
Lincoln City is a great location. It’s next to some of Oregon’s finest hikes just north of town, and Depoe Bay is only twenty minutes to the south. You’ll find plenty of lodging here — there are tons of condos and hotels. Downtown isn’t as cute as Seaside or Cannon Beach, but it is more affordable, and there is plenty of beach access!
Mid-range:
Large Home
This lodge-like home sleeps eight and comes with a hot tub and pool table. Beach access is just a short walk away, but you can look for whales from the living room!
Ground Floor Studio
Get to the beach right from your back door. We love that this ground-floor studio has a small patio. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset or leave your beach toys to dry.
Ground floor studio
Budget:
Sailor Jack’s Oceanfront Inn
This is a great beachside inn. The outdoor fireplaces and seating areas are the perfect place to spend your evening. Plus, you can enjoy beach access down a flight of stairs from the patio.
Depoe Bay
Known as the whale-watching capital of the Oregon coast, Depoe Bay is such a fun spot to visit. Take a drive along Highway 101 to see great views from cliffsides but know that this town doesn’t have a beach.
Mid-range:
Channel House
You’ll love the ocean views, patios, and outdoor spa tubs here!
Inn at Otter Crest
We can’t decide if our favorite thing about this inn is the panoramic ocean views or that it’s within walking distance to the Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area. Plus they have 35 acres of walking paths and private beach access to a protected Marine Garden.
Budget:
Trollers Lodge
The Trollers Lodge offers modest accommodations, but it’s not in a walkable area and it doesn’t have access to the ocean.
Newport
Newport is another family-friendly place to stay. We love walking the historic bayfront, where you’ll find boutique shops, Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, and Oregon’s largest aquarium across the harbor. Plus, there are two lighthouses nearby.
Mid-range:
Hallmark Resort Hotel
Pet friendly, oceanfront views from every room, and beach access. Need we say more!?
Yachats
One of our very favorite places in Oregon is just a five-minute drive from Yachats — Cape Perpetua. You’ll find incredible views, like Thor’s Well and Devils Churn, along with beautiful hikes.
Yachats itself sits along a rocky shore. It’s great to watch waves crash upon, but the nearest sandy beach (Wakanda Beach) is a ten-minute drive to the north.
Mid-range:
Overleaf Lodge & Spa
Stay here for incredible views of the rocky shoreline and spend your time wandering the trail in front of the lodge. Bonus: breakfast is included!
Oceanfront Home
Watch waves crash upon shore from this home’s living room or from the hot tub. Sleeps eight.
Yachats Home
Stay here to enjoy having a backyard, ping pong table, and yard games just a block away from the coastline. It’s cozy and sleeps seven.
Camp:
Cape Perpetua Campground
You can camp near some of Oregon’s best views! Know that the site sizes vary greatly here, and some have access to Cape Creek.
Beachside State Recreation Site
Go ten minutes north of Yachats, and you’ll have the chance to camp on the beach. Choose the right site and you’ll have your own private path to Wakanda Beach!
Florence
Although Florence is situated along the Siuslaw River, not the Pacific, you’ll find plenty to do and see here. There are sandy beaches nearby, the Heceta Head Lighthouse, Sea Lion Caves, and the Oregon Dunes within twenty minutes of one another.
Mid-range:
Lauren’s Place
This is a bed and breakfast on the Siuslaw River outside of Newport. It looks very homey, and kayaks are included!
Siltcoos Lake Resort
Stay in a yurt next to the lake and enjoy complimentary access to two kayaks. It’s a bit rugged, but perfect if you have a sense of adventure.
Budget:
Drift Creek Inn
Located downtown, near most of the town’s restaurants, Drift Creek Inn is cozy and homely.
Camp:
Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park Campground
This campground is right next to the dunes and Cleawox Lake — perfect if you’d like to ride ATVs, go sand boarding, or ride paddle boats on the lake.
Check out the amphitheater schedule to hear presentations on owls and whales!
Gold Beach
Located at the mouth of the Rogue River, the town of Gold Beach is a small with stunning views. Take a jet tour up the Rogue, wander the beach at Kissing Rock, or hike at Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor.
Luxury:
Crook Point
Located halfway between Gold Beach and Brookings, Crook Point offers various cabins overlooking the Mack Reef in the Pacific. They do require 2–4-night minimums depending on the season.
Mid-range:
Wildflower Inn
Walk to the beach or nearby restaurants in town from this contemporary inn. Furnishings are stylish, but minimal, so it’s easy to keep your space tidy.
Budget:
Pacific Reef Hotel
You’ll find beach access and cafes a short walk away. This is a great spot to land.
Camp:
Secret Camp RV & Tent Park
This campground is ten minutes outside of town. It feels tucked away and the campsites are somewhat private.
Brookings
Brookings is the last town before the Californian border. It’s known for incredible views at the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, great tide pools, and warmer weather year round.
Mid-range:
Mermaid’s Muse Bed & Breakfast
Guests say this is “a little slice of heaven” and from the looks of their homemade breakfasts, free use of bicycles, and hot tub overlooking the ocean, we couldn’t agree more.
Mermaid’s Muse Bed & Breakfast
Budget:
Ocean Suites Motel
This motel is a short walk from the beach, and we love that many of the reviews mentioned how clean it is!
Camp:
Harris Beach State Park
This is a beautiful, forested campground within walking distance to Harris Beach. It is close to the highway, so you’ll hear some road noise.
What to pack
Whenever we pack to go to the Oregon coast during the summer months, we joke that you must pack something for every type of weather. Except it’s not really a joke.
During the summer months, mornings, and evenings (and sometimes even entire days) can be cool. The daytime can also be quite warm though. Since the forecast can change quickly, you never know what you’ll get.
The winter months are more predictable. Temperatures will be on the colder side, and you’ll need to be prepared for rain.
Here’s what we pack during the summer months:
Hiking day pack (men’s/women’s)
Moisture-wicking T-shirt (men’s/women’s)
Moisture-wicking pants (men’s/women’s) and shorts (men’s/women’s)
Great for rain or shine — we love that baseball caps keep rain off your face!
Great for spotting wildlife
We add the following items for the winter:
Packable puffy coat (men’s/women’s)
Want to explore them all the of the towns and best views along the Oregon coast? Check out our road trip guide that walks through what to do and see along the entire coastline.
Search the blog for more adventures! Try searching for topics such as “camping”, “waterfalls”, or “Washington”.
