The Oregon Coast has no shortage of beautiful places, but not all Oregon Coast beaches feel the same once you’re actually there with your family. Some invite long walks and deep breaths, others are made for sandy pockets, windblown hair, and kids who never seem to get tired. After exploring the past couple of summers, these are the ones that have stayed with me and made me want to go back. They’re the ones I recommend most when people ask about the best beaches on the Oregon Coast, especially for families who want room to wander, play, and simply be together without a packed itinerary.

1.Cannon Beach

Let’s just get the obvious one out of the way shall we? There’s a reason why this beach is so iconic and one of the biggest destinations on everyone’s list-it is absolutely gorgeous and TOTALLY a vibe. It’s a very large beach and stretches for miles, but even so be prepared for lots of people and a big crowd. On the day we went there was this incredible fog that didn’t clear up until late afternoon and it just gave the whole beach this feeling of mystery-we even had a hard time seeing the big famous rock structure in the water from farther away. There are a lot of things to explore and do-it’s a great beach to go tide pooling (just check when low tide is), walk, explore, and if you’re crazy like my kids, play in the water. If you’re a newbie to the Oregon coast make sure that you dress in layers! We went in July and I was cold until late afternoon when the sun came out and the fog went away. Also, good luck with parking. I know there are a couple of paid lots, we ended up parking further up on the road right above the beach (for free!) so just know that’s an option if you’re ok with a bit of a walk.

Family walking towards giant rock at Cannon Beach

Family hugs and laughs on shore with ocean behind them at Canon Beach

Family with older kids holding hands and walking towards giant rock at Cannon Beach, OR

Dad looks on as one son plays in the sand and the other plays in the water

Two boys walking on the foggy shore towards ocean at Cannon Beach

2. Tunnel Beach

If you want all the beautiful scenery and rock formations of Cannon beach but without all the people, then Tunnel Beach is for you. Granted, we did visit in April versus July, so I’m sure there will still be crowds, but not as many as Cannon Beach. This is another great spot to go tide pooling-my kids were able to find starfish which was so cool! (Just FYI-it is illegal to pick them up!) There’s also a fun little tunnel that leads you to the other side of the beach, thus the name. From what I remember you can walk around to the other side as well, but the tunnel is way more fun. We also saw a lot of people with grocery sacks and buckets. When my husband asked someone why, they explained it’s a great beach to find different kinds of rocks and minerals (there’s a term for this but I have no memory of what it is). We were also able to find a little trail that led up the side of a sheer rock face for a bit, so there really is so much to do here. We were able to find parking in a little lot that went right down to the beach, it’s right across the street from Blue Agate Cafe. There’s also a little bit of parking on the street if that lot is full.

Far away image of people on rock formations in ocean at Tunnel Beach

Black and white image of two girls headings towards group along rock formations at Tunnel beach

A man and two older kids on a rocky ledge with green hills behind them along Oregon coast

a tunnel with a small opening showing a dad and son at Tunnel Beach, OR

a boy running into the ocean at Tunnel Beach

3. Cape Kiwanda & Pacific City Beach

This might be one that’s not on a lot of lists, but it’s so fun and unique! Our friends call it Sand Mountain because it’s a beach with a HUUUUGE sand dune. This is a GREAT beach for exploring and climbing-walking up that sand dune is no joke but it’s so fun! Once you get to the top there are a couple different paths that you can explore to get different viewpoints. And once you get to the top, you have to experience “running” down the steep side of the sand dune! I was so nervous because I thought I would fall on my face, but you sink so far with each step that it’s impossible if you’re not going too fast. There’s a huge parking lot for this one, which is nice, but you also have to pay to park so be prepared for that (I think it was about $25 if I remember correctly). The nice thing about this beach is if you don’t want to park, they do allow vehicles to drive and park on the beach (there may be a fee). There was a lot to do here!

Two teenagers run towards Cape Kiwanda, OR

A man holds the hand of his son while they walk a sandy path on Cape Kiwanis

A little boy walks down stairs towards his dad and brother at a gated lookout at Pacific City Beach, OR

A boy and girl walking on top of a sand dune with ocean in the distance at Cape Kiwanis

A boy and girl walk along the top of a sand dune with Pacific City Beach far below them

4. Neskowin Beach

If you’re wanting a place with not a lot of crowds and not a lot of people know about, then head to Neskowin beach. Neskowin is this teeny tiny cute little town that has a lot of charm. Neskowin doesn’t have a lot of rock formations, but if you’re wanting just a beach to relax at or play in, this is a really great option.

I hope this post was helpful if you’re planning on visiting the Oregon coast sometime this year, or just looking for more spots to explore. I have absolutely LOVED being so close to the coast and having these gorgeous places just a short drive away. If you have any questions, I’d love to try and answer them!