As we discovered when exploring some of Oregon’s best tide pool beaches, it can get both very cold and very windy on the Pacific coast. Luckily, though, we’ve found some beaches which are a little more sheltered, and the best times of year to head there, meaning that, with our help, you can get your much-needed dose of beach-vibes and ocean waves year-round, without necessarily having to wrap up for the Arctic!
When Is The Best Weather For Heading To The Oregon Coast?
It is widely agreed that, while Oregon’s beaches are wonderful from July onward, September and October are the best months to visit, with ocean water offering accumulated summer warmth up to the mid-60s°F (and feeling all the warmer when compared with the out-of-water air temperature), making it a perfect post-summer “second vacation” destination for swimming, surfing and enjoying other water sports without the crowds. Add to this that the cooler inland air temperature for a time reduces Oregon’s characteristic wind and fog, allowing for bright, sunny days. Beaches in Oregon at this time of year have even been known to reach a very comfortable high of 70°F. Another plus of a “second summer” beach visit is the off-peak accommodation costs at the tail of the tourist season – a bargain all around!
That said, this is the Pacific coast we’re talking about, so don’t expect the tropics – bring warm gear along anyway, just in case!
Each of our chosen beaches below offers the perfect mix of beauty, tranquillity and unique Oregon charm. Read on to discover Oregon’s 9 warmest beaches.
1. Harris Beach State Park
Located just off coastal Highway 101 at Brookings, Harris Beach State Park offers a sprawling seascape of rock formations, soft, sandy beaches, tide pools to explore and views of the largest island off the Oregon coast, Bird Island- a National Wildlife Sanctuary and breeding ground for rare birds.
Harris Beach is not only warm, but beautiful too. Expect summer air temperatures in the mid-60s°F and temperate winter weather of the mid 50s°F.
Don’t Miss…
- Exploring the tide pools at low tide
- Hiking the trails
- Bird watching – try to spot the tufted puffins on Bird Island (binoculars are a must on this adventure!)
- Wildlife watching for gray whales, harbor seals, and California sea lions
- Having a picnic with a view
- Walking along the beach at sunset
Good To Know
Open from 8am to 10pm.
There is no entrance fee to the park for day use.
Parking is good, and free, but get there early to secure a space.
The trail down to the beach is not too steep, and there are restrooms and foot showers for washing sand off your feet.
You can camp at the well-maintained campsite here with full hookup sites, and even rent a yurt if you fancy something different! Beware the super hot showers – and note they are locked from 8pm until 7am. Many of the trails on the campsite lead to the beach, forest, and nearby town.
There are picnic tables.
Watch out for skunks. Pack your food securely because they will try and sneak it away!
Also beware of thefts – keep your property on you or hidden and locked in your car.
Dogs are welcome, but should be kept on a leash.
2. Manzanita Beach
Within the “arms” of the Neahkahnie Mountain, sheltered within Nehalem Bay, Manzanita Beach offers a warm (up to 65°F!), sandy treasure for those seeking relaxation as the summer draws to a close and beyond.
It makes a great walking beach with its hard packed sand, and at low tide it gives up a fair few tide pools to explore. On windy afternoons, it is a great place for kiteboarding. If you’re tempted by the beautiful, turquoise water, maybe consider bringing a wet suit along, because it tends to be too cold to comfortably swim in!
Don’t Miss
- Tide pooling
- Kiteboarding on windy days
Good To Know
Watch out for sneaker waves – they can catch you unawares and pull you out to sea!
Watch out for fog.
Dogs are welcome, both leashed or running free!
3. Seaside Beach
A great family beach off Highway 101, Seaside Beach is a wide, warm and welcoming head-to at summer’s end, in colder months boasting air temperatures in the mid-50s°F and water in the low 50s°F.
Aside from enjoying the sea and surf, there is plenty to do here for all the family, with its food and entertainment options and scenic views of the beach from the promenade.
Head to the nearby shopping center for its indoor carousel, cheap snacks, arcades, mini golf, and more. You can also visit the Aquarium where you can feed sea lions. It is an excellent place to bring your kids and build sandcastles!
Don’t Miss…
- Beachcombing
- Paddleboarding and kayaking
- Swinging on the beach swing
- Wildlife watching
- Feeding sea lions at the Aquarium
- A picnic or bonfire on the beach
- Walking the promenade
- A visit to the Aquarium and indoor carousel
Good To Know
There is a big parking lot, but you should get there early to be sure of a spot.
There is a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk connecting the promenade to the beach.
Open from 9am to sunset. Shops close early out of summer.
Hungry? There are plenty of restaurants nearby.
Dogs are welcome.
4. Sunset Beach State Recreation Site
The 18-mile Sunset Beach, southwest of Astoria and within the Sunset Bay State Park, is loved for its big white sand dunes, thick forests, moderate mid-50s°F to mid 60s°F air temperatures, and its being a great foreground for the perfect sunset photo. It’s also one of the few beaches in Oregon that you can drive and park your 4×4 on for ease of access.
The park leads on to the Fort to Sea Trail, the same route the Lewis and Clark Expedition used when traveling from Fort Clatsop to the Pacific Ocean.
Don’t Miss…
- Beachcombing
- Surfing
- Flying a kite
- A picnic on the beach
- The sunset
- Wildlife watching
Good To Know
If you’re in a low-riding vehicle, park in the parking lot and walk down to the beach to avoid getting stuck in the sand.
You’ll likely see a lot of clam diggers at low tide.
Dogs are welcome.
5. Gold Beach
The stunning low-60s°F in the off-season Gold Beach is a long stretch of sand enveloped by the Rogue River and the Siskiyou Mountains. People love coming here for a tranquil walk, or a ride on the river on a jet-boat, where the clean water meeting the sea houses hosts of salmon, cod, and tuna.
The “Glass Float Treasure Hunt” is also popular each April. Head to the Visitor Center to pick up a treasure map to learn where 250 3” glass floats are hidden. Have fun, but just take one!
At other times of year, it’s a tradition to paint a rock and leave it for someone else to find and take home. Write #goldbeachROCKS! on the back with where you’re from – it’s a nice way to connect people from all over the world.
All in all, you’ll love the views, the rocks, and the laid-back atmosphere of this warm beach.
Don’t Miss…
- A ride on a jet boat
- Hiking the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
- Biking the Rogue
- Bird watching
- Tidepooling, crabbing and clamming
- The Curry County Historical Society Museum and Rogue River Museum
Good To Know
Lots of parking, and an easy trail down to the beach.
The Gold Beach Visitor Center is open 9am – 3pm, seven days a week.
This is a pet-friendly beach.
6. Coos Bay
Like Sunset Beach, you’ll find Coos Bay within the Sunset Bay State Park. Embraced by forested sea cliffs, it is the top destination for water activities – swimming, fishing, boating, crabbing, clamming and more. With an average daily temperature of 64°F, it is the perfect place to enjoy a beach experience year-round.
Nearby, there is a network of lush hiking trails that connect you with Shore Acres State Park and Cape Arago State Park through coastal forests and wildflowers.
Don’t Miss…
- Kayaking
- Volleyballing (at the campsite)
- The sunset
- The view of the Cape Arago Lighthouse
- The summer gardens and private beach of the once grandiose Simpsons’ mansion that burned down ($5 for a day pass).
Good To Know
There is good parking.
Restrooms and picnic tables are available.
If you choose to camp here, be aware that cell service is low to non-existent as you move into the park and away from the main office. Also note that the showers close at 7pm.
Theft warning! Lock valuables away in your car or keep them on you.
Rangers are around if you need help or have questions about the area.
Hungry? There are some nice restaurants in town – try the fish n chips at Millers.
This is a pet-friendly beach.
7. Oswald West State Park
A moderate mid-50s°F to mid-60s°F air temperature awaits you at the beautifully secluded Oswald West beach cove, with its soft sand and characterful rock formations comfortably protected from the Pacific winds by the high, forested sea cliffs.
Visitors here like to paddle in the two streams flowing down from the forest, or, at low tide, to search the tide pools for interesting marine life.
Don’t Miss…
- Beachcombing
- Exploring the tidepools and streams
- Hiking the trails in the 2,484 acre park
- Having a picnic
- Wildlife and bird watching
Good To Know
The parking lot is across the beach trail off Highway 101.
The trails down to the beach are steep but worth the effort for the views! Areas can be muddy or slippery, so be sure to wear the right shoes for the job.
Picnic tables are available on the cliffs -head up there for a sunset picnic.
Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash.
8. Oceanside Beach State Park
Just west of Tillamook, the charming and secluded Oceanside offers warm temperatures in the mid-60s°F from June through October. It is a prime destination for tide pooling enthusiasts at low tide, and for rockhounders looking for agates in winter.
Head through the tunnel (originally made for mining purposes) to the neighboring Tunnel Beach for tide pooling and agate hunting fun, while on the main beach you can enjoy a wide stretch of sand sheltered by high cliffs for sunbathing and picnicking.
Don’t Miss…
- Beachcombing
- Exploring the hidden beach through the tunnel
- Exploring the tide pools
- Flying a kite
- Bird watching
- Having a picnic
Good To Know
Get there early to secure a spot in the parking area.
The paved trail and stairs leading down to the beach were recently upgraded for safety, though they are steep.
There are bathrooms near the parking lot and a place to wash the sand off your feet.
Dog-friendly.
9. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
A photographer’s dream, the 12 miles of rock arches, soft, sandy, secluded beaches and coastal forests on the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor are the perfect destination for the laid back and the energetic alike. Stroll along the sand with your dogs and beachcomb for treasure, take along a picnic, or hike to the House Rock Viewpoint, Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint, Arch Rock, Natural Bridges and Whaleshead Beach. You’ll be guaranteed year-round temperatures in the 60s°F.
As you explore, make sure China Beach and Secret Beach are on your list- the latter accessible only by a small, unmarked trail; a haven of turquoise waters and waterfalls flowing down the cliffs.
As Ernie S. advises us, this is “One of the most beautiful stretches of seafront along the entire Oregon coast. Give yourself plenty of time to stop, and don’t miss any of the vista points, especially Arch Rock.”
Don’t Miss…
- Beachcombing at Secret or China beaches
- Hiking along the coastal trails with their views of the ocean, cliffs and forest
- Having a picnic
- Wildlife and bird watching
- The sunset
- The historical sign about Samuel Boardman at the House Rock Scenic Viewpoint
Good To Know
Parking can be tricky, so plan to come early.
Pit toilets are available in the parking areas.
Also note that the trail down to the beach area is steep, with a rock scramble at the bottom. In wet weather it can become muddy. Wear shoes with a good grip.
Best visited while the tide is out.
People are often seen camping at the viewpoints near the parking lots.
The area is dog-friendly.
The Takeaway
The coastal stretch of Oregon has some lovely warm beaches that you can enjoy year-round in air temperatures of 60-67°F. Most of these are enveloped in high forested cliffs which shelter them from the wind, and many offer fun activities like beachcombing and tide pooling. Don’t let yourself succumb to post-summer blues- there’s still plenty of warm beach time to be spent in Oregon!
Disclaimer
While we at Traxplorio do our very best to give you the most up-to-date information, we always recommend you do your own research before you travel to a particular area, and check conditions with official sites. Thanks for understanding, and enjoy your adventure!
