Oregon's Beloved Beach City On The Tillamook Coast Is Brimming With Outdoor Activities

Oregon is a coveted destination for its natural beauty and variety of attractions. While thousands of visitors flock to the well-deserving Crater Lake — the deepest lake in the U.S. with its own stunning national park — the over 360-mile Oregon coast is one of the state's remarkable natural wonders, with several beach cities along its shoreline whose beauty beckons. One of these is Manzanita, a cozy coastal gem with a population of over 600 people, nestled on the Tillamook Coast.

The Tillamook people, known for fishing and foraging, thrived along this coast for thousands of years, relying on its abundant natural resources. Settlers began arriving in the 1900s, and within just a few years, Portland developers had already envisioned the area as a resort destination. A local couple, Edmund and Merti Lane, who had long called the area home, ventured into real estate and acquired much of the surrounding land with the goal of attracting buyers and tourists. Their son Ben and his wife Joanna carried that vision forward, actively promoting Manzanita to the outside world as a place to rent cottages and experience its scenic coastline, dubbing it the "Carmel of the North."

Today, that vision seems to live on, as Manzanita has become a beloved beach city where its miles of shoreline serve as the centerpiece, with beachcombing, kayaking, boating, and simply relaxing on the shore all on the table. The city has a golf course, and its parks offer hiking trails with spectacular views of Neahkahnie Mountain and Nehalem Bay. Visitors can also browse local restaurants, boutique shops, and wineries within the downtown area.

When you're ready to explore the outdoors in Manzanita, the beach is where you start. The white-sand shoreline stretches over 7 uninterrupted miles where you can stroll, hunt for sea agates, and take in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. It's also a popular spot for kayaking, boating, paddleboarding, kiteboarding, and surfing, though the water stays cold nearly all year, and waves, tides, and coastal breeze are a normal occurrence out there. Bring a wetsuit, and check the beach website or visitor center for current conditions before getting in the water.

Oswald West State Park is open year-round, and its Short Sand Beach is popular for beachcombing, surfing, and boating. Hikers have several trails to try, including 13 miles of the much longer Oregon Coast Trail winding through the park. The hike to Neahkahnie Mountain is strenuous, but those who make it are rewarded with sweeping coastal views at the top. Treasure hunters can also try their luck up there, as Spanish treasure is believed to be buried somewhere on the mountain.

Set within a natural coastal landscape, Manzanita Links is a golf course that has been welcoming players since 1987. Whether you're picking up a club for the first time or you've been playing for years, the course caters to all skill levels with nine- and 18-hole rounds. As of this writing, nine holes start at $27, 18 holes at $49, and an all-day pass runs $59, with extra fees for cart and club rentals. The course is open year-round, though it remains closed every Monday.

Oregon is renowned for its wine industry, and Manzanita has its own corner of that story. The Winery at Manzanita – founded in 2008 by Mark Proden after several trips to the area left him smitten with its beaches, dog-friendly atmosphere, and sunsets — is worth a stop. Visitors can taste 20 wines, including the state's signature pinot noirs. For dining, Left Coast Siesta, open since 1994, has locals and visitors coming back for its burritos and tacos. Big Wave Café is another solid option, known for its omelets, sandwiches, waffles, and more. Manzanita makes an ideal day trip, but if you're interested in spending a few days relaxing in this beach city, many types of accommodation abound from cabins to waterfront inns. This includes the Inn at Manzanita, featuring lush gardens and well-equipped rooms with amenities close to the beach.

Portland International Airport is the nearest major airport, roughly two hours away by car, with car rentals available on site. If money isn't too tight, the Oregon Coast Day Trip is perhaps the best educational and interactive tour worth checking out. It's an eight-hour adventure starting from Portland that takes you along the incredible Pacific coast and lets you spot wildlife and explore serene surrounding landscapes, with a stop in Manzanita included. For similar destinations along Oregon's coastline, Pacific City is an underrated Oregon coastal gem with a panoramic beach, and Cannon Beach is a renowned Oregon beach city boasting otherworldly views.