7 Most Charming Waterfront Towns in Oregon
Located in the northwestern USA, Oregon overlooks the Pacific Ocean while surrounded by the neighboring states of Idaho, Nevada, California, and Washington. Today, this state is home to 4.19 million people, alongside 361 state parks, and over 5 million acres of trees. While straddling the Cascade Mountains, Oregon also offers an incredible view of the Pacific coast, especially along its beach towns. These beach towns are blessed with some of the best views the Oregon Coast has to offer.
Astoria
Nicknamed "Little San Francisco", Astoria exudes both new and old vibes. Founded as a fur trading post in 1811, Astoria is one of the oldest settlements west of the Rockies. This coastal town teems with Victorian-style houses atop other historical attractions like The Columbia River Maritime Museum and the Flavel House Museum. Most importantly, this small town enjoys a picturesque view of the Columbia River, which flows below the Astoria-Megler truss Bridge connecting Washington to Oregon.
Yachats
Located along the Oregon Coast Range, this charming coastal town is named after the Yachats River. The name comes from the Alseas word Ya'Xaik. Surrounded by a temperate rainforest, Yachats offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, and other outdoor activities at Yachats State Park or Yachats Ocean Road State Park. For nature lovers, a day of tide-pooling at Strawberry Hill Wayside or a visit to Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint are popular options.
Bandon
Located in Coos County along the southern part of the Coquille River, Bandon is a favored spot in southern Oregon. This family-friendly town offers year-round activities like fishing, camping, hiking, and beachgoing. It features several beaches, including the Seven Devils Wayside, a well-known destination within the Seven Devils State Recreation Site perfect for picnics and beach outings.
Gold Beach
Gold Beach, located in Oregon's Curry County, is just 40 miles north of California. With a small population of 2,255, this coastal town offers plenty to explore throughout the year. In April, visitors can search for tagged glass floats to redeem prizes. The town also hosts year-round fishing trips, thanks to abundant salmon, trout, clams, and other marine life. Besides fishing, both visitors and residents can enjoy activities such as jet boating, camping, hiking, whale-watching, and windsurfing.
North Bend
Founded in 1863, North Bend was formerly known as Yarrow. Situated along the Oregon Coast, North Bend enjoys a quiet population of only 9,789 residents. However, North Bend's claim to fame is its home to Oregon Coast's only airport, the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport. Otherwise, it boasts breathtaking coastal views (and massive, 500-ft sand dunes) at Horsfall Beach. Besides hiking, North Bend is a popular destination for horseback riding, fishing, boating, and crabbing.
Charleston
Only a stone's throw away from Coos Bay and North Bend, Charleston is one of Oregon Coast's smallest communities. Though Charleston has its fair share of locally-owned stores and boutiques, its main attraction is the town's port, home to commercial fishing fleets and popular hangouts for avid fishers, crabbers, and boaters. Visitors can also find the Shore Acres State Park in Charleston, home to towering bluffs overlooking the Pacific coast.
Seaside
The beach town of Seaside also enjoys a reputation as a resort destination in northwest Oregon. This family-friendly boasts a range of attractions for a memorable vacation, from its famed Seaside Promenade (or "The Prom") to mini-golfing at the Captain Kid Amusement Park. Nature enthusiasts can also endlessly explore the natural landscape at Seaside like Tillamook Head and Ecola State Park. Additionally, history buffs can appreciate Seaside's collection of historical memorabilia, specifically the Lewis and Clark Salt Cairn monuments at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park.
There is more to see in Oregon besides Portland and Salem. Straddling the Pacific coast, Oregon boasts stunning ocean views against a backdrop of dramatic mountain ranges. Thus, the beauty of the Oregon Coast is easily visible while exploring the state's charming beach towns, from Astoria to Seaside.
