Cape Meares Beach
Cape Meares, OR
Cape Meares is the northernmost of the Three Capes and the only one with a lighthouse, an 1890 structure that's still standing at the tip of the headland above a small community beach. The Cape Meares Loop road reopened only recently after a landslide closed it for nearly a decade, so this stretch stayed quieter than usual for years.
The lighthouse and reopened loop road make this a genuine draw again, though the beach access itself is secondary to the headland views.
How we score beachesCombine the beach with the short walk to the lighthouse itself, since both sit inside the same small state scenic viewpoint and parking area.
Free lot at the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, shared with lighthouse visitors.
A paved path leads to the lighthouse; beach access nearby involves a steeper, less developed trail down to the sand.
Summer, June through September, brings the clearest lighthouse views; winter storm watching from the headland can be dramatic but the beach itself is rougher going.
More Pacific Coast beaches
Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.
Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.