Manzanita Beach
Manzanita, OR
Manzanita Beach runs about five miles of firm, wide sand from the base of Neahkahnie Mountain south to the mouth of the Nehalem River, and locals treat it as one of the calmer town beaches on the north coast. Ocean Road parallels the sand for half a mile with parking at nearly every cross street, so finding an access point is rarely the problem.
Wide, firm sand and easy access at nearly every street end, though the town itself pulls a steady tourist crowd in summer.
How we score beachesSkip Laneda Avenue, the main tourist access, and use one of the quieter side street ends south of downtown instead. Same beach, far fewer people.
Free street parking along Ocean Road and the numbered cross streets running to the beach.
Flat sand access from most street ends, no stairs.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach.
June through September brings the driest, calmest days on this stretch, and the firm, packed sand makes for good walking and biking most of the year.
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