Manzanita Beach runs for approximately 2.5 miles along the northern Tillamook County coast, backed by the dramatic silhouette of Neahkahnie Mountain to the north and gentle dune grasses to the south. The sand is pale and fine-grained, and the beach faces west with full exposure to Pacific swells and prevailing winds. Surf conditions are moderate to heavy, and water temperatures remain cold year-round—typically 50–58°F / 10–14°C—making the beach more suited to walking, kite flying, and photography than swimming. Manzanita is a small, quiet resort village of around 700 permanent residents, and the beach reflects the town's unhurried, literary character. It attracts writers, artists, and families seeking an alternative to more developed coastal towns. There are no beach vendors or boardwalks; the sand is clean and largely undeveloped. The village is compact and walkable, with a handful of restaurants, a natural foods market, and a bookstore all within a few minutes of the main beach access on Manzanita Avenue. Dogs are welcome year-round and free street parking is available throughout town. The beach connects to Nehalem Bay State Park to the south, where a sand spit extends into Nehalem Bay, creating a sheltered waterway popular with kayakers and paddleboarders. Neahkahnie Mountain, rising 1,631 feet above sea level at the beach's north end, can be hiked via a trail off US-101 for panoramic views of the entire beach, bay, and Tillamook County coastline.
Amenities
- 2.5-mile north-facing beach with dunes
- Dog-friendly
- Village restaurants within 5-minute walk
- Free street parking
- Cape Lookout access nearby
Good to know
- Best for
- couples, photographers, dog-owners, beachcombers, wildlife-watchers
Location
Manzanita Ave & Beach access, Manzanita, OR 97130
45.7173, -123.9372 View on map
Highlights
- A 2.5-mile north-facing beach backed by Neahkahnie Mountain, offering dramatic scenery and consistently uncrowded conditions.
- Nehalem Bay State Park, adjacent to the south, provides flat-water kayaking, camping, and a scenic spit walk.
- The small village of Manzanita has independent restaurants, a bookstore, and a natural foods market within walking distance.
- Dog-friendly beach with free street parking and no admission fee at any access point.
- Neahkahnie Mountain trail, reached from US-101, provides panoramic coastal views from 1,631 feet.
Tips for visiting
- Arrive in the morning for the best light on Neahkahnie Mountain and the fewest visitors on the sand.
- The south end of the beach near the Nehalem Bay spit offers shelter from north wind—ideal for families and picnics.
- Wetsuits are strongly recommended for any water entry—sea temperatures rarely exceed 58°F / 14°C even in August.
- Free street parking on Manzanita Ave and surrounding streets rarely fills completely, even on summer weekends.
- Nehalem Bay State Park campground is nearby and makes a good base for multi-day exploration of Tillamook County beaches.
When to visit
May through October offers the most stable weather, with July and August being the driest months. Spring and fall visits reward photographers—morning light on Neahkahnie Mountain is particularly striking—with far fewer visitors than in peak summer.
Frequently asked questions
Is Manzanita Beach crowded in summer?
Manzanita is one of the quieter beach towns on the Oregon coast. Summer weekends see more visitors, but the beach is long enough that it rarely feels overcrowded. Weekday visits are very tranquil.
Are there food options near Manzanita Beach?
The village has several restaurants and cafes within a 5-minute walk of the beach, including options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Choices are limited, so dinner reservations are advisable on summer weekends.
Can visitors kayak or paddleboard near Manzanita?
Nehalem Bay, accessible from the south end of the beach via Nehalem Bay State Park, is a popular flat-water kayaking area sheltered from ocean swells. The ocean surf is too rough for beginners. Rentals may be available seasonally in Manzanita.
How far is Manzanita from Portland?
Manzanita is approximately 90 miles southwest of Portland, a drive of about 2 hours via US-26 West and US-101 South. There is no regular bus service to Manzanita.