There's a reason Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is one of the most visited areas at the Oregon coast. This stretch of the coast is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, especially if you enjoy surfing. If you find yourself inspired watching the wet-suit laded adventure nuts jump into the freezing see, test your own athletic abilities by climbing to the summing of the towering sand dune. The views from the top are striking and guaranteed to get your heart pumping. End the day with a brew from Pelican.

Bandon, Oregon is filled to the brim with creative locals that have turned this little coastal town into an alluring place for visitors and locals alike. There’s so much to do (and learn), you can easily spend an entire weekend at this charming coast town and leave wanting more. Monolithic rocks jut out of the sea and create a dramatic landscape that defines Oregon's rugged coastline. Thankfully, the beach is easily accessible and there's plenty of parking available.

Short Sand Beach is one of the most beautiful secluded beaches on the Oregon Coast (and has the summer crowds to prove it!). To reach the beach, you'll need to park the car and hike a short distance through a fragrant forest of Sitka Spruce. The short hike doesn't deter crowds. You'll find yourself in the midst of sun bathers and surfers (this is a popular surfing beach), everyone trying to get their fill of the salty air. But with views like this, how can you blame them?

Neskowin has been able to skirt the commercialization taking most of the other Oregon Coast beaches by storm. As such, both the town and beach feel less crowded than most other areas along the coast. Ripe for exploration, the beach is defined by Proposal Rock (which looks like a shorter version of Haystack Rock at Canon Beach) and the Ghost Forest. The Ghost Forest is comprised of 2000-year-old stumps from ancient Sitka spruce that spanned impressive heights of 200-feet back in their hey day.

Some folks argue that Seaside is reserved for out-of-town visitors, but I disagree. This is definitely one of the best beaches at the Oregon coast for kids because there's a plethora of things to keep them occupied. From the Funland Seaside Arcade to enjoying (way too many) ice cream cones at Zingers Ice Cream. I think it's a great spot to mention when discussing the best beached on the Oregon Coast for families.

Unlike most of the other beaches mentioned on this list, Nehalem Bay is ... well, a bay. But here's the thing: it's so calming and beautiful, it'd be a disservice to omit it from the list. This soft-sand beach in Oregon stands a mile above the rest thanks to the beautiful grassy dunes. You'll have an opportunity to relax on the beach with a good book in hand, or stretch your legs by walking the length of the shoreline.

Home to the iconic 235-foot Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach has an appeal few can resist. Located a mere 1.5-hour drive from Portland, this is a popular destination with locals & tourists alike. Thankfully, there's plenty to do, ample places to stay, and delicious restaurants to choose from. Kids (and adults) love exploring Haystack Rock at low tide in search of colorful starfish, anemones and hermits. The birding is top-notch too, the area is home to tufted puffins and the occasional bald eagle.

If your ideal day at the coast doesn't entail rubbing elbows with hordes of people peppered along the beach, may I suggest Rockaway Beach? Best described as "a little Oregon Coast town with a big beach," you may still find some semblance of solitude on this stretch of the coast. Make sure to swing by Manhattan Beach State Recreation Site while you're in the area, the sunsets are unforgettable.

Fort Steves State Park is located in Astoria, Oregon. Perhaps best known as the filming location for The Goonies, Astoria is not technically a beach town because it sits at the mouth of the Columbia River. But, technicalities aside, that detail doesn't stop it from being a great area to explore. When you get your fill of the city, make a beeline for Fort Stevens State Park to see the most famous shipwreck in Oregon with your own eyes.

While you won't find smooth sand to stretch out on, you will find fascinating round cobblestones that line every inch of this famous beach. Sitting pretty at the base of the iconic Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Cobble Beach is ripe for exploration. The beach comes alive with vibrant sea life at low tide but is equally beautiful at high tide. Find a smooth section of the shore to park on, and listen to the satisfying sound of rushing waves clashing against the black stones.