Things to Do In & Around Rockaway Beach, Oregon
My family and I used to go to the beach every year, and it was always such a fun experience exploring a new beach each time. I especially want to highlight Rockaway Beach and the surrounding areas as a great place to spend time. I’ve visited this area twice, and both trips were memorable. It’s a wonderful beach destination and is conveniently located near many other popular attractions.
Barview Jetty
This jetty sits at one end of Rockaway Beach and makes for a pleasant walk out to the tip, where you might spot sea life—I even saw a whale there. It also offers a beautiful view of Neahkahnie Mountain.
Address: Rockaway Beach, OR 97136
Cannon Beach/Haystack Rock
One of the most iconic sights on the Oregon Coast, Haystack Rock rises prominently from the shore at Cannon Beach. The nearby town of Cannon Beach is a charming coastal destination with a variety of shops, as well as ice cream and candy stores, and plenty of dining options. A walk along the beach at sunrise or sunset is the perfect time to take in the scenery at its best.
Explore the tide pools
Checking the tide tables and visiting as the tide recedes offers the perfect opportunity to explore the surrounding tide pools. You can expect to see barnacles, mussels, and starfish in abundance, along with the occasional sighting of other marine life. Many beaches along the coast feature rock pools, so it’s simply a matter of researching and choosing one that appeals to you. Rockaway Beach has its own tide pools as well, making it easy to explore without venturing far.
Have a beach fire
This is such a memorable way to spend an afternoon or evening at the beach. My family and I roasted marshmallows and enjoyed s’mores while watching the sunset.
Be sure to check local regulations, including any permit requirements or burn bans, before starting a fire. In most areas, fires must be kept to about 3×3 feet, built below the high-tide line, and made using only store-bought wood. When you’re finished, fully extinguish the fire by dousing it with water and ensuring it is completely out before leaving.
Neahkahnie Mountain
A small roadside pullout offers a fantastic view of Manzanita, Nehalem, and Rockaway Beach. If you’re feeling up for it, Neahkahnie Mountain also features hiking trails where you can explore even more of the surrounding area.
Address: Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain Trl, Nehalem, OR 97131
Pronto Pup
I don’t have any photos from this roadside stand, but it’s a memorable stop. Known as the original inventor of the corn dog, Pronto Pup is a must-visit. Their corn dogs are longer than the typical store-bought versions, and you can choose between a classic or a more creative “fancy pup.” They also offer extras like tater tots, chili, nachos, and ice cream, making it a fun and satisfying stop along the coast.
Address: 110 Broadway St, Seaside, OR 97138
Rent surfing gear and do some surfing
This was a first-time experience for me. We rented gear from one of the local shops in Cannon Beach and spent a few days riding the waves. As a beginner, I really appreciated that the waves weren’t too intense, making it a great place to practice.
Surf Shop: 171 Sunset Blvd, Cannon Beach, OR 97110
Rockaway Beach
This was our home base, where we stayed in a rental house. There are plenty of lodging options to choose from in the area. I especially enjoyed staying here because it’s less touristy and crowded than Cannon Beach, making it easy to relax and enjoy the wide, open beach throughout the day.
Address: Oregon 97136
Sesame + Lilies
One of the many shops in Cannon Beach, this was probably my favorite stop. The many rooms were packed with home décor, making it fun to browse and see everything they had to offer. There was a mix of modern pieces, beach-themed accents, and even some quirky knickknacks to sort through. It was easy to spend an hour wandering around and enjoying a cozy break from the rain.
Shortsand Beach
This small beach features waves that attract surfers, as well as a scenic walk from the parking lot down to the shore. Trails along the surrounding cliffs offer opportunities for hiking and exploring. Visitors enjoy discovering tide pools and having picnics on the sand. Enclosed by cliffs on either side, the beach feels more private and secluded than long, open stretches of coastline.
Address: Oregon 97102
The Fish Peddler
This is easily the one must-visit spot I return to every time I’m in the area. They offer both fresh seafood and cooked dishes to enjoy either at home or on-site, and I honestly can’t recommend it enough. I’ve tried several items on the menu, and nothing has ever disappointed. The seafood always tastes incredibly fresh, and the prepared dishes are just as impressive.
The Three Graces
A great spot for viewing tide pools, though there isn’t an actual parking lot—just a narrow roadside pull-off. You’ll need to carefully make your way down the rocks to reach the area. Be mindful of where you step and try to avoid disturbing any wildlife. There’s so much to see here, and I’d highly recommend wearing sturdy, non-slip shoes for navigating the slippery rocks.
Address: 14474 Oregon Coast Hwy, Rockaway Beach, OR 97136
Tillamook Air Museum
This aviation museum in Tillamook, Oregon preserves the area’s World War II history. It features a wide range of aircraft, detailed miniatures of World War II ships, exhibits on the Holocaust, and much more. There’s a wealth of information to explore throughout the museum, making it an engaging and enjoyable way to spend a cold, windy day.
Address: 6030 Hangar Rd, Tillamook, OR 97141
Tillamook County Smoker
This is the go-to spot for picking up jerky and sausage sticks, and it’s a must-visit for our family whenever we’re in the area. The snacks are delicious, and the price is excellent for the quantity you get. With a wide variety of flavors available, there’s something to suit just about every taste.
Address: 8335 US-101 N, Bay City, OR 97107
Tillamook Creamery
A necessary stop when spending time in the area, this spot in Tillamook is perfect for grabbing cheese, Tillamook Creamery merchandise, ice cream, and a meal. Visitors can watch the process of workers making and packaging the cheese, making it a fun and educational experience that follows the journey from cows to store shelves.
There’s a wide variety of ice cream flavors to choose from, and the ice cream flights are a great way to sample several at once. It’s hard to leave without enjoying the cheese samples—or picking up a tub-shaped ice cream postcard or a cozy sweatshirt as a souvenir.
Address: 4165 N Hwy 101, Tillamook, OR 97141
Watch the sun set
If the weather isn’t too stormy, spending time on the beach in the evening offers a completely different experience. Watching the golden hour light hit the waves and reflect off the sand creates a magical atmosphere. It’s the perfect time to sit, relax, and enjoy the transition from day to night.
How to get around
You’ll want to have a car to get around unless you plan to stay near your accommodations and stick to the nearby beach. Most things in the area are fairly spread out, so having transportation makes it much easier to explore and see more.
How long to stay
How long you stay really depends on what you want to see and do. My family and I typically spend four days to a week on a beach vacation. If you’re planning to drive and explore nearby locations, it’s a good idea to allow for a longer stay to make the most of the area.
When to go
I recommend visiting in the fall or spring, as these are the most ideal times to go. Summer can be enjoyable, but it often brings larger crowds and busier attractions. For a quieter, more peaceful experience, fall and spring are better options. Winter is also a possibility, though it tends to be cold and stormy. Be sure to consider the type of weather and conditions you’re comfortable with when planning your trip.
Where to stay
Since this is a guide to spending time in Rockaway Beach, I recommend staying there—whether in a hotel, VRBO, Airbnb, or campsite. Nearby areas to consider include Oceanside, Manzanita, Tillamook, and Seaside, all of which offer great places to stay.
Up and down the Oregon Coast, there are countless wonderful spots, and it’s worth exploring different areas to discover what each has to offer. I’ve visited many places along the coast and have had unique, memorable experiences in each one.