Editors note: Updated 3/2024
Our favorite beach on the Oregon Coast is Manzanita.
If beaches were sisters, Manzanita would be the poised, quiet one – compared to Cannon Beach, the driven, successful sister, and wild, crazy Seaside.
A charming, walkable town, a beautiful crescent-shaped beach, and good places to eat top the list of reasons to visit Manzanita.
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Where is Manzanita, Oregon?
Manzanita is on the Oregon North Coast, south of Cannon Beach.
You have to turn off Hwy. 101 to reach it, which is probably why beachgoers sometimes overlook it.
| Distance from… | Miles |
| Seattle, WA | 220 miles |
| Eugene, OR | 167 miles |
| Portland, OR | 93 miles |
| Astoria, OR | 39 miles |
| Tillamook, OR | 26 miles |
| Seaside, OR | 22 miles |
| Cannon Beach, OR | 15 miles |
Why visit Manzanita?
Manzanita is at the top of our list for a quiet beach getaway.
Miles of walkable beach, a charming main street, and laid-back refinement are reasons Manzanita is a favorite destination for Pacific Northwesterners.
We’ve had the opportunity to explore every nook and cranny of Manzanita thanks to my husband’s family owning a cozy beach house in Manzanita.
Our frequent stays have allowed us to experience all the best things to do in the area. I’m excited to share the well-known and hidden gems that make this beach town unique.
First stop
As always, our first stop is the local visitors center.
Manzanita Visitors Center on Laneda Ave will help you get familiar with the area and its offerings.
And here’s something to know—Manzanita Visitor Center has two beach wheelchairs they loan out on a first-come-first-served basis. You can use the chair for three hours, no fee.
They look like regular wheelchairs with big balloon tires that take the sand in stride.
Interested in a specific category? Just jump right to it.
Outdoors and nature in Manzanita
Manzanita Beach
Nehalem Bay protects the south end of the beach, creating a graceful crescent shape.
Often, this geo protection blesses Manzanita with slightly better weather than its neighboring beaches. However, we’re talking about the Oregon Coast, so “good weather” is relative!
Manzanita is a special place, the beach offers 7-miles of unobstructed walking. It’s rarely crowded, especially during the shoulder seasons, but it is popular with kiteboarders, kite flyers, and families.
Manzanita Beach
For more Oregon Coast inspiration, check out our 9 other favorite beaches on the North Coast:
10 Best Beaches on the Oregon North Coast
Mobility chairs
In addition to the visitor’s center beach wheelchairs, there’s another amazing resource:
David’s Chairs is a non-profit organization that aims to give mobility-impaired people independence and the ability to enjoy outdoor activities.
They offer track chairs and para golfers.
This organization is fantastic!
Whether you need to borrow a chair or not I highly recommend you check out the website and listen to David’s story.
Many cool things are happening at David’s Chairs – and yes, they take donations.
Trails
Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain Trail
If you can tear away from the beach, hike up NeahKahnie Mountain and enjoy the view.
It’s a 3-mile forested trail with about 4 switchbacks; it’s a moderate climb. The view of Nehalem Bay is worth the effort.
There are geocaches on Neahkahnie – see our geocaching post to help you get started:
Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain Trail
Oswald West State Park
Oswald is to the north of Manzanita Beach.
Oswald is popular for its hiking trails, beautiful forest, and views.
Walk a half-mile+ from the parking area, and you will find Short Sand Beach.
Short Sand Beach is very popular with surfers and boogie boarders. It sits inside the rectangular Smuggler’s Cove, and many beginning surfing lessons start here.
It’s a popular destination, especially in the summer. It’s a bit of a hike to the beach, something to consider if you have small children and a lot of gear.
Family fun in Manzanita
Bahama Mama’s beach rentals
Try out a fun cycle or beach cruiser.
Bahama Mama’s also rents surfboards, boogie boards, skimboards, and wet suits for brave souls.
But make no mistake, the Oregon Coast waters are treacherous. Only experienced swimmers should consider playing in the water above their knees.
And you’ll hear it many times, but I’ll say it too – NEVER turn your back on the Pacific Ocean.
Bahama Mama’s
Kayaking
At one end of Manzanita beach is Nehalem Bay.
This beautiful bay is home to Nehalem Bay State Park. If you’re a camper, we highly recommend this state park.
Nehalem Bay is perfect for a family kayak excursion.
You can rent boats right on the dock.
SUP Manzanita
If you want to learn the art of stand-up paddleboarding on your next vacation, check out SUP Manzanita.
Private lessons, group lessons, and tours are available.
SUP Manzanita
Kite flying
Kite flying is a time-honored tradition on the Oregon Coast.
And if your family is anything like mine, the kids lose interest pretty quickly in favor of playing in the sand.
So, let’s be honest, this is really an adult sport. And in Oregon – kite flying is a sport.
I say that so when you stop at one of the many kite shops dotted along the coast, buy the kite your inner child wants—not the kite your kids are clamoring for.
I promise they will abandon it within 30 minutes, nose down in the sand.
Locally, you can find kites at Bahama Mama’s and Boards and Beach Fare.
Horseback riding
You will often see horseback riders on Manzanita Beach.
Nehalem Bay State Park offers horse facilities, so this is a popular place for horse owners to camp.
You can also arrange for a horseback riding experience.
Nehalem Bay Horse Excursion & Pony Rides
Swimming pool
Another activity to have up your sleeve is the Nehalem Swimming Pool.
In addition to adult lap swim and fitness activities, a family swim is also included on Friday nights.
You can find the current schedule here: Nehalem Aquatics Center
Museums in Manzanita
Now, why would you want to go to a museum at the beach?
One word – RAIN!
No matter what time of year you go to the Oregon Coast, be prepared for rain.
Oregon natives know that if you get a glorious sunny day, much less a warm day, you’ve been blessed with the greatest gift the beach can offer.
For all those other days…here are a few suggestions:
Hoffman Center for the Arts
It’s not exactly a museum, but the Hoffman has a lot going on.
You may want to check out the following:
Nehalem Valley Historical Society
Photographs, letters, journals, maps, and documents tell the story of early Nehalem.
Currently open Saturdays, from 1-4 p.m.
Nehalem Valley Historical Society
Shopping in Manzanita
Walk along the main strip in Manzanita, and you will find many interesting boutiques selling home decor, jewelry, clothing, and gifts.
Here are a few:
finnesterre
Unfurl
T-SPOT
Oregon Coast Clothing Co.
For local t-shirt and baseball cap designs, stop at Oregon Coast Clothing.
Wisteria Chic
For the littles.
Toylandia
A lovely toy store. Pick up a new game if the kiddos run out of things to do on a rainy day.
Cloud & Leaf Bookstore, LLC
A charming indie bookstore packed with unique titles.
Treat Yourself
Spa Manzanita is the perfect place for a bit of pampering.
Check out their special packages for the ultimate day at the beach.
They offer gift certificates!
Good eats and drinks in Manzanita
A Mighty Thai
Extensive menu of classic Thai dishes.
Be aware they charge an extra $1 for each to-go item.
They have indoor seating, but tables are best for 2-4 guests.
Big Wave Cafe
One of our favorite beach restaurants, you’ll find hearty seafood dishes, steak, and burgers.
Big Wave is a good choice for halibut fish and chips and fried, grilled, and seared seafood.
El Trio Loco
Great Mexican food that will make your pickiest eaters happy.
I prefer El Trio Loco if we want to eat in the restaurant (they do have take-out).
Left Coast Siesta
For a Mexican take-out vibe, stop by Left Coast Siesta.
The menu is straightforward – you start with a burrito, taco, enchilada – and customize.
A good, satisfying option for lunch, or grab a burrito and head for the beach.
Marzano’s Pizza Pie
Delicious pizza, take-out only. The perfect easy indulgence to take back to the beach house after a long day in the sand.
Be sure to order well ahead of time. In the busy season, wait times can be up to 2 hours! You’ve been warned.
San Dune Pub
Yummy classic beach food – burgers, seafood, etc.
Sand Dune is a 21+ bar – no youngins’.
Riverside Fish and Chips
A local favorite, Riverside has plenty of outdoor seating (indoor, too) overlooking Nehalem Bay.
There are a few items on the menu, but really, go for the fish and chips.
The Pizza Garden
Pizza Garden has a pretty extensive menu of Italian-American food.
The Pizza Garden has indoor seating.
Coffee and breakfast in Manzanita
Sisters and Petes Coffee and Treats
If you’re looking for a sweet treat to go with your coffee, Sisters and Petes is the place.
Pies, cinnamon rolls, and cookies top the menu.
The space has a grandma’s house feel – perfect for waiting out some Oregon rain.
Manzanita News & Espresso
Right on the main drag, Manzanita News is your quintessential coffee shop. It’s the place to read the paper, borrow some wifi, and get your beachcombing off on the right foot.
There’s limited seating, so arrive flexible.
Wanda’s Cafe + Bakery
Our favorite place to go out to breakfast is Wanda’s.
Classic breakfast options include biscuits and gravy, omelets, scrambles, huevos rancheros, and waffles.
Friday – Sunday, freshly baked bread and BIG cinnamon rolls are on the menu.
Manzanita drinks
Nehalem Bay Winery
Located in the charming historic Mohler Creamery building (built in 1909), the tasting room is open daily from 10 to 5 p.m.
Tasting is complimentary with the purchase of a bottle. Or you can buy a flight of 5 tastes for $10.
There are currently 22 wines listed on the website. If you’re looking for an Oregon-themed gift, I highly recommend Nehalem Bay Winery.
The Winery At Manzanita
Another fabulous location for wine lovers, The Winery at Manzanita, is near the beach.
A beautiful space indoors and out, you will find small plates, flights, and wine by the glass.
Family-friendly, you can even roast s’mores out on the patio.
Other eats in Manzanita
Wild Grocery
Hard to categorize, Wild Grocery is part deli, part health food store.
You will also find all manner of drinks – a juice bar, tea, coffee, beer, cider, kefir – whatever you fancy.
Manzanita Sweets
In the middle of the action, on Laneda Ave, Manzanita Sweets is a great place to get some beachy saltwater taffy.
They are also known for their chocolate, fudge, and seasonally inspired candy and confections.
Manzanita Grocery & Deli – The Little Apple
It is one of two grocery stores in town, and this one is on the main drag of Laneda Ave.
If you’re walking around town or staying within walking distance of Laneda Ave, this is a good place to shop. Parking can be sparse when Manzanita is busy.
Manzanita Grocery & Deli – The Little Apple
Manzanita Fresh Foods
Just a few blocks away, you’ll find Manzanita Fresh.
When we’re out and about in the car, Manzanita Fresh has a dedicated parking lot, which is more convenient.
But we frequent both stores.
More Oregon resources
