While the Beaver State isn’t exactly a place that screams “Caribbean getaway,” there are plenty of places to go where you will feel as though you’ve discovered paradise in Oregon. Because although the Pacific Northwest is notorious for its mild, rainy summers (which is basically the opposite of what you’d find in a tropical locale), there are places in Oregon that are like the Caribbean, complete with white sand shores, turquoise waters, and laid-back beach vibes… you just need to know where to look! So without further ado, here are nine places in Oregon that are like an island paradise in the summer.

1. Hayden Island
Hayden Island, Hayden Island Neighborhood Network, OR, USA
Bill Reynolds/Flickr
This summer, escape to Hayden Island, Oregon's one and only island community. This charming town is literally located on the Columbia River, and it's a delight to visit. Hayden Island is all 'beach life' vibes: houseboats, marinas, and waterfront dining!
2. Jantzen Beach Bar & Grill - Hayden Island
Jantzen Beach Bar & Grill, Inside of the Red Lion on the River, 909 N Hayden Island Dr, Portland, OR 97217, USA
Jantzen Beach Bar & Grill/Facebook
Speaking of waterfront restaurants in Oregon, Hayden Island's Jantzen Beach Bar & Grill is *the* place to go in the Beaver State for an island dining experience. One of the island's iconic restaurants, this casual eatery boasts some seriously stunning seascapes -- and delicious fare! Order a Hawaiian Burger and umbrella-topped cocktail and you'll be feeling all.the.island vibes.
3. South Beach - Newport
South Beach, Newport, OR, USA
Robert/Google Local
In Newport you’ll find a beach with the whitest, most pristine sand in the state. South Beach is an underrated treasure with some of the most dazzling shores in the PNW! The sand at South Beach is so brilliant and the waters so clear-blue, you'll swear you're in the Caribbean.
4. Pacific City
Pacific City, OR, USA
Visit Tillamook Coast/Facebook
Did you know you can go surfing in Oregon? Pacific City is all white-capped waves, glorious tides, and prismatic sunsets. Visit Pacific City, and some other breathtaking points along the Oregon Coast, on the Three Capes Scenic Loop.
5. Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park - Florence
Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park Campground, 84505 Oregon Coast Hwy S, Florence, OR 97439, USA
mark olinger/Google
The second largest state park in Oregon, Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park boasts two beautiful, clear bodies of water. While not as warm as the Caribbean waters, the views at these beaches are equally resplendent. Rent a paddle boat, kayak, or stand-up paddle board on Cleawox Lake, and explore to your heart's content.
6. Luna Sea Fish House - Yachats
Luna Sea Fish House, 153 US-101, Yachats, OR 97498, USA
Robert Mungary/Google Local
Oregon Coast seafood is incredible, and you can dine on some of the best fresh *and* fried seafood in the PNW at Luna Sea Fish House in Yachats. This turquoise blue eatery dishes up the lightest, crispiest, most melt-in-your-mouth fish and chips in the state, and is a total Caribbean seafood shack kind of experience.
7. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area - Reedsport
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, 855 US-101, Reedsport, OR 97467, USA
Spinreel Dune Buggy and ATV Rentals/Facebook
A place of otherworldly beauty, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is actually part of the Siuslaw National Forest; and not only are the Oregon Dunes the largest concentration of coastal dunes in all of North America, they're one of the largest temperate coastal dunes in the entire world. A place of immense intrigue and mystery, this national park served as the inspiration for Frank Herbert's "Dunes" book series, and the subsequent movie, and it's easy to see why. In addition to being a downright marvelous place to explore, for a vacation kind of experience in the Beaver State, rent a Spinreel Dune Buggy and take an off-road adventure! There’s nothing quite as fun or exhilarating as exploring the Oregon Dunes and beaches from a UTV.
8. Hood River Waterfront Park
Hood River Waterfront Trail, Hood River, OR 97031, USA
MarcoAntonio Vega/Google Local
This lovely little oasis in Hood River boasts beautiful waters perfect for stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, or kayaking. When you're in the middle of the tranquil waters with the sun shining down and warm breezes blowing, you'll feel as though you've escaped to your own private island.
9. Rapa Nui Tiki - Bend
Rapa Nui Tiki Bar, 360 SW Powerhouse Dr, Bend, OR 97702, USA
Rapa Nui Tiki/Facebook
This brand-new tiki lounge in Bend is all island vibes, all the time. Grab an umbrella-topped drink to enjoy on the outdoor deck, and we guarantee you'll be on island time in no time at all!

Channel those Caribbean vibes all summer long at these places where you’ll find true paradise in Oregon. For more summer adventures in the Beaver State, be sure to check out these glorious Oregon waterfalls!

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Paradise in Oregon

Sarah M. | May 07, 2022

Where can I find paradise in Oregon?

We happen to think the whole of Oregon is a paradise, as evidenced in each and every one of the destinations listed above! But if you're looking for a total Hawaiian paradise in Oregon, there's a beautiful little Airbnb in Newport that's about as perfect as it gets. Located at Moolack Beach in Newport, this boutique hotel offers a variety of themed, one-of-a-kind rooms with private beach access. The Hawaiian Room is exactly as it sounds: this well-appointed rental comfortably accommodates up to two guests and boasts a kitchenette, flat-screen TV, queen bed, and private bathroom. Details like a paddle fan, vaulted wood-beam ceilings, and wicker furnishings transport visitors to a beach cottage on a far-away island. Newport is an especially lovely beach to visit, and this Hawaiian-themed Airbnb here is a total paradise in Oregon!

Are there any island getaways in Oregon?

There is an amazing island getaway in Oregon, and it's hiding right in plain sight. Just 20 minutes from Portland, Hayden Island is our state’s very own inland island, and it’s the perfect Oregon day trip destination. This inland island is only accessible by boat or bridge, and there's something about taking that extra step to access it that makes the island feel all the more special. And just be warned: once you cross over that bridge, you'll be on total island time! A true "beach community," between its waterfront locale, outdoor dining, and abundance of water recreation, Hayden Island feels like a true escape to paradise in Oregon -- even if you only visit for a day.

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