Oceanside is a tiny little town along the Oregon Coast; and by tiny, we mean a population of just over 500 full-time residents! But don’t let its diminutive size fool you – this coastal community is one of the most delightful and unique places in America. With its rugged coastal vibes, charming downtown, an abundance of natural beauty, and close proximity to some of the PNW’s most iconic attractions, Oceanside is absolutely perfect for a day trip in Oregon. If you’re looking for things to do in Oceanside, Oregon – read on!

Measuring just one square mile in size, Oceanside is one of the most unique and delightful small towns in America. In our experience, when you visit this charming town, you'll never want to leave.
Courtnie Erickson/ OnlyInYourState
In classic PNW form, Oceanside's beach is full of sea stacks and unique basalt rock formations. If you're wondering what things there are to do in Oceanside, Oregon, going to the beach is number one!
adventuresof_jade_/TripAdvisor
Oceanside Beach in Oregon is absolutely gorgeous. Some of our favorite things to do at the Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site include catching a sunrise or sunset or listening to the waves with our toes in the sand.
A treasure trove for beachcombers, you'll find lots of beautiful shells at Oceanside Beach including...
MamaDuckof2/TripAdvisor
... big, beautiful gemstones and agate!
Oceanside is located within minutes of one of Oregon's most iconic places: Cape Meares Lighthouse.
Courtnie Erickson/ OnlyInYourState
Editor's note: As of April 2023, the road between Oceanside and Cape Meares is closed between milepost 1 and 2.5 due to landslide activity and is expected to reopen fall 2023. Alternative routes are available.

While exploring Cape Meares, you'll definitely want to check out the infamous Oregon Octopus Tree.
Jorge Zelaya/Google Local
This gnarly, old-growth Sitka spruce is truly unlike any other tree in the Beaver State. Nicknamed the "Octopus Tree" because of its tentacle-shaped branches, this massive tree has been described as one of the modern Wonders of the World.
Just five minutes south of Oceanside, you'll find one of the coolest hidden gems in Oregon: Lex's Cool Stuff.
Perry Low/Google Local
This aptly named thrift and consignment store has some truly one-of-a-kind treasures: unique art, odd sculptures and wares, vintage furniture, and more!
Oceanside's downtown area is uniquely situated right on a coastal hillside, and it's about as postcard-perfect as it gets.
Finetooth/Wikipedia
One of the best restaurants on the Oregon Coast, Blue Agate Cafe is a casual restaurant offering incredible seafood and diner fare. The clam chowder here is a must-try and this is one restaurant we can't recommend enough!
Bridget Ray/Google Local
Another must-visit restaurant in Oceanside is Roseanna's Cafe, where you'll have the best seafood pasta of your life!
Stephanie Millard/Google Local
Save room for dessert, however, as this Oceanside eatery makes an amazing homemade marionberry crumble.
At the end of the day, you're not going to want to leave Oceanside. That's totally understandable. Happily, there are some amazing waterfront accommodations in town.
Management/TripAdvisor
The Oceanside Inn captivates with breathtaking views of the water, as its name suggests.
Turtlejanes Bed and Breakfast is another cozy option when in Oceanside. This beguiling beachfront B&B is peak rustic luxury!
Management/TripAdvisor
Oceanside's unique proximity to the Pacific Ocean is just one of the many things that makes this charming town so delightful.
M.O. Stevens/Wikimedia Commons
Come and experience a perfect piece of the Oregon Coast in winsome little Oceanside. When it comes to small towns in Oregon, we believe that this is one destination that is hard to beat.
Courtnie Erickson/ OnlyInYourState

 

Doesn’t Oceanside make for a lovely Oregon vacation? Have you visited Oceanside, Oregon before? What are some of your favorite Oceanside, Oregon things to do? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

And while you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Three Capes Scenic Loop to experience some of the most wonderful attractions on the Oregon Coast! Don’t forget to check out this article from our Only In Your State writer who took her family to this charming town. And make sure to check out one of the many charming vacation rentals in Oceanside. There are several options and we have found this is one of the best ways to stay in this Oregon town.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

Things To Do In Oceanside, Oregon & Related Info

Christy Articola | October 02, 2022

What are some things that I can do around or near Oceanside?

There are two ways to get to Oceanside from Portland. One is more direct and one is less direct.

If you take the direct route, you'll travel on Route 6 through the Tillamook State Forest. Along the way, you might consider stopping at the Tillamook Forest Center! It's free and it's a great place to spend some time. You can also stop in the town of Tillamook, and pick up some oysters at Nevør Shellfish Farm for dinner!

On the other hand, if you go the less direct way to Oceanside, you'll take Route 26 from Portland to Cannon Beach and then you'll take Route 101 down the coast to Oceanside. There's so much to see and do on Route 101. For example, you can go to Cannon Beach, which is glorious. You also might like Rockaway Beach as well.

No matter how you get there, there are plenty of amazing things to see and do along the way to Oceanside!

What other places are great for day trips in Oregon?

Oregon is full of excellent adventure options! Check out some of our favorite day trips in Oregon.

Related Articles

Explore Oregon

Featured Addresses
Oceanside, OR 97141, USA