Oregon is full of beautiful beaches and welcoming small towns all up and down the coast. There are many that you've surely heard of and may have even visited like Cannon Beach, Newport, Florence, Lincoln City, and others. However, one that might not have made its way onto your radar that is very special and nearly perfect is Manzanita. This small town has everything you could want or need for the perfect ocean getaway. Read on to find out more about why we think that Manzanita is one of the best coastal towns in Oregon and then plan a visit soon! You'll love it - guaranteed!
Manzanita is lovely! This small town on the coast is about halfway between Cannon Beach and Pacific City, near Tillamook. It's close to Portland but it feels like it's a million miles away from everything.
This town is especially great because it has both ocean and mountains, so you don't have to choose between the two. You can have it all in Manzanita!
There are only about 600 residents in Manzanita, but there are plenty of places to stay, things to do, and places to eat in town.
The beach in Manzanita is beautiful and it's the perfect place to spend the day and then watch the sunset over the horizon.
But wait - there's more! Besides the beautiful beach, Manzanita also offers access to incredible, lush, old-growth forests.
Two of Oregon's best state parks are adjacent to Manzanita. You can visit Nehalem Bay State Park to the south.
It has a day-use area, a campground, hiking trails, beach access, and lots of wildlife.
To the north, you can visit Oswald West State Park. It's 2,448 acres in size and offers breathtaking views from trails along cliffs.
It also offers beach access. West Oswald State Park used to have a campground, but currently, it is day use only.
Before or after you explore these state parks, you're going to be hungry! Fortunately, Manzanita has lots of great restaurants. For breakfast or brunch, you should try Yolk. It's top notch!
For lunch, Manzanita Mudd Dogs is a filling choice.
If you're craving seafood for dinner, don't miss out on Big Wave Cafe!
There are also some fun shopping opportunities in Manzanita! You might like Moxie Fair Trade, for one example.
Lingering in a bookstore is always a wonderful way to spend a lazy afternoon. Cloud & Leaf Bookstore is a perfect place for that.
If you'd like to enjoy some art by local artists, stop into Hoffman Center for the Arts. The center offers classes, too.
And, you can learn about the history of the area at the Nehalem Valley Historical Society & Museum.
As you can see, there's something for everyone in Manzanita. You'll love it! Explore it for yourself soon.
Manzanita is a dream! This town may be small, but it's quiet, serene, and relaxing, and honestly, what more do you want when thinking about the perfect coastal town? It's no wonder we consider it to be one of the best coastal towns in Oregon. Visit Manzanita today and fall in love.
Do you want to explore more of the great little towns on the Oregon coast? This Oregon Coast Road Trip is a wonderful way to do exactly that! You'll pass through Manzanita between Cannon Beach and Pacific City. Have a great trip!
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