Nestled along Oregon’s northern coast, Rockaway Beach is the kind of seaside town that beckons visitors of all ages to relax, breathe in the refreshing salty air, and experience the beauty of the ocean. With miles of sandy shoreline, the iconic Twin Rocks, charming downtown, and plenty of opportunities for exploring nature, Rockaway Beach is a quiet, less crowded coastal destination just waiting to be discovered.

Outdoor Adventures

Fall at Rockaway Beach is one of the best times of the year. Mild temperatures invite visitors to explore the beach and Pacific Ocean, and other areas around town that are ideal for adventure seekers. Rockaway Beach offers a flat seven-mile stretch of sand for a long beach walk, building sandcastles, riding a beach bike, flying a kite, or beachcombing for a special treasure to take home. For hiking enthusiasts, hike along the Old Growth Cedar Trail, a beautiful wetland preserve that is home to one of the oldest Western Red Cedars in the state. The Old Growth Cedar Trail is ADA accessible, and beach wheelchairs and electric track chairs are also available with ADA beach access.

For families, gather everyone together for a round of putt-putt golf at Troxel’s Rock Garden for an easy Wizard of Oz-themed round of mini golf. For bird watchers, Rockaway Beach features a variety of seabirds, shorebirds, and eagles. The area is also great to explore via kayaking. Lake Lytle is a fantastic place to calmly glide along the water and experience the sights and sounds of nature.

Add in a weekend ride on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, a round-trip from Rockaway to Garibaldi. It’s a blast from the past with great views, pulled by a steam locomotive engine.

Indoor Fun

Birdies Bay Golf lets users play an indoor round of simulation golf and practice their swing. The adjoining retail shop offers coffee, golf gear and other accessories, too. The International Police Museum features an extensive collection of law enforcement memorabilia shared by retired Rockaway Beach Chief of Police Ed Wortman, and for history lovers, the Garibaldi Maritime Museum is just five miles south and is filled with memories of the maritime heritage of the North Coast. 

Fresh Foods

There’s nothing like fresh-caught seafood and Rockaway Beach has everything seafood lovers are looking for. Book a charter boat and catch fresh Chinook and Coho salmon, dig for bay and razor clams early in the morning, or catch Dungeness crab at nearby Kelly's Marina or Jetty Fishery. If you’re looking for dine-in options, Rockaway Beach has a host of eateries that bring the coast to your table. Start the morning at Beach Bakeshop or Boots ‘N Brew for breakfast goodies and strong coffee, then grab a mouthwatering lunch or dinner at Old Oregon Smokehouse, Pelican Brewing, Sand Dollar Restaurant or Shipwreck Pizza. Or celebrate the beginnings of the corn dog that was invented in Rockaway in the late 1930s and sink your teeth into a delicious pancake-battered hot dog at the Original Pronto Pup. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Schwietert’s Cones and Candy sells sweet treats like ice cream, fudge, caramel corn, and old-fashioned sodas.

Shopping Destinations

From art galleries and antique shops to gift stores with mementos and treats to commemorate your trip to the beach, there are shops of all kinds to peruse at Rockaway Beach. Beach Crafters Gifts offers handcrafted jewelry and painted seashells, Sea Breeze features beach toys, kites, boogieboards, and other gift items, and various markets are available for everything you need from Northwest-style beers to locally made soaps, candles, and other nautical items.

Rockaway Beach blends natural beauty with classic small-town Oregon Coast charm. Take it from Mary McGinnis, Rockaway Beach City Councilor, who said, “If you like to walk, Rockaway Beach is your kind of town: seven miles of beach, a boardwalk through a nature preserve, safe and friendly streets, trails into forests on logging roads, and paths to parks and lakes. It's why I live here!"

Learn more about Rockaway Beach here and plan your visit today.