POPULAR TOWNS FOR VACATION HOMES ON THE NORTH OREGON COAST
Oregon's North Coast has drawn Portland-area vacation-home buyers for well over a century. For many people, owning a vacation home on the Northern Oregon Coast is about more than having a place to escape; it's about creating lasting traditions and enjoying one of the most breathtaking landscapes.
Below you will find some of the most sought-after towns for vacation homes on the Northern Oregon Coast, along with each town's character and attractions.
Cannon Beach is best known for Haystack Rock, a 235-foot sea stack along its shoreline that National Geographic named one of the world's 100 most beautiful places in 2013. The city had a population of 1,489 at the 2020 census, and roughly 63% of its housing units were recorded as vacant in that same census, a strong indicator of how much of the town's housing stock functions as seasonal or vacation property rather than full-time residences.
The city has also intentionally kept large chain retailers and restaurants out of its downtown core, which contributes to the small-gallery, small-restaurant character visitors associate with the town.
Visitors come to Cannon Beach for its iconic coastal scenery. Haystack Rock is the centerpiece of the beach and is especially popular during low tide when colorful tide pools reveal starfish, anemones, and other marine life. Ecola State Park offers some of the most spectacular viewpoints on the Oregon Coast, with hiking trails overlooking dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches. Downtown Cannon Beach is lined with art galleries, locally owned boutiques, coffee shops, and acclaimed restaurants, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring.
Located just north of Seaside, Gearhart offers wide sandy beaches, beautiful dunes, historic cottages, golf courses, and a slower pace of life. It's a favorite among families who have returned generation after generation to spend summers by the ocean.
Gearhart is loved for its peaceful atmosphere and timeless coastal charm. Visitors enjoy long beach walks, horseback riding along the shoreline, and rounds at Gearhart Golf Links, one of the oldest golf courses west of the Mississippi River. Del Rey Beach and nearby parks provide quiet places for picnics and sunsets. Vehicles are allowed to drive on the beach North of 10th Street. Everything south of 10th is closed to motor vehicles and offers a calm, serene area for beachcombing and is a favorite spot for collecting sand dollars.
Seaside has been welcoming visitors for over a century and remains one of Oregon's most popular beach destinations. Its famous Promenade, aquarium, shopping, restaurants, arcades, and year-round events make it especially attractive for families and buyers who want plenty of activities nearby. Vacation homeowners enjoy having everything within minutes, from hiking trails, state parks, and expansive beaches.
At the 2020 census, Seaside's population was 7,115, with a local economy centered on tourism, retail, and hospitality.
The 1.5-mile Seaside Promenade is one of the town's most recognizable landmarks, stretching along the beach and offering beautiful ocean views. Families enjoy the Seaside Aquarium, arcade games on Broadway Street, and numerous ice cream shops and restaurants throughout downtown. Nearby Ecola State Park, Tillamook Head, and Saddle Mountain provide opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. With its lively atmosphere, events and classic beach-town feel, Seaside remains one of the Oregon Coast's most visited destinations.
Manzanita is located beneath Neahkahnie Mountain and has a population of 657 (as of 2026). This charming village offers a relaxed downtown, independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and seven miles of uncrowded beach.
The community has become especially popular with Portland-area buyers seeking an easy weekend escape that feels peaceful yet offers amenities. Nearly 74% of its housing units were vacant at the 2020 census, again indicating heavy second-home and vacation-rental use relative to full-time residency.
Manzanita is located between three distinctive landmarks: the vast Pacific Ocean, the large coastal headland at Neahkahnie Mountain, and the sheltered Nehalem Bay. Visitors often spend their mornings walking the expansive shoreline before exploring Laneda Avenue, the town's charming main street filled with locally owned bookstores, boutiques, bakeries, and cafés. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy kayaking and crabbing in Nehalem Bay, biking through Nehalem Bay State Park, and hiking Neahkahnie Mountain for the panoramic coastal views.
Rockaway Beach offers seven miles of sandy shoreline in Tillamook County and was originally developed as a seaside resort town in 1909, connected to Portland by rail. Notable natural features include the Twin Rocks sea stack formation and Lake Lytle, a 65-acre lake on the north side of town used for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The seasonal Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad also departs from Rockaway Beach.
Pacific City is a beach town located beneath the large headland of Cape Kiwanda. Is an unincorporated community in Tillamook County with a population of 1,300 to 1,800 residents. Because up to 60% of local homes are second homes or vacation rentals, the town gets much busier during the summer. Tillamook County has described the Pacific City-Woods area as the largest unincorporated community on the Oregon Coast.
Pacific City is best known for Cape Kiwanda, one of the Oregon Coast's most recognizable natural landmarks. Visitors climb the towering sand dune for panoramic ocean views or watch dory boats launch directly from the beach, a tradition unique to this community. The area is also popular for surfing, tide pooling, beachcombing, and enjoying sunsets from beachfront restaurants and breweries.
Astoria delivers a completely different coastal experience, sits on the Columbia River near where it meets the Pacific Ocean, and has a population of 10,000 people. Founded in 1811, it is the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. It is famous for its Historic Victorian homes, waterfront restaurants, museums, breweries, and a thriving arts community, making Astoria attractive to buyers seeking culture alongside coastal beauty.
As a river town rather than an oceanfront resort community, Astoria offers a different vacation-home profile than the beach towns above: historic architecture, a working waterfront, and river views rather than direct beach access.
Visitors are drawn to Astoria's rich history and vibrant waterfront. The Astoria Column offers sweeping views of the Columbia River, Pacific Ocean, and surrounding forests. The Columbia River Maritime Museum highlights the region's maritime heritage, while the historic downtown is filled with art galleries, breweries, coffee shops, antique stores, and restaurants. Movie fans also recognize Astoria as the filming location for classics like The Goonies and Kindergarten Cop. The town's blend of history, architecture, riverfront scenery, and arts culture. Making it one of the Oregon Coast's most distinctive destinations.
Every buyer has a different vision of what a coastal vacation home looks like.
Some prioritize being steps from the beach, while others value quiet neighborhoods, hiking access, golf, or vibrant downtowns. Maintenance, accessibility from Portland, and long-term lifestyle goals also play important roles in choosing the right location.
Working with a local real estate expert who understands the unique character of each coastal community can help you narrow your search and find the destination that truly fits your goals. As locals, the team at Saltaire Coastal Homes experiences this lifestyle every day. We live here, our families are part of these communities, and we understand what makes each town unique. We’re here to help you whenever you’re ready to buy your next vacation home on the North Oregon Coast.
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Frequently Ask Questions
Q: Which North Oregon Coast towns are most popular for vacation homes?
A: Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Seaside, Gearhart, Rockaway Beach, Pacific City, and Astoria are among the most commonly searched North Oregon Coast towns for vacation-home buyers.
Q: What is Cannon Beach best known for?
A: Cannon Beach is famous for Haystack Rock, Ecola State Park, its charming downtown filled with art galleries and locally owned restaurants, and one of the most picturesque beaches on the Oregon Coast.
Q: What is Pacific City known for?
A: Pacific City is best known for Cape Kiwanda, its massive sand dune, surfing, dory boat fishing, and spectacular ocean sunsets.
Q: What is Rockaway Beach known for?
A: Rockaway Beach is known for seven miles of sandy shoreline, the Twin Rocks sea stack formation, Lake Lytle, and the seasonal Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad.
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