Known for its rugged coastline of dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, lively tide pools, and picturesque rock stacks, Oregon's Pacific Coast is easily one of America's most unique landscapes. And it's not just a seasonal destination—in the Pacific Northwest, storm watching and beachcombing makes fall and winter just as exciting as visiting during warmer months. Plus there's crabbing, whale-watching, oyster hunting, hiking, fishing, kayaking, surfing, etc.
Thanks to a few forward-thinking politicians (lol remember those?) all 363 miles of Oregon's raw coastline belong to the people. No private beaches here. It's all public and yours to explore. And it'll take a lifetime to see it all.
For the sake of this article, we're focusing on some 25 key miles of the Northern Oregon Coast, where the famed oceanside Highway 101 stretches from family-friendly Cannon Beach to Rockaway Beach, where new energy is bringing the once neglected seaside town back to life. In between, we've got sleepy Arch Cape and Manzanita, our favorite hidden treasure community and upscale beach town, where dive bars and art galleries sit side by side. And it's all under two hours west of Portland and Salem.
[Ed Note: Mountains more your thing? Head east instead for cozy cabins and more epic natural terrain around Mt. Hood.]
Wherever you land, this prehistoric part of Oregon is sure to impress. Roam the tide pools around Haystack Rock in Cannon, take in a quiet, scenic beach at Hug Point, surf at Short Sands (aka Oswald West State Park), hike to the top of Neahkahnie Mountain overlooking Manzanita, or grab a Pronto Pup (the original corn dog) in Rockaway. (Pro Tip: visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory, designed by NW architects Olson Kundig.) Though some may say the region is best explored by camper van or glamping, we cabin lovers feel putting down roots for a few days or week does the trick just fine.
The following 17 Oregon coast Airbnb and VRBO picks include Cannon Beach vacation rentals, Manzanita getaways, Arch Cape rental homes, and Rockaway chalets, and represent our top picks for best places to stay for your next PNW beach vacation.
17 Best North Oregon Coast Vacation Homes to Escape to This Season
Arch Cape Loft — Arch Cape, OR
Vibe: Modern Micro Hotel
For those design-lovers seeking a more modern getaway, there’s Arch Cape Loft. Designed and built by a local architect and his father, each room in this 7-unit micro hotel is equipped with a private balcony, freestanding Jotul fireplace, local artwork, custom milled cedar detailing, a well-stocked kitchenette, a spa-inspired bathroom, quality linens, and easy beach access. Arch Cape beach is a walk away and quieter than its cousin Cannon Beach right up the coast.
Rate: $478/night
Eagle's Nest — Manzanita, OR
Vibe: Color Lovers Paradise
Escape to this remote handcrafted cabin perched 300 feet above the ocean on Neahkahnie Mountain, overlooking Manzanita. Built in the 1980's, the cabin now features brightly colored rooms and a warm ceder interior inside its angeled walls and ceilings. Marrying the cozy factor of a Northeast log cabin with PNW hippy-ness, this unique home is sure to please any nature enthusiast.
Rate: $296/night
The Barnhouse — Cannon Beach, OR
Vibe: Arts & Crafts
Filled with craftsmen-style architectural details, this funky Cannon Beach cottage is ideal for group trip. Walking distance to the beach, downtown Cannon Beach, Les Shirley Park, and Ecola State Park, there’s no shortage of places to explore right outside your door. Stay out adventuring or cozy up inside to play some board games, exercise your creativity in the artist’s nook, or simply lounge around this unique property.
Rate: $380/night
Puffin's Nest — Cannon Beach, OR
Vibe: Fun for the Whole Fam
This friendly rental is the perfect family getaway south of Haystack Rock near Cannon Beach. Half a block to the beachfront, spend all your trip in the ocean, or walk to nearby Tolovana for a bite to eat and some shopping.
Rate: $300/night
Cove Beach Cottage — Cannon Beach, OR
Vibe: Coastal Vintage
Overlooking Cove Beach and a short walk away, this unique getaway features double-high ceilings, wood-paneled walls, and plenty of windows overlooking the surroundings. In nearby Oswald West State Park, there's 13 miles of hiking trails to explore, as well the dramatic rock formations of the area.
Rate: $310/night
Modern Love Cabin — Arch Cape, OR
Vibe: Ranch n' Relax
Steps away from the coast, this contemporary rancher features mid-century design, a central gas fireplace, and for the at-home chef–a fully-equipped kitchen stocked with LeCreuset cookware. For beach days, there's plenty of gear to bring along, including boogie and paddle boards, or hang out and play ping pong in the garage game room.
Rate: $285/night
Arch Cape Escape — Manzanita, OR
Vibe: Secluded and Cozy
This secluded, modern A-Frame is a dog-friendly retreat slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of town. With a spacious deck, a cozy living room, hot tub, simple kitchen, and one-bedroom makes for a romantic getaway for two or a luxe escape for one.
Rate: $348/night
Hilltop Treehouse — Manzanita, OR
Vibe: Hidden Lookout
If you’d rather be among the trees this three-story beach house is the place for you. Tucked away on a peaceful hillside on Neahkahnie Mountain overlooking the expansive Manzanita beach, this hideaway was thoughtfully put together in a contemporary modern style.
Rate: $313/night
Oceanfront Modern Cabin — Manzanita, OR
Vibe: Pops of Red
Outfitted with plenty of bunk-beds and two spacious living rooms, this modern cabin is ready for a group or family trip. Besides cozy, designer touches and appliances, a deck overlooks the oceanfront across the street, which hosts the Manzanita July 4th parade, if you're into that sort of thing.
Rate: $528/night
Seacliff Sauna House — Manzanita, OR
Vibe: Seaside Scandinavian
This one isn’t for the faint of heart—or tight of wallet. The Seacliff is a Scandinavian-inspired luxury cabin with a private sauna, private hot tub, and private deck with dramatic panoramic views of the ocean. A chef’s kitchen and wood stove make it cozy and functional. Three bedrooms mean you can bring the whole family, and an in-town Manzanita location means plenty to do if said family starts to drive you nuts. Yes, it's expensive. Yes, it seems worth it. Though the lack of exterior images is a bit of a disappointment.
Rate: $991/night
Lake Lytle Lookout — Manhattan Beach, OR
Vibe: Location, location, location
Situated on the banks of Lake Lytle, between the ocean and downtown Rockaway, you can't beat this cabin's location. Spend the day swimming and paddle boarding on the lake, then go watch the sunset on the beach, then head to dinner in town. Can it get any better?
Rate: $128/night
Waters Edge — Manzanita, OR
Vibe: Old School Ocean Front
Sitting atop sand dunes just steps from the beach, this large 70's era oceanfront home boasts an impressive location and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Neahkahnie Mountain. Enjoy time beside the fireplace, indoors overlooking ocean views, or head outside to sun on the wraparound deck. The sandy beach is truly just a walk away here so prepare to spend a lot of time beach combing or testing your strength in the icy water. If you do find yourself wanting to explore outside the property, Nehalem Bay State Park is a short trip away. And it's a dog-friendly home, so bring the pooch.
Rate: $505/night
Neahkahnie Hideaway — Manzanita, OR
Vibe: Blue is the Chillest Color
Full of cozy nooks and crannies, this cheery blue cabin features homey details like local art, reading benches, books, board games, and more. The coast is just a walk away for daytime exploring, and at night, head to Manzanita's downtown or soak in the private Barrel-style hot tub out back.
Rate: $501/night
The Nook — Manzanita, OR
Vibe: Pops of Color
Bright pops of color combine with modern design in this unique cabin. A small garden firepit, plentiful landscaping, and a spacious deck all lend to the cabin's secluded feeling, although you'll be walking distance from downtown Manzanita.
Rate: $292/night
Beach Bungalow — Rockaway Beach, OR
Vibe: Colorful Cottage
Kelly green trim and white paneling give this charming cabin a vintage feel, and its inviting interior featuring original details makes it that much more retro. A backyard space lends itself to some BBQ and sunbathing, while the coast is just steps away.
Rate: $259/night
A-Frame — Rockaway Beach, OR
Vibe: Coastal Contemporary
This two-bed A-Frame modernizes your traditional beach cottage vibe with sky blue accents throughout its wooden expanse. Hang outside around the patio area or walk a short distance to the coast or the town of Rockaway Beach. For more nature, head to the Rockaway Big Tree Trailhead to wander among old-growth cedar trees.
Rate: $160/night
A-Frame by the Sea — Yachats, OR
Vibe: A-Frame for Two (or One)
Charming and serene, this A-Frame is the perfect size for a couple or solo-trip. On the interior, MCM meets Boho decor for a chic, cozy vibe. Although not completely private, the cabin is secluded in its own little oasis of Oregonian forest, but a walk away from the coastline. The catch? Only 30-day rentals are allowed in this modest beach community. But with remote work still in place for many offices, spending a month away from home isn't so far-fetched...
Rate: $3,663/30 night min
Published 10-13-2020
Updated 03-31-2023