best surf spots in oregon

The Best Surf Spots in Oregon – For Beginners and Experts

Oregon has some of the most spectacular and dangerous coastlines in the United States. More than 360 miles of beaches stretch without any reefs or islands making it the best place to surf. You came to the right place if you’re looking for the best surf spots in Oregon. We have listed beaches with the best sceneries and the most spectacular waves especially beaches from Newport, Seaside, and Florence. 

The Cove 

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One of the most impressive surf spots in Oregon is The Cove. This area is located in Seaside in Clatsop County where you’ll find moderate to giant waves towering over you from waist to head high. Waters are cold from 18 to 19 degrees Celsius and thus, you must wear a full surf suit to protect you from the neck down. 

The Cove is a mixture of rocky and sandy surfer’s beaches. It’s more secluded than other beaches but it has all you need. It has a lot of parking spots and a park is located nearby. There are restrooms and a shower plus there are places to grab a bite. Surfers and surfing fans gather during weekends to watch competitions, stunts, and practices.

Seaside

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Seaside is very popular among surfers and beachgoers young and old. Located in Clatsop County, Seaside attracts surfers everywhere because of its scenic beauty and awesome waves. Water temperatures can get very cool from 18 to 19 degrees Celsius and so, wear long-sleeved, long pants wet suits.

Also known as Seaside Point, this area has exposed reefs and point breaks that surfers love to check out all year. Eastern winds offer the best direction and beware of wind swells and ground swells brought about by southwest winds. 

Seaside can get very crowded especially during January as it is the best season to catch ferocious waves.  Meanwhile, Seaside also has good amenities like parking areas, dining places, public restrooms with showers, and souvenir shops.   

Indian Beach

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Located in Cannon Beach in Clatsop County is Indian Beach. This beach is found along the southern slope of Tillamook Head located in Ecola State Park. It is the favorite of many experienced surfers as it’s home to huge waves. If you come to surf, watch out for cold waters from 18 to 19 degrees Celsius. As with most Oregon Beaches, wear a full wet suit to protect you from the elements. 

Surfers can expect tough waves all year long but January is the best for challenging ones. Aside from surfers, hikers also frequent this beach as it features 3-mile hikes along the Clatsop Loop. Among the top attractions in Indian Beach is Terrible Tilly, a lonely lighthouse set on top of Tillamook Rock. Visitors love to check out gigantic waves striking this humungous rock, even hitting the tall lighthouse. 

Short Sand 

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Short Sand or Shorty’s is a very popular Oregon surfing spot. Check out Smugglers Cove where most surfers ride as it’s protected against severe weather and offers huge and consistent waves. Be ready to dive and surf into cold waters from 18 to 19 degrees Celsius so wear your full wet suit when you surf. 

Short Sand is a quiet beach during the weekdays but it’s a different thing during the weekends. The beach becomes crowded with surfers, non-surfers, families, kids, and seniors who come to check out the sights. Avoid coming during the peak summer months. 

Aside from surfing, you can enjoy boogie boarding, hiking, volleyball, and picnics. Short Sand is also included in the Cape Falcon Marine Reserve and Marine Protected Area. Fishing, harvesting fish and invertebrates are prohibited. Also, there are specific regulations and exemptions that you must check out before you visit. 

Agate Beach

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Agate Beach is so-called because of agates found along its beaches. Located in Lincoln County, this beach is a surfer’s favorite and one of the best surf spots in Oregon because of its extreme waves and scenic sights. Waves can be very scary especially during surf season and the water too cold from 18 to 19 degrees Celsius. 

Agate Beach is one of the prime locations in Newport because it’s where you’ll find the Oregon Coast Aquarium as well as the Hatfield Marine Science Center. This beach also has complete amenities like an expansive parking space (great for trailers and RVs), easy beach access, fishing areas, public restrooms, and showers. 

Rockaway Beach

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Rockaway Beach is located on Oregon’s North Coast where mountain ranges kiss the sea. Surfers come to catch perfect waves at Rockaway Beach. Wintertime is the best time to visit Rockaway as it’s the time for steep waves. Defy the cold waters using a full wet suit complete with socks/boots and gloves. 

Aside from being a surfer’s paradise, Rockaway is also famous for natural and manmade attractions. The Twin Rocks, famed natural wonders are located on 1st Street while the Tillamook Air Museum is a must-see on Hangar Road. Be sure to visit Rockaway during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. 

Oceanside Beach

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Found near Tillamook, Oceanside Beach is another popular surfer’s venue because of its amazing waves especially during the winter months as the sand is wiped away by strong ocean currents. Many surfers and visitors come during the summertime as it’s nice to check out other surfers, tourists, and shows. 

Oceanside Beach is also home to other water sports like hang gliding, paragliding, kite surfing, and more. You’ll love this area as aside from its scenic beauty, it has complete amenities like easy beach access, fishing ports, and wildlife watching. There are parking areas, showers, souvenir sites, and dining areas so you can rest easy after hitting the waves.

The best surf spots in Oregon are located in one long stretch but it does not mean water conditions are the same for all beaches. You should always check weather conditions, pay special attention to wind speeds, wind directions, and tide size. Most beaches are for professionals and experts so take it easy. Practice by surfing regularly so you can get the hand of these amazing surf spots in Oregon.

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