Chasing Sunsets and Sand Dollars: A Coastal Escape to Sunset Beach State Park, Oregon
If you’re the kind of person who dreams in ocean waves, craves salty air in your lungs, and believes there's no such thing as too many sunset photos—Sunset Beach State Park might just be your new happy place. Just a few miles off the iconic Oregon Coast Highway (US-101), Sunset Beach is a peaceful stretch of coastline where the wild Pacific meets wide-open skies, sand dunes dance in the wind, and every evening ends with a showstopper of a sunset.
Getting There: A Scenic Detour Worth Taking
Located about 13 miles south of Astoria and just north of Gearhart, Sunset Beach is nestled in a sweet spot along Oregon’s north coast. It’s easy to reach whether you're coming from Portland (about a 2-hour drive) or road-tripping down the coast. You'll know you’re getting close when towering evergreens start giving way to wind-swept dunes and the unmistakable scent of sea spray hits the air. This stretch of coast is also part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, so if you’re a history buff—or just love a good story—take a moment to imagine what it must’ve been like when the explorers first saw this vast expanse of ocean.
A Beach You Can Drive On? Yes, Please!
Let’s get this out of the way: yes, you can actually drive your car right onto the beach here. It's one of only a handful of beaches in Oregon that allows this, and it never gets old. There’s something deeply satisfying about easing off the road, rolling down your windows, and letting your tires crunch over the sand as seagulls soar above. Just remember to check the tides and know where the soft sand starts—no one wants to end their day waiting for a tow truck.
Things to Do: Your Choose-Your-Own-Beach-Day Adventure
Sunset Beach is one of those places where you can do a lot—or absolutely nothing at all—and still walk away feeling like you had the best day ever.
Beachcombing & Treasure Hunting
Low tide reveals a goldmine of treasures: sand dollars, colorful pebbles, driftwood that looks like it belongs in a sculpture gallery, and the occasional bit of sea glass. Kids will love filling buckets with their finds, and adults might find themselves just as hooked. Pro tip: the earlier you arrive, the better your chances of snagging the good stuff.
Fly High
The wind here? Ideal for kites. Bring your own or snag one from a local shop in Seaside or Astoria. There’s nothing quite like watching a bright kite dance over the ocean while your toes are buried in warm sand.
Bonfires on the Beach
As the sun starts to dip and the sky catches fire with color, it’s bonfire time. Small beach fires are allowed below the high tide line (just make sure you're using driftwood and keeping it contained). Bring s’mores supplies, a thermos of something warm, and maybe a guitar if you’re feeling extra Pacific Northwest.
Not a Swimmer’s Spot, But Still Epic
The surf here can be rough and cold, and there are strong rip currents, so it’s not the best swimming beach. But surfers (especially in wetsuits) are known to brave the waves, and skimboarding or simply jumping in for a quick splash can still be part of the fun—just stay cautious and always supervise little ones.
Hit the Trails
Right near the parking area is a short, sandy path through the dunes that opens up dramatically to the beach. It’s an easy walk for most fitness levels and adds a little sense of discovery to your beach day. Want more mileage? Nearby Fort Stevens State Park has miles of bike and hiking trails to explore.
Want to Stay Longer? Here’s How
While Sunset Beach State Park is day-use only, you’re surrounded by awesome places to stay:
- Fort Stevens State Park (just north) has tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts, plus a historic shipwreck and Civil War-era fort to explore.
- Nearby Seaside and Astoria offer charming hotels, vacation rentals, and inns with ocean views, walkable downtowns, and tons of great food.
Why People Love It (And Why You Will Too)
There’s a laid-back simplicity to Sunset Beach that’s hard to describe until you experience it. It doesn’t have the crowds of Cannon Beach or the buzz of Seaside, and that’s exactly the point.
It’s where families come year after year for tradition. It’s where artists find inspiration. It’s where road-trippers pull over “just for a quick look” and end up staying for hours. And it’s where locals come to reconnect with the land, the sea, and themselves.
Quick Tips for Your Visit
Best time to go? Sunset, of course—but also mornings for peaceful walks and beachcombing.
Bring layers. The Oregon coast can change moods fast: sunny one minute, foggy the next.
Cell service can be spotty. Download maps or bring a paper one just in case.
Pack in, pack out. Keep this wild place beautiful—don’t leave trash behind.
Check fire regulations before lighting a beach bonfire, especially during dry months.
Go for the Sunset, Stay for the Magic!
