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Otis Rubottom

Surfers at Oswald West State Park on the Oregon Coast, with a large rock structure in the background Surfers at Oswald West State Park on the Oregon Coast, with a large rock structure in the background
i
Oswald West State Park on the Oregon Coast is a popular spot for surfing.
Region / Oregon Coast

Surfing, Tide Pools and Chowder at the Oregon Coast

Find your perfect day at the beach on the waves, amid the tide pools or in a bowl of chowder.

Updated May 25, 2022 2 min read

Otis Rubottom

A full Oregon Coast experience wouldn’t be complete without some cold waves and warm food. Find adventure in chilly Northwest surfing, be a DIY explorer and sea creature scientist while tide pool viewing and end your day with a warm cup of clam chowder when you’re hungry.

At low tide, neon-bright sea anemones, sea stars and crabs of all sizes become temporarily marooned in tide pools.

Surf’s Up

Yes, the water is chilly here in the Northwest. But the waves can be as sweet as any found in California. And thanks to insulated wet suits (you’ll want 4/3 mm thickness or better), plenty of places to rent gear and a laid-back vibe, Oregon’s surf scene has exploded. Oswald West State Park — aka Short Sands — has a sheltered cove and a forgiving beach break that make it a welcoming spot for newbies. At Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, take in views of Haystack Rock (one of three so-named sea stacks on the coast) and migrating whales. For group or private lessons, gear rentals and multiday surf camps, head north to Oregon Surf Adventures.

Roll Tide

Some of the most incredible sea life on the Oregon coast is visible right along the shore. At low tide, neon-bright sea anemones, sea stars and crabs of all sizes become temporarily marooned in tide pools, to the delight of avid beachcombers and casual day-trippers alike. The pools at Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site sit beneath Cannon Beach’s scenic Haystack Rock and are often patrolled by knowledgeable park rangers. For DIY explorations, head to “the Cove” in Seaside. At the south end of the beach, various hidden pools teem with everything from purple urchins to acorn-like barnacles. Remember to consult local tide charts and watch your step in these sensitive natural areas.

Chow(der) Time

For the original Oregon chowder spot, stop in at Mo’s Chowder. Classic and hearty, Mo’s soup swirls with bits of bacon and a dollop of butter and has drawn legions of devotees for better than 60 years. (Expect a wait, even at Mo’s branch restaurants in Cannon Beach, Lincoln City and Otter Rock.) The masses haven’t quite caught up to the Tsunami Bar and Grill, but with a recipe flavored with shrimp, clams, crab, and a peppery kick, it’s only a matter of time before Tsunami’s secret is out. Bonus: Every order comes with a killer view of Nehalem Bay.

Outdoors, Region

Elsewhere Online

Oregon Coast Visitors Association

Plan your trip to the coast

Oregon Beach Connection

Check the weather before you go

Explore the Oregon Coast

More Coast
the Oregon coast on a sunny day, with waves rolling toward a sandy beach, around huge rock formations, beneath a blue sky

Seaside and Cannon Beach

There may not be a sea breeze in the City of Roses, but with two popular beach towns just 90 minutes away, it’s easy to take a day trip to the Oregon Coast from Portland.

aerial view of whale watching center and the main street of Depoe Bay

Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast

Up to 20,000 gray whales migrate along Oregon's coast every winter and spring. Spot them from these five locations.

A snow-capped mountain is reflected in a lake with autumn foliage in the foreground

Camping Near Portland

To truly appreciate the wilds of the Pacific Northwest, you can spend a memorable night under the stars at these scenic campsites -from rustic tent camping to cabins and yurts- all located within an easy drive from the city.

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