Manzanita Oregon Area Activities and Sights

Strung together around Nehalem Bay like beads around a gleaming jewel, the Pacific-coast towns of Manzanita, Nehalem, and Wheeler offer the perfect place to escape on Oregon’s Northern Coast. Because the “name” beaches and bigger communities draw most of the tourist attention, these three village communities enjoy a quiet, unrushed existence and provide an ideal vacation opportunity for you, your family and/or your friends.

Sunset at the beach in Manzanita.
(David Dixon photo)

Nehalem sits on the banks of the Nehalem River, Wheeler overlooks Nehalem Bay, and Manzanita, the largest of the three, sits on the Pacific Ocean and boasts seven flat, sandy miles of recreational beach.

Manzanita Oregon seen from Neahkahnie Mountain looking south to Nehalem Bay.
(Keith Whitaker photo)

Tucked up underneath towering coastal cliffs to the south, Nehalem Bay and the communities are surrounded by stunning coastal forests and pristine beaches. The state parks in the area provide hiking trails and breath-taking sights and plenty of wildlife (including the always-entertaining local surfers). You can also rent horses or bikes for use on many of the trails.

The communities may be small, but you won't be doing without, as grocery, pharmacy, liquor, dining, movie, and equipment rental services are readily available. Ditch the crowds, rent a vacation home in Manzanita and enjoy a quiet, relaxing vacation on Oregon’s stunning North coast!

Hug Point State Recreation Area, Oregon Coast

Hug Point State Recreation Area, Northern Oregon Coast

Manzanita Activities:

• The main draw is Manzanita's 7 mile long flat walking beach that stretches from fabled Neahkahnie Mountain with its buried treasure to the Nehalem Bay State Park.

• Bikes and Boards - riding and surfing

• Nehalem Bay State Park w/ horseback rentals

• Oregon Coast Cyber Cafe

• Manzanita Library

• Cloud and Leaf Bookstore

• Vino Manzanita Wine Bar

• Coffee shops

• Mother Nature's Natural Foods

• Spas: Spa Manzanita and The Parinamah Wellness Center

• City Parks with tennis, basketball and hand ball courts, and play-ground equipment for kids

• Restaurants: The Sea Shack, The Rising Star Cafe [Wheeler]; Wandas, The Bay Way, and Pizza Garden [Nehalem]; Marzanos Pizza, The Sand Dune Pub, The Chowder House, Terra Cotta Cafe, Ron's Lighthouse, The Bunkhouse, Bread and Ocean, El Mariachi Loco, The Big Wave, Left Coast Siesta [Manzanita].

• Hiking close by in Oswald West State Park, which is just 5 miles North of Manzanita. Hike to short Sands Beach at Smugglers Cove through Oswald West State Park or hike Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain.

• Please use the links on the right (in green bar) for further information on businesses, sights, and events in the Manzanita/Nehalem Bay area.

The annual 4th of July parade in downtown Manzanita, Oregon. Festivities include a professional fireworks show on the beach the night of the fourth. The giant crab float is from the Chowder House. (David Dixon photo)

AREA GOLF COURSES: All Public Courses: Alderbrook, Manzanita, Gearhart, Seaside and Highlands.

DAY TRIPS: WHAT TO DO AND SEE AROUND THE MANZANITA AREA