The Best Of Portland : Best Vacation Rentals

One of the reasons Oregon is such a desirable state to live, is well...because of it's unlimited options of vibrant culture with an equal measure of undeniably raw, natural beauty. And if you're in the mood for sand between your toes, Oregon's beaches are nothing short of spectacular.

From romantic secluded stretches of beaches for the most intimate of get-togethers, to a Coney Island style boardwalk. Oregon beaches offer all that AND MORE! Check-out The Best of Portland's choices for the most desirable stretches of sand for your EVERY mood.

Here are just a few of our favorite Oregon beaches:

Beautiful

Bandon Dunes - just one visit and you'll come away a Bandonista! And for avid golfers, Bandon Dunes has all the hallmarks and spirit of Scotland’s ancient links. Players from around the world come here to immerse themselves in the traditions of a timeless game along the grandeur of Oregon’s rugged coast.

Sweeping, untamed shores stretch for miles. Primeval grassy dunes that roll to the edge of the sea. Four distinctly different courses that were conceived in harmony with nature. They combine with all the essential elements to reveal a new golf experience every time you play. The soul of the game resides in Bandon Dunes. Players walk. And at the end of the day, gracious hospitality comforts each guest like a warm, friendly embrace. Click Here to check-out stellar lodging options.

That's Bandon Dunes. Golf, the way it's meant to be.

Florence located on the northern edge of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (ODNRA) with it's 17 surrounding rivers, is best known for dune buggy and horse back riding, crabbing, clamming, ocean and river fishing, swimming and boating, summer jet boat trips on the Siuslaw River, excursion and dinner cruises on the old fashioned Westward Ho! Sternwheeler, bird watching and hiking. The ODNRA contains some of the largest oceanfront dunes in the world, ranging up to 500 feet high and forming banks up to three miles deep. The Oregon dunes are the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in the U.S., and stretch for 50 miles between Florence and Coos Bay.

Old Town Florence has a interesting selection of shops and boutiques, coffee houses and nice restaurants to choose from.

Ten miles north of Florence, the enormous sea grotto of the Sea Lion Caves contains the only mainland rookery of Stellar's sea lion in the lower 48 states. After paying an admission fee, visitors descend through a 208 foot elevator shaft cut into the natural basalt and enter the grotto. The sea lions occupy the cave in fall and winter, with up to 200 sea lions living there. Views of the coastline include Heceta Head Lighthouse and nearby cliffs that are home to guillemots, cormorants and other sea birds.

Golfers enjoy the 18 hole Ocean Dunes Golf Links public course, which is surrounded by sixty foot high sand dunes. The course has a driving range, cart and equipment rentals and a pro shop. Open all year, weekend reservations are recommended on this popular course (1-800-468-4833). The Sandpines Golf Resort (public) is a Rees Jones course, including 6 treed holes, 6 water holes and 6 dune holes. It was voted best new public course in America (1993) by Golf Digest. Reservations are recommended (1-800-917-4653). Check-out the River House Inn for lodging.

Gearhart is a destination unto itself. Names by Travel & Leisure Magazine as “One of America’s Best Little Beach Towns” for the past two years in a row is no surprise. With just the right mix of town, lodging, grand residential beachfront estates, golf and one of the only beaches in Oregon you can actually drive and have a tailgate party on, it's hard for this coastal destination not to become a family favorite. For lodging be sure to check-out: Fitzgeralds Cottages, Gearhart Ocean Inn and Gearhart Cottages.

Fun

Astoria is a intimate city steeped in history on the Columbia River, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. Because of the city's steep hills and beautiful Victorian homes, Astoria has been Called the “Little San Francisco of the Pacific Northwest.” Astoria's old world charm and scenic coastal beauty is rumored to have been one of the reasons why it was chosen as the backdrop for the movie "Goonies".

There are a number of B&Bs. If you're looking for a easy and convenient hotel stay consider Astoria's Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

Just across Youngs Bay is Warrenton, a city of 4,500, that encompasses Fort Stevens State Park and its broad, clean ocean beaches.

Florence - see information provided above.

Lincoln City is one of Oregon's most talked about coastal destinations because of the wide variety of activities available. Clamming, crabbing, fishing, horseback riding, hunting for glass boat floats, water skiiing on Devil's Lake, Golfing, shopping at the factory outlet mall and more. Lincoln City literally offers something for everyone. Click Here for a direct link to the Lincoln City's Chamber of Commerce.

Newport has been a playground for visitors since the late 1800's and is host to one of the state's largest annual seafood and wine festivals. Nestled between the Coastal Mountains, Pacific Ocean and Yaquina Bay, the natural beauty of the area draws those seeking a unique and exciting coastal experience.

Whether you bring the whole family to visit the aquarium, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, The Wax Museum, to go deep sea fishing or to just escape by yourselves, you are sure to have a great time in Newport. Click Here for a direct link to Newport, Oregon's Chamber of Commerce.

Seaside offers the definitive "Boardwalk" experience for the young at heart. The hustle and bustle of arcades, cotton candy, taffy and fudge shops and virtually every seaside ammenity imaginable, including a factory outlet mall and theater makes this small seaside town a magnate for the masses. Click Here to visit the Sea Side Chamber of Commerce.

Romantic

Cannon Beach is a sophisticated yet quaint haven for connoisseurs of northwest coastal art, wine and dining experiences. Haystack Rock serves as a backdrop for miles of sandy coastline. Click Here to find a nice assortment of lodging accomodations.

Manzanita is a intimate and idealic beachside community with a 7-mile stretch of sandy beach. The Inn at Manzanita offers a fabulous experience and the hotel's website will tell you everything you need to know regarding why your next beach visit should be to Manzanita!

Pacific City is the beach you head to when you want to really get away from it all. It's a one Stop Light town with unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and miles of pristine beach to surf along side, to hike and ride horses on or to enjoy just layback and do absolutely nothing on. The Inn at Cape Kiwanda offers a view from virtually every room.