Manzanita

Manzanita's beach break consists of sand bottom with both left and right-hand waves. The break receives consistent year-round swell averaging three to six feet, with winter swells pushing six to twelve feet and January typically offering the most reliable clean conditions. Northwest swell works best with east winds for glassy mornings. The beach is generally beginner-friendly at the main town beach, with stronger waves breaking at nearby Short Sands in Oswald West State Park favoring intermediate riders. Beyond normal hazards, the break is known for riptides and scattered rocks, while cold Pacific water requires a wetsuit throughout the year.

The beach stretches seven miles and expands significantly at low tide, offering wide sand flats. Public access is straightforward at Manzanita City Park near the north end of town with free parking that fills by mid-morning on good-weather days, plus additional pullouts along Ocean Road. The spot sits about an hour from Portland and remains rarely crowded compared to other Oregon Coast breaks.