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Rockin’ It: The Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Rockaway, Oregon

Rockaway works properly if you give it a good deal more time than you first think. The beach runs a long stretch of sand along the whole of the Oregon Coast. The Cedar Wetlands Preserve holds miles of walking trail across its 119 acres. Kelly’s Brighton Marina rents you the boat and all the gear for crabbing. And nothing at all in this town moves faster than you want it to.

Looking for a vacation spot that covers most people? Try Rockaway, Oregon. On the Oregon Coast, Rockaway is a quieter find running miles of clean beach, good natural scenery, and enough activities and attractions to fill the days.

As the heart of the Oregon Coast, Rockaway suits anyone who wants to work through this part of the state. Art, history, the outdoors, or just the beach: there is a version of each in Rockaway. From the colorful art galleries and museums to the local cooking and seafood, there is plenty to see and do in this coastal town. So pack the bags and go.

Key Takeaways

• Rockaway, Oregon is a hidden gem located on the beautiful Oregon Coast that offers something for everyone.
• Whether you’re interested in art, history, outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing on the beach, Rockaway has plenty of activities and attractions to keep you entertained throughout your stay.
• From colorful art galleries and museums to delicious local cuisine and seafood, Rockaway is the perfect destination for those looking to explore all that the Oregon Coast has to offer.

Rockaway Beach: The Heart of Oregon Coast

You have made it to the heart of the Oregon Coast, Rockaway Beach. This beach town sits between the Pacific Ocean and miles of sand shoreline. The waves against the shore do the rest.

The beach is the main attraction in Rockaway Beach, and for good reason. The sand runs for miles and suits a long walk, a sandcastle, or sitting in the sun. And it is the spot for a sunset and some photographs.

For something more active, try crabbing or clamming. Kelly’s Brighton Marina rents boats and all the gear you need for a day on the water. And if catching your own dinner is not for you, there are plenty of seafood restaurants in town serving the fresh catch.

Rockaway Beach runs a small-town character that settles you quickly. The locals are glad to share their own spots in town. Walk down the main street and take the shops and boutiques. And stop at the Old Oregon Smokehouse for some of the finer smoked salmon you will taste.

So grab the sunscreen, pack a picnic, and take a day at Rockaway Beach. It repays it.

Art in Rockaway: A Colorful Palette

For a little culture during a visit to Rockaway, you are in luck. This small coastal city holds strong art galleries and local artists.

Walk through the town and take the colorful murals on many of the buildings. The work adds something playful to the landscape of the city and photographs well.

If you want to buy artwork to take home, take the local art galleries. They show the work of artists from the area and beyond. There is everything from paintings and sculptures to photography and mixed media.

One of the busier galleries in town is the Art of Fun Gallery. As the name suggests, the gallery runs playful and whimsical work that lifts the mood. It also hosts regular events and workshops, so check the schedule during your visit.

The other gallery to find is the Rockaway Beach Gallery. It shows the work of local artists across a broad spread of styles and mediums. There is everything from traditional oil paintings to contemporary abstract pieces.

Art enthusiast or just after an afternoon, the art scene in Rockaway holds up. So grab the camera and go and work through the colorful side of this coastal city.

Foodie’s Paradise: Local Cuisine and Seafood

Rockaway, Oregon suits anyone who eats well, with local eateries running good cooking. Seafood or local dishes, this town covers both.

On seafood, Rockaway, Oregon is where to be. You cannot leave without the fresh crab and fish. And the local cooking holds up too, with many restaurants working from locally sourced ingredients.

For the freshest seafood in town, go to Kelly’s Brighton Marina. The family-owned restaurant serves some of the finer crab and fish in Rockaway, Oregon. Crab cakes or fried fish, Kelly’s covers both.

For a more upscale meal, take Offshore Grill and Coffee House. The restaurant runs seafood dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes regularly, so you never quite know what is coming.

For local cooking, go to The Fisherman’s Daughter. The restaurant works from locally sourced ingredients, fresh crabs among them. And order the crab cakes, made with fresh crab meat and served with a side of coleslaw.

Wherever you go in Rockaway, Oregon, the food holds up. So come hungry and work through the seafood and the local cooking.

Outdoor Adventures in Rockaway

Ready for something outdoors? Rockaway Beach runs plenty to keep you busy. A slow nature walk or a hard kayak ride, both are here.

Hiking: If you’re looking for a good hike, then you’re in luck. Rockaway Beach has plenty of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The Cedar Wetlands Preserve is a great place to start. This 119-acre preserve has over three miles of hiking trails that wind through a beautiful coastal forest.

Crabbing: Are you a seafood lover? Then you have to try crabbing in Rockaway Beach. Kelly’s Brighton Marina is a great place to rent a boat and try your hand at crabbing. You can catch Dungeness crab, which is some of the best crab you’ll ever taste.

Fishing: If you’re more of a fisherman, then you’ll love Rockaway Beach. You can fish for salmon, steelhead, and trout in the nearby rivers and streams. If you’re looking for a more relaxing fishing experience, then head to the beach and try surf fishing.

Kayaking and Paddling: If you’re looking for an exciting water adventure, then kayaking and paddling are for you. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard from Kayak Tillamook and explore the beautiful Nehalem Bay. You might even see some seals and otters while you’re out on the water.

Nature Walk: If you’re looking for a more leisurely outdoor activity, then take a nature walk. The Rockaway Beach Wayside is a great place to start. This beautiful park has a short nature trail that winds through a coastal forest. You’ll see plenty of wildlife and beautiful views of the ocean.

Rockaway Beach covers most people when it comes to the outdoors. A slow nature walk or a hard kayak ride, both are here. So pack the bags and go.

Rockaway’s Natural Wonders

Ready to work through the natural side of Rockaway, Oregon? You are in for something. Rocks through to cedar and wetlands, this place holds it.

Start with the rocks. Rocks can be dull, but not in Rockaway. The beach is lined with smooth rocks that skip well across the water. And they make pretty good Instagram photos. Just do not take one home, or you may end up with a fine.

Now, cedar. The Cedar Old Growth Nature Preserve is one to see for any nature person. You are surrounded by towering cedar trees hundreds of years old. It reads like a fairytale forest. Take a deep breath and let the cedar air do the work.

If wetlands interest you, take the Cedar Wetlands Preserve. The area holds a range of wildlife, birds, beavers and otters among them. Walk the boardwalk and see what you can spot. Just watch your footing near the water.

And there is the wider natural setting of Rockaway. From the beach to the forests, this place suits anyone who likes being outdoors. Hike the woods and let the birds and the leaves do their work. Or take the beach and watch the waves come in. It settles you properly.

So there they are, the natural wonders of Rockaway. Get out and see them.

Historical Landmarks and Museums

You may be surprised that Rockaway carries a history going back to the early 1900s. History buff or just after something different, take these historical landmarks and museums.

International Police Museum

Do handcuffs and police badges interest you? Then take the International Police Museum. The museum covers the history of law enforcement around the world. There is everything from old police uniforms to vintage patrol cars. And there is a section on famous criminals and their crimes. So put on the detective hat and head over.

Landmarks

Rockaway holds several historical landmarks worth finding. One of the busier ones is the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. The train has been running since 1904 and takes you on a scenic tour of the Oregon coast. You get the ocean and the surrounding forests. The other landmark is the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Built in 1881, it guided ships safely through the difficult waters off the Oregon coast.

If Native American history interests you, take the Nehalem Valley Historical Society. The museum runs exhibits on the local tribes who once lived in this area. You get their customs, traditions and way of life. It opens up a culture that has been here for thousands of years.

Rockaway holds plenty for history people. Law enforcement or the wider past of the area, there is a version of each. So put on the walking shoes and work through the history of Rockaway.

So what is it that people actually come to Rockaway in order to recover from? The pace here runs a good deal slower than anywhere else along this coast. That long stretch of sand will absorb a whole afternoon without asking anything. The spas in town then handle the massage, the facial and all the rest. And the sound of the waves does most of the remaining work itself.

Shopping in Rockaway: Souvenirs and Antiques

Looking for retail therapy in Rockaway? You are in luck. The town runs plenty of shops selling antiques, collectibles, gifts, jewelry, clothing and more. Here are the places to find:

Flamingo Jim’s Gifts & Clothing

First on the list is Flamingo Jim’s Gifts & Clothing. The shop runs everything, souvenirs through to snacks and clothing. There are Rockaway Beach t-shirts, beach towels and postcards in there. And there is a good selection of snacks and drinks when you need something. And you cannot miss the giant flamingo statue out front.

Hope Chest Thrift Shop Too

For unusual finds, go to Hope Chest Thrift Shop Too. The shop runs a strong selection of antiques, collectibles and other vintage items. You never know what turns up, a vintage record player or a set of antique teacups. And all proceeds go to support local charities.

Little White Church Antiques

For more antique shopping, take Little White Church Antiques. The shop sits in a historic church building and runs a strong selection of antique furniture, home decor and more. A statement piece or just an afternoon browsing, both work here.

Other Shopping Options

These are a few of the many shopping options in Rockaway. There are plenty of other gift shops, souvenir shops and antique stores to find. So grab the wallet and go.

Family-Friendly Activities in Rockaway

Rockaway Beach suits families after a full few days. Beachcombing through to kite festivals, there is a version of each. Here are the family activities to take in Rockaway:

Beachcombing

You cannot visit Rockaway Beach without time on the beach. The soft sand and gentle waves suit a family day out. Beachcombing is a good way to work the shoreline and find things. Shells through to driftwood, you never know what turns up.

Kite Festival

If you are in Rockaway Beach during the annual kite festival, you are in luck. The festival runs every year in July and draws kite flyers from all over the world. It is a good chance to watch the experts and try it yourself.

Picnic Areas

Rockaway Beach runs plenty of picnic areas for a family meal. The Nehalem Bay State Park has several with tables and grills. And you can eat on the beach or at one of the many parks in the area.

Kite Flying

Kite flying is another popular activity in Rockaway Beach. The beach suits it, with open space and a steady breeze. Bring your own kite or buy one from one of the many kite shops in the area.

Family-Friendly Accommodations

Rockaway Beach runs plenty of family-friendly accommodations, hotels through to vacation rentals. Many sit near the beach, so the activities are close without a drive.

Rockaway Beach works for families after a full few days. With this many activities, the time fills itself.

Nearby Attractions: Exploring Beyond Rockaway

So you have had your fill of the long sand around Rockaway Beach and you want more. There are plenty of nearby attractions to work through.

Start with Tillamook, a 20-minute drive from Rockaway Beach. Cheese people cannot miss the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Take the self-guided tour, sample the cheeses, and have the ice cream. It repays the drive.

Next is Garibaldi, a small fishing village 10 minutes away. Walk the marina and watch the boats come in with the catch of the day. And for something more, take a fishing charter and catch your own dinner.

For long views, take Cape Meares or Cape Lookout State Park. Cape Meares runs a historic lighthouse and panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean. Cape Lookout State Park runs hiking trails with ocean views and the chance of whales and other marine life.

For something faster, take Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City. The landmark runs towering sand dunes that suit sandboarding or hang gliding. Feeling brave? Take a dory boat tour and look for gray whales.

For something slower, take Wheeler. The small town sits on the shores of Nehalem Bay and runs kayaking, crabbing and clamming. Walk the waterfront and take the quiet of it.

And no trip to the Oregon Coast works without Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. The beach town is just over an hour from Rockaway Beach and holds one of the better-known landmarks on the Oregon Coast. Walk the beach and take the scenery.

And if you want to go further, take a day trip to Portland. The city is a two-hour drive from Rockaway Beach and runs endless options for food, drink and entertainment.

So there they are, plenty of nearby attractions beyond Rockaway Beach. Happy adventuring.

Events and Festivals in Rockaway

Rockaway is not only a place to slow down, because it also knows how to run a party. There are plenty of events and festivals through the year, so do not miss them.

Kite Festival

One of the busier events in Rockaway is the Kite Festival. Held every year in July, the festival draws kite enthusiasts from all over the world. There are kites of every sort, traditional diamond shapes through to dragons, birds and airplanes. And you can enter the kite flying competitions and win prizes.

Local Events

Rockaway is a small town, but it is not a quiet one. There are plenty of local events through the year, so check the calendar before you go. Live music through to art exhibitions, something is always on in Rockaway.

One of the busier events is the Pirate Festival, where you can dress as a pirate, join treasure hunts, and watch a pirate ship battle. And if arts and crafts are your thing, take the Artisans Market and Arts & Crafts Fair. You can buy handmade crafts, jewelry and other unusual items there.

Other Festivals

If you visit Rockaway in summer, you are in luck, because there are plenty of other festivals then. The July 4th Celebration is the one to catch, with fireworks, parades and live music. And there is the Beach Volleyball Tournament, where some of the stronger volleyball players in the country compete.

Rockaway is a good place to visit for a bit of excitement. With its festivals and events, the days fill themselves. So pack the bags, grab the kite, and head over.

Unwind and Relax in Rockaway

Do you need a getaway? Do you want to rent a beach place and do very little? Then Rockaway is where to go. This quiet town is built for slowing down.

There are plenty of rental options in Rockaway, a small cabin through to a luxurious beach house. You will find something that fits your needs and budget. And once you are settled, the beach is right there.

Rockaway Beach is a long stretch of sand that suits sunbathing, swimming and doing nothing. Spread a towel and take the sun, or get in the ocean. The sound of the waves against the shore does the rest.

To take it further, book a spa day at one of the many spas in Rockaway. A massage, a facial, or another treatment: each is available. You come out feeling straightened out.

In Rockaway everything moves at a slower pace, so you can take your time. Sitting on the beach, walking through town, or lying about in the rental: the stress goes either way.

So if you want somewhere to slow down, Rockaway is the destination. Book the rental, pack the bags, and go.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the deal with Flamingo Jim’s Gifts & clothing in Rockaway Beach?

Flamingo Jim’s. The name alone should get your attention. The quirky shop is one to see for anyone after unusual gifts and funky clothing. There is everything from tie-dye t-shirts to handmade jewelry, and plenty of flamingo-themed items. It suits a souvenir or a gift for a friend who likes the offbeat.

Are there any hidden gems for hiking near Rockaway Beach?

Yes, there are plenty of quieter hikes near Rockaway Beach. One of our favorites is the Twin Rocks Trail, which runs through forest and opens out over the coastline. The other option is the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, where you can hike to the top of the Cape Meares Lighthouse and take the views.

Is Rockaway Beach, Oregon worth the sand in your shoes?

Absolutely. Rockaway Beach may be a small town, but it is packed with character and things to do. Relaxing on the beach, crabbing in the bay, or working through the surrounding forests: there is a version of each. And the town runs a laid-back pace that suits slowing down.

What makes Rockaway Beach known for more than just its name?

For a start, the town is home to the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, which runs scenic train rides along the coast. There is also the Rockaway Beach Wayside, a park that suits picnicking and beachcombing. And there is Flamingo Jim’s, one of many quirky shops and restaurants that make Rockaway Beach what it is.

Can you day trip from Rockaway Beach to Cannon Beach?

Yes, you can day trip from Rockaway Beach to Cannon Beach. Cannon Beach is a short drive up the coast, and it holds some of the more photogenic beaches in Oregon. And take Haystack Rock, a massive sea stack that is one of the better-known landmarks on the Oregon coast.

Do you have to break the bank to find an Airbnb in Rockaway Beach, Oregon?

Not at all. There are plenty of affordable Airbnb options in Rockaway Beach, a small cabin through to a beachfront condo. And staying in an Airbnb is a good way to see the town like a local and spend less on eating out. So book the getaway.

Frequently asked questions about Rockaway, Oregon

Which Rockaway trail is the easiest walk to manage?

The trail at Rockaway Beach Wayside, comfortably. It is a short nature trail winding through coastal forest, it opens out over the ocean, and it asks almost nothing of your legs, which is rather the point here. The Cedar Wetlands Preserve then runs a good deal further than that. That one crosses a full 119 acres of coastal forest and wetland. Take the wayside first and then see how the legs are feeling.

Which Rockaway beach activity needs the least equipment?

Beachcombing, without question. The soft sand and the gentle waves along this shoreline turn up shells and driftwood without you carrying anything at all, which makes it the one that works with children in tow. Kite flying then needs a kite and a decent breeze behind it. The beach here supplies both the open space and the wind. Crabbing is the one that needs a boat and proper gear.

Which Rockaway museum suits a wet afternoon indoors?

The International Police Museum. It covers the history of law enforcement around the world, with old police uniforms, vintage patrol cars and a section on famous criminals, which is enough to hold a family out of the rain. The Nehalem Valley Historical Society then covers the local tribes instead. That one runs exhibits on their customs and their older traditions. Do the police museum first if you have younger visitors along.

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