
Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site
A breathtaking hidden gem on the Oregon Coast, featuring a unique tunnel to a secluded beach and iconic sea stacks.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for tide pooling & beach access

Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site
Best Time
Best for tide pooling & beach access

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking hidden gem on the Oregon Coast, featuring a unique tunnel to a secluded beach and iconic sea stacks.
"A breathtaking hidden gem that offers stunning coastal views, soft sandy shores, and a peaceful atmosphere."

🔦 Bring a Flashlight
Essential for navigating the dark tunnel to Tunnel Beach.
🌊 Check Tide Tables
Crucial for safe exploration and accessing tide pools.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tunnel Beach
Through Maxwell Point
Explore a man-made tunnel leading to a secluded, breathtaking beach. A true hidden gem!

Three Arch Rocks
Offshore view
Iconic sea stacks framing the coastline, offering stunning photographic opportunities.

Rockhounding & Tide Pools
Along the shore
Discover agates and explore vibrant tide pools teeming with marine life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tunnel to Seclusion
Embrace the Wild Coast
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔦 Bring a Flashlight
Essential for navigating the dark tunnel to Tunnel Beach.
🌊 Check Tide Tables
Crucial for safe exploration and accessing tide pools.
🚗 Parking Advice
Parking can be limited; you might need to park down the street and walk.
📱 No Cell Service
Be prepared for limited or no cell reception.
Visiting Tillamook hoping for some advice
Tips
from all over the internet
🔦 Bring a Flashlight
Essential for navigating the dark tunnel to Tunnel Beach.
🌊 Check Tide Tables
Crucial for safe exploration and accessing tide pools.
🚗 Parking Advice
Parking can be limited; you might need to park down the street and walk.
📱 No Cell Service
Be prepared for limited or no cell reception.
🪨 Rockhounding Fun
Great spot for finding agates and unique beach treasures.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site is lauded as a breathtaking hidden gem with stunning coastal views and a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors rave about the unique tunnel to Tunnel Beach, the iconic Three Arch Rocks, and the opportunities for rockhounding and tide pooling. While parking can be a challenge and cell service is spotty, the natural beauty and serene environment make it a highly recommended destination for a quiet coastal escape.
"Oceanside Beach is a breathtaking hidden gem that offers stunning coastal views, soft sandy shores, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxing or exploring. The beach is framed by dramatic cliffs and overlooks the iconic Three Arch Rocks, making it a photographer’s dream. One of the highlights is the tunnel through Maxwell Point that leads to a more secluded stretch called Tunnel Beach—great for those who enjoy a little adventure. It’s rarely crowded, making it ideal for a quiet walk, tide pooling, or simply soaking in the natural beauty. Highly recommend for anyone visiting the Oregon coast!"
Hrishikesh Hete
"Make sure to check the tide tables before you go! This is such a gorgeous beach! The tunnel is really dark so a flashlight is helpful. Had to park down the street and walk but it’s not too far."
Cherish Behrendt
"Cute little city, and a beautiful beach. We saw whales blowing and showing tails not too far out. There are agates to be found, but we weren’t looking for them. No cell service, even on the main road. Didn’t matter to me but thought I would mention it."
Sean Whitaker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site is located in Oceanside, Oregon. You can typically drive to the site, but parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Some visitors mention parking down the street and walking to the beach.
Public transportation options directly to Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site are limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car. Check local transit schedules for nearby towns if you are relying on public transport.
To reach Tunnel Beach, park at Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site and look for the man-made tunnel through Maxwell Point. It's about 90 feet long.
Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site is a state park. While entry to the beach is generally free, there may be parking fees. It's always a good idea to check the official Oregon State Parks website for the most current information on fees.
Yes, some reviews mention easy access to the sand for disabled folks, suggesting a relatively accessible experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need to purchase tickets to enter Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site. Access to the beach itself is free.
Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site is typically open year-round during daylight hours. However, it's always best to confirm specific hours with the Oregon State Parks department if you have a particular time in mind.
There are no reservations or bookings required for general access to Oceanside Beach. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis for parking and beach access.
Generally, you can bring typical beach items like towels, chairs, and coolers. However, always be mindful of park regulations regarding fires, alcohol, and pets. Check the Oregon State Parks website for specific rules.
Oceanside Beach is beautiful year-round. Winters can be stormy and dramatic, while summers offer milder weather. Always check weather forecasts and tide tables, especially during storm season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the unique tunnel leading to Tunnel Beach, the stunning views of the Three Arch Rocks, and the opportunity for rockhounding and tide pooling.
Yes, families can enjoy exploring the beach, looking for treasures, and experiencing the tunnel. The accessible sand also makes it easier for families with young children.
Activities include walking, beachcombing, rockhounding, tide pooling, photography, and simply relaxing and enjoying the coastal scenery.
Restroom facilities are typically available at Oregon State Recreation Sites. It's advisable to check the Oregon State Parks website for specific amenity information for Oceanside Beach.
You might spot whales offshore, especially during migration seasons. Tide pools can reveal various marine invertebrates like sea stars and anemones.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no dining facilities directly within the recreation site, the small town of Oceanside has a few local eateries and cafes.
The town of Oceanside offers a few charming spots for casual dining, often featuring seafood. It's a good idea to check recent reviews for the most up-to-date information on open establishments.
Picnicking is a popular activity. You can bring your own food and enjoy it on the beach or at designated picnic areas if available. Remember to pack out all your trash.
The town of Oceanside is small, so for a wider selection of groceries, you might need to travel to nearby Tillamook.
Pack easy-to-eat foods, plenty of water, and trash bags. Consider the wind and bring items that won't blow away easily.
📸 📸 Photography
The views of the Three Arch Rocks are iconic. The tunnel leading to Tunnel Beach also offers unique photographic opportunities.
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, provides beautiful lighting. Overcast days can also create dramatic, moody shots of the coastline.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastline and sea stacks. A tripod can be useful for long exposures, especially during sunset or for capturing waves.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, be respectful of other visitors and any posted park rules.
The dramatic cliffs, the unique sea stacks, the tunnel, and the ever-changing ocean create a visually stunning and diverse landscape for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Tunnel Beach
Access to Tunnel Beach is highly dependent on the tide. It's crucial to check tide tables before venturing through the tunnel. At high tide, the entrance might be inaccessible or even dangerous. Conversely, low tide reveals the full extent of the beach and makes exploration safer and more enjoyable. The combination of the intriguing tunnel and the secluded beach makes this a must-visit for many exploring the Oregon Coast.
Rockhounding and Wildlife
Beyond the rocks, the waters off Oceanside are also a place to spot marine life. Visitors have reported seeing whales, particularly during their migration seasons, offering a thrilling glimpse of these majestic creatures. The tide pools, exposed during low tide, are miniature ecosystems teeming with life, including sea stars, anemones, and small crustaceans. Exploring these pools is a fascinating activity for all ages, offering a close-up look at the diverse intertidal zone.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit