Road Trip to Manzanita
Road Trip to Manzanita, Oregon – Where to Stay and Things to See, Eat and Discover
Tucked into a gorgeous stretch of beach – and in between two state parks – sits a crown jewel of the Oregon Coast, Manzanita. It is easy to see why Manzanita is one of Oregon’s most-loved beach towns, featuring breathtaking ocean views and a charming main street (Laneda Avenue) that offers many locally-owned and carefully curated restaurants, wine shops, home stores, candy stores, a toy store, a pet store and an art gallery to name a few. Everything always feels “just right” in Manzanita – it even remains less crowded in the Summer than its more trafficked neighboring beach towns to the North.
Manzanita also offers visitors a popular public golf course, great surfing nearby, incredible hiking opportunities through old-growth forests, fishing, crabbing, bird watching – there is truly something for everyone! The star of the show is the pristine Oregon Coast shoreline, stretching for 7 scenic miles and facing the captivating Neahkahnie Mountain headland to the North. We have assembled our shortlist of some of our favorite things to see, eat and discover in this treasured beach town so that you can plan your perfect Manzanita stay with Meredith Lodging.
Favorite Stops along the way to Manzanita
Camp 18 Restaurant
A family-favorite since 1986, CAMP 18 Restaurant is a convenient stop when driving to the coast from Portland, as you pass it about the time everyone is getting hungry. No one will be hungry for long as this stop is famous for its more-than-hearty breakfast fare and especially the pancakes, waffles, eggs and bacon and giant cinnamon rolls. After breakfast, you can explore the grounds bit which include many museum-quality exhibits on Oregon Logging (including the building itself) and the popular gift shop.
Neah-kah-nie Viewpoint
Many Oregon Road Trippers will tell you that the stretch of coastline visible when traveling South on US 101 between Seaside and Manzanita has some of the most jaw-dropping vistas they have ever seen. Why not pull over safely and drink it in for a few minutes? This viewpoint/turnout on Highway 101 has ample room for parking and is well worth the stop. From high above you can see all of Manzanita to the South and Cannon Beach to the North. Let the beauty of the Oregon Coast take your breath away at Neah-kah-nie Viewpoint. Great photo spot, too!
Hug Point State Park
A little further south, just before you arrive at Manzanita, you can make a stop at Hug Point. There is a lot to see at this scenic little beach, from a waterfall to well-preserved horse-and-buggy tracks worn into the rocks from a time before there was a highway. Pioneers traveling around this headland had to hug the point carefully, and that’s how Hug Point was named. PLEASE NOTE: Before venturing out at Hug Point State Park – or any beach in Oregon – it is important to be aware of the tides so you do not get stranded or put yourself in danger. You can access up-to-date info here.
Where to Stay in Manzanita
Greenridge House (MCA 824)
You will love the light-filled Scandinavian farmhouse vibes of this well-located getaway in Manzanita. This beautifully updated home features a bright chef’s kitchen, fine furnishings, three bedrooms as well as a sleeping loft, with some extra beds tucked-in to the eaves that your kiddos will love. There are two well-appointed indoor gathering spaces (one with a big TV, one without – perfect for games, puzzles and reading a book!) and a protected, wrap-around porch with a firepit. You will love having your morning coffee with those headland views outside your windows…and those miles of sandy beach and charming shops and restaurants right outside your door.
Manzanita Jewel (MCA 619)
This Cape-Cod style jewel box will draw you in from the moment you open the door. Recently remodeled with all of the upgrades that make for a great vacation home – an upgraded kitchen with peninsula and sleek appliances, a great room featuring a fireplace and cozy sectional where everyone can relax, well-appointed bedrooms (including a King suite!) where everyone can retreat after a day of Manzanita fun, and a large back deck overlooking endlessly green and woodsy golf course views. All this coast-luxury with Manzanita’s shops, restaurants, and pristine coastline just down the street!
Laneda Lodge (MCA 1339)
There is nothing you and your guests will not love about Laneda Lodge! This recently updated, light and bright Manzanita vacation rental has it all – designer furnishings, great gathering spaces inside and out, cozy bedrooms with luxe linens (and a bunkroom for kiddos!), wood-burning fireplace, outdoor firepit and sunny back deck with BBQ and room for dining. This home is close to a city park and the library and a short stroll to all of Manzanita’s main street fun including many restaurants that offer takeout in case all that beach fun has you too tired to cook!
Meredith Lodging Sitka Retreat
Tall trees, woodsy views, one of the only outdoor, private hot tubs in Manzanita and peaceful seclusion welcome you to home The Sitka Retreat. This updated and luxurious pup-friendly home has all the cozy vibes and a stone fireplace that just begs you to come in, sit down and relax for a while. Inside you will find an efficient kitchen layout that opens up to room for everyone to dine and lounge in the large great room, complete with TV for movies and games. The well-appointed bedrooms feature high end linens and comfortable beds and the bunkroom features another large flat-screen TV. There is also a game room with a pool table and stocked with board games like Jenga. Outside you will enjoy that hot tub, as well as a large deck with BBQ and room for dining to the sounds of the ocean just across the street.
Things to Do in Manzanita
Short Sand Beach
Do you have a surfer in your life? They will be incredibly happy you booked a Meredith Lodging Manzanita vacation rental when they see its proximity to this much-loved surfing spot. After you park your car (go early, the lot fills up quickly!) you will need to pack up your beach gear for a short stroll through the old-growth Sitka Spruce trees that suddenly open-up to a magical little beach. Spend the day surfing (check conditions and recommended skill level) or relaxing on the sand – and if you have a hankering to hike, hit the Cape Falcon and Neahkahnie Mountain trails that are accessible from Short Sand.
Oswald West State Park
Manzanita is tucked in between two state parks, each of them with their own distinct personality and scenic beauty. Oswald West State Park is to the North of Manzanita and is an ethereal mix of lush rainforest, and 4-mile stretch of coastline that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. With miles of hiking trails (including a 13-mile stretch of the Oregon Coast Trail that winds around the park!) from the town of Arch Cape to Manzanita, Oswald West also includes scenic vistas of two prominent and beautiful headlands, Cape Falcon and Neah-kah-nie Mountain.
Nehalem Bay State Park
If you have a birdwatcher in your group, make sure you spend some time at Nehalem Bay State Park, on the south end of Manzanita. Tucked in between the ocean and the bay, this park is home to all kinds of wildlife and many coastal birds. In fact, many areas of the park are protected during different bird nesting periods. A 1.8-mile walk through the woods will bring you to a beautiful view of the bay – keep your eye out for grazing deer and elk, too. Kayaking, crabbing, fishing, and clamming are also popular activities in this park.
Spa Manzanita
Does it sound too good to be true that one of Oregon’s best beach towns would also have a world-class SPA, just a block from the sea? You can believe it! Self-care can take center stage at Spa Manzanita. Spa Manzanita offers a wide array of coastal-inspired treatments (like Neah-kah-nie Stone Massage, North Coast Ocean Scrub, Ocean Illumination Facial, Walk on the Beach Pedicure, to name a few ahhhhh-inspiring options!). The spa also offers packages and has social distancing protocols in place, so treat yourself to some vacation relaxation at Spa Manzanita.
Finnesterre
You will love a little shop stop at Finnesterre! This expertly-curated home and gift store has everything you are looking for AND all of those “perfect finds” you did not know you needed and suddenly cannot live without! There is a reason people come from Portland and beyond come to Manzanita to do their holiday and gift shopping at this stylish little shop. From coastal-inspired indoor/outdoor home decor items to gourmet pantry items, jewelry and accessories, and an incredible selection of holiday ornaments each year, Finnesterre will make you a gift-giving hero!
Manzanita Sweets
Treat your favorite sweet tooth to a visit to this Manzanita favorite spot! Manzanita Sweets has coast classic candies like Seafoam (in dark and light chocolate!) and saltwater taffy in every flavor you could imagine! They also stock giant rainbow suckers, classic candy brands that can be hard to find and have a wide-array of bubble gum, gummy candies, and chocolates too! You will find alllllll the best treats at Manzanita Sweets!
Best Places to Eat Near in Manzanita
Yolk Manzanita
Find one of the best breakfast and lunch menus on the Oregon Coast – along with great coffee and warm and friendly service – at Yolk in Manzanita. Yolk’s menu is excellent from top to bottom and we agree with the locals who list the following items as some of their favorite eats: Bacavo Scramble, Huevos Rancheros, Cheesy Shrimp and Grits, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Prawn Spring-Greens salad, and Burger with Cheesy-Waffle Fry. Available for dine-in or take-out – Yolk closes at 3PM each day so make sure you make time for this must-stop!
Neah-kah-nie Bistro
Looking for a date-night spot or ideal location for a special occasion? Look no further than this family-owned local favorite. Offering evening reservations both inside and on their charming patio, Neah-kah-nie Bistro serves what they call “Gourmet Comfort Food” and what we call delicious! Call ahead to make reservations as they fill up fast and make sure to try their craft cocktails, exceptional wine list and unforgettable eats like their roasted garlic and Whipped Feta, Bay Shrimp Cocktail, Crab Risotto, and Avocado Mango and Prawns Salad.
San Dune Pub
Consistently voted one of the best bars outside of Portland, the San Dune is a wonderful place to stop for a casual meal, watch the game or catch live music on the weekends. Offering lots of seating inside the large open restaurant and on their outdoor patio, locals and vacationers alike love this great bar and restaurant just three blocks from the beach! We love the fish tacos, fish and chips and burgers with fries. And no matter what you like to drink you will find it at their full bar serving wine, beer (craft beer, too!) and an array of cocktails. A perfect neighborhood pub!
Winery at Manzanita (Dog-Friendly)
When you walk down Manzanita’s main street, Laneda Ave, it is impossible to miss the happy sounds of people raising a glass (or tasting through a flight of great wines bottled onsite) at The Winery at Manzanita. It might sound so happy because this is a winery that allows your pups to join you – you will often see several tired and happy beach dogs resting comfortably at the feet of their owners at the outdoor fireside tables. Offering two levels of outdoor seating, some with ocean views (as well as indoor dining with strong WIFI) and a delicious list of sweet and savory nibbles, The Winery at Manzanita makes for a perfect stop. Please do not sleep on that truffle popcorn or those famous 1927 Gourmet S’mores you can roast over your own firepit!
MacGregor’s Whiskey Bar
This local-favorite stop serves innovative craft cocktails, and has an impressive shortlist of wine and beer. What keeps many people coming back (besides that fact that Old Fashioned and the Oregon Coast make an excellent pairing) are the charcuterie boards – the best on the North Coast! Add to that warm and welcoming service, a charming and sizable back patio and a picturesque front patio with fireside tables and you will see why everyone wants to be a regular at MacGregor’s.
Dixie’s Vino (Bottle Shop & Tasting)
Looking to stock-up on some interesting and well-priced wines for your stay in Manzanita? Want to taste wines for an incredibly reasonable tasting fee and enjoy friendly and well-informed service? Make time to make a stop at Dixie’s Vino and Bottle shop on Laneda Ave. The owner offers a well-curated selection of popular varietals from lesser known producers – and always has champagne in stock, too. If you are traveling with wine-lovers, this is the place for them!
No matter how you define your ideal Oregon Coast Vacation, or your perfect Manzanita vacation rental – Meredith Lodging can help you plan your perfect stay! You can view our entire Manzanita vacation rentals collection here – we hope to see you in this fun-filled, pup-friendly beach town SOON! Find more things to do in Manzanita in our Area Guide >