Top Seven Things to Do in Rockaway Beach This Summer 

It is easy to see why vacationers have been visiting Rockaway Beach since 1909. Boasting seven miles of sandy beach, endless outdoor activities, stunning natural wonders, and great restaurants, we know one visit will have your family falling in love with this beloved beach town. 

Meredith Lodging has an impressive collection of vacation rentals to suit all sizes and budgets. A stay with us will provide you with access to everything Rockaway Beach has to offer. 

Ready to plan an unforgettable summer holiday in Rockaway Beach? Check out our Top Seven Things to Do in Rockaway Beach This Summer list to make planning the perfect Rockaway summer vacation even easier: 

Rise and Shine with Breakfast at Beach Bakeshop  

Locals and visitors alike start their mornings with a strong cup of fresh brewed coffee from local coffee roaster Five Rivers Roaster, and delicious, made-from-scratch pastries at Beach Bakeshop. Choose from a wide selection of espresso drinks, scones, cinnamon rolls, danishes, turnovers, banana bread, and savory and sweet hand pies. Gluten free options are available.  

Discover Cape Meares Lighthouse 

Cape Meares Lighthouse may be small, but mighty! This lighthouse is the shortest on the Oregon Coast, but boasts a powerful, kerosene-powered lens whose distinctive flashes could be spotted by mariners from more than 21 miles away.  

Visit the Largest Sitka Spruce Tree in Oregon  

After visiting the Cape Meares Lighthouse, make sure to take the 0.1-mile path from the main parking lot to view the unusually shaped “Octopus Tree.” Named for its thick and sprawling limbs, this stunning Sitka Spruce has been designated an Oregon Heritage Tree, and is estimated to be 250 – 300 years old. Leased pups can take a look, too! 

Go Treasure Hunting at Troxel’s Rock Garden 

Looking for something special to remember your summer vacation in Rockaway? Head to Troxel’s Rock Garden where you can hunt for treasures amongst their varied rock collection distributed amongst the garden and pay whatever you think is reasonable for your finding! The whole family can also enjoy a game of putt-putt on their 9-hole mini golf course.  

Fly a Kite on Rockaway Beach 

Boasting seven miles of wide, sandy beach, there is no better place to fly a kite on the Oregon Coast than Rockaway Beach – home to the annual Rockaway Beach Kite Festival. Swing by Sea Breeze Gifts or Flamingo Jim’s Gifts & Clothing to pick up a colorful kite of your own! 

Fresh Seafood at Old Oregon Smokehouse  

After a fun-filled day of beach combing, exploring tide pools, and playing on the beach, head to Old Oregon Smokehouse for some fresh seafood. Grab a seat at one of the outdoor wooden benches (outdoor seating is dog-friendly!), and make sure to try the crab melt, or a bowl of their award-winning clam chowder. 

All Aboard the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad 

Enjoy a relaxing and beautiful ride along Tillamook Bay and the Oregon Coast between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach in a historic steam or diesel locomotive. Rockaway Beach began as a seaside resort built in 1909 and was connected to Portland by train in 1912. Back then highways had not yet been built along the Oregon Coast, so the train provided a convenient and scenic mode of transport. Take a step back in time and enjoy part of the journey vacationers have been taking to this beloved beach town for over a century.  

Ready to plan a memorable summer getaway to one of the “best kept secrets” on the Oregon Coast? You can view our entire Rockaway Beach Vacation Rental Collection online. We hope to see you soon!