Rockaway Beach, Oregon Town Guide | Seven Miles of Sandy Shore

Welcome to Rockaway Beach, Oregon — a lively, authentic, and welcoming beach town at the heart of the Tillamook County coast. With twin rock formations standing sentinel just offshore, miles of wide sandy beach, and a thriving local community built around outdoor living, Rockaway Beach is one of the most beloved year-round coastal towns in Oregon.

About Rockaway Beach, Oregon

Rockaway Beach is an incorporated city in Tillamook County, nestled between Tillamook Bay and the Pacific Ocean. With a year-round population of approximately 1,400, it is one of the larger beach communities in this stretch of the coast. The city takes its name from the distinctive Twin Rocks formation that rises from the surf just offshore — one of the most photographed landmarks on the Oregon Coast.

The Rockaway Beach Lifestyle

Rockaway Beach is known for its relaxed, inclusive atmosphere and genuine sense of community. The main commercial strip along US Highway 101 features seafood restaurants, casual dining, surf shops, antique stores, and local services that cater to both residents and visitors. The beach itself — a long, flat, and wide stretch of Pacific coastline — is excellent for driving (yes, you can drive on the beach here), clamming, fishing, kite flying, and surfing.

Rockaway Beach serves as the commercial and service hub for many nearby smaller communities including Nedonna Beach and Brighton. It has a grocery store, pharmacy, hardware store, and other essential services that many smaller coastal towns lack.

Real Estate in Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach offers some of the most accessible and affordable beachside real estate on the Oregon Coast, making it an excellent entry point for first-time Oregon Coast buyers and investors. Oceanfront homes and condos typically range from $350,000 to $900,000. Interior homes and properties a few blocks from the water can be found from $350,000 to $450,000.

The vacation rental market in Rockaway Beach is active and growing. The town has long been a favorite destination for Portland families and groups, and vacation rental properties here generate strong returns. The city's STR regulations permit vacation rentals in residential zones, which makes investment properties particularly appealing.

Schools in Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach is served by the Neah-Kah-Nie School District. The district includes Garibaldi Elementray, Nehalem elementary and Neah-Kah-Nie High School, which is located in Rockaway Beach. The high school serves students from Manzanita, Rockaway Beach, Bay City, Garibaldi and surrounding communities. The district is known for its community-oriented environment and strong extracurricular programs.

Things to Do in Rockaway Beach

Drive on the beach and enjoy miles of accessible shoreline. Clamming and crabbing in the surf and on the bay. Fishing at Lake Lytle, just south of town. Twin Rocks viewing and photography. Surfing and boogie boarding. Fresh seafood dining and local restaurants. Exploring antique shops and local boutiques. Short drives to Nehalem Bay and Tillamook Bay for kayaking and paddling.

Getting to Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach is located along US Highway 101, approximately 95 miles west of Portland via US Highway 6 (the Wilson River Highway) or US Highway 26 connecting to Highway 53. The drive from Portland takes approximately 95 to 105 minutes.

Ready to Find Your Place in Rockaway Beach?

Rockaway Beach is where authentic Oregon Coast living meets genuine affordability. Whether you're a first-time buyer, an investor, or looking for your forever coastal home, I would love to help you find your place here

Love to eat out? Check out my favorite restaurants in Rockaway Beach Oregon.

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Marly

KW Coast Life

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