Road Trip to Rockaway Beach – Where to Stay and Things to See, Eat and Discover
Rockaway Beach remains to many Oregonians a “best-kept secret” Summer getaway location. Tucked in along a less-traveled stretch of beautiful coastline between Tillamook and Cannon Beach, Rockaway Beach has so much to offer visitors – and makes for an ideal Oregon Road Trip.
The road to Rockaway Beach is a beautiful drive from Highway 26 to Hwy 6, then over the coast range and into Tillamook where you head North on Highway 101. That stretch of road is a stunner that hugs the shoreline of Tillamook Bay, passes through quaint seaside communities, and takes you all the way to Rockaway Beach to the beach. We love Rockaway and have assembled a short list to help you plan your next getaway to this beloved Beach Town.
Where to Stay
Meredith Lodging’s Rockaway Beach Vacation Rentals Collection has something for everyone – from oceanfront, ocean view to something tucked into the woods, from cozy cabins and classic beach cottages to a mini-estate that sleeps up to 20. Everyone kind find the perfect place to #staywithmeredith. Here are some of our favorites:Dara’s Beach House
You and your family will love all the amenities of this classic Oregon Coast vacation rental. Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood away from any crowds and offering dedicated beach access, you and your family will love the indoor gathering spaces with updated decor and the outdoor fire pit for s’mores and private hot tub outside!
3 Bedrooms / 2.5 Bathrooms / Sleeps 7
Anchors Aweigh Rockaway Beach
Situated next to a wooded park and a short walk to birding, clamming, crabbing, and fishing in Tillamook Bay and to a secluded ocean beach, this beautiful, fenced mini-estate is the perfect Rockaway Beach vacation rental and a wonderful place to truly relax.
5 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms / Sleeps 20 / Pup-friendly
Hope Floats
Hope floats is tucked in to a quiet neighborhood just a short walk from the beach and features luxury finishes right out of a magazine! You will love to cook in the gourmet kitchen, and you and your guests will love retreating to cozy bedrooms and a bunk room for the kiddos.
3 Bedrooms / 2.5 Bathrooms / Sleeps 9
Lakefront Beach House
Lakefront beach house is in the heart of Rockaway and is just a few blocks – and an easy stroll – to the beach. This ideal Rockaway vacation rental also offers exclusive access to Lake Little, making this well-positioned for kayakers and those hoping to spot some local wildlife!
2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / Sleeps 6
Rockaway Lake House
This distinctive home is a true Oregon Coast escape that offers it all – a gorgeous mix of elegant architecture, spacious rooms, floor-to ceiling windows flood this home with Pacific light and lots of wood and tile appointments invite you to truly relax and enjoy your stay, including a chef’s kitchen, great room and an outdoor deck with built-in benches so you can walk out and enjoy the scenery with a glass of wine.
4 Bedrooms / 2.5 Bathrooms / Sleeps 8 / Pup-friendly
Things to Do in and Near Rockaway Beach
One of the best things about Rockaway Beach (other than that vast, 7-mile stretch of beautiful beach and soft sand!) is its central location to many North Oregon Coast sites and activities. There is so much to do in town and a lot to discover just a short car-ride away! Here is a list of local favorite activities near Rockaway:
Blue Heron French Cheese Company
This has become a traditional stop for our family to gather picnic supplies for parents (wine, cheese, crackers, pepper jelly) and kiddos (more cheese and crackers and a couple sweet treats) alike. It is also a beautiful place to get the wiggles out, thanks to its outdoor seating area and petting zoo (please call ahead to make sure the petting zoo is open if you have your heart set on it.). Our favorite is their own Blue Heron Brie cheese, it is no wonder they are famous for it!
Tillamook Creamery
A stop here is just as delicious as it sounds…more cheese and many flagship flavors of Oregon’s favorite ice cream! The company is hosting tours by reservation this Summer so you will want to make sure you have one if you plan to visit…we recommend the Oregon Strawberry and chocolate peanut butter ice cream! And do not forget to try the “squeaky” cheese, too.
Garibaldi Marina
Want to catch your own Oregon Dungeness crab for dinner! It is easy at Garibaldi Marina! We prefer to forgo the optional boat rental and just crab off the docs with the equipment you can rent for the afternoon from the marina. Everyone will enjoy hanging out on the docks and enjoying the views – and bring home delicious in-season Oregon Dungeness Crab!
Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad
Do you know a kiddo (or a grownup) who loves trains?!? Make all their dreams come true with a trip on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. This train ride has stops in Garibaldi, Wheeler and Rockaway and is a fun step-back-in-time for the whole family.
Best Places to Eat Rockaway Beach
Of your Oregon Coast adventures, you will be looking for some local favorite restaurants to fill-up and recharge for more fun. We found some delicious local favorites – and all of them are budget friendly and family-friendly too!
Beach Bakeshop (Rockaway)
Locals LOVE this bakery and coffee shop – so much so that they often sell-out of their favorite items by mid-morning! Offering espresso, coffee, sweet and savory baked goods – all made fresh daily – you will want to start every day at the Beach Bakeshop.
Upper Crust Pizza (Rockaway)
This Rockaway pizza parlor did not disappoint! They are famous for their tomato sauce and considered some of the best pizza on the Oregon Coast! We decided on takeout so we could have Family Game and Pizza night back at the house.
Sea Baron Fish and Chips (Garibaldi)
This highly-recommended food truck in Garibaldo was recommended to us by everyone – and it is easy to see why! Seriously some of the best fish and chips we have ever had. Perfect batter, succulent local fish and the calamari is great too!
The Original Pronto Pup (Rockaway)
Did you know the corn dog was invented in Rockaway? A must-stop for many visitors and you will be rewarded with a fun, cost-effective and delicious lunch you will all remember. Bonus photo opp… the kiddos will love a ride on the world’s first mechanical corn dog, too!
A weekend or midweek getaway to Rockaway is a classic Oregon Summer Road Trip your whole family will love. And once you have packed in all that fun, the trip home is a beautiful drive back over the coast range and you will be home before you know it…. ready to plan your next Oregon vacation with Meredith Lodging.
