4 secret beaches to explore on the Oregon Coast this summer

Those looking to find a good beach spot this summer but are hoping to avoid crowds may be glad to know four spots along the Oregon Coast were chosen for having some of the best secret beaches in the U.S.

A 2025 survey by travel website Frugal Flyer determined the 95 Best Secret Beaches in America by asking more than 3,000 responders which of the nation's hidden beaches provide the most charm, peace and solitude.

The survey found that Secret Beach, Gold Beach, Bandon State Natural Area and Agate Beach were considered some of the most secluded beaches in Oregon.

Secret Beach on the Oregon Coast

Secret Beach, located on the southern Oregon Coast, ranked fourth out of the 95 best secret beaches in America.

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"Found within Oregon’s Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor near Brookings, Secret Beach retains a magical charm despite its rising Instagram fame," Frugal Flyer wrote. "A short, steep trail leads to this cove, surrounded by towering sea cliffs and mossy forest. At low tide, sea caves and natural arches appear, making it a photographer’s haven, especially in the early morning when it’s often empty."

Frugal Flyer noted that while the beach has been getting a lot of attention on social media, its seclusion and tricky access points still make it feel personal to locals.

Gold Beach on Oregon Coast

Gold Beach, located on the southern Oregon Coast, ranked 16th out of the 95 best secret beaches in America.

Gold Beach is nestled among the Siskiyou Mountains between the Pacific Ocean and Rogue River. While the town isn't hidden, it hosts a number of secluded beaches that feel like a secret.

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Bailey Beach, Nesika Beach, Cape Sebastian Scenic Corridor, Meyers Creek Beach and Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint are just a few areas near Gold Beach known for their limited crowds, scenic views and peace and tranquility.

In addition to its beaches, Gold Beach offers residents and visitors various outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, biking, surfing, whale watching, bird watching, beachcombing and jet boat excursions.

The Coquille River Lighthouse sits across the river from the Bandon on Oregon's south coast.

Bandon State Natural Area

Bandon State Natural Area ranked 50th out of the 95 best secret beaches in America.

Bandon State Natural Area is located on the southern Oregon Coast and has many secluded beaches. Devil's Kitchen is the most developed access point to the beaches and has picnic tables, a parking lot and restrooms.

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The China Creek access point offers visitors beautiful views and a walk to the beach that will take them through several streams that cross over from the creek. The area doesn't experience a heavy amount of traffic and doesn't allow dogs between March and September due to plover nesting season.

Bandon's Beach Loop Road has several areas to access the beaches, but parking is limited, and the nearby Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for kayaking and bird watching.

Agate Beach

Agate Beach on the southern Oregon Coast ranked 92nd out of the 95 best secret beaches in America.

Technically, there are two Agate Beach locations in Oregon. The more well-known Agate Beach is located at Agate Beach State Recreation Site near Newport and is a popular place among locals, travelers and seasoned agate hunters.

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However, within Otter Point State Recreation Site, just 2.5 miles north of Gold Beach, is Agate Beach, a secluded rocky beach that can only be accessed by a hidden trail near the northeast end of the Otter Point parking lot.

The narrow trail winds down through the trees before reaching the pebbled beach, which offers little to no crowds, scenic views of crashing waves, and plenty of tide pools to explore.

People surf at Agate Beach in the waves around Yaquina Head.

These are the 10 best secret beaches in the U.S.

Here are the 10 best secret beaches in the U.S., according to Frequent Flyer:

No. 1: Awahua Beach, Hawaii

No. 2: Pa'ako Cove, Hawaii

No. 3: Gray's Beach, Hawaii

No. 4: Secret Beach, Oregon

No. 5: Shell Key Preserve, Florida

No. 6: Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu Beach), Hawaii

No. 7: Wildcat Beach, California

No. 8: Carmel Meadows Beach, California

No. 9: Gray Whale Cove State Beach, California

No. 10: Crystal Lake, Vermont

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Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached [email protected] on X at @GinnieSandoval.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Quiet, relaxing beaches to explore on Oregon Coast