Manzanita: Coast, Water and Nature

Manzanita brings together several distinct travel-planning highlights: coastal tide pools, views from Neahkahnie, cycling and water sports at Nehalem Bay State Park, and guided SUP tours on the river and bay. There are also wine tastings, public cultural events, and a seasonal market.

Coastal Views and Tide Pools

At low tide, you can observe a variety of marine life in its habitat in the tide pools near the base of Neahkahnie, at the north end of Manzanita Beach. If you want to see these animals, plan around the low tide.

A hike up Neahkahnie Mountain offers views of the ocean, Nehalem Bay, and the surrounding region. The experiences differ in scale: at low tide, you can observe marine life in the pools; from the hike, the view stretches across the ocean, bay, and region.

Sand Spit and Bike Trail at Nehalem Bay State Park

Nehalem Bay State Park lies on Manzanita’s southern boundary, on a 4-mile-long sand spit between the ocean and the bay. The park has a 1.8-mile-long, forested bike trail with views of the bay. If you want to give greater weight to nature or physical activity when planning your trip, you can consider these details separately: the sand spit describes the location, while the bike trail is an activity with views of the bay.

Water Sports at the Beach, River, and Bay

Kayaking is available at Nehalem Bay State Park. Stand-up paddleboarding is practiced at Manzanita Beach. SUP Manzanita offers guided tours on the Nehalem River and Nehalem Bay. The options differ by activity, location, and format: kayaking in the park, stand-up paddleboarding at the beach, and guided tours on the river or bay. If you’re considering SUP, you can distinguish between an activity at the beach and a guided tour on the water.

Wine, Food, and Local Offerings

The Winery at Manzanita offers white and red wine tastings, as well as wine tastings featuring wines from specific states. Small plates, beer, cider, and nonalcoholic beverages are also available. The wine tastings and available food and drinks may change; check the current selection before your visit. Manzanita also has a bakery, fine dining, wine, beer, and specialty food shops.

Culture and Seasonal Events

The arts center in Manzanita hosts public live music performances, film screenings, and readings. If you’d like to include culture in your travel plans alongside the scenery, these public events are another local option.

The Manzanita Farmers Market runs seasonally on Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. between mid-May and September. Check the specific dates before your trip.

A Look at History

At the beginning of the 20th century, white settlers viewed Manzanita as a potential vacation destination for Portland’s affluent leisure class.

Discover more destinations: Netarts, Neskowin, Tillamook, Nehalem, Cloverdale, Cape Meares, Garibaldi, Rockaway Beach

For the broader travel overview: Tillamook County.