🌤 Weather at Del Rey Beach State Recreation Site by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40–60 °F | 50–66 °F | 42–67 °F | 38–53 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Seaside, 5 mi away, elevation 10 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 North Coast Beach Access — Quiet beach access point on the Northern Oregon Coast near Gearhart
Del Rey Beach State Recreation Site provides direct beach access on the Northern Oregon Coast between Gearhart and Warrenton. The wide, sandy beach stretches for miles in both directions, offering beachcombing, kite flying, and views of Tillamook Head to the south. The site provides parking and a short path over the dunes to the beach — a less crowded alternative to nearby Seaside and Cannon Beach.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Gearhart, Clatsop County, OR |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Beach | Wide sandy beach, miles long |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this better than Seaside or Cannon Beach?
If you want solitude, yes — Del Rey Beach sees far fewer visitors than the nearby tourist towns. The wide beach is excellent for long walks and kite flying without the crowds.
How do I find agates on Oregon beaches?
Look in gravel patches at the high tide line — agates are translucent when held to the light. The best hunting is after winter storms expose fresh material. Wet agates glow with internal light — carry a spray bottle to wet promising stones.
About Del Rey Beach
Del Rey Beach State Recreation Site provides access to a quiet stretch of beach between Lincoln City and Pacific City on the northern Oregon coast. The beach is less crowded than nearby Lincoln City beaches and offers a peaceful alternative for those seeking solitude. Sand dunes back the beach, providing wind shelter for picnics.
Things to Do
Beachcombing, kite flying, and beach walks along the wide, flat sand. Agate hunting is productive after winter storms. The site connects to the Nestucca Bay trail system. Nearby Cascade Head offers one of the finest coastal hikes in Oregon — a steep climb to meadow viewpoints with panoramic ocean views.
Insider Tips
Beach access: Del Rey Beach provides easy access to one of the widest sandy beaches on the northern Oregon coast. Pro tip: The beach extends for miles north — perfect for long walks. Agate hunting: Oregon beaches are famous for agates — look for translucent stones in the gravel at the high tide line, especially after winter storms churn up the beach.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Warmest beach weather (still bring a jacket — Oregon coast rarely exceeds 70°F). Winter: Storm watching and best agate hunting. Spring: Whale watching from the beach. Fall: Fewest crowds, clear days.
Wildlife & Nature
Del Rey Beach provides access to the northern Oregon coast’s wide sandy beaches — part of Oregon’s remarkable public beach system. Oregon’s Beach Bill of 1967 — championed by Governor Tom McCall — declared all Oregon beaches public from the water to the vegetation line, making Oregon one of the few states where every inch of ocean beach is publicly accessible. The beach supports razor clam digging (during open seasons), beachcombing for Japanese glass floats (a Tillamook Coast tradition), and exceptional birdwatching. Snowy plovers nest on the undeveloped sections. Brown pelicans — whose populations crashed from DDT but recovered dramatically — patrol the surf line. During winter storms, wave watching draws visitors to see 30-foot+ waves crash against the shore.
Nearby Attractions
Tillamook and its famous Tillamook Creamery are nearby. Cape Meares State Park features the Octopus Tree and seabird colonies. Three Capes Scenic Loop offers one of Oregon’s most dramatic coastal drives. Bay City and Garibaldi provide Tillamook Bay access for crabbing and fishing. Tillamook Air Museum occupies a WWII blimp hangar. Pioneer Museum in Tillamook covers regional history. Kilchis Point Reserve in Bay City offers interpretive trails through estuary and forest habitat.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Sunset Beach State Recreation Site is a short drive away, and Ecola State Park is a short drive away.
🏖️ Visit Del Rey Beach SRS
Quiet North Coast — miles of sandy beach without Seaside crowds.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Del Rey Beach State Recreation Site
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required in developed park areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are allowed on most ocean beaches under direct control; western snowy plover nesting areas restrict pets March 15 - Sept. 15; leash required on the beach at some parks (e.g. Cape Lookout)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated pet-friendly yurts and cabins at many parks (South Beach has 14 pet-friendly yurts, Tugman 8); maximum two dogs and/or cats; $10 per night pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 per night for pet-friendly yurts/cabins; no pet fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at Dabney SRA, the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls, and Shore Acres; off-leash areas at Stub Stewart, Willamette Mission, Elijah Bristow, Cottonwood Canyon and LaPine
Are dogs allowed at Del Rey Beach State Recreation Site?
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.oregon.gov. More: Oregon state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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