Travel to Manzanita, Oregon
Manzanita is a small coastal town in Tillamook County located right off Highway 101. This sweet beach town is known as one of the Oregon coast’s hidden treasures. Situated right along seven miles of sandy beach and below the picturesque Neahkahnie Cliffs, Manzanita offers a variety of outdoor activities and cute shopping opportunities in the downtown area.
Support Manzanita
In October of 2016, Manzanita was struck by an extremely rare tornado. In fact, is was only the fifth tornado in Tillamook county since records began in 1950. The tornado originated as a waterspout and moved right through the town’s center. Peak winds were estimated at 125-135 mph and caused extensive damage. Of the town’s 600 homes, 128 sustained varying damage. Around one third of the trees in the area were downed and the total damages across the town amounted to one million dollars.
Manzanita is located on the Oregon Coast, which means they are also preparing for the feared magnitude 9.0 Cascadia earthquake and tsunami. In an story from NPR that details how the U.S. Navy is preparing for the Cascadia earthquake and tsunami, disaster preparedness volunteer Linda Kozlowski from Manzanita understands that they will likely be isolated for a long time after the Big One. “My goal now is to get [the Navy] to Manzanita so we can do our own evacuation there," said Kozlowski.
The people of Manzanita know how quickly their community came together after the 2016 tornado and they are preparing for what to do when an earthquake and tsunami come next. If anything, their experience makes them a fantastic Pacific Northwest town to visit because Manzanita is preparing for whatever may come. This small coastal town offers a charming downtown, with rebuilt and thriving businesses. So enjoy a few sea-splattered days here and know you'll be helping them further their recovery and prepare for whatever comes next.
Best Time to Visit Manzanita
Manzanita is lovely to visit at all times of the year but we have a few recommendations to give based on what you might be looking for in your visit. For the warmest temperatures and greatest likelihood of sunny days, plan your trip for the peak summer in July. Expect to pay top rate for your accommodations, though, as this is the busiest time of year in Manzanita. If you’re looking for comfortable temperatures, less tourists and cheaper rental rates, plan your trip in the fall. If you’re someone who enjoys visiting places during their least busy time, the winter is perfect for you, although bear in mind that it can also be rainy in the winter, so bring some warm, waterproof clothing and you’ll still be able to enjoy all the town has to offer.
Travel Safely in Manzanita
Despite Manzanita’s location near to the Cascadia Subduction Zone, you can still visit Manzanita fearlessly with the proper preparation. Terra Frma strongly believes that disaster prone towns and cities deserve to be visited and supported. Some of the most spectacular areas in the world happen to be disaster prone areas. If we stop visiting them, we stop seeing the world at its fullest. Just as you deserve to be resilient at home, you deserve to be resilient while traveling as well.
Travel safely to Manzanita by taking these simple preparedness steps, which include packing smart and researching helpful resources ahead of time.
Pack the following items
- Disaster Deck
- Vehicle Kit
- Printed map of Tillamook County
- Map of tsunami evacuation routes in Manzanita, Oregon
- Map of tsunami evacuation route on foot and by car from your accommodations
- On-Foot Kit in day pack for visiting beaches
Local safety resources for Manzanita, OR
- Sign up for the Tillamook County Alert System (you can unsubscribe at any time).
- Print and save to your phone the Nehalem River Valley Tsunami Evacuation Map Brochure.
- Enter the address to your accommodations and use the Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS) interactive and real-time weather program to stay up to date on your specific location while visiting.
Manzanita is at risk for
- Earthquake
- Tsunami
- Tornado
A Day in Manzanita
Spend a day in coastal Manzanita where ocean walks are at your doorstep and hikes up Neahkahnie Mountain are worth the view. No matter what time of year you visit, bring along your Disaster Deck and even your Grab + Go Box for extra security.
Downtown Manzanita
Manzanita is home to a vibrant art scene with several different art galleries dotting the downtown. The Hoffman Center for the Arts features rotating local artists and offers a wide variety of classes, which is perfect for those rainy days. Enjoy shopping at T-Spot or Unfurl for clothing, jewelry and other fun finds. If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to check out the town’s weekly farmers market. The market typically runs from early June to mid-September and is put on at intersection of 5th Street South and Laneda Avenue.
Get Outside in Manzanita
Visit Hug Point State Park during low tide and enjoy exploring many small tide pools and caves along the shoreline. Be sure to find the rare waterfall cascading down to the beach at this park as well.
Manzanita Beach offers easy access to a serene beach right in the town of Manzanita. If you’re looking for an even more peaceful experience, set up on the less populated north end of the beach. Head over to the south end to check out the rugged jetty as the tide goes in and out.
Neahkahnie Mountain Hike takes 2 miles to reach the lookout. Find a nice spot to enjoy a picnic lunch and take in views of the coastline for miles on a clear day. The Neahkahnie Mountain was named by the Tillamook Native Americans and is part of the Northern Oregon Coast Range and sits at just under 1,700 feet elevation.
Where to Eat in Manzanita
Marzanos Pizza Pie is a take-out only pizza establishment, ideal for after a day full of exploring the Oregon coast. Their pizza is described as the perfect balance of sauce to cheese and they even offer a great gluten free pie as well. Lastly, know they might be busy, so place your order enough in advance to pick it up when you want it. Then take your pizza just down the block to the beach for sunset.
San Dune Pub is where to satiate your seafood cravings. Get an order of the fish tacos then catch live music on the weekends (check out their events calendar before heading over). San Dune Pub even made it on the list of the top 10 best bars outside of Portland by Thrillist.com, and believe us, they deserve it!
Where to Drink in Manzanita
Bread and Ocean is known for two things: bread and desserts. Whether you’re there for coffee, wine, beer, or a cocktail, Bread and Ocean offers it all! They're best known for their cinnamon rolls and breakfast and lunch menu, so stop by to grab a treat or a drink at this local favorite.
Where to Stay in Manzanita
Whether you are camping, renting, or staying at a hotel, we recommend you learn the safety procedures in place at your accommodation and print a map and highlight routes from your accommodation to the nearest designated safety shelter.
Sunset Surf Motel is located right on the beach, so you’ll never miss a sunset or early morning stroll on the sand. Only blocks away from downtown shopping, restaurants and artisan craft stores, Sunset Surf Motel is the perfect beach vacation stay. The cozy lobby offers hot coffee, tea, board games and friendly reception with plenty of local suggestions. Recently remodeled rooms include gas fireplace, extra seating and kitchenettes, and most offer ocean views. Every guest has easy beach access and there's a pool to enjoy as well.
The Inn at Manzanita, nestled underneath towering spruce and pine trees, is a welcome respite. Surrounded by lush gardens, all 13 rooms are just a few feet away from the beach with ocean views, complimentary organic coffee, private fireplace, jetted spa tubs and cozy beds. Located in the heart of Manzanita, the Inn provides a serene and private experience with an open coastal style garden environment. Bonus, the Inn at Manzanita is family friendly with rooms that can host 4-6 people with either a kitchenette or full kitchen, living room and sofa sleepers. Many rooms are pet friendly as well.
The Awtrey House is a modern bed and breakfast designed by world acclaimed architect, James Cutler, and owned by former NBA player, Dennis Awtrey. Private terraces overlook the ocean, king-size beds welcome a good night's sleep, and a full course breakfast prepares you for a day of adventure. Tucked at the base of the Neahkahnie Mountain, The Awtrey House is a beautiful sea-side oasis that is both intimate and informal and has immediate access to Neahkahnie Mountain hikes and peaceful beach combing.
The Grab + Go Box
No matter where you live or where you travel, the Grab + Go Box is your resource for practicing vital steps to outsmart any disaster. It is the only step-by-step product that prepares you before and guides you during any natural disaster. Interactive expert resources and wellness-focused guidance help build physical and emotional resilience in you and your family.
