Best Kept Beaches: Agate Beach, Oregon

Agate Beach is one of Oregon's best kept secrets. The beach is absolutely beautiful, in fact as a child I dreamed of getting married there. The sand is soft and the beach is an open, flat area where you can see for miles. Known for its history as well as its beauty, Agate Beach draws visitors every summer from all over.

Located just a mile north of Florence, Oregon, it is officially a state park which means there are picnic areas and it is kept clean and safe. Whether you are a clam digger, a surfer or just enjoy a long walk on the beach, Agate beach is the perfect place for you.

A walking tunnel, just off the parking lot, takes you to the beach and day-use area offering visitors a reflection into the past. The tunnel was once used by Newport cattle farmers to take their cattle to the ocean salt. There is no fee for the day-use area and it has all the picnicking amenities you need with garbage cans, picnic tables and restrooms.

When the dog days of summer are dragging you down the best thing to do is head for the nearest coast or beach. Anywhere near the ocean is always going to be cooler than the valley heat and what a great place to spend the day. Take the kids, meet with friends or just enjoy the serenity alone. The ocean is often seen as a place of refuge, somewhere to go to reflect and slough off the busy lives we all have. No matter what you decide to do at the beach, it will be time well spent.

Yaquina Bay lighthouse overlooks the beach and for more family fun you can drive just a small distance to the lighthouse and discover a little history of Newport, Oregon as well as take a great tour through a beautiful area surrounding the lighthouse.

Oregon is known for its sea life and it wouldn't be unusual to see a sea lion or whale playing out in the ocean off of the beach. There is also great fishing off of this beach and during fishing season you can find many poles stuck in the sand.

All in all, this beach is great for families and kids. With summer just around the corner the opportunities for a day at the beach are endless and with the great day-use park options and the beauty of Agate Beach, you have just the place.