The Oregon Coast has always been a well-loved destination for Fourth of July celebrations with marching bands, community cook-outs, small-town parades, National Guard flyovers, and big displays of fireworks. Visitors are drawn to the traditions, beloved pastimes and patriotism, as well as unlimited access to secluded beaches, beautiful state parks and endless natural attractions that punctuate the Pacific Coast Highway.

Things may look a little different this year as Oregon’s Governor has limited large events due to Covid. While parades and city sponsored fireworks have been put on hold, celebrating Independence Day on the Oregon Coast is still a win-win!

Enjoy a traditional Oregon Coast getaway with sandcastles and surfing, crabbing and cookouts, stunning sunsets, beach bonfires and historical attractions that allow you to step back in time and celebrate freedom, thankful to those that went before.

From the historical Fort Clatsop and the tree-lined streets of Cannon Beach down through the tranquil communities of Arch Cape and Manzanita, to the charming small-town of Rockaway Beach, your 4th of July celebration on the Oregon Coast is simply a click away!

fireworks on Oregon coast

Fireworks: A long-standing tradition are the private, residential fireworks in Arch Cape that get bigger and better each year. They are amazing! If you can’t live without fireworks, our Arch Cape retreat, Modern Love has front row seats to this patriot display of lights.

Beach Bonfires: Bonfires on the beach, along with our delicious s’mores kits, are always fun! Driftaway in Cannon Beach is steps to the sand and the iconic Haystack Rock. Beach bonfires made easy with Starfish!

Explore the Towns: While some restrictions are still in place, most of the Oregon Coast is open for business and we invite you to explore our coastal villages and shop local! Browse the galleries and quaint stores, coffee shops and bakeries, farm to table restaurants and funky food trucks.

Fort Clatsop exterior.

Fort Clatsop: Fort Clatsop National Memorial is on the Lewis and Clark National Historical Trail in Astoria. This historical site was the winter settlement of the Corps of Discovery and famed explorers Lewis & Clark from December 1805 to March 1806. It was only a year earlier on July 4th 1804 that the Corps of Discovery observed their first Independence Day west of the Mississippi. The visitor center has a replica of the original fort, an exhibit hall, bookstore and ranger-led activities in summer. Reservations recommended.

Ecola State Park coast.

Seaside: Just south of Fort Clatsop is the picturesque town of Seaside. Stroll through the historic downtown, visit the Lewis & Clark Salt Works and the Turnaround, a commemorative statue celebrating the Lewis and Clark expedition on Seaside’s grand oceanfront promenade. The Prom features the Seaside Aquarium, oceanfront dining and scenic views of Tillamook Head. A little further south on PCH, the High Life Adventure Park has adventures for all ages with obstacle courses and aerial challenges.

Ecola State Park: Ecola State Park stretches for nine miles offering visitors to the Oregon Coast paved walking trails, pristine beaches and dramatic clifftop viewpoints. Hike the Clatsop Loop Trail (part of the historic Oregon Coast Trail and Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail), picnic with family and friends and enjoy the great outdoors and beauty of the rugged Oregon Coast.

Great Puffin Watch at Haystack Rock: The largest Tufted Puffin breeding colony in Oregon is found at the iconic Haystack Rock. The Great Puffin Watch runs from July 1-4, giving visitors the opportunity to get up close and discover more about the colorful nesting Tufted Puffins.

Cannon Beach Virtual Sandcastle Contest: Cannon Beach’s Annual Sandcastle Contest has gone virtual this year! Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up your kit and spend the day building the best sandcastle of the summer.

Learn to Surf: Cannon Beach is one of the top spots on the Oregon Coast to learn to ride the waves! From Indian Beach at Ecola State Park down to the beginners beach break (and big waves!) at Oswald West State Park, there are plenty of secluded surf breaks to learn to surf on the Oregon Coast.

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Hug Point State Recreation Site: Hug Point State Recreation Site lies just north of Arch Cape and is easily accessible on a low tide beach walk. A hidden waterfall drops into the Pacific Ocean with tidal pools and caves to explore, and one of the best beaches on the Oregon Coast. Look out for the old Hug Point wagon trail blasted into the sea cliffs trail in the early 1800s.

Oswald West State Park: Nestled between Arch Cape and Neahkahnie Mountain, this spectacular state park boasts miles of hiking trails through beautifully preserved maritime forests and a sheltered beach in the picturesque bay of Smugglers Cove. Another top Oregon Coast surf spot!

Hike Neahkahnie Mountain: Hike the Neahkahnie Mountain Trail Loop to one of the highest and most scenic points on the Oregon Coast. The trail passes through fields of wildflowers to coastal cliffs with dramatic views. Our tranquil, home-away-from-home, Neahkahnie Treasure, offers easy access to the trails of Neahkahnie Mountain and bonus bird’s eye views of the Arch Cape beach fireworks from the deck and private hot tub!

Manzanita Farmers Market: The Manzanita Farmers Market is on for the summer every Friday evening at the Underhill Plaza. The perfect place to pick up fresh produce for your July 4th BBQ cookout.

Nehalem Bay & River: Nehalem Bay State Park sets the tone for secluded outdoor adventures on the Oregon Coast with an abundance of wildlife and birdlife. Take a tranquil horseride along the shoreline, kayak the calm waters at Nehalem Bay, paddleboard the Nehalem River or take the kids crabbing. Rentals are available at Wheeler Marina and if you’d rather not explore alone, Kayak Tillamook offer eco-tours and guide services for all ages.

Hidden Gem patio and beach path to coast.

Fat Bike on the Beach: Pick up a fat bike and cruise the shoreline of Rockaway Beach. Bahama Mama’s (our neighbors in Manzanita) has a fun selection of bikes, boards and beach gear to set you up for a day of adventures. Add a touch of style (and convenience) to your stay at Hidden Gem, a historic Rockaway Beach vacation home, on the beach!

Lake Lytle: If fishing is on your Oregon Coast bucket-list, Lake Lytle lies just off Highway 101 in Rockaway Beach and is a popular fishing spot with a boat launch, angling dock and plenty of rainbow trout and largemouth bass for avid anglers.

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad: Board a historic steam train and step back in time for an unforgettable journey along the coastline on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. Whether it’s a family day or a romantic sunset dinner, this traditional Oregon Coast pastime is a fun way to celebrate Independence Day.

Tillamook Creamery: The Tillamook Creamery is one of the most visited attractions on the Oregon Coast and is open for business. Take a tour of the innovative (and impressive) 110-year old dairy, sample world-famous cheeses and ice-creams or feast on Tillamook’s finest flavors in the food hall.

Cape Meares Lighthouse

Three Capes Scenic Route: Take to the road on one of the most dramatic scenic drives on the Oregon Coast, the Three Capes Scenic Route. Tour the lighthouse at Cape Meares, hike the trails at Cape Lookout and continue south to the sculptured headland of Cape Kiwanda. Pack your hiking boots and your beach gear to explore the lush forests and soak up the summer sun on the secluded Three Capes beaches.

As each Oregon Coast coastal village has its unique personality, so do our Starfish luxury vacation rentals. From Cannon Beach down to Rockaway, our luxury vacation homes put you in the heart of the Oregon Coast top attractions, coastal activities, captivating state parks and quaint villages.

Celebrate this 4th of July on the Oregon Coast in style with Starfish Luxury Vacation Rentals!