Manzanita, Oregon

This seaside village rests in the shadow of Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain on the scenic northern Oregon coast. It is one of three towns, including Nehalem and Neahkanie, that are within a nine mile radius of each other and often lumped together for marketing purposes.

Manzanita’s cute downtown includes a seasonal farmers’ market, a wine bar, an independent bookstore and fine art galleries. Attractive gray and white buildings have hanging flower baskets and street side benches.

The Manzanita Writers’ Series, the Manzanita Creative Arts Council and the Hoffman Center, which hosts classes, lectures and film screenings, are all signs of the town’s burgeoning arts scene. The local recycling center sponsors the spring Trash Art Show and the fall Trashion Show. The fun Muttzanita Dog Fest has been running for a decade.

Residents enjoy a large city park, trails, a golf course and seven miles of beautiful beaches. Kayaking, fishing, and crabbing are popular bay pastimes.  The beach is one of the prettiest in Oregon and is often nearly-empty. It is also dog-friendly.

Nehalem Bay State Park has a horse camp, bike trails and an airport. The Oswald West State Park is near Manzanita’s northern border, and its cove is popular with surfers.

Homes, most of which on lush wooded lots, include Cape Cods, bungalows and ranch ramblers. Many residences are second homes.

The community sits along Highway 101 but is a remote place and can feel a little lonely in winter.