Agate Beach State Recreation Site
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Agate Beach State Recreation Site is a popular destination for visitors in Oregon.
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Summary
It is located on the Pacific Coast Highway, near the town of Newport, and is known for its beautiful beach, tide pools, and agate hunting opportunities.
One of the main reasons to visit Agate Beach State Recreation Site is to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Oregon coast. Visitors can take long walks on the beach, relax in the sun, and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. The area is also popular for surfing, fishing, and beachcombing.
Agate Beach State Recreation Site is home to several points of interest, including the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, which is located just a few miles north of the park. The lighthouse is one of the tallest on the west coast, and visitors can take guided tours to learn about its history and operation. Other nearby attractions include the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Hatfield Marine Science Center, and the Newport Historic Bayfront.
Interesting facts about Agate Beach State Recreation Site include the fact that it is home to some of the best agate hunting opportunities in the state. Agates are a type of semi-precious gemstone that can be found in the area's sedimentary rocks, and many visitors come to the park specifically to hunt for these beautiful stones.
The best time of year to visit Agate Beach State Recreation Site is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors should be aware that the beach can be crowded during peak season, and should plan accordingly. The park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy the area's natural beauty and outdoor activities throughout the year.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Port Of Newport Marina and RV Park
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South Beach State Park
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Group Site 3
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Group Site 2
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Group Site 1
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Beverly Beach State Park
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Frank Wade Park
Sam Moore Parkway Park
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site
Yaquina Bay State Park