Del Rey Beach State Recreation Site stretches half a mile along the Pacific Ocean between Gearhart and Seaside, approximately four miles south of Fort Stevens State Park and 80 miles northwest of Portland. This secluded Oregon State Parks site occupies former Clatsop Indian territory, where native peoples harvested razor clams and gathered salt for centuries before European settlement. The beach gained state protection in 1970 when Oregon's Beach Bill guaranteed public access to the entire coastline. Del Rey distinguishes itself as one of northern Oregon's few drive-on beaches, allowing four-wheel-drive vehicles to access the sand from designated entry points and drive north to Warrenton or south to other Gearhart beach access points. Wide, soft white sand stretches from the dune line to the surf zone, attracting fewer crowds than neighboring Seaside Beach three miles south.
Swimming at Del Rey Beach requires extreme caution due to powerful rip currents, cold Pacific water averaging 50-55 degrees year-round, sneaker waves that strike without warning, and absence of lifeguard services. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department reports dozens of coastal drownings annually, many occurring at unguarded beaches during calm-appearing conditions. Beachcombing proves safer and more rewarding, with razor clam digging permitted from May through mid-July when seasons open, requiring Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife shellfish licenses costing 10 dollars for residents and 28 dollars for non-residents. Sand dollars, agates, and Japanese glass floats wash ashore during winter storms. Bonfires burn legally in designated areas below the high tide line, with visitors required to extinguish fires completely before departing. Eight miles of shoreline extend from Del Rey north through Gearhart to the Warrenton border, ideal for running, walking, and kite flying. Elk graze near the dunes at dawn and dusk, while brown pelicans, cormorants, and pigeon guillemots hunt offshore waters.
Access Del Rey Beach State Recreation Site via a signed entrance off Highway 101 in Gearhart, located between mileposts 21 and 22. The quiet, secluded parking area accommodates approximately 30 vehicles with no day-use fees charged. Street parking along nearby residential roads provides additional spaces during busy summer weekends. Beach wheelchairs are available for free rental through advance reservation with Oregon State Parks. Portable toilets serve the parking area, with flush restrooms located at Pacific Way Park three blocks east. Cell phone coverage proves reliable with all major carriers. Four-wheel-drive vehicles access the beach through marked entry points, with soft sand requiring high-clearance vehicles and deflated tires for safe navigation. The nearest hospital, Providence Seaside Hospital, operates three miles south at 725 South Wahanna Road in Seaside, providing emergency services 24 hours daily.
Dining concentrates in downtown Gearhart and neighboring Seaside within three miles. McMenamins Sand Trap Pub at 1157 North Marion Avenue serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the historic Kelly House, preparing vanilla bean French toast on brioche, wild Alaskan cod fish and chips with tartar sauce, and clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls alongside Ruby ale and Hammerhead pale ale brewed in Portland. Pacific Way Bakery and Cafe at 601 Pacific Way operates in a 1929 commercial building, baking morning croissants, scones, and cinnamon rolls while serving lunch and dinner featuring Northwest ingredients and seasonal menus. Prep Kitchen at 3601 Highway 101 specializes in grab-and-go meals including breakfast sandwiches, salads, and prepared dinners created by chef-owners Josh and Reco using fresh coastal ingredients. The Great Wall Restaurant offers Chinese cuisine including Dungeness crab in black bean sauce, General Tso chicken, and kung pao prawns. Del Rey Beach's vehicle access and isolated location attract families seeking quieter alternatives to Seaside's tourist crowds, with razor clamming and bonfire gatherings defining the northern Oregon coast beach experience.
