Story by Sean Sterling, oregonlive.com
Few getaway experiences rival the magnetic allure of the ocean. Whether it’s the lull of the waves, the squawks of the sea birds, or the humbling feeling of being a speck beside something as immense as the sea, beach destinations continue to attract travelers from around the globe.
HomeToGo, an international vacation rental marketplace, recently released its 2026 Beach Index. The index was designed to offer data-backed guidance on where travelers can get the most value and enjoyment from a beach vacation in the United States.
Destinations were evaluated across five factors:
- Affordability: Lower nightly costs score higher
- Hidden Gems: Less online search traffic boosts the score
- Local Secrets: Shorter travel distances improve rankings
- Temperature: Warmer climates receive higher marks
- Visitor Satisfaction: Based on reviews from platforms like Google, Tripadvisor, Yelp and Facebook
Two Oregon coastal towns, anchored at opposite ends of the state, earned spots among the top 100 beach destinations in the U.S.
Gold Beach
Tucked into the southern corner of the Oregon coast, Gold Beach pairs affordability with natural beauty. Located at the mouth of the Rogue River, it offers both wilderness adventures and coastal relaxation. Visitors can wander nearby trails and secluded spots, like the romantically-named Kissing Rock, or take a jet boat excursion upriver into remote landscapes.
Budget-friendly pricing is what pushed Gold Beach onto the list. Out of the of 100 coastal towns ranked, Gold Beach stood as the fourth least expensive, making it especially attractive for travelers seeking value without sacrificing scenery.
Gold Beach’s full scoring reflects its well-rounded appeal:
- Median price: $87.08
- Affordability: 9.27
- Hidden Gem: 8.9
- Local Secret: 7.3
- Temperature: 5.16
- Visitor Satisfaction: 7.92
- Total Score: 38.55
Other affordable standouts in HomeToGo’s Beach Index were Shell Beach, Calif. ($73.18), Satellite Beach, Fla. ($80.24), and Terramar Beach, Texas ($86.46).