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Tips for Agate Hunting on the Oregon Coast

  • Jun 14, 2024
  • 2 min read

Updated: Feb 24


Tips for Agate Hunting on the Oregon Coast


One of the best things to do on any summer vacation is to spend a day at the beach. Whether you love relaxing with a good book or testing your surfing skills, the beaches near The Embarcadero Resort & Marina are perfect for all kinds of activities. A fun and popular pastime that anyone can enjoy on an Oregon Coast getaway is agate hunting. Here’s how to make your beachcombing adventure a success.


What to Look For


When walking along the shoreline, it can be tricky to tell whether a rock is an agate or something else. The easiest way to identify an agate is to hold it up to a light source—like the sun—and see if it glows. Agates come in a variety of colors and often feature a distinctive banded structure.


Where to Search for Agates


Several beaches near our Newport resort are known for excellent agate hunting.


  • Beverly Beach State Park

  • South Beach State Park

  • Agate Beach State Recreation Site — the most well‑known and consistently productive spot


Wherever you go, focus your search on gravel beds along the shoreline, where agates tend to collect.


When to Go Beachcombing


Timing is just as important as location. The best time to search for agates is during low tide. As the water recedes, it exposes fresh areas of shoreline that haven’t been picked over. Check a tide table before heading out to plan your visit.


Other Things to Keep in Mind


You don’t need much equipment to enjoy agate hunting. A small bucket or bag is perfect for holding your finds, and well‑draining hiking boots or shoes will keep you comfortable on wet sand and gravel.

There are also collection limits to follow:

  • Up to one gallon of agates per day

  • No more than three gallons per calendar year


Plan a Coastal Escape to The Embarcadero Resort


There’s still plenty of time to plan a summer getaway to The Embarcadero Resort. Our Newport property is close to some of the best things to do on the Oregon Coast, including agate hunting, memorable summer events, and fishing with local charters.

Browse our range of accommodations, which includes rooms and suites in various sizes and styles—plus pet‑friendly options. In addition to a relaxing place to call home, our resort offers a number of amenities designed to enhance your stay, including a sauna, full‑service marina, and more.


Call 541‑265‑8521 to learn more about our Newport resort and current special offers.

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