Hotel History

From Sunset Surf Motel to Manzanita Oceanfront Inn

For more than four decades, travelers came to this oceanfront corner of Manzanita for simple coastal stays, wide Pacific views, and easy access to the beach. Long known as the Sunset Surf Motel, the property became a familiar part of the town, welcoming generations of Oregon Coast visitors.

Today, that story continues as Manzanita Oceanfront Inn. Following an extensive renovation and reopening in June 2026, the inn carries forward the relaxed spirit of the original motel while offering refreshed guestrooms, updated amenities, and a more comfortable way to settle into the coast.

A Longstanding Place Beside the Beach

Local newspaper records confirm that Sunset Surf Motel was operating by 1981, and a 1987 Oregon lodging inventory listed it as a 41-unit property. Over the years, the family-run motel became known for its ocean views, kitchenettes, fireplaces, practical family accommodations, and location directly across from Manzanita Beach.

The property consisted of three buildings and offered a wide range of room types, from simple queen rooms to ocean-view studios, double-queen accommodations, and family suites. No two rooms were exactly alike, which became part of the familiar, independent character of the Sunset Surf experience.

A New Chapter Begins

In 2025, the property was purchased by a local ownership group, with Escape Lodging selected to manage the inn. Sunset Surf Motel closed on October 10, 2025, so a complete renovation could begin.

The renovation preserved the recognizable low-rise character of the property while updating the spaces guests use most. Guestrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, kitchenettes, common areas, walkways, and the lobby were all refreshed. Several rooms were combined to create larger accommodations, and a new accessible guestroom was added.

Manzanita Oceanfront Inn entrance sign displaying the 248 Ocean Road address.

Reopening as Manzanita Oceanfront Inn

The property reopened in June 2026 as Manzanita Oceanfront Inn with 38 guestrooms and suites.

The renewed inn balances modern comfort with organic textures, coastal colors, and understated design inspired by the surrounding beach. The goal was simple: preserve what longtime guests loved about staying here while creating a more thoughtful and comfortable experience for the years ahead.

Natural driftwood wall art displayed inside Manzanita Oceanfront Inn on the Oregon Coast.

Local Details, Coastal Character

The renovation also introduced locally inspired elements throughout the inn. Twenty individual driftwood sculptures were created for fireplace guestrooms by Nehalem artists Geoffrey and Valerie Franklin of Walnut Studiolo, bringing the forms and textures of the North Oregon Coast into the refreshed interiors.

Manzanita Oceanfront Inn cornhole board on the lawn beside the firepit at sunset.

Reimagining the Oceanfront Grounds

The original pool was removed during the renovation, and the ocean-facing grounds were reimagined as a relaxed outdoor gathering space.

Today, guests can enjoy landscaped lawn areas, comfortable seating, yard games, and firepits after a day on Manzanita Beach. A hot tub is planned for late fall 2026, adding another way to slow down and spend time outdoors near the Pacific.

Wide exterior view of Manzanita Oceanfront Inn beyond the grassy dunes at Manzanita Beach.

Carrying the Story Forward

Manzanita Oceanfront Inn remains a lodging-only property, staying true to the simplicity and character that have always defined this place.

The name has changed, the rooms have been renewed, and the guest experience has been thoughtfully updated. But the heart of the property remains familiar: a welcoming place across from the beach where guests can settle in, breathe deeper, and let the coast set the pace.