This scenic beach and historic neighborhood were named after John Nye. He obtained the land in 1866 and maintained it for nearly two decades before selling it to Sam Irvin. It became a popular vacation destination just before the turn of the century, and Irvin responded to the influx of visitors by building a hotel, a boardwalk, and a recreation center. Inside of the recreation center patrons danced and went bowling; outside they played horse shoes. Around the same time, President Herbert Hoover’s uncle, Dr. Henry John Minthorn, opened a popular bathhouse that utilized the readily available ocean water.
Today, Nye Beach continues to attract visitors by maintaining its laid-back, sepia-toned vibe. The sandy beach itself is ideal for sunbathing, exploring tide pools, or taking a leisurely stroll, and with surfboards and kayaks available for rental there is no reason to stay on shore. Swimming and fishing are also popular activities. Keep an eye out for whales on the horizon and bald eagles in the sky. You might find agates if you dig around in the sand; look for banded stones that are somewhat translucent. From time to time visitors also find items that were carried across the Pacific Ocean from Japan after the tsunami in 2011.
When you venture into the neighborhood, you will find yourself surrounded by art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and gift shops. Bibliophiles will want to spend a night in the Sylvia Beach Hotel, which features an oceanfront library and guestrooms with décor inspired by authors such as Mark Twain, Dr. Seuss, and J.K. Rowling. Visitors come from all over the world to relax, shop, and attend the events that take place each year at Nye Beach. These events include festivals, parties, fundraisers, and the popular March Mystery Weekend.
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