This small US town has a 240-foot sand dune you can climb

The Pacific Coast Highway, or Highway 101, runs through many charming coastal towns in Oregon. But if you’re looking for gorgeous views, a relaxed atmosphere, and a variety of accommodations from luxurious oceanfront rooms to glamping, Pacific City is worth the three-mile detour from the highway.

“Pacific City is a small coastal town with a lot of heart,” says Alanna Kieffer, marine biologist, Oregon Coast guide and owner of changing tides. “It requires an additional scenic route to find yourself in this beautiful town. It has a clear history of boat fishing, where boats are launched directly from the beach, and is a surfer’s paradise, with a surf shop and pub right next to the main beach car park.”

Whether you’re looking for a day of adventure or prefer to read a good book and enjoy an ocean view, Pacific City is a great choice. Read on to find out where to stay and eat, plus activities to choose from, when visiting this small town on the Oregon coast.

The best places to stay

Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa

This 33 room hotel (in addition to its 18 cabins) easily has one of the best views of the Oregon Coast. Each oceanfront room features a balcony overlooking a stunning ocean haystack, plus gas fireplaces, pillow-top mattresses, and cast-iron soaking tubs. While you’re on site, make use of the ocean-view hot tub, book a treatment at the spa, or make plans with the adventure team to maximize your visit. Go crabbing, clamming, hiking or mushroom hunting with a guide, go for a fat tire bike ride, or enjoy a beach bonfire, already set up for you, to end the day in the coziest way on the coast.

Inn in Cape Kiwanda

Quick access to the beach and water views can be found in the Inn in Cape Kiwanda. Each room embraces a modern coastal aesthetic, with vibrant shades of yellow and blue, as well as offering a gas fireplace and exterior entrance. During your stay, visit the nearby indoor pool, borrow an electric bike to explore the city, or grab a fresh-baked cookie in the lobby when you go for a walk.

Hart Camp

Hart Camp has cozy Airstream trailers, each with an outdoor fire pit and s’mores kit, plus a private outdoor shower with a living garden wall. Cabins and camping cabins are also options here. Chat with other travelers at the community bonfire, play a round of golf on the golf course, or challenge friends or family to a cornhole tournament. Hart’s Camp offers complimentary beach wheelchair rentals for any visitor to Pacific City.

The best things to do

Climb the Cape Kiwanda sand dune.

Kieffer says exploring the cape is a must when visiting, and reaching the top is something of a rite of passage in Pacific City. He Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is a sandstone promontory carved by ocean waves, creating unique colors, shapes and textures. At the north end of the beach, you can climb the 240-foot sand dune for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, sandstone outcrops, and Pacific City Beach. You can also spot fishing boats, surfers and occasionally whales from this vantage point. Due to the fragile nature of the sandstone, it is essential to stay on established paths, away from the steep edges of the cliffs.

Go accumulate tides.

Beach access is easy in Pacific City and there are carved crevices to explore beneath the south side of Cape Kiwanda. “Visit Pacific City at low tide and explore the tide pools at Cape Kiwanda, a protected marine garden full of biodiversity,” says Kieffer. The base of the cape will offer views of starfish, anemones, barnacles and more. Checking local tide tables will tell you the best time to visit this area.

Make a fire on the beach.

A beach fire is a unique experience on the Oregon Coast. It is legal to enjoy a campfire in open sand; just make sure it is small and away from vegetation. At Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa, they’ll set it up for you, complete with chairs, blankets, and ingredients for s’mores. If you are staying elsewhere, you can also get materials to make your own fire at Cape Kiwanda Market in front of the beach parking lot.

Watch the boats and buy seafood.

There is an extensive history of dory boat fishing in Pacific City, dating back to the early 20th century. Hundreds of boats are launched directly from the beach into the waves, most often in the morning. They go fishing for Dungeness crab, albacore tuna, and chinook and coho salmon. “Take a moment to observe and appreciate these fishing fleets and the effort they put into bringing seafood to your table,” says Kieffer. Grab a coffee and find a seat on a driftwood log to watch the action. Kieffer also suggests visiting Western Fish Co. to buy and learn about fresh fish directly from boat fishermen, especially if you have access to a kitchen.

Visit Bob Straub State Park.

Bob Straub State Park offers a serene experience with plenty of parking for beach access. The terrain is unique to this area, with multiple hiking options, whether you want to hike the longer boggy trail through moss-covered trees and wetlands or head uphill along grassy sand dunes with ocean views. If you follow the spit to the end, you’ll get views of where the Nestucca River and bay meet the sea. This is also a popular place for horseback riding on the beach, which can be booked through Twin Creeks Beach Walks and Trails.

The best restaurants

pelican brewing company

Ben Jacobsen, owner of the nearby Jacobsen Salt Company.says pelican brewing company It is a must see in Pacific City. The company started here in 1996, just steps from the beach. Settle into a booth inside or opt for a table outside; Either way, you’ll have a beachfront dining experience. Enjoy a pint or try a sample of Pelican’s craft beers. Pair it with local steamed clams or Dungeness crab mac and cheese, or eat Tillamook cheese curds while watching the surfers in the water. Not interested in dinner? This is a great place to grab a burger and a beer and go for a picnic on the beach.

Dew

If you’re in town on Friday or Saturday night, Jacobsen recommends visiting Dewlocated in an unsuspecting building along the Nestucca River. Inside, you’ll find a warm, minimalist space adorned with Douglas fir countertops and hemlock molding paired with a striking wood-burning oven. The 14-seat fine-dining concept offers a seasonal omakase menu focused on coastal provisions and fresh fish.

Meridiano Restaurant and Bar

Located within Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa, Meridian It offers a warm and modern coastal atmosphere. “Head to Meridian for a great meal of seafood and local produce, all with a view of the Pacific Ocean from your table,” says Kieffer. Large windows open to let in the ocean breezes while you dine on signature Northwest dishes like Pacific salmon and puttanesca lingcod.

Estímulo Coffee + Bakery

Located right in front of the beach parking lot, this vibrant cafe It is adorned with coastal tones and lots of turquoise. Order a latte or cappuccino and pair it with a homemade jalapeño cheddar bagel with cream cheese or a bacon and egg sandwich on fresh focaccia. For something sweet, you can’t miss the signature Beach Bun, with layers of buttery cardamom dough finished with Oregon hazelnuts and Jacobsen Salt Co. lemon zest salt.

Jock’s Pub-N-Grub

For a casual meal, Jacobsen recommends putting in this pub. “It’s a great bar to have a beer, a burger and fries,” he says. Grab a beer or cider on tap, play a game of pool, and order fish and chips with boat-caught lingcod from Pacific City.

Best time to visit

Summer is the busiest time to visit the Oregon Coast, but both Kieffer and Jacobsen agree that other seasons steal the show. “Of course, summer seems like the most ideal time to visit Oregon beaches, but honestly, a winter storm or winter king tide viewing is something to see,” Kieffer says, noting that it’s crucial to watch from a safe vantage point rather than from the beach. “This is also the time of year when the crab boats are in the water and shining like Christmas lights on the horizon.”

Kieffer also says that spring is a great time to visit, when the sun is just beginning to shine and the sunsets are phenomenal. Jacobsen, meanwhile, loves the combination of sunny days and cool nights in the fall. “September, October and even November can be quite pleasant,” he says.

How to get there

If you drive north on Highway 101, Pacific City is easy to access from the highway. From Portland International Airport (PDX), it’s just over a two-hour drive. The easiest way to get to Pacific City is by renting a car or driving your own and heading west on Highway 6 through the lush Tillamook State Forest. For a car-free option, the Connector NO It runs from Portland to Tillamook, where you can then take a connecting bus to Pacific City.

How to move

If you’re staying near the beach, many things in Pacific City are within walking distance, like grabbing coffee at Stimulus or dining at Pelican Brewing Company. There is also a free transportation which operates on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer months, with stops at shops, restaurants and accommodations throughout the city.