The Pacific Coast Highway, or Highway 101, winds through countless charming coastal towns in Oregon. But if you’re after breathtaking views, a laid-back atmosphere, and a variety of accommodations—from luxury oceanfront rooms to cozy glamping spots—Pacific City is worth a quick three-mile detour off 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 Shifting Tides. “It takes a scenic route to get here, but it’s worth it. The town has a rich history of dory boat fishing, with boats launched straight from the beach, and it’s a surfer’s paradise, complete with a surf shop and pub right off the main beach parking lot.”
Whether you’re seeking a day full of adventure or simply want to relax with a good book while enjoying the seaside view, Pacific City offers the perfect escape. Keep reading for recommendations on where to stay, where to eat, and which activities to enjoy in this delightful Oregon Coast town.
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Best Places to Stay
Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa
This 33-room hotel, along with its 18 cottages, offers some of the best ocean views on the Oregon Coast. Each room features a balcony overlooking the iconic Haystack Rock, gas fireplaces, pillow-top mattresses, and cast-iron soaking tubs. On-site amenities include a hot tub with an ocean view, a full-service spa, and an adventure team ready to help you make the most of your visit. Activities range from crabbing, clamming, hiking, and mushroom foraging with a guide to fat-tire bike rides and beach bonfires—all set up for a perfect coastal evening.
Inn at Cape Kiwanda
Just steps from the beach, the Inn at Cape Kiwanda offers modern coastal-style rooms in cheerful yellows and blues, each with a gas fireplace and private entry. Guests can enjoy the indoor pool, borrow an e-bike to explore the town, or grab a freshly baked cookie in the lobby before heading out on a hike.
Hart’s Camp
For a unique stay, Hart’s Camp offers cozy Airstream trailers complete with outdoor fire pits, s’mores kits, and private showers surrounded by a living garden wall. Camping cabins and cottages are also available. Socialize at the community fire pit, play a round on the putting course, or challenge your companions to a cornhole tournament. Hart’s Camp also provides complimentary beach wheelchair rentals for visitors.
Best Things to Do
Climb the Cape Kiwanda Sand Dune
Exploring the cape is a must for any Pacific City visit. The Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is a sandstone headland shaped by ocean waves, with stunning textures and colors. Climb the 240-foot dune at the north end of the beach for panoramic views of the Pacific, sandstone formations, beachfront, surfers, fishing boats, and even the occasional whale. Because the sandstone is fragile, always stick to established paths and avoid cliff edges.
Go Tide Pooling
Pacific City’s easy beach access makes tide pooling a favorite activity. At low tide, explore the tide pools at Cape Kiwanda, a protected marine garden teeming with sea stars, anemones, barnacles, and more. Check local tide charts to visit at the best times and experience this vibrant marine ecosystem up close.
Have a Beach Fire
A fire on the beach is a quintessential Oregon Coast experience. Open sand fires are legal—just keep them small and away from vegetation. At Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa, staff can set up everything for you, including chairs, blankets, and s’mores ingredients. If you’re staying elsewhere, you can pick up fire materials at Cape Kiwanda Marketplace, conveniently located across from the beach parking lot.
Watch the Dory Boats and Buy Fresh Seafood
Pacific City has a rich history of dory boat fishing dating back to the early 1900s. Every morning, hundreds of dory boats are launched straight from the beach into the surf to catch Dungeness crab, albacore tuna, and Chinook and coho salmon.
“Take a moment to watch and appreciate the skill and effort of these fishing fleets,” says Alanna Kieffer. Grab a coffee, find a driftwood log to sit on, and soak in the scene. For fresh seafood to cook at home, visit West Fish Co. and learn about fish directly from the dory boat fishermen.
Visit Bob Straub State Park
Bob Straub State Park offers serene beach access with ample parking. Trails wind through unique terrain, from mossy wetlands along the marsh trail to dunes dotted with dune grass. Follow the spit all the way out for stunning views where the Nestucca River meets the ocean. The park is also popular for horseback rides on the beach, bookable through Twin Creeks Beach and Trail Rides.
Best Restaurants
Pelican Brewing Company
A Pacific City staple since 1996, Pelican Brewing Company offers beachfront dining with craft beers and hearty seafood. Sample local favorites like Dungeness crab mac and cheese, steamer clams, or Tillamook cheese curds while watching surfers from your table. Not dining in? Grab a burger and beer to-go for a beach picnic.
Dew
Located along the Nestucca River, Dew is a 14-seat fine-dining gem with a minimalist, warm interior featuring Douglas fir countertops and a wood-burning oven. The seasonal omakase menu focuses on fresh, coastal provisions and fish—a must-visit on Friday or Saturday nights.
Meridian Restaurant & Bar
Inside Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa, Meridian offers a modern coastal vibe with ocean views from large picture windows. Enjoy Northwest-inspired dishes featuring local seafood and produce, such as Pacific salmon and lingcod puttanesca, while feeling the ocean breeze.
Stimulus Coffee + Bakery
Across from the beach parking lot, this colorful coffee shop is perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat. Try a latte with a housemade jalapeño cheddar bagel or the signature Beach Bun, layered with cardamom pastry, Oregon hazelnuts, and lemon zest salt from Jacobsen Salt Co.
Sportsman’s Pub-N-Grub
For casual fare, this dive-bar-style pub is ideal for a beer, burger, or tater tots. Enjoy fish and chips featuring dory-caught lingcod, play pool, and soak up the laid-back local vibe.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is the busiest season along the Oregon Coast, but other times of the year can be just as spectacular. Winter brings dramatic storms and king tides—perfect for viewing from a safe distance while watching crab boats glimmer on the horizon. Spring offers beautiful sunsets as the sun begins to shine again, while fall brings sunny days paired with crisp, cool nights. September through November can be particularly pleasant.
How to Get There
Pacific City is easy to reach off Highway 101. From Portland International Airport (PDX), it’s just over a two-hour drive west along Highway 6 through the lush Tillamook State Forest. Renting a car or driving your own is the easiest option. For a car-free route, the NW Connector runs from Portland to Tillamook, where a connecting bus continues to Pacific City.
How to Get Around
Most attractions, coffee shops, and restaurants are within walking distance if you’re staying near the beach. During summer weekends, a free shuttle operates on Saturdays and Sundays, stopping at key lodging, shops, and dining spots around town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pacific City, Oregon, located?
Pacific City is a small coastal town in Tillamook County, located just three miles west of Highway 101 on the Oregon Coast.
What is Pacific City, Oregon, known for?
Pacific City is known for Cape Kiwanda’s dune, dory boat fishing launched directly from the beach, beachfront breweries, and stunning ocean views.
What are the best things to do in Pacific City?
Top activities include climbing the Cape Kiwanda dune, tide pooling, watching dory boats, enjoying beach fires, and visiting Bob Straub State Park.
Is Pacific City a good place to stay overnight?
Yes, Pacific City offers a range of accommodations, including luxury oceanfront lodges, boutique inns, cottages, and unique glamping options.
Can you have a bonfire on the beach in Pacific City?
Yes, beach fires are allowed on open sand as long as they are kept small and away from vegetation and follow local safety guidelines.
When is the best time to visit Pacific City, Oregon?
Summer is the busiest season, but spring and fall offer fewer crowds, while winter is ideal for storm watching and king tides.
Conclusion
Pacific City, Oregon, may be a small coastal town, but it packs a big punch for visitors seeking natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and local flavor. From climbing the iconic Cape Kiwanda dune and exploring tide pools, to enjoying dory boat–fresh seafood and cozy beach fires, there’s something for every traveler.
