Located in Tillamook County, Pacific City is just a short 30 minute drive from Lincoln City but feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Highway 101. This adorable Oregon Coast enclave of about 1,000 residents sits at the edge of the Pacific Ocean and spans the beautiful Nestucca river. With luxurious and kitschy accommodations, beach-front eateries and astonishing views of Haystack Rock & Cape Kiwanda, this Oregon Coast town has something for everyone.

Although we live on the Oregon Coast, it’s still one of my favorite places to vacation, so for Spring Break this year we took off and headed north on Highway 101 with Pacific City as the first stop on our itinerary. Gifted with a couple of sunny days, we were able to take advantage of Pacific City in all of it’s glory.

Why I love this Oregon Coast town:

Accommodations:

There are are some great hotel options located very near the beach and restaurants, putting you within walking distance of all of your vacation basics. And with a bicycle, or short drive, you’ll be able to quickly access the other shops and restaurants located across the Nestucca river. This is a great vacation town if you’re looking to be centrally located to all of the action.

For our trip, we stayed at the Inn at Cape Kiwanda. This comfortable inn has a killer view of Haystack Rock, which stands proudly as the centerpiece of Pacific City’s beaches, as well as fireplaces in each room and chic beach decor. Oh, and decks with Adirondack chairs off of each room…did I mention that? While the price tag (about $200/night) may feel a bit high, it’s a worthwhile splurge to be able to drink your coffee/wine/soda pop while taking in the view above the crowds.

The view from the Inn at Cape Kiwanda.

Aside from the Inn, this hotel group also owns a number of other Pacific City hotels – including a kitschy, cute Airstream trailer hotel and more upscale “cottage” rentals that offer space for slightly larger groups. A number of independent vacation rentals and a few smaller motels off of the beach are available for very reasonable rates and still offer an authentic Oregon Coast experience in Pacific City.

The Beach

The beach at Pacific City is a paradise for family fun. Why? I’ll tell you:

You can park on the beach!

Although there is plenty of parking at Bob Straub State Wayside, or in the parking lot next above the beach, you are also allowed to drive onto the beach and park. With reasonable tides, this is a totally feasible task for any four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle and allows you to setup a nifty little basecamp at the beach – all from your tailgate!

Any I know what you’re thinking, “Ugh, that sounds like it would take away all the peace of the beach,” and stuff. Surprisingly, you barely even notice the vehicles – there is plenty of space for everyone to enjoy. Just be courteous and aware of your fellow beachgoers while you’re driving on and off the sand.

Cars on the beach near Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City, Oregon.

Tide Pools!

At the North end of the beach, backed up against the cape there are some incredible tide pools. And you know I love me a good tide pool. A collection of rock outcroppings offer a safe haven for sea anemones, barnacles, small fish and sea stars. Kids and adults alike will love hopping around the rocks and checking out the residents of these little ecosystems.

A lively tide pool in Pacific City

Unique Hikes

Sure, you can walk along any beach, but there aren’t many beaches that offer as big of a change in elevation, and stunning views, as those at Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area. At the end of the beach in Pacific City there is a massive (and I mean MASSIVE) sand dune that you can hike up to take in the views on both sides of Cape Kiwanda.

Oh, you don’t want to walk up a giant sand dune? Good news, your kids probably will. Meaning you can send them up, let them run back down and get sand in every pocket of their pants…and then sleep like a rock that night. Not that we did that or anything… Ok, fine. We did.

There is no greater joy than barreling down a giant sand dune with the Oregon Coast wind in your face. Or watching your kid do it.

The sand dune at Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area. Yo’ calves are gonna burn.

The view from half way up. Yes, I got tired and stopped. Don’t judge me.

Haystack Rock

All beaches are pretty. But I love it when there’s more to look at than just the horizon. Haystack Rock, located 200 feet or so offshore rises proudly out of the Pacific and creates a stunning backdrop for your day at the beach – Oregon Coast style! At low enough tides you can walk out near this magnificent geologic work of art, which is also home to a wealth of bird species, including the adorable Tufted Puffin.

Haystack rock peeking out in the distance from the tide pools

Surfers!

Surf’s up, dude! Pacific City offers a beach and reef break popular with Oregon Coast surfers. Even if you’re not looking to catch a wave, it is a lot of fun to watch the action from shore. My dad, a former surfer himself, spent hours watching the action here. These guys and gals are way braver than I am (it’s cold in that water and I’m prettttty sure there are sharks) but, boy, are they fun to watch.

Dory Boats!

Until I went to Pacific City I had never seen a boat take off from or land at the beach, but what a treat! As someone who loves to fish, this seems like an awesome way to start and end a fishing trip – right on the sand.

A number of charter companies offer Dory boat fishing excursions leaving from the beach in Pacific City. While we were walking the beach during our last stay, we saw a boat come in loaded with limits of ling cod and Vermillion after a morning of rock fishing. For anyone with an interest in fishing, this unique charter experience is a great day on the water. I can’t wait to give it a try myself soon!

If you’re not up for that much adventure, watching the boats launch and land is entertainment enough. Just be sure to keep your ears open for horns as these speedy boats come ashore.

A boat on the beach in Pacific City

Food

There are a number of great food options in Pacific City that offer a little something for everyone.

The most prominent restaurant is the Pelican Brewing brewpub, located directly on the beach. You can’t miss this place that has been part of the town since 1996 and offers a selection of their own craft beers. This means you can get brews and a burger and eat on the patio, which is an incredibly popular activity. That said, this place gets busy during peak tourist times.

If you’re not into the wait, there are other options for eating near the beach – an upscale restaurant called Meridian located inside of the Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa, BJ’s Burgers & Tacos, Doryland Pizza and a deli & snacks at the Cape Kiwanda Market.

Over the bridge, about a 5 minute drive or 1 mile walk from the beach area of Pacific City there are a few other restaurants – a pub, Chinese food, and a couple of great breakfast & lunch spots in the Village Coffee Shop & The Grateful Bread, both located just down the road from one another. Both places get busy, so arrive early to beat the crowds and get an affordable, yummy breakfast. We ate at The Grateful Bread for breakfast on our last trip and their scrambles are a hearty, delicious start to the day. Not that you shouldn’t also eat one of their big, beautiful scones while you’re there, too…Because you should!

Pacific City is one of my favorite Oregon Coast towns, and I have no doubt it will become one of yours, too. Whether you visit for the afternoon, or stay for a few days to explore, this little beach town will undoubtedly capture a piece of your heart.