Pacific City: A Hidden Gem on the Oregon Coast

The coast of Oregon is a beautiful feature of the Pacific Northwest. There are endless year-round activities to explore, from aquariums, and surfing, to whale-watching, crabbing, or checking out the famous tide pools! The scenery is unbeatable, and you can find some of the best hikes in the state!

If you’re a resident of Oregon, you probably already have a favorite beach town that you always head over to on a sunny day. Located thirty minutes south of Tillamook, is Pacific City, Oregon. It is a small town with just over a thousand residents, and dozens of quaint local businesses to explore.

The main attraction is Cape Kiwanda, a coveted surf spot, natural park, and viewpoint. It is also home to Oregon’s highest sand dune at nearly 240 feet high, where you can find many visitors sand-boarding down or hiking up for a great lookout! There are also a few bike trails to choose from that will help you tour the town and enjoy the views.

Just off the coast is a giant sea stack, the iconic visual associated with Cape Kiwanda. The beach has a lot of space and never feels too crowded. Pacific City is also known for having several different types of habitats, which makes for a diverse spectrum of wildlife viewing! Most famous are the friendly beach bunnies, but you will also be able to spot otters, porpoises, whales, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles.

Right off the beach, overlooking the water is Pelican Brewing. With both outdoor and indoor seating options, it’s a great sit-down meal after a day on the water. There are several quick stops as well, including Ben and Jeff’s Burgers and Tacos. Across the street from the parking lot is Cape Kiwanda Marketplace, where you can grab snacks or Tillamook ice cream to enjoy throughout the day!

There are endless things to love about this town, and plenty of activities to entertain your whole family! Whether you’re a day-tripper or looking for a weekend getaway, Pacific City will fulfill all of your beach daydreams.