Pacific City is a small town of approximately 1,000 inhabitants on the northern Oregon Coast. It sits at the base of Cape Kiwanda and, despite its small size, has many activities to enjoy.

The city has retained its 19th-century origins as a fishing village with unique dory culture while attracting retirees and visitors from all over the state and country.

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is the biggest outdoor attraction, providing a clear view of Haystack Rock.

Extended sandy beaches are perfect for beachcombing, relaxing strolls along the ocean, fat tire biking, picnics, and other recreation.

Surfers, kayakers, hand gliders, and other adventurers find plenty of space to enjoy their hobby.

After a long day of adventures, kick back with a cold one and a locally sourced meal at one of the eateries in town.

Pacific City offers plenty of accommodations.

Inn at Cape Kiwanda: A fantastic choice, with all rooms offering views of the beach, Cape Kiwanda, and Haystack Rock.

Headlands Coastal Lodge and Spa: Perfect for luxury seekers, this lodge provides upscale accommodations and rejuvenating spa experiences.

Hart's Camp Airstream Hotel & RV Park: An option featuring chic Airstream trailers and RV spots for a stylish yet simple stay.

Webb County Campground & Cape Kiwanda RV Park: Great for those seeking affordable and straightforward accommodations, including cabins and RV spaces.

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Pacific City: Pacific City also offers a range of budget-friendly vacation rentals, perfect for both short-term getaways and extended stays.

Pacific City - Things to Do and See

Haystack Rock

This is one of the 3 Oregon Coast Haystack Rocks. The 320-foot-high volcanic monolith sits about a mile offshore. Sometimes it is also called Chief Kiwanda Rock or Teacup Rock.

This captivating wonder of nature attracts multiple visitors to the Pacific City, even though it is often confused with other Haystack Rocks of Oregon.

The most famous Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach is approximately 100 feet lower. The third one is accessible through Devil's Kitchen Wayside at Bandon.

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area

Cape Kiwanda is a sandstone cliff that protrudes half a mile into the sea and frames the north end of the beach.

Many other sandstone cliffs on the northern Oregon coast have been eroded into sandy shorelines, but the cape remains intact, most likely due to the protection of Haystack Rock.

Cape Kiwanda - Home of Haystack Rock and Pelican Brewery

McPhillips Beach

McPhillips Beach is a 2-mile-long stretch of sandy shoreline located just north of Cape Kiwanda.

The landscape here is full of rock formations sitting right on the sand, steep bluffs, massive cliffs, and multiple boulders lying around.

This is a quieter alternative to the more popular southern beach, but it might get busy in peak season too.

McPhillips Beach - A Secret Side of Stunning Cape Kiwanda

Bob Straub State Park

Bob Straub State Park stands as a hidden gem, boasting a rich diversity of nature. It sits just a short drive south of the Pacific City and Cape Kiwanda.

The park provides access to the expansive beach, enchanting dunes, serene pine forest, wetlands, and Nestucca Bay. The area has multiple hiking trails and trails open to horseback riding.

Bob Straub State Park - Ecologically Diverse Wonder of Oregon

Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge is a short drive from Pacific City on the southern side of Nestucca Bay. The preserve is a protected habitat for multiple animals, birds, and fish.

The area is home to 100% of the unique Aleutian Canada geese world population and 10% of dusky Canada geese.

You can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and nature viewing here. Please remember that dogs are not allowed in the refuge.

7000 Christiansen Rd, Cloverdale, OR 97112, United States
541-867-4550

Sand Lake

Sand Lake Recreation Area is a dune paradise, nestled between Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda, 10 miles north of Pacific City on the Three Capes Scenic Loop.

The 1,076-acre park offers access to Sand Lake, the Pacific Ocean, vast dunes, and many outdoor activities.

Sand Lake Recreation Area - A Dune Paradise at the Ocean

Dory Fleet

Dory fishing is a century-old tradition of the Pacific City. Dories are flat-bottom, shallow-draft boats and can be launched right from the sand. In addition to the ease of launch, dories also protect the salmon population.

Currently, recreational fishermen run most dories. A few commercial ones still supply salmon, Dungeness crab, ocean bottom fish, and other catch to local restaurants.

The fleet takes off at around 6 am and returns in the late afternoon. The return of the dories attracts a crowd that watches the dory operators slide their boats as far as possible up the beach toward trailers.

Surfing, Kayaking, and Paddleboarding

The Pacific City area attracts surfers to the longest waves on the Oregon coast. The beaches are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding enthusiasts when the ocean is less ferocious.

Since dories populate the waters off the coast, please exercise extreme caution to prevent accidents.

Hang Gliding

Hang gliding fans frequent the area. They scale the cape's shoulders to launch the glides and soar above the beach and dunes.

Fishing and Crabbing

Pacific Ocean, Nestucca Bay, Nestucca River, and Little Nestucca River let you catch both river and ocean fish in one place!

In addition to traditional fishing off the surf or boat, you can participate in unique dory fishing through the local charter!

You can catch salmon, halibut, Dungeness crab, ocean bottom fish, and other species.

Pelican Pub & Brewery

Craft beer brewery sits right at the upper beachhead. Enjoy a cold one and locally sourced seafood with a fantastic view!

The brewery bases many creations on the Pacific City area and culture. Doryman's Dark Ale commemorates the unique boat culture, while Kiwanda Cream Ale pays tribute to the coastal wonder.

33180 Cape Kiwanda Dr, Pacific City, OR 97135
503-965-7007
pelicanbrewing.com

Restaurants, Bars, and Eateries

In addition to Pelican Pub & Brewery, Pacific City has plenty of places to stop by and enjoy a drink or a bite.

Visits Dory Pizza, Stimulus Coffee + Bakery, The Riverhouse Nestucca, Meridian Restaurant & Bar, Sportsman's Pub-n-Grub, Oar House Bar & Grill, and many other great places.