Pacific City is one of those Oregon Coast towns that feels like it belongs to a different era. There’s no downtown strip of tourist shops, no boardwalk, no traffic lights. Just a wide sandy beach, a massive sandstone headland, a legendary brewpub, and dory boats launching straight into the surf the way they’ve done for over a hundred years. It’s the kind of place where you drive two hours from Portland and immediately wonder why you don’t come more often.
My husband and I have been coming to Pacific City for years, mostly because it hits this perfect sweet spot of dramatic scenery and total relaxation. You can hike a giant sand dune, watch fishermen wrestle boats through the waves, eat fish tacos with your feet in the sand, and still be home in Portland by dinner. Or stay the night and do it all again the next day (which is what we usually end up doing).
Here’s everything worth doing in Pacific City, whether you’re making a day trip from Portland or spending a weekend on the coast.
The short version
Climb the giant Cape Kiwanda dune, watch the dory boats punch through the surf, then grab a beer at Pelican. That’s Pacific City in a nutshell.
- Cape Kiwanda — climb the 240-foot sand dune for the best view on this stretch of coast.
- Dory boats — the only fleet on the West Coast that launches straight off the beach, best seen at dawn.
- Pelican Brewing — Oregon’s only beachfront brewpub, with a patio facing Haystack Rock.
Getting to Pacific City from Portland
Pacific City is about 96 miles southwest of Portland, and the drive takes roughly 2 hours. The most scenic route takes you through Tillamook on US-101, then south on the Three Capes Scenic Route (which passes Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda). The faster route goes via OR-18 through McMinnville and the Willamette Valley wine country, then cuts west to the coast.
My tip: take the faster inland route on the way there, and the Three Capes Scenic Route on the way back. You get there sooner, and then you get the coastal views when you’re relaxed and not in a hurry. If you’re combining Pacific City with other Oregon Coast towns, it’s about 30 minutes south of Tillamook and about 45 minutes north of Lincoln City.
Pacific City at a glance
Best Things to Do in Pacific City
1. Climb the Cape Kiwanda Dune
This is the thing you have to do in Pacific City. Cape Kiwanda is a massive sandstone headland on the north end of the beach, and at its base is a 240-foot sand dune that you can climb for panoramic views of the ocean, Haystack Rock (Pacific City has its own, separate from the one at Cannon Beach), Nestucca Bay, and Cape Lookout in the distance.
The climb takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on your pace and how many times you stop to catch your breath (climbing sand is harder than it looks). The view from the top is one of the best on the Oregon Coast. The loop trail around the dune is about a mile total and takes roughly an hour with stops for photos.
Important: Stay behind the fence at the top. The sandstone cliffs on the ocean side are unstable, and people have died from falls. The fenced viewpoint gives you everything you need.
My pick — best thing to do
Climb the Cape Kiwanda dune.
It’s a 15-to-20-minute push up a 240-foot wall of sand, and the view from the top — Haystack Rock, Nestucca Bay, Cape Lookout in the distance — is one of the best on the Oregon Coast. Just stay behind the fence at the top.
2. Watch the Dory Boats Launch
Pacific City is the only place on the West Coast where fishing boats launch directly from the beach. The dory fleet has been doing this for over 100 years. The flat-bottomed wooden boats are pushed into the surf by hand, and the fishermen time the waves, gun the motor, and punch through the breakers to get out to sea. When they come back, they ride a wave onto the beach and slide to a stop on the sand. It’s genuinely thrilling to watch.
The best time to see launches is early morning (around dawn). Returns are usually mid-morning to early afternoon. If you want to go out on a dory yourself, charter operators like Haystack Fishing run trips for salmon, lingcod, rockfish, and Dungeness crab depending on the season.
3. Have a Beer at Pelican Brewing
Pelican Brewing is the reason half the people in Pacific City are there, and honestly, it lives up to the hype. Founded in 1996, it’s Oregon’s only beachfront brewpub, and the patio might have the best view of any brewery in the state (which is saying something in a state with 300+ breweries).
The beer is excellent, with over 450 awards to prove it. The food is solid pub fare with local ingredients. Sit on the patio, order a Kiwanda Cream Ale, watch the dory boats, and stare at Haystack Rock. It’s the Pacific City experience in a nutshell. Plan for a wait on summer weekends because everyone has the same idea. For more Oregon Coast brewery picks, check out my guide to breweries on the Oregon Coast.
My pick — food & drink
Pelican Brewing, on the patio.
Oregon’s only beachfront brewpub, founded in 1996 with 450-plus awards behind the bar. Order a Kiwanda Cream Ale, watch the dory boats, and stare at Haystack Rock. Get there before noon on a summer weekend to beat the wait.
4. Explore the Tide Pools
The base of Cape Kiwanda has some of the most accessible tide pools on the Oregon Coast. At low tide, the sandstone shelves reveal sea stars, anemones, tiny crabs, sculpins, and barnacles clinging to every surface. It’s like a natural aquarium, and kids (and adults who are honest with themselves) can spend an hour here easily.
Check the tide charts before you go. You want a low tide, ideally a minus tide, for the best pools. And follow tide pool etiquette: look but don’t touch, watch your step, and put everything back where you found it.
5. Surf the Beach Break
Pacific City is one of the best surf spots on the Oregon Coast, and it works for all levels. In summer, Cape Kiwanda blocks the north wind and creates a sheltered break that’s great for beginners. Fall and winter bring bigger swells for experienced surfers. The beach break is sandy, so there’s no reef to worry about.
The Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic, Oregon’s largest surf contest, takes place every third weekend in September and draws surfers from all over the Pacific Northwest. Even if you’re not surfing, it’s a fun event to watch from the beach. You can rent boards and wetsuits from local shops in town.
6. Walk Bob Straub State Park
Bob Straub State Park sits on the south side of Pacific City across the Nestucca River, and it’s the quieter, less crowded alternative to the Cape Kiwanda beach. The park has sandy dunes, coastal forest, and views back toward Cape Kiwanda from a completely different angle. It’s a great spot for a longer beach walk without the crowds.
The park is also where horseback riding operators like Twin Creeks Beach & Trail Rides run guided rides along the water’s edge and through the dunes (about an hour, no experience needed). If you want a unique Oregon Coast experience beyond hiking, this is it.
7. Kayak the Nestucca River
The Nestucca River estuary is one of the calmest paddling spots on the Oregon Coast, with gentle currents averaging just 2 to 4 mph. Local outfitters rent kayaks and provide launch-side instruction, so you don’t need experience. The river is tidal, so the scenery changes depending on when you go, and you might spot herons, osprey, seals, and bald eagles along the banks.
This is a great option for days when the ocean is too rough or windy, or if you’re traveling with younger kids who need calmer water.
8. Drive the Three Capes Scenic Route
Pacific City is the southern anchor of the Three Capes Scenic Route, a 40-mile loop off US-101 that passes three dramatic capes: Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda. It’s one of the most beautiful drives on the Oregon Coast, and you can do the whole thing in a half day with stops.
Cape Lookout, about 15 miles north of Pacific City, has one of the best coastal hikes in Oregon. The 4.8-mile out-and-back trail follows a narrow ridge through old-growth forest to a point 400 feet above the ocean, with whale-watching opportunities in winter and spring. It pairs perfectly with a Pacific City visit. For more coastal hike ideas, my Oregon hiking guide has the full list.
Where to Eat in Pacific City
Pacific City is small, but the food options are better than you’d expect for a town this size.
Pelican Brewing is the obvious pick for beachfront dining with great beer and solid pub food. Get there before noon on summer weekends to avoid the longest waits.
Grateful Bread Bakery is the locals’ breakfast spot, known for massive portions and homemade pastries. The line moves fast.
Los Caporales is a family-run Mexican restaurant with surprisingly excellent food. The fish tacos are the move.
The Stimulus is a coffee shop and cafe that’s perfect for a morning latte before hitting the beach. They also do sandwiches and baked goods.
For a wider look at coastal dining, my Oregon things to do guide covers food recommendations across the state.
Best Time to Visit Pacific City
For the best weather: July through September brings the driest, warmest days, with temperatures in the mid-60s to low 70s. This is peak season, so expect crowds at Pelican and on the beach.
For dramatic scenery: Winter storms (November through February) bring massive waves crashing against Cape Kiwanda. Storm watching from the bluff is incredible, and the town is nearly empty. Dress warm and bring rain gear.
For events: The Dory Days Festival in July celebrates the fishing heritage with boat displays and seafood. The Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic in September is Oregon’s biggest surf contest. Both are worth planning a trip around.
For fewer crowds: May, June, and October are the sweet spot. Weather is decent (by Oregon Coast standards), the tourist crowds haven’t fully arrived or have just left, and you can actually get a table at Pelican without waiting. For more on timing an Oregon trip, my best time to visit Oregon guide breaks it down month by month.
Practical Information
Parking: The main parking lot at Cape Kiwanda is free but fills up fast on summer weekends. There’s overflow parking along the road, but arrive early (before 10 AM) for the closest spots. There’s no parking fee or permit required.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed on the beach and are one of the best parts of a Pacific City visit (the dogs running on the sand with Haystack Rock in the background is an Oregon Coast postcard). Keep them leashed near the tide pools and dory boat launch area.
Restrooms: Public restrooms are available at the Cape Kiwanda parking area and at Bob Straub State Park.
Cell service: Spotty in parts of Pacific City, especially on the beach and near the headland. Don’t rely on it for navigation once you’re in town.
Quick Tips
- It's the kind of place where you drive two hours from Portland and immediately wonder why you don't come more often.
- My tip: take the faster inland route on the way there, and the Three Capes Scenic Route on the way back.
- Plan for a wait on summer weekends because everyone has the same idea.
- For more Oregon Coast brewery picks, check out my guide to breweries on the Oregon Coast.
- Check the tide charts before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Pacific City from Portland?
Pacific City is about 96 miles southwest of Portland, roughly a 2-hour drive. The fastest route goes via OR-18 through the Willamette Valley. The scenic route takes US-101 through Tillamook and the Three Capes Scenic Route.
Is Pacific City worth visiting?
Absolutely. Cape Kiwanda alone is one of the most dramatic natural features on the Oregon Coast, and the combination of the dune climb, tide pools, dory boats, surfing, and Pelican Brewing makes Pacific City a complete coastal experience. It’s less touristy than Cannon Beach and more interesting than most Oregon Coast towns its size.
What is Pacific City known for?
Pacific City is known for Cape Kiwanda (the massive sandstone headland), the historic dory boat fishing fleet (the only beach-launched fleet on the West Coast), Pelican Brewing Company (Oregon’s only beachfront brewpub), and excellent surfing conditions.
Is there a fee to visit Cape Kiwanda?
No. Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is free to visit and parking is free. There’s no day-use permit required, unlike many Oregon state parks.
Pacific City is the Oregon Coast town I recommend to people who think they’ve seen the Oregon Coast. Cape Kiwanda alone is worth the drive, but combine it with Pelican Brewing and the dory boats and you’ve got one of the best day trips in the state. Have you been? What’s your favorite thing to do here? Let me know in the comments.
