Hey everyone! Well, we had a fun impromptu one day trip to Pacific City, Oregon a few weeks ago so I thought I would do a little blog piece on this titled, “The Ultimate Guide to Pacific City”. We were already in Lincoln City so we decided to drive to Pacific City for the night which is only about a 25 minute drive north of Lincoln City. We hit it on the perfect day too because the weather along the Oregon Coast was a record-breaking one in the high 80’s! Pacific City alone, reached 85 that day which is an insanely warm temperature for the Oregon Coast!
Pacific City is a unique little town sharing the spotlight as a surf town and a famous dory boat fleet fishing town. It draws quite the tourist crowd, both domestic and international, but especially from the Portland, Oregon area which is only an hour away. Sharing the same space as Cape Kiwanda State Park, Pacific City sits along the Pacific Ocean with breathtaking views of Haystack Rock (one of three along the Oregon Coast).
This post will highlight where to stay, where to eat and what to do.
Where to stay
There are only a few options in Pacific City for motel/hotel lodging choices but otherwise there are plenty of house rentals, camping options and RV parks. Accomodations cover all budgets except in the high season, then even the inexpensive motels that start at $65 can skyrocket into the $200 range, especially on the weekends. However, best to know, if you want a view, you only have two choices and they are on the high to very high end. It is best, if you can, go mid week. This will save you on the pocketbook and the crowds. Also, to be noted, there are a lot of house rentals overlooking the Pacific so this is always an option. Not to mention plenty of RV parks and the good old camping options. You see a lot of truck campers on the beach by day, taking in the surf and then pulling off somewhere to sleep at night.
1. Inn at Cape Kiwanda, 33105 Cape Kiwanda Dr, Pacific City, OR 97135
This 35 room, 3 star boutique hotel, features all ocean room view rooms with balconies. The view is stunning, overlooking the iconic Haystack rock and Pelican Brewing Company. This is where we stayed. Beautiful and clean rooms await you with chocolates on your bedside. Other amenities include: Aveda toiletries, Pet friendly, a fitness center, free DVD usage, a gift shop and a great coffee shop and bakery that is connected to the hotel (see below). Average cost $180-$250 Book and check on availability here.
*All pics here are my own
2. Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa, 33000 Cape Kiwanda Dr, Pacific City, OR 97135
This 33 room 4 star boutique inn with 18 adjacent 2- and 3- bedroom cottages, has only been open for just over a year now. Owned by the Pelican Brewing Co., Headlands is an majestic architectural delight where the urban hipster casual Pacific Northwest vibe meets the sea. The staff sports the Pacific Northwest iconic flannel plaid shirt giving off an air of clean rustic lumberjack chic. All rooms and cottages have gorgeous views of the ocean and Haystack Rock. Other amenities include: pet friendly, an on site spa and workout gym with yoga and pilates classes, complimentary bikes for touring around, and an onsite restaurant and bar showcasing Pacific Northwest cuisine, wine, beer and craft cocktails. You can even book an ‘adventure coach’ that will create the perfectly catered adventure to your needs. Average cost $300-$500. Book and check on availability here.
*All pics here are my own.
3. Hart’s Camp Airstream Hotel & RV Park, 33105 Cape Kiwanda Dr, Pacific City, OR 97135
Situated right behind the Inn at Cape Kiwanda, Hart’s Camp, a boutique airstream hotel, features 7 ‘unique’ airstreams and 16 RV campsites. Pet friendly with full RV park amenities that include WIFI, air conditioning, and a full kitchen with an outside private barbecue. $150-$250 Book and Check on availability here.
4. Surf and Sand Inn, 35215 Brooten Rd, Pacific City, OR 97135
Located not too far and in walking distance to the beach, the Surf and Sand Inn, with its 15 rooms is a great choice. Pet friendly and pocket book friendly too. $99-$150 Book and check on availability here.
Where to eat
My number one suggestion is Pelican Brewing Company and for two obvious reasons: location location (and the beer and food are awesome too). Situated right on the beachfront overlooking Haystack Rock, Pelican Brewing is my favorite place to go when I am in Pacific City. Opened in 1996, Pelican Brewing is a leader in the craft brewing industry and has been one of the driving forces that has put Pacific City on the map. Open for lunch and dinner, a must have is their fish and chips. I don’t really drink beer so I opted for a rosé from Oregon, perfect for the sipping on under that hot sun.
2. The Meridian Restaurant and Bar
For a more luxurious dining experience with a true ‘food with a view’ breathtaking scene of the ocean, pop into the Headlands Lodge a stone’s throw away. This too is owned by Pelican Brewing. Focused on Pacific Northwest cuisine, beer, wine and spirits. All food and ingredients are sourced from the Pacific Northwest and as local and in season as possible for that true farm to table experience. Open breakfast, lunch and dinner. They even have a happy hour 3:00-5:00. Reservations advised.
3. Stimulas Coffee + Bakery Located in the hotel building of the Inn at Cape Kiwanda. This is where we enjoyed great coffee and house baked pastries from culinary trained pastry chef, Ana de Lanoy. So good! If you are staying at the Inn you can arrange to have room service in the morning where fresh baked hot pastries and their Oregon roasted coffee will be delievered. Open daily 6am-6pm.
*There are a few other places in Pacific City to eat that I am not familiar with but all receive pretty great reviews, check this on Trip Advisor here.
What to do
Pacific City itself surrounds the Cape Kiwanda State Park and is a natural wonder mecca. It’s a relaxing sea town with many outdoor things to do for the whole family. Here’s a list of the top ones:
- Surfing
- Dory boat fleet fishing for salmon, dungeness crab, albacore tuna and rock fish.
- Hike the Cape Meares and Cape Lookout trails.
- Bike
- Kayak
- Visit the Cape Meares Lighthouse
- Drive and explore the beautiful Oregon coastline and its sea towns.
Wherever you go on the Oregon Coast be prepared to be charmed by its natural beauty. Make sure to check out my other blog piece for suggestions on where to stay along the way, the top 20 Oregon Coast boutique hotels 2019: https://thedolcehunter.com/top-20-boutique-hotels-oregon-coast-2019/
Thanks for stopping by! I would love to hear about some of your favorite Oregon Coast experiences and travel suggestions on where you stayed in the comments below!
*Disclosure, I have affiliate links added to this post so if clicked on I may make a commission. Cheers!
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