A picturesque beach town with some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet is the best way to describe Pacific City. You’re most likely to come here searching for a simpler coastal vacation, get away from the vacation crowds, and enjoy the Northern Oregon Coast’s true serene beauty. Kiwanda Coastal Properties offers dozens of vacation rentals, making it easy to find the perfect home for your next Oregon Coast getaway.

Pacific City is nestled between some of the Oregon Coast’s most iconic geographical wonders, such as Cape Kiwanda, Haystack Rock, and the Nestucca River estuaries.

Where is Pacific City?

Pacific City, Oregon, is located between Tillamook and Lincoln City, right on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a small quaint community just off Highway 101, maintaining the pristine beauty associated with Oregon Coast communities of years past.

Things To Do

Best Beaches in Pacific City

Pacific City provides ample opportunity for locals and visitors to explore the beaches along the Pacific Ocean! Here at Kiwanda Coastal Properties we offer a large amount of oceanfront properties to make beach access as easy as possible. All of Oregon’s beaches are public and Pacific City provides several access points, so no matter where you stay, you’ll be able to enjoy our sandy paradise. Between Cape Kiwanda and the mouth of the Nestucca River are several miles of beaches ready for your enjoyment. There are 3 main public access points while several of residential communities also have access along this stretch.

• Bob Straub State Park offers miles of sandy beach to explore and serves as the southern access point to Pacific City’s beaches. Visitors can enjoy the shoreline along the Pacific Ocean or explore the sandy areas bordering Nestucca Bay and the Nestucca River. Reaching the ocean beach requires a short walk over a small sand dune.
• Pacific Street Beach Access is located between Cape Kiwanda and Bob Straub State Park. Visitors can park nearby and cross a sand dune to reach the beach, making it a convenient access point to this stretch of the Pacific City shoreline.
• Cape Kiwanda is one of the most iconic destinations on the Oregon Coast. It is home to Pacific City’s Haystack Rock—not to be confused with Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach—as well as the historic Pacific City Dory Fleet. Beach access here is especially convenient, with a paved pathway leading toward the sand. Visitors often come to surf, watch the dory boats, and climb the massive sand dune on Cape Kiwanda for sweeping coastal views.

Nearby Beaches

While Pacific City itself is home to miles of beaches to please anyone, even more beaches are open both north and south of town.

• McPhillips Beach: Located on the north side of Cape Kiwanda, McPhillips Beach is one of the few areas where vehicles are permitted to drive on the sand. There are two access points, with the main entrance located near Thousand Trails Campground. Parking is limited for visitors who are not driving onto the beach. Vehicle access is generally permitted between Cape Kiwanda and the Tierra Del Mar access point, so be sure to watch for posted signs indicating closures or restricted areas. This can be a helpful option for visitors with limited mobility who are able to access the beach by vehicle. Always check tide conditions and use caution when driving on the sand.
• Tierra Del Mar Beach: About five minutes north of Pacific City, the community of Tierra Del Mar offers a convenient vehicle beach access point near the entrance to town. From this access, visitors heading south can drive on the beach, while the stretch to the north is reserved for foot traffic. This gives visitors the flexibility to enjoy the coast by vehicle or explore a quieter, vehicle-free section of beach on foot. Several smaller beach access points can also be found throughout the community. Please be respectful of residents by avoiding private property, keeping driveways clear, and parking only in designated or permitted areas.

Cape Kiwanda

Cape Kiwanda is one of the most popular destinations on the Oregon Coast, known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, wide sandy beaches, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Located in Pacific City, this state natural area attracts visitors year-round who come to enjoy ocean views, hiking, wildlife watching, and coastal adventures.

Visitors to Cape Kiwanda itself can experience sandy beaches, catch the waves, or even hike the massive sand dune up the cape. No matter what you do, this location provides the right amount of relaxation for any visitor. Check out our list of the best things to do at Cape Kiwanda.

Where To Eat

Pacific City is home to several restaurants that are favorites among locals and visitors alike. But no trip to Pacific City is complete without a stop at hometown favorite Pelican Brewing Company. Perched at the edge of the beach with sweeping views of Haystack Rock and Cape Kiwanda, Pelican’s original Pacific City location opened in 1997 and has been a beloved gathering place ever since. While it may be a brewery, Pelican welcomes guests of all ages—and in addition to its award-winning beers, it even brews its own craft root beer.

Of course, there’s much more to Pacific City’s dining scene than Pelican. Visitors can enjoy an elevated dining experience at The Meridian, flavors from south of the border at Los Caporales, or Asian fusion dishes at Beach Walk. Whether you’re looking for a memorable dinner, a casual bite, or the perfect morning coffee, Pacific City has plenty to choose from.

For even more local favorites, explore our complete guide to the best restaurants, coffee shops, and places to eat in Pacific City.

Visiting Pacific City With Your Dog

Pacific City is the perfect place to explore with your four-legged companion! With expansive ocean beaches, miles of riverfront, and scenic trails nearby, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the coast together. Kiwanda Coastal Properties also offers a variety of pet-friendly vacation homes, giving you and your pup a comfortable home base for your adventures.

Dogs are welcome on Pacific City’s beaches, making it easy to enjoy long walks, ocean views, and plenty of sand between your paws. As always, please be courteous of other beachgoers and follow local regulations.

For even more outdoor adventure, nearby areas such as Sitka Sedge State Natural Area and Clay Myers State Natural Area offer scenic hiking trails where dogs are welcome. Just remember to keep your furry friend on a leash while exploring these protected natural areas.

Visiting Pacific City With Your Kids

Here at Kiwanda Coastal Properties, we offer a wide variety of vacation homes that are perfect for families with kids of all ages. Our homes in Pacific City, Tierra Del Mar, and Neskowin provide a comfortable home base for coastal adventures, with plenty of space to relax and recharge between outings.

With the Pacific Ocean right outside your door, families can spend their days exploring one of the biggest sandboxes around—the beach! In Pacific City, Cape Kiwanda adds even more fun, with its towering sand dune inviting kids to climb, race, and explore to their hearts’ content. After a day of fresh air and adventure, your vacation rental offers a welcoming place for the whole family to unwind.

When To Visit

When is the best time to visit Pacific City? Any time of year! The ideal season really depends on the kind of coastal getaway you’re looking for.

Summer is naturally the most popular time to visit, thanks to school breaks, longer days, and generally pleasant weather. Temperatures are typically mild rather than hot, making it a great season for beach days, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. Coastal fog can roll in and out, but it’s all part of the Pacific City experience.

For visitors hoping to enjoy fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall can be especially appealing. These months often bring mild weather and a quieter atmosphere while still offering plenty of opportunities to explore the beach and surrounding area.

Winter offers an entirely different kind of Oregon Coast experience. Temperatures remain relatively mild, but the season brings more rain, wind, and dramatic coastal storms. While that weather can limit some outdoor activities, it creates the perfect setting for storm watching. From one of our beachfront homes, you can cozy up indoors and enjoy a front-row seat to the power of Mother Nature.

Pacific City vs Other Oregon Beach Towns

With hundreds of miles of beautiful Oregon coastline to explore, why choose Pacific City? Every coastal town has its own charm, but at Kiwanda Coastal Properties, we believe Pacific City offers something truly special.

Our small-town atmosphere, easy access from the Willamette Valley, and location along a quieter, more rural stretch of the coast make Pacific City an ideal place to relax and reconnect. Visitors can enjoy comfortable accommodations, local dining, outdoor adventures, and the natural beauty of the coast without losing that welcoming, laid-back feel.

Pacific City is also a great home base for exploring nearby communities such as Tillamook, Neskowin, and Lincoln City. Whether you spend your entire stay enjoying Pacific City or venture out to discover more of the Oregon Coast, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make your getaway your own.

Places to Stay in Pacific City