Pacific City might be a bit off the beaten path, but this small coastal town is definitely worth the detour. Just 22 miles north of Lincoln City on a loop road that leads to stunning Cape Kiwanda, this beachfront town offers numerous outdoor activities, great local restaurants and shops, and natural beauty that will take your breath away.

In just a few square miles, you can enjoy stunning views of Haystack Rock, climb the famous PC dune, explore tide pools, observe nature and wildlife at Nestucca River estuary, hike trails in Bob Staub State Park and last but not least – spend hours playing on miles and miles of pristine sandy beach.

Once you arrive and check in to your Meredith Lodging Pacific City vacation rental, you will quickly see why this gem of a beach town rivals its bigger coastal neighbors. We have captured some of our favorite “Pacific City Activities” to make planning your Pacific City getaway even easier. PC, as the locals call it, is beautiful any time of year, but an autumn visit will have you “fall”-ing in love in no time!

Places to Stay in Pacific City

Where is Pacific City, Oregon?

Best Places to Eat and Drink in Pacific City

Start your morning at Stimulus Coffee. Start your morning with a cappuccino and a delicious, freshly baked scone or muffin from Stimulus Coffee + Bakery. They proudly serve a wide selection of fresh baked goods, sandwiches, to-go treats, and classic and seasonal drinks.

Grateful Bread Restaurant and Bakery. Looking for something a little heartier before heading out for an adventure-filled day, head to Grateful Bread Restaurant and Bakery. This local’s favorite serves scrambles, omelets, blueberry pancakes, challah French toast and a quiche of the day.

Pelican Brewing Beachfront Pub. Want to kill two birds with one stone? Grab a beer and a bite from this beachfront pub while you watch the launching of this town’s infamous dory boats directly from the beach right into the surf! Award-winning Pelican Pub and Brewery serves craft beers, cocktails, burgers, flatbreads, and seafood with a stellar view.

Twist Wine Company. Looking for a cozy and quaint atmosphere to taste some wine? Make sure to stop by Twist Wine Company! We recommend trying their flight where you can sample four of their most popular wines – a Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Sparkling Syrah! They also have a wide selection of beers to choose from –Pliny the Elder being a house favorite! Fill a growler or buy a bottle to go and toast to another memorable day in Pacific City.

Ben and Jeff’s Taco Shack. Place a to go order online and head back for a relaxing night in at your cozy Meredith Lodging rental. Serving fresh fish tacos, burrito bowls, fish and chips, burgers, and clam chowder with garlic bread, this casual taco shack will hit the spot after a long day on the dunes. They also serve beer and wine to go!

Pacific City Family Friendly Activities

Bob Straub State Park. Take a family hike through scenic Bob Straub State Park where you can enjoy fantastic views while exploring the Nestucca sand pit, sandy dunes, and coastal forests. Leashed pups allowed!

Go for a beachfront horseback (or camel!) ride. Enjoy a picturesque view of the majestic Oregon coast on horseback. Green Acres Beach & Trail Rides offers experienced horses for riders of all skill levels. The one-hour ride takes you directly onto the beach, into Bob Straub Park, up onto the sand dunes and ends back down at the water’s edge. You can also take a ride on a real-life camel! Come meet resident camels, Calvin and Frank, at the Green Acres Coral. All ages welcome and you can double up for a photo to remember!

Hike the dune at Cape Kiwanda. No stay is complete in Pacific City without hiking some sand dunes. Cape Kiwanda Dune is a fun, challenging climb, but the views are worth it! After you have caught your breath, explored, and marveled at the majestic scenery from the top, it is time to bound or scoot (on your backside) down the dune!

Pacific City Outdoor Recreation Activities

Explore Sand Lake. Sand Lake Estuary is a beautiful place for swimming, fishing, crabbing, kayaking, and hiking. This 900-acre estuary is home to many species of water fowl and is the perfect spot for wildlife viewing. Nearby Sand Lake Recreation Area provides miles and miles of sandy dunes, a prime spot for Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) riding, one of the most popular activities in Sand Lake. Permits are required.

Try sandboarding! Sandboarding is the latest and coolest sport on the Oregon Coast and the dunes in Pacific City provide some epic slopes to ride. You can rent a board at Cape Kiwanda RV Resort.

Catch that famous Pacific City surf. Believe it or not, Pacific City has become well known for its surf and unique swells. If you do not already have a board, you can rent one along with all the gear you need at Moment Surf Company.

Paddle on the Nestucca River. If you are looking for fun and adventure, look no further than kayaking on the Nestucca River. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife all around as you make your way down the gentle river. The calm waters make kayaking a perfect activity for all skill levels. The Nestucca River is also a perfect place for Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) boarding. Nestucca Adventures offers assorted sizes and types of kayaks and paddle boards for rent.

Ready to plan your Pacific City getaway?

We are here to help! You can view our entire Pacific City Collection online or call our Reservations Team at 877.778.9055 to book your stay. We hope to see you soon! In the meantime, follow us on social and post those vacay pics with the tag #STAYWITHMEREDITH.