North Coast
Pacific City, Oregon
Pacific City gathers surfers, dory boats, dunes, and Cape Kiwanda around a dramatic stretch of sand.
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Why people love it
Watching the dory fleet, climbing the dune, and lingering over views of Chief Kiwanda Rock.
Local history and character
The Nestucca River and coast supported Native communities for generations. Pacific City grew around fishing and dairy country, and its flat-bottomed dory fleet remains a rare living tradition launched directly from the beach.
Pacific City gathers a remarkable amount of Oregon Coast identity into one compact place: a working dory fleet, a giant dune, surfers, sandstone cliffs, a river, and a beach where dinner can follow sunset without moving the car.
The experiences that define a visit
Things to do
Cape Kiwanda
Explore the sandstone headland while respecting closures and cliff hazards.
Official details for Cape KiwandaDory fleet
Watch boats launch and land when conditions allow.
Official details for Dory fleetNestucca River
Fish, paddle, or enjoy the quieter river side of town.
Official details for Nestucca RiverBob Straub State Park
Walk a broad beach south of the river.
Official details for Bob Straub State ParkThree Capes Scenic Route
Use town as a base for a classic scenic drive.
Official details for Three Capes Scenic RouteGet out on the water
Whale watching, charters, and local traditions
Haystack Fishing
Experience the town’s signature beach launch with a long-running local dory captain.
Official details for Haystack FishingPacific City dory tradition
Learn why the flat-bottomed fleet and its launch from Cape Kiwanda are central to local identity.
Official details for Pacific City dory traditionBring home something with a story
Antiques, gifts, and local finds
Lucky Beach Boutique
Shop coast-inspired clothing, gifts, and home goods in the Village Shops.
Official details for Lucky Beach BoutiqueHeadlands Gift Shop
Find Oregon-made goods, ceramics, books, pantry treats, and practical coastal luxuries.
Official details for Headlands Gift ShopA simple first-day plan
One memorable day in Pacific City
Use this as a starting point, then slow it down for weather, tides, and whatever catches your eye.
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Morning
Cape Kiwanda
Explore the sandstone headland while respecting closures and cliff hazards.
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Afternoon
Dory fleet
Watch boats launch and land when conditions allow.
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Golden hour
Nestucca River
Fish, paddle, or enjoy the quieter river side of town.
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Dinner
Pelican Brewing
Beachfront pub fare beside Cape Kiwanda.
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Local places to start your dining list
Where to eat
Pelican Brewing
Beachfront pub fare beside Cape Kiwanda.
Official details for Pelican BrewingGrateful Bread Bakery
Breakfast, baked goods, and casual lunch.
Official details for Grateful Bread BakeryThe Riverhouse Nestucca
Riverfront dining with a local focus.
Official details for The Riverhouse NestuccaRestaurants we’ve written about in Pacific City
A mix of memorable bases for exploring
Where to stay
Headlands Coastal Lodge
Upscale rooms at Cape Kiwanda.
Official details for Headlands Coastal LodgeInn at Cape Kiwanda
Ocean-view lodging across from the beach.
Official details for Inn at Cape KiwandaHart’s Camp
Airstream stays near the cape.
Official details for Hart’s CampGo deeper
More stories about Pacific City
Businesses, access, and seasonal conditions change. Confirm current details directly before traveling.