Pacific City Beach
Iconic Oregon coast beach with a massive sand dune, Haystack Rock, and stunning ocean views. Perfect for families and adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy peace
Pacific City Beach
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Oregon coast beach with a massive sand dune, Haystack Rock, and stunning ocean views. Perfect for families and adventure.
"Top beach to bring your family for a good time and home of the climbing dune!"
🎽 Wetsuit Recommended
The Pacific Ocean is cold! Bring a wetsuit for comfortable swimming or bodyboarding.
🚗 Parking Fees
Expect a parking fee, typically around $10. It's worth it for the amenities and safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cape Kiwanda Sand Dune
Eastern end of the beach
Climb this iconic dune for breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and Haystack Rock. A must-do for adventurers!
Haystack Rock
Offshore from the beach
A majestic sea stack that dominates the horizon, offering stunning photo opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Pelican Brewing Company
Beachfront
Enjoy local brews and delicious seafood with unparalleled ocean views. A popular spot for a casual meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Dunes and Ocean
Best Times for Fewer Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visiting Pacific City
🎽 Wetsuit Recommended
The Pacific Ocean is cold! Bring a wetsuit for comfortable swimming or bodyboarding.
🚗 Parking Fees
Expect a parking fee, typically around $10. It's worth it for the amenities and safety.
Hidden gems in Pacific City?
Pacific City Fun?!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Pacific City Beach is a great spot for dogs, with well-behaved pups often seen enjoying the sand.
🏂 Sandboarding Adventure
Grab a board and hit the massive dune for some epic sandboarding fun!
Would anyone be willing to share any “must-dos” in the Neskowin (or greater Lincoln City/Pacific City) areas? Such as best hikes, beaches, tide pools, activities, interest points.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎽 Wetsuit Recommended
The Pacific Ocean is cold! Bring a wetsuit for comfortable swimming or bodyboarding.
🚗 Parking Fees
Expect a parking fee, typically around $10. It's worth it for the amenities and safety.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Pacific City Beach is a great spot for dogs, with well-behaved pups often seen enjoying the sand.
🏂 Sandboarding Adventure
Grab a board and hit the massive dune for some epic sandboarding fun!
📸 Capture the Views
The dune climb offers stunning photo ops. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pacific City Beach is lauded for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the iconic Cape Kiwanda sand dune and Haystack Rock. Families and pet owners rave about the welcoming atmosphere and amenities like hot showers. While the ocean is cold, the soft sand and manageable waves make it a great spot for various activities.
"Top beach to bring your family for a good time and home of the climbing dune! The kids love exploring also, and it was just such a good time every time we come here. Everyone here is respectful and kind. We brought our dog this time, and he was the star of the day. Other dogs from all types are well-behaved also. The beach is probably one of the best for having hot showers! And super clean. I was impressed. The parking cost is fair ( $10), and I felt super safe, which is important, I feel like for families nowadays. The Pelican Brewing Restaurant is always popular and a good place to enjoy some drinks and food! Will be back."
Supreme Shib
"Beautiful beach. Not too windy due to dunes. No cars on the sand on the left. The only cars are on the boat launch side. We love the soft sand and small waves. Great for body boarding. It is very cold though in the water. Would highly recommend bringing a wet suit."
Elizabeth Rang
"We went Sunday July 20th and it was the busiest ive seen here in Oregon(born and raised in California) but still pleeeenty of open areas to set up chairs and a blanket. Most dogs were on leash (thankfully), huge sand hill for kids/adults to snowboarding down, lots of skim boarders, several trying to surf but waves were maybe 3ft at the highest and mose were on long boards or paddle boards. Windy enough for kites but not cold until maybe 6pm"
Stephanie Martin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pacific City Beach is located in Pacific City, Oregon. If driving from Portland, take US-26 West to OR-6 West, then follow signs for Pacific City. From the south, take US-101 North. Parking is available for a fee near the beach access points.
Public transportation options directly to Pacific City Beach are limited. It's best to drive or consider ride-sharing services if available in the area.
The drive from Pacific City to Cannon Beach is scenic and takes about 45 minutes to an hour via US-101 North. Enjoy the coastal views along the way.
Car rental options are limited directly in Pacific City. It's advisable to arrange rentals in larger nearby cities like Tillamook or Portland before your visit.
Vehicle access is restricted to the boat launch area on the right side of the beach. The main beach area is car-free, making it safer for families and pedestrians.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee for Pacific City Beach itself. However, parking in the designated lots typically incurs a fee, often around $10.
Pacific City Beach is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, amenities like restrooms and showers may have specific operating hours.
No, tickets are not required for Pacific City Beach. It's a public beach, and you can visit anytime.
Dogs are generally welcome at Pacific City Beach, and many visitors bring their well-behaved pets. It's always a good idea to keep them on a leash, especially during busy times.
Pacific City Beach offers hot showers, restrooms, and picnic areas. These facilities are well-maintained and add to the visitor experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Climbing the Cape Kiwanda sand dune for panoramic views, trying sandboarding, bodyboarding in the small waves, and enjoying the sunset are highly recommended activities.
Absolutely! The large sand dune is a hit with kids for climbing and sandboarding. The smaller waves are also great for younger children to play in.
The Pacific Ocean water is quite cold year-round. Visitors often recommend wearing a wetsuit for any extended time in the water.
While possible, the waves are typically small (around 3 feet) and best suited for longboards or paddleboards. It's more of a beginner-friendly surf spot.
The beach features soft, fine sand, perfect for building sandcastles, relaxing, or enjoying activities like skimboarding.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Pelican Brewing Company is a very popular beachfront restaurant offering local brews and food. For other options, explore the town of Pacific City for various cafes and eateries.
Yes, Pelican Brewing Company is known for its seafood. You can also find other local spots offering fresh catches.
Twist Wine Bar is mentioned as a hidden gem for drinks and a relaxed atmosphere. Exploring local cafes can also lead to delightful discoveries.
Yes, picnicking is a great option. There are picnic areas available, and you can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy with the ocean view.
Pelican Brewing Company is the prime beachfront dining option, offering direct ocean views and access.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of the Cape Kiwanda sand dune provides stunning panoramic views. Haystack Rock is also a picturesque subject, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastline and dune. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating Haystack Rock. Consider a tripod for low-light shots.
Capturing people sandboarding down the dune, kite flying against the ocean backdrop, or the dramatic sea stacks at different tides offer unique photographic moments.
Experiment with different angles, from the base looking up to the summit. Include people for scale and to convey the experience of climbing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents will appreciate the available amenities like hot showers and clean restrooms, which are crucial after a day of beach play. The beach is also known for being dog-friendly, so your furry family members can join in on the fun too. Parking is available for a fee, and the beach is largely car-free, enhancing safety for little ones.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Explorers
While dogs are welcome, it's always recommended to keep them on a leash, especially during busier periods, to ensure a positive experience for all beachgoers. The presence of well-behaved dogs is common, contributing to a friendly atmosphere. Remember to bring water for your pet and be mindful of the sand temperature, which can get hot.
🏄♀️ Surfers & Water Sports Enthusiasts
For those who prefer to stay warm, bringing a wetsuit is highly recommended due to the cold Pacific Ocean temperatures. The soft sand also makes it a good spot for skimboarding. The beach's natural beauty provides a stunning backdrop for any water sport activity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Iconic Cape Kiwanda Dune
For photographers, the dune provides a fantastic vantage point. The golden hour – the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset – casts a warm, magical glow over the landscape, making for unforgettable shots. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the scene. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the sand can get hot, and sturdy shoes will provide better grip for the climb.
Families often find the dune to be a highlight of their trip. Kids love the novelty of climbing and sliding, and it's a great way to burn off energy. While the climb can be steep, it's manageable for most, and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top is palpable. The soft sand is also perfect for building sandcastles or simply relaxing and enjoying the ocean breeze.
Pacific City Beach: A Family and Pet Paradise
The beach's reputation for being dog-friendly is well-earned. Visitors frequently mention seeing well-behaved dogs enjoying the sand and surf alongside their owners. This makes it an ideal location for families who want to include their pets in their vacation. The respectful atmosphere among beachgoers, including dog owners, contributes to a pleasant experience for everyone.
Beyond the dune, the beach offers ample space for various activities. Skimboarding is popular, and while the waves are generally modest, they can be suitable for beginner bodyboarding or surfing, especially with longboards. The presence of Pelican Brewing Company right on the beach adds a convenient option for refueling with food and drinks, making it easy to spend an entire day enjoying the coastal scenery and activities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit