Travel Oregon Blog

A Break in the Weather, A Day at the Beach… Pacific City!

Today was the first in many days (probably around 2-3 weeks) that the sun decided to shine. Today also, fortunately for me, coincided with my day off. I made the most of the opportunity and ventured to Pacific City .

Pacific City is unique in many ways, the first of which is that it has both a micro-brew at Pelican Pub (I recommend MacPelican’s Scottish Style Ale) and a couple of tasting rooms such as Basket Case Vineyards. Perfect for the man or woman, like myself, who enjoys watching the surf with a cocktail. The second is Cape Kiwanda sand dune, where the majority of the above pictures are taken on top, around the side and in the middle of. I was unsure of the parameters associated with my wondering on the cape and often found myself in situations where I would suspect a “Do Not Enter” sign should be. In all of my searching in the aforementioned areas I could not find a single sign or another human being which made the experience even more surreal and exciting. I will admit that at points I was a little uneasy when the force of a wave slamming into the cape shook the sand under my feet. Though there were not signs in the particular areas that I adventured into, after a more thorough search of the cape I did come across many well marked areas that were designated as “Do Not Enter.”

Cape Kiwanda and Pacific City draw many sportsmen. On any given day you may see a snowboarder/sandboarder shredding down the dunes or a para-glider trying to catch a southern breeze and float over the top. Most notably, you will see the sea scattered with surfers. The Cape helps to create a great reef break that beginners and advanced riders both seem to appreciate. If you happen to be one of those beginners just off the shore lies ones of Oregon’s most notable board shapers and rental services at Seven Surfboards. (For more on surfing on the Oregon Coast, read “Surf’s Up Dude“)

The Oregon Coast is a great place to visit this time of year with as you will find the beaches empty, the surf uncrowded and the dunes quiet. For those of us who enjoy the serenity of nature it is a perfect time of year to make your plans to explore one of Oregon’s many seaside treasures, Pacific City.

Editor’s Note: Connor is a freelance writer and photographer who describes himself as an “adventurous, explorative spirit” who has a craving for getting to “know his surroundings”. When he’s not fly-fishing, backpacking or rock climbing, you can find him writing on his blog, www.the-oregontrail.blogspot.com. Be sure to read Beach Safety rules before you venture out on the coast.