Classic Pacific Northwest Beaches
These Towns Are Laid Back and True to Northwest Style
Throughout the Pacific Northwest, many towns have tried to remake themselves to reflect the original attitude of the coast. These towns have done it successfully.
Going to the beach in the Pacific Northwest isn't like going to the beach anywhere else. In the Pacific Northwest, people to go the coast to storm-watch, read a book by a warm fire or to enjoy world-class cuisine, all while surrounded by breathtaking scenery and crisp Pacific Ocean air. These towns are ideal places to enjoy the coast.
Pacific City, Oregon
About 20 miles south of Tillamook, there's a beach community so sleepy that people almost forget it's there. Almost, except that they keep coming back to surf in some of Oregon's best waves and enjoy the great food and views from the beaches. There are no chain stores or loud traffic noises here - many people walk wherever they're going, and the local cafes and shops keep the little city going without much of a fuss. Stay at the Inn at Cape Kiwanda, which is a luxurious hotel featuring ocean views.
Eat at the Grateful Bread, the small cafe serving mouth-watering breakfasts and homemade baked goods. During the milder seasons, Pacific City's dory fishermen take their flat-bottomed boats out on the ocean to catch the day's limit - Pacific City is known for its rockfish and crab. Climb up Cape Kiwanda, the large dune at the north end of town, for stunning views of the whole town, and then refuel with a pint of award-winning beer from the renowned Pelican Brewpub, situated right on the beach.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
The original quaint Oregon beach town, it's now grown to be a charming and exclusive beach retreat. It has managed to keep its character, though, and strolling through downtown shopping or eating are just as enjoyable as ever. The iconic Haystack Rock is a favorite for kids to explore, and the beaches are notoriously clean and walkable. The Coaster Theater presents well-produced plays for evening entertainment, and the newly-opened EVOO Cooking School offers gourmet cooking classes for small groups.
Kite shops, toy stores, old-fashioned candy stores selling taffy in every flavor imagineable are a mainstay in this town, which reminds everyone to slow down and enjoy feeling like a kid again at the beach. One great advantage to Cannon Beach is its close proximity to Portland - the drive takes just about an hour. While in Cannon Beach, stay at the luxurious Stephanie Inn, a local landmark.
Pacific Beach, Washington
This small town on the North Beach of Washington used to be a bustling travel hub, due to the presence of the Northern Pacific Railroad. After the railroad stopped running north on the beaches, however, the town's famed Main Street fell into disrepair.
It stayed that way until about 2001, when town leaders decided it was time to revive their sleepy town and make it the regional favorite getaway it once was. With the Main Street goals of no neon lights and service-oriented businesses, it's shaping up to be a great shopping destination, with restaurants, gift shops and a gazebo at the end of Main Street. Visitors to Pacific Beach can camp at Pacific Beach State Park, just a quarter-mile from the town's center, or can rent a cottage at Seabrook, a nearby New Urbanist community featuring well-designed and appointed homes that encourage community interaction.
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