Gearhart

Escape to a quieter Oregon Coast Town at Gearhart.

Gearhart is on the Northern Oregon Coast, 1.5 hours from Portland.

This tiny town is geared towards visitors wanting solitude, and is much quieter than the nearby bustling beach towns of Seaside and Cannon Beach. Gearhart is also famous as the town where legendery chef, James Beard, spent his childhood summers, learning to cook with the abundant seafood in this area.

Get away from it all by exploring the 18-mile stretch of stunning beach at Gearhart, with sections that you can drive along. 

There's just a handful of upscale restaurants, cafes, antique and gift shops along Gearhart's historic Pacific Street.

The biggest tourist attraction at Gearhart is the charming McMenamins Gearhart Hotel, with two restaurants, and a picturesque setting on a beachfront golf course, the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi!

5 best things to do in Gearhart.

1. Wander out to the sandy beach at Gearhart, and enjoy breathtaking views south to Tillamook Head. 

You can also savor the panoramic views north up the beach towards Fort Stevens State Park, with distant glimpses of the Peter Iredale shipwreck.

2. Drive along the breathtaking beach at Gearhart.

There is miles of sandy beach to explore north of Gearhart. Vehicles are permitted north of the 10th Street access point at Gearhart, and you can drive 12-miles all the way up to the Peter Iredale shipwreck.

3. Eat at the famous McMenamins Gearhart Hotel.

The McMenamins Gearhart Hotel is set back from the beach in a historic, New England-style building overlooking a golf course.  It has two great restaurants you can visit, even if you're not staying at the hotel. 

Eat at the Sand Trap Pub with a beautiful patio overlooking the course and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families, or wander out to the cosy Sand Bar near the putting green, nestled amongst the sand-dunes in a shack.  

4. Eat and shop along Pacific Way at Gearhart.

Head back into town to dine at charming cafes and restaurants along Pacific Way at Gearhart.  The main street in Gearhart is so tiny there isn't even a traffic light! 

The Pacific Way Cafe & Marketplace is a coffee shop, bakery and restaurant, and has an elegant interior inside a historic 1930s building. 

After indulging in some wonderful food, stop at the By the Way gift shop also on Pacific Way, for coffee, pastries and sweets in a gorgeous store, with indoor and outdoor seating. You can also peruse their great selection of coastal-themed gifts. 

The Pacific Crest Cottage is a little further down the street, with vintage style antiques and collectibles.

Stroll around the quiet backstreets of Gearhart.

5. Stay overnight in Gearhart.

Stay at the quaint The Drifthaven at Gearhart, or the McMenamins Gearhart Hotel.  There are also a few vacation rentals.

Fun things to do near Gearhart.

There's so much to do in this area!

Drive south to the boutique coastal towns of Cannon Beach and Manzanita with beautiful beaches and upscale shops.  Visit the stunning Ecola State Park overlooking Cannon Beach featured in movies like the Goonies, Twilight and Point Break. 

Drive north of Gearhart to the Fort Stevens State Park, to explore the shipwreck, trails, and abandoned military bunkers. Wander through Fort Clatsop where explorers Lewis and Clark camped in the winter of 1805-1806.  The charming seaport of Astoria is close by, and has a world-class maritime museum, historic mansion to tour, film museum, and column with observation deck.  Relax at wonderful waterfront restaurants like Astoria Brewing Company and the Bridgeport Bistro.