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. 

There's just a handful of restaurants, antique and gift shops along Gearhart's Pacific Street.  The key attraction is the charming McMenamins Gearhart Hotel, with two restaurants, and a picturesque setting on a beachfront golf course.

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. Explore interesting shops along Pacific Way at Gearhart.

Head back into town to explore shops along Pacific Way at Gearhart.  The main street in Gearhart is so tiny there isn't even a traffic light! 

See the Pacific Crest Cottage with vintage style antiques and collectibles, and pick up a trendy item at By the Way gift shop.  Load up on icecream, specialty foods, wine, beer and coffee at the Sweet Shop.  

The Pacific Way Bakery & Cafe has an elegant interior and is also located along Pacific Way.  It's the perfect choice for a delicious brunch and scrumptious pastries.  There's also a general store on Pacific Street in Gearhart if you need supplies. 

Stroll around the quiet backstreets of Gearhart.

5. Stay overnight in Gearhart.

Stay at the quaint Gearhart Ocean Inn or the McMenamins Gearhart Hotel.

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 Buoy Beer and the Bridgeport Bistro.