Area Activities - Gearhart

The community of Gearhart has worked very hard to preserve all the small town values which so many other coastal communities have lost. Most of the classic, old beach homes are owned by Portland and Seattle families, many in the same family for multiple generations. Folks in Gearhart want to keep it as it has always been - no traffic, neon nights or fast food - just miles of beach and total relaxation. Gearhart Ocean Inn is the only lodging in the village area and most of the activities are less than a half mile away.

The Beach:
20 miles of pristine, sandy beach offers the opportunity for all kinds of activities. Bird watching, beach combing and beach walks. Swimming, kayaking, storm watching, whale watching, horse back riding and surf fishing (surf-perch). Clam digging, in season, is a ton of fun! (Watch for the sneaker waves.) We have clam “guns” for guests to borrow. For kite flying our beach is perfect. There is almost always enough wind for this activity…sometimes too much! And, you can drive on the sand all the way to Fort Stevens State Park.

Shopping:
Antique shops, galleries, several small retail stores and day spa are all close by. Pacific Crest Cottage is a unique blend of old & new linens and house wares. Fitzgerald's Home & Garden and A Great Shop are just a few steps away and worth a visit. Also, John Cook Glassblower and Trails End Gallery are great spots to spend an afternoon. Try Pop’s Sweet Shop for delicious homemade fudge or a Tillamook ice cream cone or make an appointment at a local spa for some pampering.

Dine In or Out:

Gearhart Grocery is an authentic small town market with kitchen & pantry staples, fine meats, fresh fruits & vegetables and a terrific deli. There are many local fish markets to satisfy your seafood urges.

For dining, one of the finest cafés on the entire North coast and right across the street from the Inn is The Pacific Way Bakery and Café. (The Bakery has fabulous coffee and sumptuous homemade pastries.) Gearhart also is home to the newest McMenamins, Sand Trap Bar & Grill, at the Gearhart Golf Links. Nearby, there is El Mariachi Loco and the Great Wall Chinese restaurant. For breakfast, you can try Grandma’s Country Kitchen.

Tennis:
Public courts on an old estate are just one block away.

Golf:
There are 3 public courses within 3 miles. See the Golf page for details.

Biking:
On the hard sand, in the charming neighborhoods and around town bike riding is a great family activity. Gearhart is not difficult to bicycle since the beach is mostly flat with small dunes and the roads are wide with a 20 mph speed limit. Gearhart Ocean Inn has a few bikes and helmets available for guests to borrow.

Fourth of July:
Enjoy our classic small town ”Fourth of July Parade” complete with local and visiting children on their red, white and blue decorated bicycles and wagons. The parade “marches” from North Marion Avenue to the Volunteer Fire Station on Pacific Way. It is Americana at its best! Join us!

Wetlands (Estuary):
Hike and observe nature’s most abundant wildlife habitat.

Historic Ridge Path:
Just a block away, guests can walk the path behind many of the classic homes and dunes. It runs North and South, and is located just east of the Inn. An interesting way to experience Gearhart and see things you just won’t see from the streets.