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Gearhart, Oregon – Oregon Coast Road Trip Travel Guide

Escape to Gearhart, Oregon! Discover quiet beaches, historic Cape Cod homes, roaming elk, local market eats, and a peaceful alternative to touristy beach towns.

by  Emily

If you’ve ever been stuck bumper-to-bumper on 101 trying to get into Seaside, white-knuckling the steering wheel and wishing for a stretch of sand where you don’t have to dodge frisbees or rental bikes, do yourself a favor: take the turn for Gearhart next time.

It’s just a few minutes north of the Seaside chaos, but it feels like a completely different world. There are no tacky t-shirt shops, no crowded arcades, and no fighting over parking spots. Instead, you get quiet, tree-lined streets full of massive historic Cape Cod-style homes, wide open beaches, and elk that literally just roam around people’s front yards like they own the place.

Best Things to Do in Gearhart

Gearhart is all about enjoying the ocean and serene vibes.

  • Walk the Ocean Trail early in the morning: It’s an easy, sandy path that weaves through dunes out to the shore. Grab a warm cup of coffee and head out to the beach.
  • Claim your own patch of beach: The beach here is huge and remarkably empty compared to its neighbors. It’s the best spot on the northern coast for finding intact sand dollars, letting the dog run wild, or building an evening bonfire without sitting on top of another group.
  • Stroll around the neighborhoods: Walking up and down the residential streets is half the fun. The architecture is super quaint for walk to take in the coastal charm everywhere you look.

Where to Eat & Drink: Gearhart’s Sweetest Spots

For a small town Gearhart has some great food options. Here are my recommendations:

  • Sand Trap Pub (McMenamins): Right on the Gearhart Golf Links, sitting out on the patio with a cold beer on a warm afternoon while golfers finish their rounds is what Saturdays are all about. In classic McMenamins fashion, the indoor space is exceptionally cozy when the coast turns rainy.
  • The Raven: Stop by the Raven for a huge sandwich to eat with a view.
  • Daughters: This little neighborhood market is dangerous in the best way. It’s packed with gourmet deli items, fresh baked goods, and great wines. Basically everything you need to assemble a beach picnic.

Gearhart is the best spot on the North Coast when you just need to slow down and relax.

Next time you are driving down Highway 101, take the turn into Gearhart, you won’t regret it 🙂