The Complete Gearhart Travel Guide [2026–2027]

Gearhart is the relaxed corner of the north Oregon coast, about 81 miles (roughly two hours) from Portland and two miles north of Seaside. You get eight miles of open beach, Gearhart Golf Links, razor clamming, and whale watching. July and August are driest and busiest, spring and fall are quieter and cheaper, and winter brings storms, whales, and the lowest rates. Cannon Beach, Seaside, Astoria, and Fort Stevens State Park are a short drive away. We manage 80-plus owner-furnished condos, and booking direct gets you current deals.

This guide covers how to get here, when to come, and where to stay.

Gearhart sits on the north Oregon coast about 81 miles from Portland, a drive of roughly 90 minutes to two hours via Highway 26 and US-101 North, and about two miles north of Seaside, in Clatsop County.

It's close enough to the coast's busier towns and attractions for easy day trips, but far enough removed to feel peaceful and uncrowded. Gearhart keeps things easygoing, with no traffic lights, a small center along Pacific Way, and about eight miles of open beach, all of it public under Oregon's 1967 Beach Bill.

Here are the approximate distances and drive times to some of the most popular nearby destinations:

• Seaside: about 2 miles south, roughly 5 minutes

• Cannon Beach: about 11 miles south, 15–20 minutes

• Astoria: about 14 miles north, 20–25 minutes

• Fort Stevens State Park: about 15–20 minutes north

• Ecola State Park: about 20 minutes south

• Portland: about 81 miles, 90 minutes to 2 hours

Take Highway 26 West, then US-101 North. Our tip for the drive: the Sunset Highway backs up on Friday afternoons, so leave Portland before 3 p.m. or after 6 p.m. Our Portland to Gearhart weekend guide walks you through the full route.

Late spring through early fall is the best time to visit Gearhart for most travelers, with July and August bringing the driest weather. That said, every season has something going for it, from spring and winter whale migrations to quiet fall beaches and dramatic winter storm watching.

Winter (November–February)

Bring a good rain jacket and settle in for classic Oregon Coast weather. Winter is the wettest time of year: at nearby Seaside, December averages a 49°F high and a 40°F low, while November is the rainiest month at roughly 10–11 inches.

It's also prime storm-watching season, and rates are often lower outside holiday weeks. Winter brings king tides too, when some of the year's highest high tides roll onto the coast. The Oregon King Tides Project selects its dates each fall, and for 2026–27 they fall on November 23–27, December 22–26, and January 20–24. Watch from a safe distance, since waves can reach seawalls and cover normally dry sections of beach. Seaside's visitor site recommends the Promenade as a viewing spot.

Gray whales also pass the coast on their southbound migration, with activity peaking around the last week of December. Winter Whale Watch Week runs December 27–31 in 2026. In 2025, trained volunteers staffed 15 designated viewing sites, including Fort Stevens State Park.

Spring (March–May)

Spring slowly warms things up, with highs climbing from about 53°F in March to around 60°F by May. Northbound gray whales pass the coast in March and April, making this another great season for whale watching. Spring Whale Watch Week ran March 21–29 in 2026 and returns March 20–28 in 2027.

Spring also brings some of the year's lowest tides, along with fall, making it one of the best times to plan a razor-clamming outing.

Summer (June–August)

Summer on the north Oregon coast is pleasantly mild rather than hot. Highs generally stay in the 60s, and August averages about 68°F. The ocean remains in the upper 50s, though, so think beach walks and wading more than swimming.

Summer weekends can fill up 60-plus days in advance, while midweek dates often remain available until two to three weeks before arrival. There are also a couple of seasonal rules worth knowing: the annual razor clamming closure runs July 15 to September 30 north of Tillamook Head, and beach fires can be restricted during dry stretches, so always check current conditions before lighting one.

The Hood to Coast relay also finishes in Seaside in late August, on August 28–29 in 2026 and August 27–28 in 2027.

Fall (September–October)

Fall is one of Gearhart's sweet spots. September still brings temperatures in the mid-60s, but the summer crowds begin to thin after Labor Day. By October, the weather turns cooler and wetter, and the coast starts easing into storm season.

Seaside's SandFest and Wheels & Waves car show ran September 17–20 in 2026. SandFest returns September 16–19, 2027, and Wheels & Waves is also planned for September, so check the event's website for its final 2027 dates.

Our pick: September or early October offers one of the best combinations of pleasant weather, lower rates, and more room to enjoy the beach. If long days and the driest conditions matter most, choose July or August and book early.

Gearhart makes it easy to spend most of your time outdoors. Walk or drive along the beach, play the historic 1892 links, dig for razor clams, watch for gray whales and Roosevelt elk, or head out for a hike along the nearby coast. A few of these activities come with seasonal rules or restrictions, so here's what to know before you go.

What Can You Do on Gearhart Beach?

A walk on Gearhart Beach can easily turn into a few hours of exploring. Look for shells and sand dollars at low tide (just leave the dark, fuzzy sand dollars where you find them, since they're still alive) and check a tide table before heading out.

If you have a four-wheel- or all-wheel-drive vehicle, you can also drive the beach north from the 10th Street beach entrance toward Warrenton, a stretch of roughly eight miles. Beach driving is closed south of that point. Stick to the firm, wet sand and keep within the 25 mph speed limit.

Planning a beach fire? You'll need a burn permit from the Gearhart Volunteer Fire Department. Fires must be no larger than three feet by three feet, must be at least 25 feet from dune grass (or 50 feet during fire season), and may not use driftwood. Dogs can run off-leash when they're under voice control, but keep a leash handy around elk and in the plover-nesting areas of the Necanicum Spit from March 15 to September 15.

Can You Play Gearhart Golf Links?

Absolutely. Gearhart Golf Links, which bills itself as the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi River, dates back to 1892 and sits at 1157 N. Marion Ave. You can book tee times through the course's website or call 503-738-3538. Summer tee times tend to disappear quickly, so booking at least a week ahead is a good idea.

Where Can You Dig Razor Clams Near Gearhart?

Gearhart Beach and the surrounding Clatsop County beaches are some of the area's main razor-clamming grounds. Anyone age 12 or older needs an Oregon shellfish license, and it's important to check the ODFW Recreation Report for biotoxin and conservation closures before every trip.

If you've never tried it before, our razor clamming beginner's guide covers what to bring, where to look, and how to get started.

When Can You See Whales and Elk?

Wildlife sightings are part of the fun of spending time around Gearhart. Gray whales pass within a few miles of shore as they migrate south in winter and north again in spring, so bring binoculars and give yourself an hour or two to watch the horizon.

Closer to town, a herd of Roosevelt elk regularly moves through Gearhart's dunes and around the golf course. They're impressive to see, but give them plenty of space (especially in June, when calves are born) and keep dogs leashed nearby.

What Are the Best Hikes Near Gearhart?

For an easy outing close to town, start with the Gearhart Ridge Path, a free 4.1-mile loop through spruce forest beginning just two blocks from downtown. For bigger coastal views, head to the Tillamook Head Trail, about 10 minutes away from the Seaside trailhead, or explore Fort Stevens State Park and its 1906 Peter Iredale shipwreck.

One closure is worth knowing about before heading south: the west section of Ecola State Park's Clatsop Loop Trail has been closed since April 17, 2026, because of an active landslide, according to the Oregon State Parks Ecola page. Ecola requires a day-use parking permit for vehicles; a one-day permit can be purchased on-site.

For more options, our hikes near Gearhart guide covers eight nearby trails.

What Else Is There to Do in Town?

For something a little more leisurely, the Trail's End ArtWalk takes place on the first Saturday of every month from 2 to 5 p.m., hosted by the Trail's End Art Association.

One of the nice things about staying in Gearhart is how easy it is to explore more of the north Oregon coast without giving up a quieter home base. Seaside is just five minutes south, Cannon Beach is about 15 to 20 minutes away, and Astoria is roughly 20 to 25 minutes north.

Things to Do in Seaside, Oregon

Seaside is Gearhart's livelier neighbor, with a bustling promenade, arcades, shops, and a beach that gets especially busy on summer weekends. The Seaside Aquarium has been a fixture on the beach since 1937 at 200 N. Prom, and it's open daily from 9 a.m. year-round except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Closing times vary by season, so call 503-738-6211 before you go. Seaside is also where the Hood to Coast relay finishes each August.

Things to Do in Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is known for Haystack Rock, art galleries, tide pools, and some of the coast's most recognizable scenery. Just north of town, Ecola State Park stretches along about nine miles of coastline, with Indian Beach and sweeping ocean viewpoints. A few things to know before you go: the park road is narrow, Oregon State Parks discourages motorhomes and trailers, and overnight parking is not allowed.

Things to Do in Astoria and Fort Stevens State Park

Head north to Astoria for a mix of maritime history, river views, and local events. The city is home to the Columbia River Maritime Museum and a Sunday Market that runs from mid-May to mid-October.

Nearby, Fort Stevens State Park covers about 4,300 acres of dunes, forest, and beach, including the Peter Iredale shipwreck, and is roughly 15–20 minutes from Gearhart. Fort Clatsop, the Lewis and Clark winter fort, is about 25 minutes away, with a $10 adult entry fee as of October 2026.

Gearhart keeps dining simple, with a few good local options right in town and plenty more just a few minutes away in Seaside. For an easy meal close to home, start with McMenamins Sand Trap Pub, open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner by the golf course, or stop by King Tide Bakery for pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.

• McMenamins Sand Trap Pub (1157 N. Marion Ave.): Northwest pub favorites, patio seating, and an especially convenient stop after a round of golf.

• King Tide Bakery (609 Pacific Way): pastries, salads, sandwiches, and Portland Coffee Roasters coffee from the couple behind Gearhart's original Pacific Way Bakery & Café. It's open Friday through Monday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., so check the hours before you go.

• Seaside: just five minutes south, with a wider range of restaurants and a full-size grocery store.

Every condo we manage also has a full kitchen, which makes it easy to mix restaurant meals with simple breakfasts, packed lunches, or a grocery-store dinner when you'd rather stay in.

For a stay of a few nights or more, a Gearhart by the Sea vacation rental gives you a little more room to settle in, with a full kitchen, free parking, and space to make yourself at home. We manage more than 80 condos, ranging from studios to two-bedroom units across four building groups.

That flexibility works well whether you're planning a couples getaway, a family vacation, or a trip with friends. Make breakfast before heading to the beach, relax in your own space at the end of the day, and bring your dog along if you choose one of our pet-friendly units. Pet-friendly rentals are limited and tend to book first, so it's worth reserving early.

The buildings each offer something a little different. Gearhart House guests have access to a pool, jacuzzi, and exercise room, while Pacific View, Pacific Terraces, and Pacific Palisades share a separate pool. Because each condo is individually owned and furnished, décor and updates can vary from one unit to the next. We recommend reading recent reviews for the specific building or condo you're considering, rather than relying only on resort-wide reviews.

Browse our Gearhart vacation rentals to see what's available for your dates. Rates are generally lowest from November through March outside holiday weeks.

Having a car makes exploring Gearhart and the surrounding coast much easier. Gearhart itself is flat, quiet, and easy to get around, with no traffic lights, but nearby beaches, trailheads, parks, and neighboring towns are best reached by car. If you're planning a longer coastal drive, US-101 runs along the Oregon coast and connects many of the region's most popular stops.

There is also bus service between Portland's Amtrak station and Gearhart, though the trip takes closer to two hours and forty minutes and schedules can change, so it's worth confirming your route before you travel.

For a longer Oregon Coast road trip, Gearhart works especially well as a peaceful first or last stop. It gives you a quieter place to unwind while keeping Seaside, Cannon Beach, Astoria, and Fort Stevens all within about 25 minutes. Parking at our condos is free, which makes day trips and longer drives easy to plan.

A few annual events are worth keeping in mind as you plan your Gearhart stay, from monthly art walks and seasonal whale watching to some of Seaside's biggest late-summer weekends. There's also one current trail closure to be aware of: the west section of Ecola State Park's Clatsop Loop has been closed since April 17, 2026. If you're planning well ahead, confirm 2027 event dates before booking.

• Trail's End ArtWalk: first Saturday of every month, 2–5 p.m., hosted by the Trail's End Art Association.

• King tides: November 23–27, 2026; December 22–26, 2026; and January 20–24, 2027.

• Winter Whale Watch Week: December 27–31, 2026.

• Spring Whale Watch Week: March 20–28, 2027.

• Hood to Coast finish in Seaside: August 27–28, 2027.

• Seaside SandFest: September 16–19, 2027.

• Seaside Wheels & Waves: September; 2027 dates not yet posted.

• Ecola State Park Clatsop Loop: west section closed until further notice.

There's plenty happening in winter, too. Seaside, Cannon Beach, and Astoria all get into the holiday spirit with seasonal events, from Seaside's Parade of Lights to Cannon Beach's Haystack Holidays and Astoria's holiday market. Our Christmas in Gearhart guide has more ideas for planning a coastal holiday trip.

Start the day with a quiet walk along miles of open beach, spend the afternoon golfing or watching for gray whales, then come back to a comfortable place of your own. With Seaside, Cannon Beach, and Astoria all within easy reach, Gearhart gives you a peaceful home base for exploring the north Oregon coast.

Browse our Gearhart vacation rentals to find the right stay for your dates. You can book direct online or call 1-800-547-0115 for help planning your trip. And before you book, be sure to check our current deals and specials to see what's available.

Written by the Gearhart by the Sea team, who have managed vacation rentals in Gearhart since 1974. Facts were checked against Oregon State Parks, Gearhart Golf Links, the Seaside Aquarium, and our own earlier guides, and the page was last reviewed in October 2026.