The tides define the rhythm of life in Pacific City, where cold-water surfers catch rousing waves, kayakers paddle across the peaceful bay, and fishers launch dories directly from the beaches. Highway 101, which runs straight through most neighboring seaside towns, curves inland and bypasses Pacific City. That lucky turn leaves the local scene feeling a bit more secluded than other coastal hot spots. The scenery — defined by natural areas and oceanfront parks — might seem a tad more dramatic, too. Hikers climb up a towering dune for views of rocky headlands; photographers trace nature trails for views of migratory birds and native elk; and equestrians trot along the shores at sunset. No matter how you spend your days here, you’re almost certain to bump into fellow outdoor adventurers at the town’s brewpub, where the servers pour craft beers named for local landmarks and deliver the freshest catches of the day.

Pacific City is quieter and chillier than your typical beach destination. Here on the Oregon Coast, the weather is cool and rainy for much of the year, particularly in late fall and winter, when “storm watching” is a pastime some people enjoy. If that sounds like your kind of thing, then the months from November to March are serene. The pace picks up a bit in late spring, and local trails get busy in the summer when it’s sunnier and dryer. But even in the warmest months of July and August, average high temperatures rarely exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In other words, you might not need to pack your swim gear. But you might want to zip up in a wetsuit for surfing lessons, as the beaches around town are year-round favorites among the hardy community of Oregon surfers.

Three Capes Scenic Loop

Narrow headlands jut out into the foamy Pacific Ocean along this 40-mile route, which takes day-trippers past some of the most dramatic scenery on Oregon’s northern coast. You’ll want to pack your hiking gear, as the Three Capes Scenic Loop links together a trio of remarkable spots: Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, and Cape Meares. At each site, windy trails lead to coastal overlooks with panoramic views of rugged rock formations, sand dunes, and misty forests.

Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge

At the confluence of the Nestucca and Little Nestucca rivers, this refuge ranks as a coastal favorite for wildlife photographers, especially ones looking to spot songbirds and migratory waterfowl. Several trails wind through coastal prairie and forests and along the bay. Lined with benches, the paved Pacific View Trail leads to an elevated observation deck with sweeping ocean views.

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area

Surfers take the waves, kites rise with the wind, and dory boats launch right from the shores here at Cape Kiwanda, which packs plenty of dramatic vistas into a relatively compact natural site. This state park is known for its sculpted sandstone formations and the towering dune, popular with hikers who trek up it for a panoramic look over Pacific City’s beaches.