Pacific City is often overshadowed by fellow Oregon Coast towns like Lincoln City and Newport. But the addition of Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa, which officially opened its doors in early 2018, will likely change that. The shiny new hotel is a model citizen in terms of oceanfront accommodations, offering extremely well-appointed rooms, delightful food and an enriching overall atmosphere.
The coast-facing rooms are set up with cozy decks and the third-story versions offer raised ceilings and an a roomy interior. The ambience is sound throughout, from the wood fireplace and eye-catching light fixture that greets you in the lobby to the hallway carpeting and color schemes. The mounted homespun maps of the surrounding coastal area, including area attractions like trails and parks, is a nice added touch.
Typically, when a place is both dog-and family-friendly, luxury is dealt a healthy blow. Not the case at Headlands, where all three commodities coexist beautifully. And this is to say nothing of the many benefits that come from a brand new establishment.
For the adventurous, the hotel is happy to set you up with surf lessons, paddle board rentals, shellfish digging supplies and the like. For those looking for onsite enchantment, a relaxing full-service spa awaits along with a scenic and inviting outdoor hot tub.
Outside of the hotel, tastes abounds and awaits discovery. Good coffee and freshly baked breakfast goods await at Stimulus. The quaint outpost makes just about everything onsite, with Ana De Lanoy (formerly of Newberg’s The Allison Inn) at the pastry chef helm. The quiches are great, as are the breakfast sandwiches and muffins. Go early to beat the crowds.
Pelican Brewery is one of the main Pacific City hubs and just a few short paces from Headlands. The bustling pub offers a solid Brut IPA as well as a rich and buttery riff on classic clam chowder. On sunny days, the patio real estate is prime. Visitors flock here to enjoy a pint, watch surfers in Cape Kiwanda, and watch the sun set behind colossal Haystack Rock.
Ben & Jeff’s is a simple burger and taco shack that shares a wall with a surf shop. The no-frills lunch spot offers an assortment of fish and chips options and satisfying fish tacos. A small rotating list of taps features coastal breweries like Pelican and Depoe Bay Brewing Co.
For dinner, the stand-alone new favorite is Meridian. As the house restaurant of Headlands, it boasts wonderful decor, warm service and a fresh and focused menu.
The ling cod is highly recommended, served with caramelized cabbage, buttered leeks, chanterelles, blood orange and gremolata. The mushroom risotto is also of note, foraged to perfection and equal parts rich and earthy. The restaurant’s list of farm and purveyor partnerships is impressive, featuring the likes of Briar Rose Creamery, Oregon Olive Mill, Bennett Family Farm and Childers Meat.
The drinks menu is sturdy and enticing. Wines range from classic producers like Eyrie Vineyards and DeLille Cellars to emerging talents such as Paetra and Day Wines. The glass pour list is small but eclectic and much the same can be said for the bottle list — more expansive but far from overwhelming. Draft beers are decidedly Pelican-centric while a house cocktail list spotlights tasty seasonal ingredients and even a few well-crafted post-meal options.
Meridian is dog and kid friendly and offers some amazing southwest-facing coastal panoramas. Grab a pint, cocktail or glass pour at the bar or settle in for a full meal in the airy, lodge-like restaurant.
