Attractions and Places To See around Bay City - Top 13
Best attractions and places to see around Bay City include a variety of coastal landmarks, historical sites, and unique local experiences. This region, situated along the Oregon coast, offers diverse points of interest for visitors. From scenic lighthouses to local creameries, the area provides opportunities for exploration and discovery. The landscape features coastal views and historical structures, reflecting the area's maritime heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Bay City
- The most popular attractions is Cape Meares Lighthouse,…
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Tillamook Creamery
Highlight • Restaurant
Tip by
Cape Meares Lighthouse
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Garibaldi
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
Abandoned Three Cape Road
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
Hammond Lumber Company Smokestack
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Bay City.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Bay City
Tips from the Community
The Cape Meares Lighthouse is the shortest lighthouse in Oregon, yet it is far from lacking in beauty. Situated on a stunning promontory, it's a perfect spot for whale watching during the months of December and January. The lighthouse was first lit in 1890 and remained operational until its deactivation in 1963. Entry is free with daily tours by volunteers. There is a gift shop, restrooms, picnic areas, and plenty of surrounding overlook spots with outstanding views of the Pacific that stretch for miles.
0
0
In 1927, a man named Hammond built this massive smokestack as part of the Hammond Lumber Company. Despite running a sawmill that produced fumes, Hammond was known for his exceptional care and generosity towards the townspeople of Garibaldi. He constructed the smokestack to prevent them from inhaling the harmful fumes. Today, the towering structure still stands as a testament to his consideration for the community, and is one of the tallest man-made objects on the Oregon coast.
0
0
Garibaldi, located at the northern end of Tillamook Bay, is a small port town with a deep connection with the sea. The locals here engage in commercial fishing, where they haul freshly caught Dungeness crab, ling cod, rockfish, and even octopus at the marina up to the docks. The restaurants here serve the day's catch, making it an excellent spot to stop for lunch during a long ride.
0
0
Just a short run from the parking area, this lighthouse boasts gorgeous views of the coast!
0
0
https://www.tillamook.com/visit-us/creamery The Tillamook Creamery offers tours with tastings of cheese and ice cream — you should book these in advance through the website. I managed to convince them to stash my bikepacking bike in a storage closet while taking the tour. This is a great place to stop for lunch. There's a market where you can buy cheese and other sandwich ingredients. The cafeteria offers burgers, mac & cheese, pizza, etc. The ice cream stand offers dozens of flavors.
0
0
Landslides have reduced this segment to hike or bicycle traffic only. You will probably have to push your bike across some of the slides and the pavement is slowly sloughing away too. Be careful.
0
0
Go upstairs to the 2nd level for a walk-through on how cheese is made here. Be sure to buy some ice cream at the ice cream bar, it's great.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best attractions for families around Bay City?
Families visiting Bay City will find several engaging attractions. The Tillamook Creamery offers walk-through tours to see how cheese is made, along with delicious ice cream. The Cape Meares Lighthouse is another family-friendly spot, providing stunning coastal views and opportunities for whale watching. The port town of Garibaldi is also suitable for families, with its connection to commercial fishing and fresh seafood restaurants.
Where can I experience the history of the Bay City area?
To delve into the region's history, visit the Cape Meares Lighthouse, which was first lit in 1890 and offers insights into its operational past. Another historical landmark is the Hammond Lumber Company Smokestack in Garibaldi, a towering structure built in 1927 that stands as a testament to the area's logging heritage and is one of the tallest man-made objects on the Oregon coast.
Are there any good viewpoints or scenic spots near Bay City?
Absolutely. The Cape Meares Lighthouse offers gorgeous, expansive views of the Oregon coast and is a prime location for whale watching, especially in December and January. You can also find scenic overlooks with outstanding views of the Pacific stretching for miles around the lighthouse.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Bay City's attractions?
The area around Bay City is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find various hiking trails, including easy options like the Cape Meares Viewpoint and Octopus Tree Trail or the Oceanside Beach to Tunnel Beach Trail. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes, such as the challenging Tillamook Three Capes Loop.
Where can I find easy hiking trails around Bay City?
For easy hiking, consider trails like the Cape Meares Lighthouse and Octopus Tree Trail, the Barview Jetty Beach Walk, or the Rockaway Big Tree Boardwalk. These routes are generally accessible and offer pleasant walks. You can find more options in the Easy hikes around Bay City guide.
What is there to do in Garibaldi?
Garibaldi is a charming port town known for its deep connection to the sea. You can observe commercial fishing activities at the marina, where fresh Dungeness crab, ling cod, rockfish, and even octopus are hauled in. The town's restaurants are an excellent place to enjoy the day's catch. It's also home to the historic Hammond Lumber Company Smokestack.
Can I see how cheese is made near Bay City?
Yes, the Tillamook Creamery offers walk-through tours where you can observe the cheese-making process. It's recommended to book these tours in advance through their website. After the tour, you can enjoy their famous ice cream or grab a meal at their cafeteria.
Are there any unique trails for cycling or hiking near the attractions?
Yes, the Abandoned Three Cape Road offers a unique experience. Due to past landslides, this segment is now restricted to hike or bicycle traffic only. Be aware that you might need to push your bike across some slides, and the pavement is slowly deteriorating, making it an adventurous route.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Bay City?
Visitors particularly enjoy the stunning coastal views from the Cape Meares Lighthouse, often citing it as a perfect spot for whale watching. The Tillamook Creamery is highly praised for its engaging tours and delicious ice cream. Many also appreciate the fresh seafood and maritime atmosphere of Garibaldi.
What is the best time to visit the Cape Meares Lighthouse for whale watching?
The Cape Meares Lighthouse is a perfect spot for whale watching during the months of December and January, when migratory whales are often visible from the coast.
Are there places to eat near the attractions?
Yes, the Tillamook Creamery has a cafeteria offering burgers, mac & cheese, pizza, and an ice cream stand with dozens of flavors. In Garibaldi, you'll find restaurants that serve fresh seafood, making it an excellent spot for lunch during your explorations.
Most popular routes around Bay City
Most popular attractions around Bay City
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
