Gearhart: Only a short drive from the Astoria-Warrenton area

Published 3:00 am Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Located 14 miles south of Astoria, Gearhart is a quiet place that has been a destination for vacationers for a century. The Necanicum River Estuary divides it from Seaside to the south. Its quiet residential streets are lined with grand old vacation houses, many reminiscent of East Coast beach communities.

Golf in Gearhart

Gearhart Golf Links has a long heritage as one of the state’s premiere golf venues. The course is of Scottish links design, such as pot-style bunkers, mounding and beach grass. Gearhart Golf Links is located on North Marion Avenue in Gearhart. The course is 6,218 yards with a par 72. For more information, call (503) 738-3538.

Gearhart historic buildings

Rare or unique buildings abound in Gearhart and have been recorded with the state using an intensive inventory.

The livery stable on Pacific Way was likely one of the first structures built in the city in 1910. Stables of such age are extremely rare, as they usually disappeared when cars replaced horses, but Gearhart’s remained and was used for James Nicol’s riding academy until 1960.

The Trail’s End Art Center is located at 656 A St., in a two-room schoolhouse dating back to 1902. In the early 1950s, a small group of artists turned it into an art center. Monthly shows highlight the works of the Trail’s End Art Association’s members. The gallery offers works for sale and art classes. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday in summer, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in winter. For information, call (503) 717-9458.

Gearhart’s former railroad station stands behind the Dairy Queen at the intersection of Pacific Way and U.S. Highway 101. Beside the store is the historic home of William Badger – the first black elected official in Oregon, a member of the Gearhart City Council in the 1920s.