Surf: The number of peaks south of the cape varies – as the tidal change shuts down one peak, another one will usually start to work just next door. Directly in front of the parking lot at PC there’s a very user-friendly stretch of beachbreak peaks, great for beginners, longboarders, the whole family. Best in spring and fall. Straight out is Toilet Bowl, with some solid gurglers, but usually a bit smaller than Gas Chambers to the south. Environment: The main Pacific City beachbreak gets more crowded each year. It’s a State Park and parking is limited, typically filling by 10am on spring weekends and earlier in peak summer season. The surf contest held here each August is known for being a real gathering of the Northwest tribe and a fun event. Celebrity guest stars of recent years have included John Peck and Gerry Lopez. Possible shark danger, and watch out for renegade jetskis and dory boats, which are both permitted to launch from the beach. Hard to tell how Pacific City got its name, since Bob Ledbetter’s South County Surf shop is just about the biggest operation in town, and it’s in his home (okay, there are some restaurants and a post office!).