A building boom, including a trend toward condominium development, is the latest chapter in a long history for what has historically been one of the most popular tourist communities in the county.

Since the turn of the 20th century, Rockaway Beach has been a destination for vacationers who love to be by the Pacific Ocean.

That trend now includes waves of second-home buyers who are spurring new home construction and the repurposing of hotels into condominiums. And in 2005, the community celebrated the opening of a brand new City Hall building.

The attraction is the city's seven miles of beaches. The town also offers the widest variety of guest accommodations in the county.

Railroad tracks parallel U.S. 101 through town, carrying both freight and carloads of tourists during the season. The trains are operated by the Port of Tillamook Bay.

Community organizations and businesses sponsor several events and festivals each year that attract visitors and locals.