The Oregon Coast is a breathtaking escape, offering a unique blend of rugged beauty and historical charm. This itinerary takes you on a journey through time and nature, from the bustling city of Astoria to the serene beaches of Cannon Beach. Here's a curated guide to 36 hours of adventure, with a focus on the lesser-known gems that make this coastal stretch truly special.
Friday
Morning:
Start your day at the Astoria Column, a 125-foot structure offering panoramic views of the Columbia River, Youngs River, and the Pacific Ocean. The column's exterior frieze, depicting Captain Robert Grey's 'discovery' of the Columbia River and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, provides a glimpse into the region's history. However, it's the newly unveiled interpretive panel honoring York, the sole Black man enslaved by the Corps of Discovery, that adds a layer of depth to your experience. After climbing the 164 spiral steps, join the time-honored tradition of launching a wooden glider.
Afternoon:
Wander along the Astoria Riverwalk, where ghostly stubs of pilings evoke the town's salmon canning industry. The riverwalk offers a unique perspective on Astoria's past and present, with shops and restaurants built on stilts over the water. Explore local boutiques like Shift + Wheeler, Godfather's Books & Espresso Bar, and Necessary Magic, which showcases local art and hosts New Age events.
Evening:
Dine at Fedé, an old-school trattoria that doesn't take reservations. The restaurant highlights local seafood and fresh pasta, with dishes like spaghetti with garlic oil and carbonara. Enjoy a Ship Report (Amaro Montenegro with lemon, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters) or end the night with house-made limoncello or pistachiocello. For a late-night bite, head to The Chart Room, a cozy dive with a warm wood interior and a full bar.
Saturday
Morning:
Begin your day at Sleeper Coffee, a plant-filled cafe perched over the water. Order a seasonal drink and indulge in a vegan breakfast sandwich or a chocolate chunk cookie from Gathered Bakeshop. For a sit-down meal, Stranded offers Scandinavian-inspired twists on breakfast classics.
Afternoon:
Head to Cape Disappointment State Park for dramatic views of the Columbia River Bar, the notoriously dangerous water crossing where the river meets the Pacific. The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse Viewpoint Trail, running through old-growth rainforest, offers the chance to spot Oregon grape, cow parsnip, and salmonberry. Consider taking the steep trail down to Deadman's Cove for a truly unmissable photo opp.
Evening:
Fuel up for the road at Saigon Street Eats, a beloved food truck serving delicious and affordable Vietnamese cuisine. Don't miss the spring rolls and the rich peanut dipping sauce. Then, head south toward Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, where a life-size replica of Fort Clatsop offers insight into the Pacific Northwest winter for settlers 200 years ago.
Sunday
Morning:
Time your visit to Cannon Beach for low tide, and you'll be able to walk up to Haystack Rock to observe up-close the marine life that clings to it. This activity, called tide-pooling, is like walking on the bottom of a drained ocean. Keep an eye out for black oystercatchers, pigeon guillemots, and tufted puffins.
Afternoon:
After working up an appetite, head to Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge, where you can keep an eye on Haystack through large picture windows. Fresh crab and smoked salmon Benedicts offer a seafood feast before you head back inland. Take a final wander along Hemlock Street, where galleries and stores will just be starting to open.
Evening:
End your trip with a cozy dinner at Anna's Table, where the chef draws on his Swedish family's fishing legacy. Start with cold-smoked scallops, then feast on local delicacies like lion's mane mushroom. Boldly order the aquavit flight for dessert, and enjoy the sunset or stars on the beach, just a block or so away.
