Going Local! Seaside & Cannon Beach, Oregon
Published Monday, September 15th 2014 - Updated Wednesday, May 20th 2015
Seaside, Oregon and Cannon Beach, Oregon have miles of soft sandy beach, beautiful ocean views, classic coastal attractions and abundant outdoor adventures.
In Seaside, stroll or play on the wide stretch of beach between Tillamook Head (Lighthouse) and the wild Necanicum River estuary. Walk the scenic oceanfront Promenade in Seaside or watch the sunset from the historic beachfront turnaround. Shop, Laugh, and savor the delights of Seaside's famous downtown...and when you're ready for active adventures, stunning natural areas nearby offer endless fun. Take in the smells of the ocean waves, homemade fudge & saltwater taffy, camp fires on the beach, fish and chips and elephant ears! The food is never ending with ice cream, homemade sandwiches and soups & clam chowder in the restaurants and who doesn't love breakfast at Pig 'n Pancake!
Build a sandcastle, have a picnic or roast marshmellows at your campfire. Several little stores sell firewood and s'mores kits in case you didn't have time to pack your own! Fly a kite or comb the beach in the early morning for sand dollars left scattered by the receding tide.
Browse the boutiques, antique mall, Factory Outlet Center or just shop down Broadway for fun souvenirs, sand castle toys and clothes, too! The Carousel Mall has a beautiful old-fashioned indoor carousel surrounded by stores. Laugh & play mini golf, arcade games and ride on the tilt a whirl... its not just for kids! You can bring bikes or rent bikes! How about canoeing, kayaking or paddleboat on the river. Seaside will get you moving on foot, on wheels, on water, on horses and in the air...take a helicopter ride. There are plenty of places to stay, hotels, motels, inns, vacation home rentals & condo rentals and of course there is always camping. You can feed the seals at the historic Seaside Aquarium. Go bird and wildlife watching or discover a nature trail, experience the coastal rainforest on the Tillamook Head Trail or watch for elk just south of Seaside in the Circle Creek meadows. Watch for birds, waves, surfers and sunsets at this southern vantage point of the base of Tillamook Head, a favorite for beachcombing and exploring tide pools.
Hiking, Cycling, Kayaking, Birdwatching, Rollerblading, Golfing, Surfing, Crabbing, Clamming & Fishing! You can do all that here, or just sit on the beach and watch everyone else do it!
When you are ready to venture out, head over to Ecola State Park on your way to Cannon Beach. Enjoy some of the most breathtaking and exquisite views of the Oregon Coast at Ecola State Park. (This Park has a fee.) The park offers easy paved walking paths, miles of hiking trails, picnic areas and beach access.
Head south for about 10 minutes on Hwy 101 and tucked away on the beach, is the little town of Cannon Beach. Cannon Beach has several art galleries and shopping to savor with your morning cup of coffee and quieter than Seaside, especially after dark. However, the crowds are still here especially during the summer months and holidays, its just a little bit quieter than Seaside! Once you have arrived at the beach, take in the views of Haystack Rock! Claimed to be the third largest monolith in the world, (big rock!). This is reachable by land when the tides are out so check the tides table for a closer view, however, this is a bird and wildlife preserve so climbing is strictly forbidden. Puffins and other sea birds call the rock its home and perch and while the tide is out, you can see starfish, sea anemones and little fish. This is a wonderful place for all ages, but tides are rough so this is not a swimming hole! Often, during the summer you will find a ranger giving information talks with a telescope nearby to use for viewing. This is only at certain times of the day.
If you have time, visit the Astoria Column and the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria. There is a spiral staircase to the top of the Astoria Column to catch views of Saddle Mountain, the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. The Columbia River Maritime Museum has a floating lighthouse; the Lightship Columbia and take to the helm to pilot a tug and experience the drama of crossing the treacherous Columbia River Bar.
Not to miss is Fort Clatsop National Park, Fort Stevens State Park, the Oregon Film Museum, the Tillamook Cheese Factory and if adventurous, try ziplining in Warrenton.
The Oregon Coast doesn't stop there, this is a beautiful coastline with so much to do for anyone at any age!
In Seaside, stroll or play on the wide stretch of beach between Tillamook Head (Lighthouse) and the wild Necanicum River estuary. Walk the scenic oceanfront Promenade in Seaside or watch the sunset from the historic beachfront turnaround. Shop, Laugh, and savor the delights of Seaside's famous downtown...and when you're ready for active adventures, stunning natural areas nearby offer endless fun. Take in the smells of the ocean waves, homemade fudge & saltwater taffy, camp fires on the beach, fish and chips and elephant ears! The food is never ending with ice cream, homemade sandwiches and soups & clam chowder in the restaurants and who doesn't love breakfast at Pig 'n Pancake!
Build a sandcastle, have a picnic or roast marshmellows at your campfire. Several little stores sell firewood and s'mores kits in case you didn't have time to pack your own! Fly a kite or comb the beach in the early morning for sand dollars left scattered by the receding tide.
Browse the boutiques, antique mall, Factory Outlet Center or just shop down Broadway for fun souvenirs, sand castle toys and clothes, too! The Carousel Mall has a beautiful old-fashioned indoor carousel surrounded by stores. Laugh & play mini golf, arcade games and ride on the tilt a whirl... its not just for kids! You can bring bikes or rent bikes! How about canoeing, kayaking or paddleboat on the river. Seaside will get you moving on foot, on wheels, on water, on horses and in the air...take a helicopter ride. There are plenty of places to stay, hotels, motels, inns, vacation home rentals & condo rentals and of course there is always camping. You can feed the seals at the historic Seaside Aquarium. Go bird and wildlife watching or discover a nature trail, experience the coastal rainforest on the Tillamook Head Trail or watch for elk just south of Seaside in the Circle Creek meadows. Watch for birds, waves, surfers and sunsets at this southern vantage point of the base of Tillamook Head, a favorite for beachcombing and exploring tide pools.
Hiking, Cycling, Kayaking, Birdwatching, Rollerblading, Golfing, Surfing, Crabbing, Clamming & Fishing! You can do all that here, or just sit on the beach and watch everyone else do it!
When you are ready to venture out, head over to Ecola State Park on your way to Cannon Beach. Enjoy some of the most breathtaking and exquisite views of the Oregon Coast at Ecola State Park. (This Park has a fee.) The park offers easy paved walking paths, miles of hiking trails, picnic areas and beach access.
Head south for about 10 minutes on Hwy 101 and tucked away on the beach, is the little town of Cannon Beach. Cannon Beach has several art galleries and shopping to savor with your morning cup of coffee and quieter than Seaside, especially after dark. However, the crowds are still here especially during the summer months and holidays, its just a little bit quieter than Seaside! Once you have arrived at the beach, take in the views of Haystack Rock! Claimed to be the third largest monolith in the world, (big rock!). This is reachable by land when the tides are out so check the tides table for a closer view, however, this is a bird and wildlife preserve so climbing is strictly forbidden. Puffins and other sea birds call the rock its home and perch and while the tide is out, you can see starfish, sea anemones and little fish. This is a wonderful place for all ages, but tides are rough so this is not a swimming hole! Often, during the summer you will find a ranger giving information talks with a telescope nearby to use for viewing. This is only at certain times of the day.
If you have time, visit the Astoria Column and the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria. There is a spiral staircase to the top of the Astoria Column to catch views of Saddle Mountain, the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. The Columbia River Maritime Museum has a floating lighthouse; the Lightship Columbia and take to the helm to pilot a tug and experience the drama of crossing the treacherous Columbia River Bar.
Not to miss is Fort Clatsop National Park, Fort Stevens State Park, the Oregon Film Museum, the Tillamook Cheese Factory and if adventurous, try ziplining in Warrenton.
The Oregon Coast doesn't stop there, this is a beautiful coastline with so much to do for anyone at any age!
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