Astoria Beginnings: River Views & Sea Lions
There’s something about the Oregon coast that feels both rugged and comforting at the same time—the kind of place where the air smells like salt and pine, and time slows down just enough for you to notice. Our recent trip, starting in Astoria and winding down to Cannon Beach, turned out to be exactly that kind of escape.
We kicked things off in Astoria, checking into the Bowline Hotel, which instantly set the tone for the trip. With its cozy, modern-rustic vibe and big windows looking out over the water, it felt like a front-row seat to the river’s quiet drama. But the real stars? The sea lions. You could hear them before you saw them—barking, splashing, and generally causing a ruckus just beyond the docks. It was oddly soothing, like nature’s version of white noise, if white noise had a personality.
Exploring Astoria: Movies, Views & Main Street Wanders
Astoria itself has this layered charm—part historic port town, part quirky coastal hub. We made the obligatory stop at the Goonies house, which, tucked into a neighborhood, still carries that sense of childhood adventure (even if you’re just standing on the road looking up). From there, we headed to the Astoria Column, climbing to the top for sweeping views of the Columbia River meeting the Pacific. It’s one of those vistas that makes you pause a little longer than expected.
Back down at street level, we spent time wandering along the main strip, popping into shops and soaking in the slow, friendly pace of the town. One of the highlights was grabbing coffee from Slug Coffee, a little truck that somehow manages to feel like a local secret and a must-visit at the same time. Good coffee just hits different when there’s ocean air involved.
The Scenic Drive South: Shipwrecks & Seaside Stops
From Astoria, we started our drive south, making sure to take our time. First stop: Fort Stevens State Park. The Peter Iredale shipwreck sits right on the beach, its skeletal remains half-buried in the sand—a stark, beautiful reminder of the coast’s history. It’s the kind of place that feels almost surreal, especially with the wind whipping around and waves rolling in behind it.
Next up was Seaside, which brought a slightly livelier energy. The promenade, little shops, and families milling about gave it a classic beach town feel. It was a fun contrast before continuing on to our final destination.
Cannon Beach: Haystack Rock & Coastal Magic
Cannon Beach greeted us with that unmistakable view—Haystack Rock rising out of the shoreline like something out of a dream. We stayed at the Hallmark Resort, where the rooms seem designed specifically to frame that iconic rock. Waking up to that view never got old.
Our days there were a mix of wandering and just being. We explored the tide pools around Haystack Rock, spotting little sea creatures tucked into their miniature worlds. We strolled along the main street, ducking into shops and cafés, and spent long stretches walking the beach.
Evenings by the Fire: Stars, Waves & Stillness
Evenings might have been the best part. We built small beach fires, bundling up as the sun dipped and the sky shifted from gold to deep blue. With Haystack Rock silhouetted in the distance and stars slowly appearing overhead, it felt like the kind of moment you wish you could bottle up. Just the crackle of the fire, the sound of the ocean, and nowhere else to be.
It wasn’t a long trip, but it felt full in all the right ways—good coffee, sea air, a little adventure, and a lot of quiet moments in between. The Oregon coast has a way of doing that—giving you just enough to explore, and just enough space to breathe.
