Beyond Cannon Beach: 4 Beautiful Stops Along the Northern Oregon Coast
Don’t get me wrong. Cannon Beach deserves all the hype. I’ll never tire of witnessing the sun setting behind Haystack Rock, watching a herd of elk stroll along the surf, or visiting all the cutie shops in December when they are dressed up for Christmas. It has been, and will always be, one of my most favorite places to go in Oregon.
And still… there is more to the Northern Oregon Coast than Cannon Beach. Here are four additional areas to explore, all within less than 90 minutes of Cannon Beach:
Astoria- 45 Minutes North
Astoria is a lovely little historic town that sits where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. It’s got a bustling downtown, a scenic waterfront, and a few nearby state parks to choose from. Either on your way there or back, be sure to stop by Fort Stevens State Park in Warrenton to checkout the Peter Iredale Shipwreck.
Top places to go: Columbia Maritime Museum, Astoria Riverwalk, the Astoria Column, Astoria-Megler Bridge, Fort Stevens State Park, downtown Astoria, Pier 39
Manzanita- 20 Minutes South
In between Cannon Beach and Manzanita, you will find a number of incredibly scenic spots to explore. From the sea stacks at Arcadia Beach, to the expansive views from Neahkahnie Mountain, there will be no shortage of good views. Once in Manzanita, there is a great little downtown area and a long stretch of sandy beach.
Top places to go: Hug Point State Park, Arcadia Beach, Arch Cape, Oswald West State Park, Neahkahnie Mountain
Rockaway Beach- 40 Minutes South
Rockaway Beach is just a little farther South than Manzanita and is a bigger, more touristy town. There are numerous shops, restaurants, public beaches, etc. For the best views, head to the beach and walk towards the Twin Rocks standing out in the Pacific. This is a great spot for sunset!
Top places to go: Twin Rocks, the long stretch of public beach in town, gift shops, Manzanita and nearby spots
Cape Meares- 75 minutes South
While it will take some time to reach Cape Meares, it is worth it! Cape Meares sits atop a headland between Tillamook and Oceanside. There is a lighthouse (1/3 mile walk) and numerous scenic viewpoints either right in the parking lot. If you have extra time, consider going to Oceanside for another scenic beach or spend some time in Tillamook, Garibaldi, or Bayview.
Top places to go: Cape Meares lighthouse and viewpoints, Tillamook Creamery, Oceanside Beach, Garibaldi historic boathouse
These four areas only scratch the surface of what makes the Northern Oregon Coast worth exploring. The farther I've wandered, the more I've realized some of the best stops are the ones that don't always make the "must-see" lists.
If you're looking for even more Oregon Coast trip or travel ideas, Worth the Stop: Northern Oregon Coast includes dozens of scenic stops, sample itineraries, travel tips, and a custom map to help you explore Cannon Beach and beyond.
I hope you enjoy the Northern Oregon Coast as much as I have. Happy travels!
With love,
Rachel
