Historic Astoria, the oldest town in Oregon, remains a beloved getaway destination for couples and families alike, thanks largely to its award-winning craft breweries, bustling downtown, and surrounding natural beauty. However, it’s not uncommon for travelers to embark on a day-trip to a nearby community in search of even more Oregon Coast flavor and scenery. Those new to the area often meander down to iconic Portland or up to jaw-dropping Mount St. Helens. But there are several other lesser-known gems along the banks of the vast Pacific Ocean—even in neighboring Washington. In hopes of enhancing your already stellar getaway to Astoria Riverwalk Inn, we’ve compiled three unique day-trips from Astoria, starting with picturesque Cannon Beach.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach and Astoria make an indomitable duo, especially for cinephiles that adore Richard Donner’s revered The Goonies, which heavily features both locales. No regional natural attraction is more recognizable than Cannon Beach’s Haystack Rock, a 235-foot-tall sea stack that remains one of the most photographed volcanic rock formations in the world. Not to be outdone: Northerly Ecola State Park is an exemplary stretch of coastline that features over 1,000 acres of uninhabited wilderness, including serene beaches, pulse-pounding bluff-top hikes, hidden coves, and even a long-forgotten offshore lighthouse. When you’re not surveying the lush terrain, be sure to strut into town for a pint at Public Coast Brewing Co. or a cup of joe at Sleepy Monk. Cannon Beach is also known for its countless art galleries, such as DragonFire, Archimedes, and Bronze Coast.
Long Beach Peninsula
A day-trip from Astoria to Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula is the perfect excuse to cross the Astoria-Megler Bridge, which towers above the broad Columbia River. This four-mile-long tress bridge is visible from Astoria Riverwalk Inn and much of the town itself. It’s a visual marvel worth crossing at least once (each way). The Long Beach Peninsula, meanwhile, is home to several quintessential waterfront towns, including Seaview, Long Beach, and Ilwaco. Cape Disappointment State Park is a must-see, especially for those who love lighthouses. Some of our favorite attractions in Long Beach include the Fun Beach Fun Center, the World Kite Museum, the Neptune Movie House, the Cranberry Museum, Adrift Distillers, and, of course, the Long Beach Boardwalk.
Oswald West State Park
Ten miles south of Cannon Beach lies Oswald West State Park, an oft-overlooked landscape that magnificently bridges the “gap” between Arch Cape and Manzanita. The state park is home to Cape Falcon, a genuinely spellbinding Pacific Ocean overlook trail that features secret waterfalls, tall redwoods, unique erosion, and eye-popping shoreward vistas. Short Sand Beach is a splendid place to picnic, fly a kite, or learn to surf. It’s also worth noting that a variety of exotic birds reside in the state park, making it a birder’s paradise. Nearby Manzanita, meanwhile, is a quaint village with a renowned golf course, a spectacular center for the arts, and many charming Laneda Avenue boutiques.
Romantic Getaways in Oregon: Astoria Riverwalk Inn
After embarking on one of these day-trips from Astoria, return to the Riverwalk Inn for a brief refresh before hopping onto the Old 300 Trolley en route to historic downtown. Astoria boasts an idyllic blend of history, culinary artistry, artisanal shopping, and thought-provoking architecture. Couples from all across the Pacific Northwest choose Astoria Riverwalk Inn for its ideal waterfront locale, dazzling themed rooms, and supreme hospitality.
To book a well-deserved winter or spring escape to the Riverwalk Inn, please check availability online (or call us directly at 503-325-2013).