Astoria -

Astoria is a fishing town located where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. There are several iconic places in Astoria. The most prominent is the bridge that crosses the Columbia River. It's over 4 miles long. I couldn't find the height of it, but it's really tall. It's tall enough that the huge freighters pass under it without the bridge being lifted. I did read that at high tide it has 196 feet of clearance underneath the bridge. There are several good areas where the bridge can be photographed. The docks located along the Columbia is one of them.

Another iconic place is the Astoria Column. https://astoriacolumn.org/visit/hours-fees-and-directions/ I have yet to visit here. It's on my bucket list especially now that I see you can go up to the top of the column. I had no idea.

The docks are a fun place to explore. It is a working fishing dock. It's a great spot to buy fresh from the boat seafood. There is also a museum (free) where you can see what things were like when Bumble Bee Tuna had their packing plant there.

The trolley - During certain times of the year the riverfront trolley runs along the waterfront. I haven't been there when it's running. I have photographed it though. http://www.old300.org/

Astoria has many antique shops that my mom and I love. It's a fishing town that also caters to tourists. There's plenty of places to eat, but to be honest, we're usually headed to Long Beach or Cannon Beach so we haven't spent much time here other than to explore the docks and find a park on the bluff to take photos of the bridge. It's always a place where I say I want to spend more time, but haven't - yet. I have friends that ate at Bow Pickers and loved it. In researching to write this I discovered that there is a Mo's on the docks. I'm always up for their chowder and grilled tuna sandwich. 

Warrenton is the primary shopping area for the residents of the area.

Seaside is one of the most lively beaches in Oregon. There are activities going on all year round. The city has great tourist shops and restaurants.

Cannon Beach is a quaint little town the has many shops featuring the work of the local artists. Hay Stack Rock is the city’s most notable landmark. It is a huge monolith that has great tide pools when the tide is out. It has to be one of the most photographed rocks in the world. Ecola State Park is located on the northern edge of town. It offers panorama views of the ocean from high above the beach.

Manzanita - Look for the pullouts when you are up high. Some of them have incredible views. Well, most all of them do. We generally just drive through the town.

Rockaway Beach - another town we generally just drive through. They do offer a great 4th of July celebration though. The beach is also a fun one for kids.

Tillamook - You’ve got to stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Be sure to eat some ice cream and get the cheese samples.

Three Capes Loop - When leaving Tillamook, continuing southerly, take 3 Capes Loop to stay near the ocean. Hwy 101 goes inland. Three Capes Look is one of the prettiest drives along the Oregon Coast. Be sure to stop at Pacific City to see the other Haystack Rock. We like to eat at Pelican Brewery. It has marvelous ocean views and the food is good too. Hike up the sand dune for some great photos. Cape Kiwanda is another great photography location.

Be sure to click on the Central Oregon Coast tab for beaches further south.