josiegator

My husband and I are flying into Portland (in August,2005) and are traveling to Astoria and down the Oregon coast for a week to 10 days. We would appreciate help on places to stay and sights to see. We plan on returning to Portland via the interstate to fly back to Florida.

Scarlett

Hi
My first suggestion would be to type Oregon coast and Astoria into the search box. There have been tons of discussions about where to go and what to do...that will keep you busy for a while
We flew to Portland for the first time last Sept...from Florida
It is an easy and pleasant trip..not to mention, falling in love with Portland~

Andrew

If you have ten days, spend one day near Portland at least and see the amazing Columbia River Gorge before departing for the coast.

A week is plenty of time to sample the best of the Oregon Coast. Most of the towns are small. Astoria, Cannon Beach, and Newport would be my highlights on the North/Central coast. The Tillamook Cheese Factory is also worth seeing as a stop on your way south. North of Lincoln City, if you like to hike, stop at Cascade Head - incredible views from up there.

I haven't spent enough time on the southern Oregon coast (probably the most scenic) to make recommendations. Some people like to head inland at Gold Beach up the Rogue River and take a river cruise.

AAA makes a nice Oregon Coast tour map with lots of highlights if you can get ahold of it.

Andrew

suze

Cannon Beach is very nice.

traveler24

These two web sites are very helpful--
www.oregoncoastguide.com (mainly links to info-Astoria to Brookings)
www.visittheoregoncoast.com
Important to get reservations as August is the most busy month on the coast.and is usually the best weather..ie-mid 70's to 80's.( can be90s to 100s in Portland !!!!!)
Cannon Beach and Newport fill up the quickest..
Seaside is FULL of kids and teenagers in August--don't know why!!!
Astoria will also be busy as there is a lot going on related to "Lewis & Clark" Trail Anniversary.

ajcolorado

We really like to stay at the Dock of the Bay in Lincoln City. www.dockofthebay-or.com See the nearby aquarium (excellent) and the lighthouse & tidepools.

Do take time to see the Columbia River Gorge. Maybe a river cruise in Portland. We always enjoy eating at the floating "Newport Bay" restaurant in Portland too.

easytraveler

Central to South Oregon coast:

Stay overnight in Yachats. There was an entire thread recently on where to stay in Yachats.

Cape Perpetua has some awesome views.

Devil's Punch Bowl State Park is worth a stop.

Further south are the wonderfully strange rock formations at Bandon Beach. Last time we bought some dungeness crabs, a loaf of french bread, some other picnic goodies, a nutcracker for the crab and had a blast picnicking on Bandon Beach.

You'll find your own favorite places as you drive down along that marvellous coast!

crefloors

A childhood memory. I was born in Salem and lived there til I was 11 and we moved to the Bay Area but I remember Ainslee's Salt Water Taffy in Depoe Bay. The best taffy I've ever had. I had a friend bring me some from there several years ago. Is it still there anyone? If it is and you go through Depoe Bay you must get some. The molassas is oh so good.

mscarls

When we toured the coast, coming from the south, we wanted two stops and chose Bandon and Lincoln City. They were good choices because Bandon is very scenic and Lincoln City is one of the largest coastal "cities," offering more restaurants and shopping. Both had very nice beaches.
In Lincoln City, we stayed at the Inn at Spanish Head, which offers condo rentals. Our unit had no AC and it was hot in early September. Also, we had requested a king but got a queen. It did have great views, however.
In Bandon, we stayed at the Best Western Inn at Face Rock. We liked our suite because it was nice, clean and large. We did have an ocean view, as advertised, but the inn is across the street from the ocean -- not right on it. As I mentioned, the beach was great, once we walked to it (not far).

highbay

We went to Oregon from Florida in late September of 2002. We flew into Seattle, and drove into Oregon. We stayed in Astoria the first night at a B&B that we had reserved.

The rest of the trip we played by ear because it wasn't a busy time of the year. We did stay twice (once on the way down the coast, and then on the way back up) at a really funky establishment right outside of Yachats called "Ocean Haven". We stayed in the North room that had a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean. They have a website www.oceanhaven.com if you want to look them up.

Oregon has so many state parks along the Pacific Hwy. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy some of them!

txsuntravelher

Josiegator--drive on down the coast to Winchester Bay and "do the dunes"
on four wheelers. A great place for this is at Dune Buggy Adventures. Web site is www.dunebuggyadventure.com Phone number is 1-541-271-6972. Lots of fun for kids and adults. I did last March and had a ball. By the way, it is owned and operated by my son. Tell him
"mom" sent you!

kimamom

We just returned from a couple of weeks in the Portland/Oregon Coast area. I would definitely check out the Hotel Elliott in Astoria for your lodiging if you are going to overnight there. www.hoteleliott.com I was very impressed with their new Vintner's Room located in the hotel basement.

If you would like places to dine in the Astoria area, let me know. What are you interested in seeing there?

I would also consider stops in Seaside, Cannon Beach and Manzanita. Newport is nice for the aquarium there. I think the lighthouses along the coast are really fun to photograph and learn about. You may want to pick up the Oregon Coast magazine for some great photos, info and maps.

In Portland this trip, we really enjoyed our time at the Chinese Classical Gardens and the Pittock Mansion. Great meals included Wildwood, Higgins, Pho Van Viatnamese Bistro, and Park Kitchen. We also enjoyed Vigne the wine bar in the Pearl District. Have a great trip!
***kim***

beachbum

As long as you're in that area, I'd suggest extending your trip to include the Redwoods in N. California; then return to I-5 via 199. If you've got the time, think about a detour to Crater Lake on the way back to Portland.

For most, highlights of the Oregon coast include lighthouse visits, dune buggy rides, a jetboat up the Rogue River from Gold Beach, the Oregon Aquarium in Newport, and the generally spectacular coastal scenery. If you're golfers, you'd want to include a stop at Bandon Dunes.

Most popular overnight towns from north to south are probably Seaside, Cannon Beach, Lincoln City/Newport area, Yachats, Bandon, and Gold Beach. Of those, Seaside and Lincoln City are pretty kitschy commercial, with more appeal to kids. Astoria isn't really on the coast. Once you define your plans a little more, I'm sure you will get specific recommendations for places to stay.

kim, where'd you get your calendar? For years I've been looking for one that will turn a one-week trip into a two-week one.

Fodorite018

Beachbum--We just did part of that route this weekend. Came up hwy 101 through CA and stopped in the Redwoods, then cut over on 199 to I-5. The rain began about 1/2 mile south of the Oregon border and never let up, lol!

kimamom

One more thought josiegator, I can't say enough how beautiful Ecola State Park is. We spent a couple of hours there walking the trails and just taking in the gorgeous views from the walking paths. It's no wonder that this area is one of the most photographed places on the Oregon Coast.

Also, you may want to stop in Tillamook and tour the cheese factory. I love their brown cow ice cream! ***kim***

jojo7

I would definitely spend a few days in Cannon Beach. It's a beautiful area.

hopingtotravel

Just back from my week in Oregon. It rained 3" per day during my whole trip!