After a few days in Cannon Beach, you’ve likely hit up all the shops in town, gone tide pooling at Haystack Rock, and are possibly looking to explore the surrounding coastal towns. If that’s you, you’re in luck! We recently took a day trip from Cannon Beach to Astoria and are here to tell you how to make the most of the same adventure.
Get ready to explore unique shops, see historic sights, and spot some incredible wildlife, all just a short drive from your Beachcomber vacation rental.
In This Article:
- How Far is Cannon Beach from Astoria?
- Parking in Downtown Astoria
- Things to Do in Astoria, Oregon
- Can’t Miss Landmarks and Sites in Astoria
- Is an Astoria Day Trip from Cannon Beach Worth It?
- Extending Your Oregon Coast Day Trip Beyond Astoria
- Your Cannon Beach Home Base
- FAQs
How Far is Cannon Beach from Astoria?
It takes about 40 to 45 minutes to drive from Cannon Beach to Astoria. While the route takes you along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, this portion of the road offers fewer coastal views (once you pass through Seaside) and is more about small-town vibes.
Highlights to look out for are the Seaside promenade, a 1.5-mile oceanfront area perfect for a nice stroll, and the bridge over Youngs Bay as you enter Astoria. The 0.8-mile bridge provides expansive water views where you’ll see floating pelicans and the distant Astoria-Megler Bridge.
- Distance between Astoria and Cannon Beach: 25.5 miles
- Best Route: Pacific Coast Highway, US-101 North
Parking in Downtown Astoria, Oregon
The downtown area is extremely walkable, and street parking is easy to come by. We recommend finding a shop that sounds interesting and parking nearby. Most of the downtown streets offer free 2-hour parking, which is plenty of time to property scout a section before moving your car to another area for more exploration.
Things to Do in Astoria
Whereas some shops in Cannon Beach tend to feel a bit like “traditional beach town merchants” with similar t-shirts/sweatshirts and souvenirs, Astoria has a much more independent feel. You’ll find local brands with their own clothing lines, artists selling glassware and home goods, vintage shops, stores with tarot cards, crystals, and jewelry, and even plant nurseries and florist trucks. These were some of our favorite spots:
Necessary Magic
This cozy shop is full of books, handcrafted art, jewelry, and herbal magic kits. If you’re curious about modern-day mysticism, this is the place to go!
Address: 333 10th Street, Astoria, OR
Feral Flora
While you may not be looking to bring home any plants from your Cannon Beach vacation, Feral Flora is still a fun shop to check out. From vintage babydoll head planters to whimsical terrariums, they’ve got just the thing to make your plant corner back home feel one-of-a-kind.
Address: 1008 Commercial Street, Astoria, OR
Reclamation Marketplace
Vintage mirrors, furniture, frames, antique art, jewelry, ceramics, clothing, and more are waiting for you to find your next favorite thing at this hodge-podge of curated goods.
Address: 936 Commercial St, Astoria, OR
Godfather’s Books and Espresso Bar
In this neck of the woods, we know Powell Books has the corner market (pun intended — it takes up an entire city block in Portland). That said, there’s something about a small-town bookshop that draws you in. Grab a coffee as you peruse the journals, tarot cards, and new or used books. You may find your next favorite book among the shelves.
Address: 1108 Commercial Street, Astoria, OR
Cargo
Little sister to the larger Cargo Inc. in Portland, this shop is wall-to-wall interesting finds. If you’re looking for a coastal-themed souvenir, they’ve got it. A brand-named Baggu bag – it’s here too. Vintage postcards, journals, books, and various tchotchkes, incense, pictures, hand-made t-shirts, blankets, pillows, the list goes on. The owners carefully craft an inventory designed to pique your every varied interest. You can spend a while in here looking at everything. But don’t worry, if you work up an appetite while you browse, the Astoria Coffeehouse and Bistro is right next door.
Address: 241 11th Street, Astoria, OR
The Astoria Riverwalk
When you leave Cargo, continue down 11th Street toward the water. You’ll end up on a railroad track and boardwalk area that is part of the 6.4-mile riverwalk. Largely paved, this path is a popular spot for dog walking and afternoon strolls. It takes you past several piers, each with small businesses, shops, and restaurants. We recommend checking out the Pier 11 Mall if you decide to visit. Inside, you’ll find Treasure Alley – a stretch of consignment booths with all kinds of goods.
From Pier 11, you can walk 10 minutes down the Riverwalk and reach the Columbia River Maritime Museum, or, if you’re not in the mood for a museum, head the other direction for some incredible wildlife encounters.
Photo-Op with Sea Lions at the Bowline Hotel
While we were inside a shop along the Riverwalk, a local told us to take a stroll to the Bowline, and I’m so glad we did! As you’re standing on their patio, you’ll notice a cutout that lets you peer down toward the water. There, just about 5 or 6 feet down, you’ll see a raised platform, and if you’re lucky, it will be covered in sea lions! When we visited, we saw two cozy giants taking a break from the water.
In this one moment, it felt like we were living inside a National Geographic special. We watched the sea lions rest on the viewing platform, then looked out across the Columbia River to see two white-dotted seals swim by. Just then, a tufted puffin splashed onto the water, and a bald eagle flew overhead. It was one of the most magical moments I can recall.
Can’t Miss Landmarks and Sites in Astoria
Shopping and strolling the streets is a great way to mingle with the locals and get a taste of authentic Astoria, but if you want to see some of the noteworthy sites, there are some other spots to add to the day’s itinerary.
- The Astoria Column: A 125-foot tower featuring hand-painted depictions of the region’s rich history. The views of the river are unbeatable.
- Oregon Film Museum: Get your fill of Goonies props and memorabilia, and see the Old Jail from the popular 80s film.
- The Goonies House: Keep the Goonies theme going with a stop by Mikey’s house. Located at 368 38th St, this private residence still stands, giving fans the opportunity to snap a pic during their visit.
Is an Astoria Day Trip from Cannon Beach Worth It?
In a word—YES! With so much to see and do, such a short drive from Cannon Beach, you should absolutely visit nearby Astoria. Beyond what we’ve covered here, there are tons of craft breweries, sightseeing opportunities, great food, and scenic spots to discover. We know you’ll love it.
Extending Your Oregon Coast Day Trip Beyond Astoria
We took our time driving back to Cannon Beach. It was cloudy and a bit rainy, but that only intensifies the moody magic of the Oregon coast. On the way back, we decided to drive about 14 miles past Cannon Beach to our neighboring town of Manzanita.
Even though it’s a short detour, the landscape makes it more than worth it. Towering firs, hemlocks, and cedar trees frame the road, letting you catch glimpses of ocean cliffs as you pass through Oswald West State Park.
If this is your first time on the Oregon coast, you’ll be mesmerized by the moss-covered trees. From trunk to tiniest branch, every inch is coated in soft, flowing shades of green—it’s a forest scene unlike anything you’ll encounter in the rest of the U.S., and after a day of trotting through a bustling town, it’s a great chance to use one of the scenic pull-offs to spend a quiet moment in nature.
Once we reached town, we headed straight to The Winery at Manzanita for a flight and views of the ocean as the sun set. The olives and almonds were delicious and paired perfectly with their Club Flight. They also have firepits outside and a full menu, though items can sell out throughout the day. It was the perfect cap to our day trip from Cannon Beach to Astoria.
Your Cannon Beach Home Base
Featured Property: Pacific Vista
If you’re planning a Cannon Beach getaway, make sure you come home to a Beachcomber Vacation Home. Our vacation rentals feature oceanfront views, fully equipped kitchens, large living spaces, and all the comforts of home you need to fully unwind during your time away.
Check out our full inventory and book directly with us today for the best rate. You’ll also enjoy free perks and gifts from a variety of Cannon Beach shops and tours, and if you’re traveling with your pup, we even have a welcome gift for them! We can’t wait to see you on your next visit.
See All Cannon Beach Vacation Homes
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you spend in Astoria on a day trip from Cannon Beach?
It’s easy to spend at least 4 hours in Astoria, especially if you incorporate some of the museums or historic sites into the shopping and downtown portion of the day.
Can you see sea lions in Astoria year-round?
Yes! While some will migrate to California and Mexico to mate, many remain in Astoria all year. Popular places like the Bowline Hotel are great viewing spots.
Can you visit Astoria and Manzanita in the same day?
Yes. If you’re staying in Cannon Beach, it’s easy to combine Astoria with a stop in Manzanita on the way back south. The stretch near Oswald West State Park is especially scenic and makes for a great evening drive.
