Plan a Trip from Portland, Oregon to Long Beach, Washington

17 September, 2024 - Raven Plato

All Roads Lead to the Beach:

Portland to Long Beach Edition

Planning a trip to the coast from Portland? Don’t wait until you get to Long Beach to start having some fun! For the seasoned traveler, you’ll know that there are two routes to the beach from the Portland area… in this blog we’ll cover the HWY 26 to 101 route that takes you up the coast. Here are some of our favorite places to stop along the way to shake out those legs or grab a snack.

A cozy living room with a large stone fireplace actively burning. A wooden stump coffee table is placed in front of a green armchair. Decorative items, including a metal shield and various ornaments, are arranged on the mantel and hearth.

Hit the road and put some miles between you and that city sprawl! After you’ve wound around through the woods for a bit you may have worked up an appetite. Swing into a local classic, Camp 18 and fill up like a logger! A beautiful log cabin filled with logging memorabilia and history, great food, and a wonderful little gift shop.

If you’ve got a little time to kill, swing into downtown Cannon Beach to grab a coffee, bite, or hit the beach for the famous view of Haystack Rock. A great little town to stretch your legs and start that relaxation.

A coastal scene at sunset features large rock formations rising from the ocean. Several people are visible walking along the shoreline, and the sky is partially covered in clouds, allowing sunlight to stream through, reflecting on the water.

A two-story motel with wooden siding and a metal roof. The motel sign reads "Ashore Hotel." The building has exterior staircases and doors leading to each room. The surroundings include potted plants and a parking area. A building labeled "Seaside" is visible in the background.

Left Cannon Beach already but realize you really need to stop for a coffee before the last leg of your journey? Have no fear! Our sister property Ashore Hotel in Seaside, OR serves wonderful espresso and also has a wine bar if you need to stock up! Or maybe just swing in regardless to check it out and get dreaming for your next trip!

If you really want to kick off those vacation vibes before you get over to the Washington side of the Columbia River, then checkout the hip Astoria beer scene. Fort George and Buoy Beer are among the favorites and better know, but Reach Break Brewing and Reveille Ciderworks are also definitely worth checking out. If you’re a brewer or just want a very unique little brewery stop, try Hondo’s Brew and Cork. Bridge and Tunnel Bottleshop is also a great place to swing in and stock up for those beach walks you’ve got coming your way!

Three cans of Buoy Beer Co. Helles Lager are positioned side by side on a surface. The cans have a white background with a red and blue design, featuring a buoy illustration and text stating "Astoria, Oregon.

Aerial view of Astoria Column, a tall, cylindrical tower standing in a clearing surrounded by trees and a parking area. The column is decorated with a spiral mural. The scene includes parked vehicles and a backdrop of forested hills under a clear sky.

If you love a good scenic view, before you leave Astoria, pop up to the Astoria Column for near 360 views of the city and river. It’s well worth the $1 parking fee and if the column is open, you can walk up and get an even better view!

As you’re coming onto the Long Beach Peninsula, swing into the Long Beach Visitor’s Bureau to get all of the latest on things to do in the area.

A wooden building with a metal roof labeled "Visitors Bureau" featuring large glass windows and double doors. Two teal Adirondack chairs are positioned under the right front window. Potted plants decorate the entrance area.

The image shows a coastal scene with grassy sand dunes in the foreground, leading to a beach and the ocean in the background. A building is located on the left side, and a road curves towards the beach on the right. The sky is partly cloudy.

You made it! Sit back, relax, pour yourself a glass of something and enjoy your vacation. Or if you need ideas on what to do next, check out our 48 hrs in Long Beach blog!