This is a fun playground on the oregon coast. Lots of play structure to run about on. Featuring…read morebalance beams, monkey bars, and slides. My kids had a lot of fun, the problem came when they had to go the bathroom... It looks like the bathrooms at the park are closed for vandalism so that was inconvenient for us.

Was visiting Astoria for a day and my toddler needed to burn off some energy. Lo and behold, we…read morefound this park with an AMAZING play structure. Hands down one of the better ones we've seen. There's a separate areas for very young kids and another area for bigger kids. Also has convenient bathrooms. Our 2 year old had so much fun. We had no trouble finding parking right on the street. Will definitely come back here again.

A 4-mile paved trail that parallels the city's main thoroughfare and the trolley route…read more I did not actually see any signs for the Astoria Riverwalk but I guess I was going along it without knowing. From where we started at Pier 39 to almost the very end at the Port of Astoria, we continually stopped along the way whenever I would notice a spot park or pull over to be able to take beautiful pictures of the landscape and waterfront. I absolutely loved that there were wildlife either Sea Lions or Harbor Seals are laying around any kind of dock or floating device that they could and that you could hear them loud and clear. I didn't take my large camera with exchangeable lenses so I couldn't zoom in too much but seeing and hearing them made my heart happy. The views are just beautiful and worth the extra time to stop.

August 1, 2025 - Astoria…read more We walked the boardwalk along the river today. There are a few businesses scattered along the way, but the area is still mostly lined with industrial buildings. There are plenty of spots to pause and take in the view of the Columbia, and many trolley stops along the route. I would've liked to hop on the trolley, but we had our dog with us. We walked to where Buoy Beer Company once stood before the building collapsed. It's still there--fenced off, of course. What a shame. The Buoy warehouses remain, though. We had lunch at Astoria Brewery, where they have an outdoor patio--perfect for sitting with our pup. Afterward, we walked over to the Maritime Museum (admission is $18), but didn't go in since we had the pup with us. We checked out the Nordic Heritage Park, which highlights Astoria's huge Scandinavian influence in the late 1800s and early 1900s. We also went to the Garden of Surging Waves which gives tribute to contributions of the Chinese to Astoria.

Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, to the grandest attraction on the coast the legendary Seaside…read morePromenade in dazzling Seaside! Built in 1920 and unveiled to the cheering crowds on August 7, 1921, this 1.5-mile concrete thrill ride replaced the old wooden boardwalk like a brand-new roller coaster replacing a rickety carnival track. For the jaw-dropping sum of $150,000 overseen by city engineer L.C. Rogers they poured what might be the smoothest "ride" on the entire Oregon Coast. No tickets required. No height restrictions. Just lace up and go. From Avenue U to 12th Avenue, it's a straight-shot midway of ocean views, charming hotels, storybook cottages, and that massive cove of beach stretched out like the main stage. You don't just walk it you parade it. Rain misting your face? That's the splash zone. Wind whipping sideways? That's the special effects machine working overtime. And somehow, tucked back just enough from the surf, it stays the perfect ride year-round. Summer turns it into bumper cars bikes, strollers, dogs, families, laughter everywhere. It's shoulder-to-shoulder energy like the midway on opening night. But winter? That's VIP access. Wide open lanes. Moody skies. Waves crashing like applause just for you. You feel like you rented out the whole park. No flashing lights needed. No roller coasters required. This is the main attraction. Five stars, hands in the air, screaming all the way down the track.

Yep, take the time to come and take pictures of the Seaside sign and the End of the Trail statue…read more We have traveled the Oregon trail several times and see the end of it at this location is pretty special. It was a long trip for the expedition but to get the payoff of seeing the ocean, WOW!

This is a really cool park to explore. It has a nice view of the water and lots of benches and…read moregrass to sit on. We got some lunch across the street and enjoyed it here. This park tells the history of the area and and has a bunch of trolls throughout the park to find. Each one has their own story. There is also a section with flags from all the Nordic countries. It was a really nice place to spend the afternoon. They also had a brand new, very clean bathroom that looked like it had just been put in, so that was nice too. The whole park felt clean and safe and I learned a lot.

August 1, 2025 - Astoria…read more This small park pays tribute to the contributions of Scandinavian immigrants from the late 1800s and early 1900s through fun and engaging displays. The steps leading up the path are inscribed with the names of the countries the immigrants came from. And the trolls--so cute and photogenic! The decorative arch adorned with national flags, the steamer trunks, and the photos of actual immigrants (the profession stones) make this a must-see while in Astoria." Note: The website for Astoria Nordic Park has stories to go along with each of the trolls. If you have kids (or even if you don't), it might be fun to check it out before you visit the park. From the website: "The six trolls in the Nordic Park are assumed to be immigrants. Viktor brought his grandfather's pipe to remind him of his grandfather. Margit needed new friends in a new country so she found Fat Cat. Olle (pronounced Oh-luh) could only bring one toy but sometimes visitors to the park bring him new ones. Sven brought his accordion and remembers the old tunes so people in Astoria can dance them too. Annette (pronounced Annettah) is outgoing and likes to sing with the sea lions. Come at night and maybe you'll hear her. Leif (pronounced lafe) is very shy because he grew up in a cave so he hides under a leaf." Check out the website for their full stories! (And audio playlists!)

Nice little walk. Hubs escorted me around the sewage ponds of Cannon Beach…read more Found Haystack Rock? Seen enough elk? Tasted taffy? What could possibly be next?!? Why, a walk around sewage ponds with yer sweetie, of course! The groomed path makes its way through a revitalized preserve with colorful placards describing the early settlers of the Cannon Beach wetlands. Signs along the route also encourage you to spot local wildlife and warn you of the eminent danger these sewage lagoons present. So KEEP OUT. If you're lucky, like us, you'll have made it 80% around the ponds before you notice the warnings. Stop a moment to contemplate just WHAT you've been walking around, take a beat to worry if those cute ducklings are mutant in any way, then scurry back to your car, holding your breath whilst waving a "pond" farewell. ...and I wondered why we were the only two taking this lovely stroll....Cheers! "CC"

Pretty little grassy field with hidden stream with lots of fishing spots on the far side…read more No restrooms, pack out your trash. Adequate parking.

We've stopped by this lovely little elk viewing area before - its a nice break on the twisty…read moreHWY202. Note that you're required to have an Oregon Wildlife Pass ($30 annually) on the dashboard. We had the opportunity to 'Feed the Elk', something they do throughout the winter here. You have to sign up in advance. You and a group of strangers get to board a tractor-towed hay wagon and distribute feed to hungry elk through the fields. You do not get to get off the wagon. There is plenty of room for your cameras, and they make an information stop halfway thru where you can take pics galore. I'd left my 'big lens' at home not knowing what conditions and the experience would be like (I thought we'd be traipsing thru mud) We got super lucky with a beautiful snowy, sunny day. The OFW Ranger, Brian, was super friendly and informative. He gave quite the description at the break and took plenty of time for myraids of questions. There is a restroom here, but my better half reported while clean it hadnt been supplied with, well, supplies. So bring a roll in case.

This has been my favorite pitstop when going out for a hike or on our way to the coast. You pull up…read moreinto a designated viewing/parking area, sit back and relax in your car and look at the elk galore. The meadow and forested backdrop is just perfect in every way. Bring a lunch and enjoy this special wildlife preserve!

Heads up I'm reviewing the beach. Ratings town isn't fair as it's the collection of experiences…read morethat make a trip. The beach is easily accessible and if new to Washington yes you can drive on it. I don't in summertime but wet stormy days fun pull up and soak it in Best part is the discovery trail boardwalk can take end to end with views. My kid loved it. Now beach is coarse sand this is the PNW not Myrtle beach or Florida so just prepping you for expectations. But perfect for sandcastles and kite flying (nite kite museum and store nearby). And of course sunset bonfires are a must

Other than "Worlds Longest Beach" or the Pacific Ocean, it's just another amazing place on the…read moreWest Coast. Never mind the epic views provided by God. If your looking for hectic or fast paced,keep looking. The Pacific Ocean is awe Inspiring in itself. Add to that, miles of clean, flat, soft, almost velvet like sand. "Shut the front door." Wait. You can what? Drive onto the beach! Ya, there is public beach access and you can drive out onto the sand, if your car is capable. The surf is pretty mellow is this area, but is known for its "Rip Tides." Be aware. We've only been here a few times but we love exploring the beach and nearby downtown Long Beach with all it's all it's shops and restaurants. I'm already thinking about our next visit.