Visit Astoria: Scenic Views, History and Local Food

Break up the driving with a visit to Camp 18 -- a favorite along Highway 26 between the coast and Portland. The interior is styled like a log cabin, with wood finishings and a chandelier made of antlers. This is a good place to get classic American food on your way from Portland. Their famous cinnamon rolls are a good pick for breakfast. Camp 18 is open every day from 8am to 8pm.

One of the Oregon Coast’s most iconic beaches, Cannon Beach is the ideal first stop for this day trip. The town got its name because of a shipwreck—sort of. The Navy schooner Shark ran aground in 1846, and its cannon washed ashore and was found near the town of Elk Creek in 1898, which later changed its name to Cannon Beach in honor of this event. You can see a replica of the cannon along US-101 as you drive into town.
Once at the beach, look for Haystack Rock, a 235-foot-high sea stack—the third tallest intertidal structure in the world. At low tide, you can approach Haystack Rock. Be on the lookout for the tufted puffins that like to nest on the sea stack.