Prepared exclusively for Grace & Lane
Our favorite North Coast spots
We’re lucky enough to be located in one of the most beautiful scenic areas in the entire country, and we’re excited to share it with you!
We’ve gathered a few recommendations around the North Coast that offer a variety of scenery and backdrops.
Ecola State Park
Cannon Beach, OR
Ecola State Park offers a wide variety of backdrops packed into one contained, easy-to-access area. Think all of the best of the Oregon Coast—dramatic overlooks down the coastline, magical fairy forests, rugged beaches, foggy mountains, golden sunsets, elk herds wandering around... there’s a reason this is such a popular spot for visitors and photographers, alike. We often start at the main overlook area before heading into the woods or down to Indian Beach for a variety of backdrops, without traveling far.
Drive time from Cannon Beach, OR: 10 minutes
Crowds: Yes, but can be avoided
Hiking / walking required: Minimal
Short Sands Beach
Oswald West State Park
A popular beach & surf spot, this location features trails winding through an old growth forest while babbling creeks trace the path creating a peaceful, almost enchanted walk. The trail gently opens to reveal the vast, dramatic shoreline of Short Sands beach.
Drive time from Cannon Beach, OR: 15 minutes
Crowds: Yes
Hiking / walking required: Yes
Chapman Beach
Cannon Beach, OR
Chapman Beach is a quiet beach access point just a few minutes north of the main, tourist-y downtown Cannon Beach area. Park next to cozy cabins overlooking the ocean, walk down a grassy sand dune path (often featuring grazing Roosevelt Elk) to a beach featuring a dramatic cliff on the north side, and views of Haystack rock and the Cascade mountain range to the South.
Drive time from Cannon Beach, OR: 5 minutes
Crowds: Sometimes
Hiking / walking required: Minimal
Three Graces
Barview, OR
Three Graces is a picturesque rocky outcropping in the channel between Tillamook Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Easy to access right off of Hwy 101, it is a favorite among bird watchers and photographers due to it’s epic nature and location. Barview also offers some bays, inlets and forested areas to explore nearby.
Wheeler Docks
Wheeler, OR
The Wheeler Docks sit in the Nehalem Valley, set on a river winding below coastal mountains. Located in a “rain shadow”, Wheeler often features clear weather, making for epic sunsets. Watch eagles swoop down to catch their dinner, then grab your own at nearby Salmonberry or Offshore Grill—featuring seasonal menus and local ingredients.
Astoria
Astoria, OR
A small, charming historic harbor town situated on the mouth of the Columbia River. The Riverwalk provides views of the bridge, while Sea Lions bark from the docks. Wander through historic downtown visiting cute coffee and thrift shops, check out “The Goonies” house, or head to the Astoria Column for panoramic views.
McPhilips Beach / Sand Lake
Tillamook County, OR
If you’re willing to drive a vehicle on the beach, this can be an epic spot for a shoot, with views of Cape Meares and the “other” haystack rock. Most vehicles can drive on McPhilips, as there isn’t very much deep sand to get stuck in. Seeing trucks and sedans alike on this beach are common. However Sand Lake is an OHV area requiring permits but allowing for more epic shots like the one pictured here!
Oceanside
Oceanside, OR
Oceanside is a charming & quiet coastal town with dramatic cliffs on the North, as well as the Three Arch Rocks lying offshore. Access to the beach is easy from the main stretch of town. We’d love the possiblity of meeting you and your family at your AirBnB and shooting as we make our way to the beach.
Manzanita & Neahkahnie Beach
Manzanita, OR
A lovely beach on the North end of the town of Manzanita, tucked up against dramatic cliffs. Parking along the main road allows easy access to the beach and cliffs in the background. Golden hour hear can be absolutely magical, when the sun hits right.
Our Favorite Food & Beverage
We love to enjoy the incredible food, coffee, beer & wine available here on the Oregon Coast—especially when it's sourced locally from here on the coast, the nearby Willamette Valley, or the Pacific Northwest beyond.
North Coast Food Trail
A fantastic resource for all of the incredible food and beverage options throughout the North Oregon Coast. From Astoria, Seaside and Cannon Beach, and through the Tillamook Coast, this region is ripe for culinary exploration, and this website is a great guide.
Fort George Brewery
Fort George was one of the first breweries in the area that really put Astoria on the map for beer. Upstairs features wood-fired pizza, while downstairs features pub food. The entire property feature views of historic downtown Astoria.
Fede
One of our absolute favorites. We go here for any major date night or special occasion, because it's that good! Scratch Italian food, local oysters, and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients—all with views of the mighty Columbia River. Try the Ship Report cocktail! Thank us later.
Single Fin
Single Fin is a small food cart in Wheeler, owned and operated by a local chef who has made his mark across several coastal eateries. Serving locally-sourced seafood, and an ever-changing menu. Check his Instagram to check whether he's open or not!
Offshore Grill
Delicious local food, with tons of GF and Veggie options. Situated in downtown Manzanita, we love to sit at the bar or outside on their patio.
Tuimato Hawaiian
It's hard to find good Hawaiian food on the Oregon Coast! But Frank and his family, originally from Hawaii, know how to serve up delicious poke, kalua pork, and short ribs.
Crab Rock Pizza
Crab Rock uses a special fermentation process in order to reduce the gluten-levels in their dough, creating an incredible bite that is toasted to perfection in their wood-fired ovens. Views of the Garibaldi marina.
Bell Bouy
Bell Bouy features locally-caught seafood—either take it home to cook, or available at their restaurant situated along the river. We've seen river otters playing in the water as we enjoy local seafood!
The Salmonberry
A local favorite with wood-fired pizza, cocktails, pastas and salads... but most importantly an incredible view of the river! Try to catch a sunset for an amazing dining experience.
Warren House Pub
Warren House is a reliable staple in Cannon Beach. Even when Cannon Beach is as crowded as it gets, Warren House usually has seats left, and consistently solid food options.
Public Coast Brewery
Public Coast has surged in popularity over the last few years, which is not surprising given it's prime real estate in Cannon Beach. Great beers, solid burgers, and a dog-friendly patio.
Captain's Corner
A hidden gem in Garibaldi, situated on the marina. Watch locally-caught seafood come in and get unloaded for processing... or keep an eye out for bald eagles or harbor seals.
Anna's Corner
Anna's Corner is definitely a "special occasion" type of restaurant, with rave reviews from everyone who has tried it. You can definitely plan to spend a little money, but it's well worth it.
The Bistro
Another "special occasion" type of restaurant in Cannon Beach. The owners are usually working and happy to spend a few minutes chatting, and it often features live music.
The Schooner Restaurant
The Schooner is an awesome dining experience in Netarts, with views of the bay and Cape Lookout in the distance. Netarts Bay features some of the coast's best oysters because of the clean waters, and this restaurant is happy to serve them up on the half-shell or "rockayaki" style.
Other Things To Do
If you find yourself bored with all of the beaches, cute towns & shops, or incredible food & drink options in the area, here's a few more of our favorite things to do in the area.
Seaside Aquarium
This small aquarium is a blast! Feeding the seals is always a highlight for visitors, and local sea-life and information about our coast can be found here. They also host beach cleanups and help with wildlife rescues!
Surf Rentals
If you've always wanted to try surfing—we recommend renting gear or scheduling a lesson through Seaside Surf Shop! If you buy a t-shirt or hat there's a good chance that we designed it! (we do social media work with them and design some of their merchandise!) Tell Dennis or Lauren that we sent you!
Kelly's Marina
What an experience! Rent a boat and crabbing equipment to source your own lunch, or simply purchase pre-caught and prepared seafood!
Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad
Climb aboard this historic train to get incredible views. Featuring historic steam and diesel excursions running along the scenic Tillamook Bay and Pacific coastline. Multiple boarding hubs and routes provide rides along different sections of the coast. Book your tickets in advance!
Hiking
There is no shortage of hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties... with insane ocean views, old-growth forests, and dramatic headlands. Check out Neahkahnie Mountain, Tillamook Head, Cape Lookout, Cape Falcon, the Clatsop Loop Trail, and God's Thumb.
Museums
The North Oregon Coast is home to several museums with plenty of historical information and displays. Check out the Oregon Film Museum (The Goonies!!), the Columbia River Maritime museum, the Camp 18 Logging Museum (and restaurant), or the Flavel House.