From City Streets to Coastal Retreats — Let’s Get You Here

Whether you’re driving from Portland, flying in from across the country, or road-tripping up the coast, getting to Seaside Vacation Homes is part of the adventure. Our homes are located in the heart of Oregon’s North Coast — with easy access to Seaside, Cannon Beach, and Gearhart.

Flying In?

If you’re flying into Portland International Airport (PDX) and planning to hit the road between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, we strongly recommend taking Highway 30 via Washington. It bypasses Portland’s westside rush-hour traffic and treats you to a scenic, smooth ride along the Columbia River.

Summary of Routes

Route	Direction	Best For	Highlights
Highway 30	From the North via Washington	Avoiding Portland traffic, easier driving	Columbia River views, local pie stops, scenic overlooks
Highway 26	From the East via Portland	Scenic route, Pacific Coast Range	Mountain viewpoints, Camp 18, nature trails
Highway 101	From the South along the coast	Coastal road-trippers	Ocean views, charming coastal towns

Option 1: Coming From the North (Highway 30)

If you’re arriving from the north or want to bypass Portland congestion, take I-5 into Washington, cross into Longview, and follow Highway 30 westbound along the Columbia River. Longview is your last stop for affordable gas along the trip and we normally make sure to have at least half a tank heding into Oregon.

Why Take This Route?

Avoids rush hour traffic on Portland’s west side (especially between 3–6 PM).
Straighter roads and lower elevation — ideal for those sensitive to winding mountain passes.
Stunning river views and charming roadside stops.

Must-Stop Attractions: (in order)

Scenic overlook leaving Longview – Ideal for a photo stop as the road climbs
The Berry Patch in Westport – Fresh-baked pies, local canned berries, and a true taste of the Pacific Northwest.
The Logger Restaurant in Napa – Known for giant hamburgers and legendary pies (don’t miss the coconut cream!).
Gnat Creek Fish Hatchery in Knappa – A hidden gem where you can feed giant prehistoric sturgeon for just 25 cents. Watch salmon and trout swirl in the breeding ponds and enjoy a peaceful stroll along the creekside trail that will take you to Instagram-worthy waterfalls! A quick, fun, and educational stop — especially for kids (and kids at heart!).

Once you reach Astoria, take your time through "the Curves" — a scenic, winding section leading you into town. From there, you’ll cross the Youngs Bay Bridge and continue south into Seaside with optional stops along the historic riverfront.

Option 2: Coming From the East (Highway 26)

If you're coming directly from Portland, the classic coastal route is Highway 26 westbound through the Pacific Coast Range.

Why Take This Route?

Scenic mountain drive with winding roads and lush forests.
Panoramic viewpoints of Mount St. Helens and Washington’s Cascade volcanoes.
Full of local charm and nature stops.

Must-Stop Attractions:

Camp 18 Logging Museum & Restaurant – A rustic Oregon icon serving hearty breakfasts, cinnamon rolls, and logging history.
Baker’s General Store & Gas Station – Grab fresh-baked cookies, stretch your legs, or pick up quirky Pacific Northwest goods.
Forest trailheads and short rest stops throughout the route offer peaceful walking breaks and fresh mountain air.

Highway 26 meets Highway 101 just north of Cannon Beach. From there, it’s a short coastal cruise north to Seaside.

Option 3: Coming From the South (Highway 101 )

For those making a coastal journey from central or southern Oregon, Highway 101 is the quintessential route. Winding along cliffs and beaches, this drive is perfect for taking in ocean vistas and exploring quaint seaside towns.

Highlights Along the Way:

Tillamook Creamery – Cheese tasting, ice cream, and a perfect lunch break.
Manzanita & Rockaway Beach – Small-town gems with shopping, galleries, and walkable beaches.
Neahkahnie Mountain – Pull over for a stunning ocean overlook just north of Manzanita. This is an epic 90 min hike if you have the room to stretch you legs and also rumored to be the site of buried Goonie Treasure

Follow Highway 101 north straight into Seaside, where your vacation home and a warm welcome await.

Final Tips

Most guests use GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze — both work well in the area.
Cell service is reliable on major routes but can fade briefly in the mountains.
Take your time and enjoy the journey — every route offers unique beauty and local flavors.