Beyond Bend: Seaside and Astoria Weekend Escape

If you're craving a coastal getaway from Bend, it doesn’t get much better than a weekend split between Seaside and Astoria, Oregon. It’s got the perfect mix of small-town beach charm, quirky attractions, and iconic PNW history. This two-day trip gives you the best of both worlds: one day of sandy fun and shopping, and one day exploring one of Oregon’s most underrated towns.

 
Day 1: Seaside Vibes — Sand, Shops & Sandwiches

Every time we head to Seaside, we head straight for Main Street. The classic beach-town strip is full of souvenir shops, candy stores, toy stores, and cozy coastal boutiques. The kids love the arcade, and we always spend way too much time playing Fascination — if you know, you know.

Mike insists on stopping at Grizzly Tuna every time we’re in town, and to be fair, their Fish and Chips are pretty incredible. But our favorite lunch routine is grabbing a couple of sandwiches from a local deli and taking them down to the beach. Sitting on the sand, watching the waves roll in, and eating with sandy fingers is basically a Seaside tradition.

We usually spend the rest of the day walking the Seaside Promenade, letting the kids run wild on the beach, and browsing shops until it’s time to crash.

If you’re looking for gear to make your beach day easier, we always bring:

- Foldable beach blanket
- Sun shade (I LOVE this one!)
- Compact sand toys for the kids 
 
Day 2: Astoria Adventures — Goonies, Views & Local History

Day two is all about Astoria, just a short drive north. We always start the day with a trip up to the Astoria Column. You can either drive up or hike a short trail to the base, but either way, climbing the spiral staircase to the top is totally worth it. The view over the Columbia River and ocean is unreal.

Afterward, we love exploring downtown Astoria. It’s full of vintage shops, bookstores, small art galleries, and fun coffee spots. And if you're a movie buff, you know Astoria is Goonies territory! It’s fun to spot filming locations and relive that bit of childhood magic. But be respectful! Especially if you drive up the the Goonies house.

We usually wrap up our visit with a stop at the Columbia River Maritime Museum. It’s a great one for both kids and adults, and it makes you appreciate just how wild the history of this area really is.

Make sure you're prepared and bring:

- Binoculars (For watching the ships in the harbor)
- Waterproof jackets (because it’s still the coast)
- Small backpacks or daypacks for museum exploring
 
Whether you’re beachcombing in Seaside or climbing historic columns in Astoria, this two-day trip packs in so much charm without ever feeling rushed. It’s become one of our favorite little escapes from Bend—and every time we go, we find something new to love.