Is every day the same old, same old? You earned your vacation days; use them to do something new. Beautiful Astoria, Oregon and the surrounding areas offer families beautiful places to hike where the scenery is breathtaking, and a blueberry smoothie or frozen yogurt are never too far away. Enjoy the ocean for saltwater fishing, and lakes and rivers for freshwater fishing. Learn about the Pacific Northwest as you explore museums, prowl antique shops, and visit landmarks. Here is a list of the nine best Astoria, Oregon vacation rental locations that we recommend as you begin your search for the perfect place to stay.
1. Astoria, Oregon
Fluffy knows who the good dog is, and she’s ready for you to pack her leash, bones, and bowls for a vacation in Astoria, a town that loves dogs. Take your family and your fur kid for a stroll along the Astoria Riverwalk from the bridge out to Pier 39. You can stop at Wet Dog Cafe and eat outdoors where you can help Fluff choose from her own menu. She can go with you to the Astoria Column, too, and walk the trails around it. Ask the kids to read the plaques about the history of the column, which tells the history of the area in its artwork. The Wind down the day in your cozy vacation rental with a relaxing soak in the hot tub.
2. Svenson, Oregon
Escape the humdrum of the daily grind and soothe your jangled nerves in the rural area of Svenson. Fall in love with a rustic vacation rental close to the Lewis & Clark National Wildlife Refuge. Explore the islands of the Columbia River estuary by kayak, and remember to take your binoculars and camera for this amazing journey. Look for ducks, tundra swans, and Canadian geese.
3. Columbia River, Astoria, Oregon
The Port of Astoria on the Columbia River gives you access to indulge the anglers in your family with a chartered tour to fish for salmon, sturgeon, tuna, or halibut. A summer vacation rental right on the river with a backyard a fire pit makes an ideal place to return at the end of the day. As darkness descends, light a fire, toast marshmallows, sip hot cocoa, and tell some ghost stories.
4. Hammond, Warrenton, Oregon
Settle into a comfortable vacation rental home in the Hammond neighborhood of Warrenton, just yards from Young’s Bay. Enrich your family’s knowledge of the Pacific Northwest’s history with an adventure suitable for all ages at Fort Stevens State Park. The Fort Stevens Quest gives you a set of clues to follow, similar to a scavenger hunt. At each station, collect a letter to help spell out the location of the hidden quest box at the end. The route is about a mile long and meanders through the ruins of the fort, beginning near the museum.
5. Warrenton, Oregon
Vacation is your time to relax and recharge, and Warrenton is the place to do it. Enjoy a tidy vacation rental that is just a few steps from the Pacific Ocean or the bay for full access to boating, fishing, surfing, and boating. Imagine stepping out onto the waterfront each morning with your first cup of coffee to spend a few private moments with only the sound of the surf around you. When everyone awakens, enjoy browsing antiques, western wear, saddles, tack, and boots at Farmhouse Funk before heading over to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park. Be sure to look for the recreated Fort Clatsop where Lewis and Clark wintered.
6. Sunset Beach, Oregon
Yes, you can have it all; and you can have it at any time of the year in Sunset Beach. In the summer, step out the door of your vacation rental on Sunset Lake to hike around the lake, fish for trout or bass, or go paddle boarding. In the winter months, enjoy snowmobiling or snowshoeing. Head for the beach to go horseback riding, clamming, and fishing in the surf. Take your catch of the day back to your cottage and enjoy a fresh seafood meal to top off an amazing day.
7. Surf Pines, Oregon
Drop the suitcases and hit the beach running when you plunge headlong into a wet and wild family vacation in Surf Pines. Fly kites, build sand castles and try your skills at surfing along the well-maintained beach of the Del Ray Beach State Recreation Site. If you harbor some higher aspirations, give paragliding a try and feel the unparalleled thrill of flying up there with the seagulls, looking out on a clear day at miles of ocean and mountains. Afterward, take in a spectacular sunset on the beach before returning to your vacation rental in town to regroup for another day.
8. Gearhart, Oregon
Just three miles north of Seaside, Gearhart offers quiet vacation rentals that feel a million miles from the daily grind. Book your lodging accommodations here to give your family the ideal epicenter for your vacation activities. Feel free to step to a different drummer in this little town with no traffic lights and a lovely, unspoiled oceanfront state park. Explore the charming antique shops and art gallery. A family stroll along the beach is a great way to round out a perfect day of adventures.
9. Seaside, Oregon
Cut loose for a wet and wild vacation at Seaside when you choose a vacation rental in this popular area. Put your walking shoes on to hit the mile-and-a-half Promenade where bumper cars, antique shops, and delightful restaurants welcome visitors to linger. A mere 90 minutes from Portland, The Seaside marks the terminus of Lewis and Clark’s westward expedition and features commemorative parks and landmarks. Keep the kids busy whale-watching on hikes, feeding the seals at the aquarium, playing volleyball on the beach, and boogie boarding in the surf, and they’ll happily crash into their comfy beds every night.