Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, Seaside

Road Trip to Seattle 2016

Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, Seaside -- June 3, 2016

After a restful night in the comfortable apartment, we were ready for another day on the road. This should be a fun day that we have been waiting for. With a revisit to Ecola State Park, first time visit to Seaside, and lunch at our favorite spot in Astoria, the Bowpicker.

The iconic rock in the morning.

Made breakfast of sausage and eggs with toast and coffee.

After breakfast, we took another walk down to the beach before checking out of the hotel. It was a beautiful sunny morning, just glorious!

The short 2-block walk on Harrison down to the beach.

So this was the dark vegetation that we walked through the night before which was pitch-black and scary. Much better in the bright sunlight.

Light, at the end of the 'jungle'.

Lovely!

Many people were already there enjoying this beautiful beach early in the morning.

Low tide.

Interesting patterns on the sand.

Not sure what these were, probably soft shells off some shellfish? They were all over the beach.

After our time at the beach, we walked to the apartment back through the huge hotel complex and this was what we saw near the public parking lot.

Ecola State Park

Checking out of the hotel was quick and easy. Then we took the short drive up to Ecola State Park. That drive was on a narrow winding road but once we got up to the state park it was a huge parking area with a view of the ocean. 

Near the parking lot with picnic tables.

Some random shots up on the hill.

Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock to the south.

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse about a mile off shore.

Several hiking trails around the park.

We were lucky to have such a beautiful day to enjoy this park, just perfect weather!

Seaside

Our next destination was Seaside, about 8 miles north of Cannon Beach. We have heard of this town but never stopped there before. Thought that it would be a good idea to check it out.

Not knowing how the town is, we spotted a parking space along the main street and parked there, right on a bridge. We later realized that there were many more parking spaces in public lots and closer to the beach front promenade. It was fun walking around town a bit though.

That was where we parked.

This town has a totally different feel than Cannon Beach. It's more 'active' and touristy.

This is the main street, I think it's Broadway.

We just walked straight up to the promenade.

A statue of Lewis and Clark, I think.

Another nice beach!

Seaside is more commercial, with lots of stores and restaurants, family-oriented.

As we walked back, we went inside this 'mall' with many stores and eateries all in one place.

They even have a carousel in the center of the mall. So tempted to get on.

A souvenir store with many interesting stuff.

Even a statue of the 'king'.

Seaside, to me anyway, is more like a mini Las Vegas type. Touristy with lots of things to do. You will have no problem finding fun entertainment or a place to shop, dine or drink into late at night. Whereas Cannon Beach is a relaxing, quiet town with natural beauty. Two different destinations so close together.