The Seattle to Cannon Beach road trip is one of my favorite drives from the city and one I keep coming back to. Cannon Beach is only about 200 miles from Seattle and four hours on a good traffic day, which makes it easy to do as a long weekend or even a quick overnight.
What I love about this drive is that you have multiple options. You can take I-5 straight south and be in Astoria before lunch, with a detour to Mount St Helens if you have extra time. Or you can head west to the coast and take Highway 101 south through Aberdeen, Ocean Shores, and Lake Quinault in the Olympic rainforest, towns that most people drive past without stopping.
The coastal route turns the Seattle to Cannon Beach drive into a full Oregon coast road trip and adds a couple of hours, but it’s a completely different trip.
I’ve driven both routes multiple times and covered all the stops worth making on each. Here’s everything I’d tell a friend planning this drive, including how to do it in reverse from Cannon Beach to Seattle.
Extend your drive with a Portland to Los Angeles road trip.
Quick Tips for a Seattle to Cannon Beach Drive
How Far is Cannon Beach from Seattle?
Cannon Beach is approximately 200 miles from Seattle. The distance from Seattle to Cannon Beach via I-5 and Highway 101 is about 196 miles and takes roughly three and a half to four hours without stops. If you take the coastal route along Highway 101 through Aberdeen and Ocean Shores, the distance from Seattle to Cannon Beach increases to around 260 miles and takes five to six hours, depending on how many stops you make.
How Long Does the Seattle to Cannon Beach Drive Take?
The direct route via I-5 takes about three and a half to four hours without stops. With stops in Tacoma, Olympia, and Astoria, you’re looking at a full day. The coastal Highway 101 route takes five to six hours of driving time and works best as a two-day trip with an overnight in Astoria or Ocean Shores.
What is the Best Time to Drive from Seattle to Cannon Beach?
Summer is the most popular time, but the Oregon coast has charm in every season. I’ve done this drive in winter storms and loved it. Fall is my personal favorite for the light and the smaller crowds. Spring brings wildflowers along the coast. If you’re going in the summer, expect more traffic leaving Seattle on Friday afternoons.
Can You Do This Drive from Cannon Beach to Seattle?
Yes, the Cannon Beach to Seattle drive works just as well in reverse. All the stops on this list work in either direction. Many people fly into Portland, drive up the coast to Cannon Beach, and continue north to Seattle, which is a great way to see the Oregon coast without backtracking.
What is the Best Route from Seattle to Cannon Beach?
It depends on your time and interests. The I-5 route is faster and more direct, good for a quick weekend trip. The Highway 101 coastal route is slower but takes you through the Olympic Peninsula, Ocean Shores, and Aberdeen, adding stops you won’t find on the direct route. I’d recommend the coastal route at least once if you have the time.
Continue on for a Seattle to Los Angeles road trip itinerary.
10 Stops on a Seattle to Cannon Beach Road Trip
The great thing about the Seattle to Cannon Beach drive is how many fun stops there are along the way. I should note that this list is not intended to be a checklist of all the places you should stop, but rather some of the best attractions in the general direction when heading south to Oregon.
While I have a sample Seattle to Cannon Beach road trip itinerary at the end of this article, it’s up to you to decide which direction you want to go and how many stops you want to make.
1. Tacoma, Washington
Tacoma is only 30 miles south of Seattle, but it’s worth slowing down for, especially if you hit traffic leaving the city. I almost always stop here on road trips heading south, and it never disappoints.
Point Ruston is the best place to start and probably my favorite place in Tacoma. The waterfront trail along Commencement Bay has views of Mount Rainier on a clear day and is one of the more underrated walks in the state. Duke’s Seafood right on Ruston Way is my go-to for lunch here, with clam chowder, fish tacos, and waterfront views. It’s been a Tacoma institution for over 20 years for good reason.
If you’re a car person, the LeMay Museum is worth a couple of hours. It houses hundreds of cars across multiple floors and is one of the largest collections in the country. You could easily lose track of time in there.
For movie fans, Stadium High School on North E Street is a quick detour. It’s the school from 10 Things I Hate About You, and seeing it in person after loving that movie was so much fun. The building itself is stunning too, a turreted castle-style structure built in 1906 that looks like it belongs in Europe.
Looking for other road trip ideas? You’ll love the drive from Seattle to Glacier National Park, or go on a long Las Vegas road trip from Seattle.
Where to Stay in Tacoma
- Hotel Murano – Boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Tacoma inspired by the city’s glass art movement, with an impressive art collection throughout the hotel. Steps from the Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, and the Children’s Museum. I’ve stayed here and loved it.
- Search all Tacoma hotels on Booking.com
2. Olympia, Washington
Olympia is only about an hour south of Seattle, and I almost always stop here on drives heading south. It has this relaxed, artsy energy that you don’t really expect from a state capital.
If the timing works out, McMenamins is my first stop. I love McMenamins wherever I find them, and Olympia is no exception. My favorite Ruby Ale on tap, casual vibe, fun decor – it’s one of those stops where you sit down for one drink and suddenly an hour has passed.
For coffee, Olympia Coffee Roasting Co. is a great place to stop. They roast their own beans and take it seriously without being pretentious about it. After that, head over to Rainy Day Records to check out their huge selection of music.
Traveling with kids? The Hands On Children’s Museum has saved me on multiple road trips. I’ll stop specifically to let my kids run around for an hour or two, and they always get back in the car in a completely different mood. It’s one of the better children’s museums in the state, and if you have little ones, it’s worth making a stop.
Percival Landing along the waterfront is a nice, quick walk before you get back on the road.
Want to go north? Take a fun road trip from Vancouver to Seattle. Another fun drive is the road trip from Seattle to Crater Lake National Park.
Where to Stay in Olympia
- DoubleTree by Hilton Olympia – Right in downtown Olympia, a 10 minute walk from the State Capitol and the waterfront. Indoor pool, hot tub, and easy access to McMenamins and the waterfront trail.
- Search all Olympia hotels on Booking.com
3. Mount Saint Helens, WA
I’ve been coming to Mount St Helens since I was a kid, and it never gets old. In 2019, I summited the crater rim with friends after camping overnight at the base, which is one of the more memorable things I’ve done in Washington.
More recently, I came back with my family and camped at Seaquest State Park, which sits right across the street from the visitor center on Spirit Lake Highway. We spent the 4th of July weekend there, walking the trails and spending time at the visitor center learning about the 1980 eruption.
Johnston Ridge Observatory is the main event if you’re not summiting. It sits right at the edge of the blast zone with direct views into the crater and the lava dome. The scale of the destruction from the 1980 eruption is hard to process until you’re standing there looking at it.
The visitor center at Silver Lake is worth stopping at, even if you don’t make it all the way to Johnston Ridge. There’s a good film about the eruption and exhibits on the ongoing recovery of the surrounding landscape.
From I-5, take exit 49 onto Highway 504 heading east. Johnston Ridge is about 52 miles from the highway, so factor in a couple of hours for the detour and back.
4. Lake Quinault, Washington
I think many people skip Lake Quinault when they’re driving south, but that’s a mistake. I hadn’t even been until a few years ago when I went on a rainy November day, which turned out to be perfect. The rainforest was dripping and green, and the whole place felt like something out of a movie.
The Quinault Rain Forest trail is an easy loop through old-growth forest right near the lake. It’s short enough that you’re not committing to a full hike but long enough that you actually feel like you’ve been somewhere. The trees here are massive, and the understory is thick with ferns and moss.
The world’s largest Sitka spruce is also right here, about 191 feet tall and over 1,000 years old. It’s a short walk from the road and worth the stop just to stand next to it and try to process the scale. I almost skipped it, but I’m glad I didn’t.
Lake Quinault Lodge has been here since 1926 and is worth stopping at even if you’re not staying the night. I love the warm, historic feel of the lobby, and the dining room overlooks the lake. It’s a good spot for lunch or coffee before continuing south.
5. Aberdeen, Washington
Aberdeen is a working coastal town with a grittier, more lived-in feel than the touristy stops on this route. I always stop here on the way to the coast, and there’s more to it than people expect.
The Kurt Cobain angle is real and worth your time if you’re a Nirvana fan. His childhood home on East 1st Street still stands, and seeing it in person was more fun than just knowing he grew up here. The Young Street Bridge nearby is also worth a stop. Cobain used to sleep under it as a teenager, and there’s now a memorial bench and mural dedicated to him. It’s a surprisingly moving little spot for a quick visit.
For coffee and food if you’re stopping in the morning, Tinderbox on Wishkah Street is my go-to. Good coffee, solid sandwiches, and a comfortable place to sit for a few minutes before the next stretch.
6. Ocean Shores, Washington
I’ve been coming to Ocean Shores since I was a kid, and now I bring my own kids here. It’s a small beach town with a fun vibe, and that’s exactly why I keep coming back.
The beach is my favorite part. It’s wide and flat, and you can drive on parts of it, which my kids absolutely love every single time we do it. We usually spend a chunk of time just down at the water before doing anything else.
North Jetty at the southern tip is a walk I always do. It has good views of the harbor entrance and usually plenty of birds if you pay attention.
For families, Pacific Paradise mini golf is a must with my kids. There’s a giant shark mouth at the entrance you walk through, and they lose it every time. After, we always hit Peppermint Parlor for ice cream, another place I’ve been going to since I was little.
Galway Bay Irish Pub is my go-to for food and a drink in the evening (they even have Guinness on draft). Live music on weekends and a casual atmosphere that fits perfectly with a beach town day. If you’re into craft beer, Ocean Shores Brewing Co. is worth a stop, too.
7. Astoria, Oregon
Astoria is my favorite stop on this whole drive. I’ve been here about half a dozen times now, and it keeps pulling me back. It sits right at the mouth of the Columbia River, where Oregon meets Washington, and it has this mix of history, good food, and waterfront charm that I haven’t found anywhere else on the coast.
Fort George Brewery is where I go every single visit without fail. I’ve never felt the need to try somewhere new because the beer is that good and the atmosphere is exactly right after a day of driving. The pizza is great too.
Astoria Brewing Company is another good option if you want to try a different spot, right on the waterfront with Columbia River views. I love that you can walk around the shops after and even see the trolley that goes right by that area.
The antique shopping here is some of my favorite in the Pacific Northwest. There are several good shops along Commercial Avenue, and I always find something worth bringing home.
The Oregon Film Museum is a fun hour, especially if you grew up watching The Goonies, which was filmed right here. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was also shot in Astoria. The building itself is the old county jail from the movie. Side note: you can now walk up to The Goonies’ house, thanks to the latest owners who bought it. Just be respectful and follow their signs.
Book an Astoria Tour
- Astoria Small Group Sightseeing Tour – Half day small group tour covering the Astoria Column, Fort Astoria, the Goonies House, and more with hotel pickup included. Your guide shares insider tips on the best shops and restaurants in town. Over 300 reviews.
- Astoria Historic Uniontown Self-Guided Tour – Self guided audio tour through Astoria’s historic Uniontown neighborhood with exclusive deals at local shops. Good option if you want to explore at your own pace.
The Astoria Column up on Coxcomb Hill is worth the short hike for views over the river and the coast. And crossing the Astoria-Megler Bridge into Washington is a moment every time, one of the longest continuous truss bridges in North America, stretching nearly four miles over the Columbia.
Where to Stay in Astoria
- Cannery Pier Hotel and Spa – Built on a pier 600 feet out over the Columbia River with panoramic water views from every room. The most unique hotel in Astoria and consistently rated as one of the best in Oregon.
- Best Western Columbia River Waterfront Hotel – Right on the Columbia River close to the Astoria Column and Columbia River Maritime Museum. A solid mid-range option with great location and river views.
- Search all Astoria hotels on Booking.com
8. Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon
Fort Stevens is only 15 minutes from Astoria, and I usually stop here whenever I’m in the area. The main draw is the Wreck of the Peter Iredale, the rusted iron hull of a British sailing ship that ran aground in 1906 and has been sitting on the beach ever since. You can walk right up to it, which never gets old. It looks exactly as dramatic in person as it does in photos.
The park itself is massive, at over 4,000 acres, with hiking trails, a historic Civil War-era fort, and miles of beach. If you have kids, the historic fort area is worth a walk through. The beach around the shipwreck is also good for a long walk if you want to stretch your legs before the final push to Cannon Beach.
9. Seaside, Oregon
Seaside is a quick stop before Cannon Beach and a good one if you have kids in the car. It’s a classic Oregon beach town with a promenade, arcade games, and a casual energy that my kids love.
The Seaside Aquarium is one of the oldest on the West Coast, and my kids always want to stop. You can feed the seals, which is a big hit. Captain Kid’s mini golf is another good one for families, right in the middle of town.
Painted Rock Beach at the south end of the promenade is my favorite spot in Seaside, a quieter stretch of beach away from the main tourist area with good tide pools if the timing is right.
It’s only 9 miles from Cannon Beach, so even a short stop here makes sense before the final stretch.
You can also head out on a drive from Portland to San Francisco at this point.
Make sure to reserve your rental car ahead of time! I love using Discover Cars for my trips.
If you’re looking for a shorter drive, you can also do a Seattle to Portland road trip.
10. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach was a place I kept putting off despite living in Seattle my whole life. My friends had been going for years, and I always had a reason not to join. By the time I finally made it, I’d already missed out on years of visits, and now I’ve been three times.
I stayed at the Surfsand Resort, which had a direct beach view, and spent more time on the balcony than I expected. The Pacific in a storm is something else, and Cannon Beach is a good place to watch it from somewhere warm.
The town itself is small enough to cover on foot in a morning. Art galleries, good shops, no chain stores, and a pace that makes you forget you were ever in a hurry. Sea Level Bakery and Coffee is my first stop for pastries and a pour-over before walking down to the beach.
I recommend walking out to Haystack Rock at low tide. The tide pools are full of starfish and anemones, and it’s worth checking the tide tables before you go to time it right.
For lunch, you’ll love going to Pelican Brewing. Get a sampler flight and the chowder – you won’t regret it.
Where to Stay in Cannon Beach
- Surfsand Resort – The best oceanfront option in Cannon Beach, right on the sand with direct views of Haystack Rock. Heated indoor pool, on-site restaurant, and private beach access. This is where I stayed and I loved it.
- The Ocean Lodge – Highly rated beachfront property with ocean views, gas fireplaces, and a highly praised breakfast. Consistently rated as one of the top hotels in Cannon Beach by couples.
- Webb’s Scenic Surf – A Cannon Beach institution run by the same family for three generations. Right on the beach with ocean view balconies, kitchenettes, and a more affordable price point than the larger resorts.
- Search all Cannon Beach hotels on Booking.com
Ready for more? You’ll love going on a drive to San Francisco from Seattle or even a Seattle to San Diego drive.
Seattle to Cannon Beach Road Trip Itinerary
There are two ways to do this, depending on how much time you have, so I’ll give you both itineraries.
Seattle to Cannon Beach Itinerary: Option 1 – Direct Route via I-5 (1 Day)
This is the fastest way to get from Seattle to Cannon Beach and works well for a quick weekend trip. You’ll skip the coastal Washington stops but still have time for Astoria and Fort Stevens before arriving in Cannon Beach.
Start early in Seattle and head south on I-5. Stop in Tacoma for coffee and a walk along Point Ruston before continuing to Olympia for a quick stretch at Percival Landing or a drink at McMenamins. If you want to add Mount St. Helens, take exit 49 onto Highway 504 and budget 2 to 3 hours for the detour before getting back on I-5.
Continue south across the Astoria-Megler Bridge into Oregon. Stop for lunch at Fort George Brewery in Astoria, then head out to Fort Stevens State Park to walk the Wreck of the Peter Iredale before the final stretch to Seaside and Cannon Beach.
Where to stay: See my Cannon Beach hotel recommendations in the Cannon Beach section above.
Seattle to Cannon Beach Itinerary: Option 2 – Coastal Highway 101 Route (2 Days)
This version takes longer but is a much more interesting drive. You’ll see the Olympic rainforest, the Washington coast, and the Columbia River before arriving in Cannon Beach.
Day 1: Seattle to Astoria
Head west out of Seattle toward the coast. Stop in Tacoma and Olympia before heading west on Highway 12 toward Aberdeen. Stop at Tinderbox for coffee and walk the Kurt Cobain sites before continuing north on Highway 101 to Lake Quinault.
Give yourself at least an hour at the Quinault Rain Forest trail and stop at the lodge before continuing south to Ocean Shores for the afternoon. Walk the beach, do mini golf at Pacific Paradise with the kids, and grab dinner at Galway Bay before the final push to Astoria for the night.
Where to stay: See my Astoria hotel recommendations in the Astoria section above.
Day 2: Astoria to Cannon Beach
Start with antique shopping on Commercial Avenue in Astoria before heading out to Fort Stevens State Park to walk the Wreck of the Peter Iredale. Continue south through Seaside for a quick stop at the aquarium or Captain Kid mini golf before arriving in Cannon Beach. Check into the Surfsand Resort, walk out to Haystack Rock at low tide, and have lunch at Pelican Brewing.
Where to stay: See our Cannon Beach hotel recommendations in the Cannon Beach section above.
The Seattle to Cannon Beach road trip is one of the most rewarding drives in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you take the direct I-5 route or the longer coastal Highway 101 option, you’ll find plenty worth stopping for between Seattle and Cannon Beach. I’ve done this drive more times than I can count and still find new things to love about it every time.
