1. There is no Uber/Lyft here - plan to get a rental car. 2. If you're staying in Cannon Beach or Arch Cape - please plan extra time to get to Gearhart for the wedding. There is often traffic during LDW through Seaside. 3. If you're flying out of PDX on 9/2 - Plan for extra travel time - Labor Day Traffic.
- Flying? Book your flight in and out of Portland, (PDX). It’s then about 1.5 hour drive depending on traffic. - Driving from WA - Getting down to the coast from Seattle takes roughly 4 hours without traffic or 4.5-5.5 with traffic. We recommend taking the I-5 South Route to 101 South. It is the quickest way down and means you get to go over the Astoria bridge (worth it!). - Address to put into your GPS: McMenamins - 1157 N Marion Ave, Gearhart, OR 97138
McMenamins is the location were getting married there should be some hotel rooms still left. Gearhart by the Sea Condos are right across the street from McMenamins too. Rent a beach house on airbnb/VRBO in Gearhart for walking distance to venue or Cannon Beach, Seaside or Arch Cape (where the Samuelson Family Cabin is).
August/September is usually a beautiful time in the PNW with tons of sun and warm temps. Expect Highs in the upper 60s or low 70s (might sound chilly if you’re an east coaster, but it’s pretty enjoyable. We’d compare it to the weather on Cape Cod). You’re on the shore so it’s all about layers. It can get super windy and you’ll need a fleece or if there’s no wind and you’re outside in the sun, 60 degrees can feel hot and you’ll be fine in a tank top.
Cocktail attire. **When you’re planning your outfit, please keep in mind we’re getting married on the beach. That means you’ll be walking through sand. Cocktails to follow will be on a big lawn - we’d highly recommend wearing flat shoes or block heels.
3:30 pm on Gearhart beach. Map of the exact location to come. The location will be about a 5-10 minute walk from McMenamins (we'll have a shuttle available if you don't want to walk).
Towns to Visit: Cannon Beach & Manzanita - both have cute shops, beautiful beaches and nice restaurants. Recommended Hikes / Beach Walks: - Cannon Beach to Haystack Rock (one of the most famous sites on the North coast) - Hug Point - Short Sands Beach (short hike into a beautiful beach) - Ecola State Park Viewpoint - Manzanita Overlook - Crescent Beach
Gearhart: Pacific Way Cafe, McMenamins Sand Trap Pub Seaside: Bell Buoy is a great place to pick up seafood if you’re eating at home. There is also a Safeway here if you're looking to grab groceries for your rental home! Cannon Beach: - Bill’s Tavern (best fish & chips) - Sea Level Bakery (try the savory scone or Blueberry Rosemary scone) - Warren House Tavern - Public Coast Brewery - Pizza a Feta - Bruce’s Candy Kitchen - Shopping: Sesame & Lilies Manzanita: - The Winery at Manzanita - Wauna’s (for breakfast)
Hayley grew up going to Cannon Beach every summer to spend a few weeks at the family beach cabin. It’s now become a favorite spot to visit at all times of the year. If you’ve never been to this part of the world - you’re in for a treat.
- You can have bonfires on the beach. Just be sure to clean up after yourself. - McMenamins Gearhart Golf course is one of the oldest courses West of the Mississippi - Where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean (in Astoria, OR) is considered one of the most dangerous stretches of water in the world. Check out the Maritime Museum in Astoria to learn more. - Lewis & Clark hit the Pacific Ocean in Astoria and spent a bunch of time around these parts.