Clatsop County on Oregon’s Pacific Coast, just a two-hour bus ride from Portland, is a welcome change from a big city. Walking and biking are popular. Many areas are easy to reach by public transportation. Visitors love the small town atmosphere and how easy it is to walk to most places you need to go.

The towns of Cannon Beach and Seaside, on the Pacific Ocean, are small enough that visitors can walk to the beach, the center of town, and other attractions. Breathtaking views, and something special for every member of the family, make these attractive vacation choices for anyone visiting without a car.

Photo courtesy of Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce.

Getting Here Without a Car

Oregon Coachway Thruway buses, operated for Amtrak, leave the Portland Amtrak station everyday at 9:30 a.m. and 6:20 p.m., arriving in Cannon Beach at 11 a.m. and 7:50 p.m., and Seaside at 11:20 a.m. and 8:10 p.m. The return trip leaves Seaside at 8:40 a.m and 7:30 p.m. Cannon Beach at 8:50 a.m. and 7:45 p.m. and arrives at the Portland Amtrak station at 10:30 a.m and 9:30 p.m. The one-way bus fare is $18.

For reservation, visit www.amtrak.com, or call toll-free (800) USA-RAIL. When making reservations, the station codes are: Portland-PDX, Cannon Beach-CBO. and Seaside-SSO,

(You can also call Coachway direct, toll-free at (800) 442-4106, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday-Friday)

Getting Around After You Arrive

Sunset Empire Transit District (SETD) serves the Clatsop County communities of Astoria, Warrenton, Hammond, Gearhart, Seaside and Cannon Beach. From now until September 30, route 21 serves Cannon Beach 7 days a week from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Route 21 is FREE.

For more information about routes and schedules, visit www.ridethebus.org, or call (503) 861-7433: Extension 410.

Fortunately, for weekend visitors without cars, the Coachway bus stops in Cannon Beach and Seaside are just a short walk from many attractions, places to stay and the beach.

Cannon Beach

Art lovers and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the quiet beauty of Cannon Beach. There are galleries, and performances of musicals, serious drama, and comedies at the Coaster Theatre Playhouse This is a more quiet beach with art galleries, a four-mile beach walk, and a free summer town shuttle bus that takes residents and visitors between the three sections of Cannon Beach: Downtown, Midtown, and Tolovana.

One hotel: the Stephanie Inn (www.stephanie-inn.com, or call toll-free [800] 633-3466 or (503) 436-2221) has its own shuttle for hotel guests. With advance notice, the shuttle can pick you up at the Cannon Beach bus stop, or take guests to Ecola State Park, where hiking trails abound.

For more information about Cannon Beach, visit www.cannonbeach.org, or call (503) 436-1240.

Seaside

Families will enjoy staying in Seaside because of the wide variety of amenities and activities.. Several hotels (such as Shilo Inn, Ocean Inn, and Best Western) are located on the oceanfront.

An affordable choice for visitors without cars is the Seaside International Hostel (www.seasidehostel.net, toll-free (800) 994-0001, or 503/738-7911). The bus from Portland stops (if you request the driver to stop) in front of the Hostel. Both private rooms and dorm facilities are available at affordable rates. From the hostel, the movie theatre and the beach are just a short walk away. The hostel rents kayaks and canoes, and is just a short walk from shops and the beach. When I spoke to one of the managers there, he told me that the hostel has special arrangements {“day rates”) for visitors who want to enjoy their last day there, and then take the bus back to Portland.

Seaside has two miles of walkable beach. Its 1.5-mile long ocean front Promenade is perfect for strollers, joggers and bike riders. The ”Prom“ also gives access to visitors with mobility issues, getting them closer to the beach. The wide sandy beach has a variety of activities. These include low rider beach bikes, beach volleyball, wave watching, sand castle building, kite flying and hot dog roasts. Those young at heart will enjoy the carousel, arcades, miniature golf, bumper cars and boats, tilt-a-twirl, paddle boats and canoes.

Wheel Fun Rentals: 407 South Holladay Drive (www.wheelfunrentals.com/listlocations/64, or call [503] 738-8447), rents bikes, kayaks, and mopeds.

Walk east on Broadway, across the river, and you are in the historic Gilbert District where you can visit several art galleries.

The Seaside Factory Outlet Center, with nearly 30 stores, is located at 1111 Roosevelt Drive (near 12^th Street). More information: www.seasideoutlets.com, or call (503) 717-1633.

For more information about Seaside, visit www.seasideor.com, or call toll-free (888) 306-2326

Send your comments and ideas for future columns to steveatlas45@yahoo.com. Visit Steve’s web site, www.carfreeamerica.org for tips on living or vacationing without a car..

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Pubtrantravel welcomes Steve Atlas founder of carfreeamerica.org as its newest contributing writer.

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