Ultimate Oregon Coast Indoor Activity Guide

There's A Good Chance You'll Experience a Rainy Day When Visiting the Oregon Coast!

It's what makes our rugged coastline so lushly green - and popular! So what's there to do on rainy days at the coast? You've come to the right place. I've had lots of experience of our coastal rainy days from birth to adulthood. Follow along for the inside scoop!

Astoria Oregon Indoor Activities:

Astoria Oregon is known for it's moody, rainy weather, which only adds to the charm of this oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. You might remember that the Lewis & Clark Expedition spent the winter in the Astoria area before heading back home. In 1818 New York businessman John Jacob Aster sent fur traders here and established Fort Astoria. You'll find lots to do in the town at the northwestern corner of Oregon.

Astoria Oregon Where the Mighty Columbia River and Pacific Ocean Meet

Columbia River Maritime Museum - One of the best maritime museums on the west coast. If you love shipwrecks, Coast Guard heroics, and the treacherous ship eating Columbia River bar, you'll enjoy this stop. You can even jump onboard a retired pilot boat!
Oregon Film Museum - Calling all Goonies fans! Did you know many other films were shot in this gem of a town? Located in the old county jail, this museum highlights movies filmed in Oregon. You can even act in your own short film!
Fort George Brewery - Have you heard that Oregon is craft beer heaven? Head to Fort George Brewery to escape the rain with a cozy atmosphere, great craft beer, and yummy wood fired pizza.
Astoria Column - If the rain is a drizzle, not a downpour, you'll find a misty view of the Columbia River. Built in 1926, it was commissioned by the Great Northern Railway and Vincent Astor in commemoration of the city's partnership in the history of the Astor Family Business.
Flavel House Museum - Step into Astoria's past in this beautifully restored Victorian home. If you love history and architecture, you'll enjoy the Flavel House.
Street 14 Cafe or Coffee Girl - Hey! We in the Pacific Northwest love our coffee. We adore it. We're addicted to it. We especially love hanging out in charming coffee shops with cozy atmospheres, like Coffee Girl. Located in an old local cannery, the great waterfront setting is definitely a plus!
Bookstores and Vintage Shops - Astoria has lots of each! Our favorite is Astoria Vintage Hardware. Be careful - you'll spend all afternoon poking around this enchanting shop!

Seaside Oregon Indoor Activities

We think of Seaside Oregon as the Coney Island of the Oregon Coast. The boardwalk, game arcades, and bike powered surreys and deuce coupes rolling along the streets reminds one of times gone by. Grab a corndog or fresh saltwater taffy, and have some fun!

Seaside Aquarium - One of the oldest aquariums on the west coast, this small but charming aquarium lets guests feed seals, get close to local marine life, and learn about the critters, big and small, in of our area of the Pacific Ocean.
Funland Arcade - A classic beach town arcade with pinball, skeetball, air hockey and much more. Perfect for some indoor fun!
Seaside Brewing Company - Cozy up with a pint of craft beer and some pub food at his local brewery housed in a historic former jail!
Promenade Stroll (With Umbrella) - If you don't mind some drizzle, walking along Seaside's famous Promenade "the Prom" - Seaside's boardwalk - can be a peaceful experience, with dramatic ocean views and little to no crowds.
Carousel Mall - A small shopping spot with a working carousel, independent local shops, bumper cars and putt putt golf, and other fun rides. Grab some homemade saltwater taffy or fudge and prepare for some fun!
Seaside Museum & Historical Society - Find out about Seaside's past, from early Native American History to its transformation to a popular coastal vacation destination.
Seaside Cinema and Times Theater and Public House - Enjoy the latest great movie on a rainy Oregon Coast day. The Times Theater and Public House also serve goodies for your movie experience!

Cannon Beach Oregon Indoor Activities

You're probably familiar with the most famous Cannon Beach attraction - Haystack Rock. But there's lots more to do and see at one of the Oregon Coast's most popular destination.

Rainy Day Activities in Cannon Beach Oregon

Explore Local Art Galleries - Cannon Beach is known for the love of their vibrant arts community. Visiting local galleries allows you to explore local, diverse artworks and perhaps find a perfect treasure to take home. Icefire Glassworks features live glassblowing demonstrations and glassworks shop. At Jeffrey Hull Gallery you'll find watercolors and oil paintings that capture the beauty of the Oregon Coast. White Bird Gallery features creative local arts crafts, large and small.
Cannon Beach History Center and Museum - Jump into the rich history of Cannon Beach and Arch Cape through artifacts, recorded oral histories, and more. Admission is free.
The Coaster Theater - Enjoy live theater in a historic setting. The Coaster Theater, originally a roller rink from the 1920s, now hosts various plays and events throughout the year.
Sample Local Cuisine - Rainy days provide the perfect excuse to savor the culinary delights of Cannon Beach. The Wayfarer Restaurant and Lounge offers perfect views of Haystack Rock and, to the delight of many, is renowned for their "excellent bacon"! Bill's Tavern is a beloved Cannon Beach institution, featuring their own craft beers and home made rootbeer. They also have family seating, and outdoor tables for those with pets. Anna's Table is an upscale restaurant featuring locally sourced artisan dishes.
Cannon Beach Escape Room - Challenge your problem-solving skills where groups of two to ten people have under 60 minutes to discover hidden gems, round up clues, and solve puzzles to escape themed rooms.
Shopping, Shopping, Shopping - Cannon Beach is known for their local, independent shops, and there's a lot of them!

Manzanita and Rockaway Beach Oregon Indoor Activities

Those in area know Manzanita, Nehalem, and Wheeler Oregon are known as the Tri-Cities. However I'm adding in Rockaway beach to this list. It's just a short drive away! In Manzanita and Rockaway Beach there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy while staying dry. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or a taste of local culture, these charming small coastal towns have something for everyone!

Explore Local Shops and Boutiques - In Manzanita, check out Finnesterre for unique home goods and jewelry. Unfurl has fun casual wear for women and men. Cloud and Leaf Bookstore has a curated selection featuring local authors. Four Paws on the Beach has everything you could want for your pup or kitty. In Nehalem, check out Wild Coast Goods for locally made art and gifts. North Coast Mudworks offers both a pottery shop and lessons. Revival is a vintage spot with home decor, records, and vintage clothing. Wheeler is known for their vintage shops. Try Wheeler Station Antiques and Wheeler Treasures. In Rockaway Beach, stop at Little Crow Gift Shop for their large selection of gifts, Warehouse 10 for vintage treasures, and Flamingo Jim's to experience this iconic old time coastal gift shop.
Take a Spa Day or Yoga Class - Manzanita has several offerings. Spa Manzanita is always a guest favorite destination for pampering. Pauseful Massage & Botanicals offers various massage and bodywork techniques. Yoga Roots is a favored spot for Manzanita residents. Sea Dream yoga studio is in nearby Nehalem, and Graceful Waves Studio is in Wheeler featuring various forms of bodywork.
Warm Up at a Cafe or Bakery - Bundle up for a walk on the beach (leave the umbrellas at home. They don't work here!). Afterwards, stop at one of our yummy cafe's or bakeries for a scrumptious bite to eat. In Manzanita, try the Offshore Grill and Coffee House, Yolk for breakfasts, or The Big Wave Cafe. Wanda's Cafe in Nehalem is a tourist destination for terrific home baked goods or breakfasts and lunches. Handy Creek Bakery and Cafe in Wheeler serves breakfasts and lunches, in addition to fresh baked goods and down the road, The Roost offers baked pastries along with good coffee! Beach Bakeshop in Rockaway beach features breakfast, pastries, and hand pies, while Tie Breaker and Grumpy's Cafe both serve breakfast and lunches.
Visit a Brewery or Winery or Wine Bar - The Winery at Manzanita enjoy their small batch wines and nibbles, while at MacGregor's Whisky Bar you'll find a cozy spot with an extensive selection of whiskies, wines, and craft cocktails. San Dune Pub has a good selection of local beers. Or stop in at Dixie's Vino to find a great bottle of local wine to enjoy back at your place. Nehalem Bay Winery is the sixth oldest winery in Oregon, and offers a stellar view while sampling their wines. Coming soon to Manzanita is Portland based Steeplejack Brewing. They'll feature a new brewpub, arcade, and ice cream shop.

Tillamook Oregon Indoor Activities

More Coming Soon! Stay tuned ...

Want to visit some of the other family fun beach areas?

Check out these best beaches in Oregon for kids. Or take a hike to get a great view of the famed Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Maybe visit Arch Cape or Hug Point beaches.

Happy Oregon Rainy Day everyone ~

Interested in staying at our very rainy beach friendly, oceanfront Manzanita rentals with great views? Contact us for information about vacationing on the beautiful Manzanita Oregon.

The Houses On Manzanita Beach