When the cherry blossoms bloom, it’s time to start planning your warm-weather adventures. The northern Oregon coastline is a magnet for Seattleites looking to unwind with expansive sandy beaches and vibrant sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. Make your base Gearhart, a small town with a quiet stretch of pristine coast. Reserve one of the charming cottages at  Drifthaven at Gearhart, an intimate coastal hotel,  equipped with all you need for your vacation to start right away.

1. Ready to go? No need to overpack: Bicycles, beach chairs, wagons, sand toys, and more are stocked for you at Drifthaven’s Garage. All items are free for guest use. Several of the 12 historic cottages have kitchenettes and all are stocked with grab-and-go snacks, French press coffee makers, bathrobes, and beach towels. Drifthaven delivers freshly baked pastries, fruit, and juice each day for breakfast. Plus, the hotel is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry family members along for the adventure!

2. Sightseeing along the way: On your way to Gearhart, check out the ghostly skeleton of the 1906 Peter Iredale Shipwreck on the beach at Fort Stevens State Park. In nearby Astoria, climb the beautiful column for panoramic views over the Columbia River. Let loose a balsa toy glider from the top and maybe spot a Bald Eagle.

3. Thoughtful touches: When you arrive at Drifthaven, enjoy a complimentary welcome drink. Settle into your cottage, uniquely decorated with a blend of nostalgia and modern amenities. From crackling fireplaces to sumptuous beds, every detail is designed to ensure your comfort. Parking, premium Wi-Fi, and daily cleaning are all included, so no extra charges are tacked on to surprise you.

4. Beautiful broad beaches: Get your supplies from Drifthaven’s Garage and take a short stroll to the beach. The smooth swath of sand is so wide, there is plenty of room to set up your beach camp. Gearhart Beach is known for being prime sand dollar territory. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a whole one still intact. It’s also an ideal beach for kite flying, with lots of room to run.

5. Traditional bonfires: No coastal getaway is complete without sitting around a bonfire. Gearhart Beach allows building a fire as long as you don’t use driftwood. With bonfire kits available at Drifthaven, you can gather around the flames at the cottages’ firepit or on the beach. Make s’mores, look at the stars, and enjoy time together.

6. Go greens: Enjoy walking in Gearhart, either on a trail or on the links. For golf enthusiasts, Gearhart offers the historic Gearhart Golf Links, the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi River. Gearhart Ridge Path is a three-mile loop through back streets and neighborhoods to Necanicum Estuary, where the river meets the ocean.

7. Explore nearby towns: Gearhart's proximity to Seaside and Cannon Beach provides a plethora of restaurants and activities. Feed fish to the sea lions at the Seaside Aquarium or look for tiny octopi in a tidepool at the famous Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach. Browse the art galleries in Cannon Beach and the souvenir shops at Seaside. Enjoy steak, pancake stacks, or fresh seafood at a wide variety of restaurants and brew pubs in the area.

8. Chill at the cottages: Drifthaven’s picturesque garden space includes a terrace, lounge chairs, and picnic tables. There’s even a barbecue grill if you want to cook out. The Garage has supplies for outdoor games and each cottage is stocked with board games for indoor fun. Drifthaven also offers special extras for purchase, like paint-by-numbers sets, kites, or a romance package.

9. Festivals and fireworks: Several special events bring visitors to the area and reservations fill quickly. In 2024, the Cannon Beach Fat Bike Festival will be May 17-19 and the Sandcastle Contest is June 15. In Astoria, Goonies Day is June 7, and the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival is June 21-23. On June 29, it’s Corgi Take Over Day at Seaside. The Fourth of July is celebrated with fireworks over the water all along the coast.

With only 12 cottages available, Drifthaven tends to fill up quickly, especially during the spring and summer months. A special promotion is available right now for 20% off reservations for four nights or more. Don't miss out on your chance to experience coastal luxury at its finest—book early to secure your spot and start planning your ultimate beach getaway today. Check rates today. Your coastal adventure begins here!