Things to do in Seattle, Astoria, BC & Alaska - Montana Owners Club

Driftwoodgal · 03-04-2009, 02:50 AM

We will be on a land and cruise trip in less than 60 days. Hubby has been working non stop since hurrican Dolly hit in South Padre.I want to make the most of this vacation. My computer time is limited as he is either on it working, or the wifi in the campground won't let me get on line for long. I would appreciate any suggestions from all of you that have been to the following places. We will stay two nights in Seattle, Vancouver and San Francisco. The other places we will be on the cruise ship and will only be able to do a day trip.

San Francisco
Astoria, OR
Seattle, WA
Ketchikan, AK
Juneau, AK
Skagway, AK
Icy Strait Point, AK
Sitka, AK
Prince Rupert, BC
Victoria, BC
Vancouver, BC

Thanks for your replies everyone. We will not be in our truck or RV, this is a cruise.

Colleen

ChuckandKathy · 03-04-2009, 03:24 AM

In Seattle you need to go to the Pike Place Market. It is an out door market with local vendors that sell anything from fruit to hand made jewlery. It is fun and very interesting. If you have time I would do the underground tour in Seattle and make sure you eat at Ivars at the Pier, ( if you like fish). We lived in Wa. for 23 years and we are moving back there in May. Have fun,

barbwaines · 03-04-2009, 03:44 AM

Hi, when you get to Vancouver, take time to go up to Grouse Mtn. A wonderful view and gondola ride. If you don't have a vehicle, there are bus tours available. In Victoria, view the inner harbour and parliament buildings. If you're into gardens, Butchart is beautiful. Have a great holiday!

Yamaha_Mama · 03-04-2009, 04:42 AM

We just took a great trip in that area last fall. It was a wonderful. In Seattle, we took the Duck Tour...that was a kick. Don't forget the Space Needle. It is quite beautiful at sunset. Victoria was also great fun. High tea at the Empress was a treat. We also enjoyed our journey to and from Vancouver Island on the ferries. Hard to imagine getting these big RV's onto a boat...but what an experience. The ride through the San Juan Islands was beautiful. So much to see. Enjoy!!

sfretts · 03-04-2009, 07:07 AM

Hi,

Astoria, OR has alot to do. If I were on a limited time schedule, plan on Fort Stevens State park. It is an old gun battery that guarded the Columbia river Bar. It is a fascinating place with all the bunkers and history if your into that sort of stuff.

Also, the Astoria Maritime museum is a must see. It has so much history about the Columbia river Bar. Good stuff again if you like that kind of stuff.

Long Beach is 20 minutes north in WA. It is a beautiful long ocean beach to relax and enjoy. The city of Long Beach is fun to walk around in. Lots of shops and stuff to do.

Seaside, OR is about twenty minutes south and has outlet stores, a boardwalk, shops and fun stuff to do on the beach. You will not have enough time to do all the things we have to offer in this area.

Enjoy

Steve

wswebster · 03-04-2009, 07:45 AM

In Skagway, AK the White Pass train is a must. Enjoy your trip. Stacy

Capt Kidd · 03-04-2009, 12:49 PM

In Seattle go to the Space Needle, 13 Coins restuarant, Ivars acre of clams at the warff (sp). In Victoria go to Dunsmuirs castle, the Natural History Museum. In San Fracisco go to the Exporatorium, The Old Sausage Factory resturant, Coit Tower, Peir 39, Alkatras (sp) if you have time.

Sounds like a great trip have mucho fun.

Driftwoodgal · 03-05-2009, 01:42 AM

Thanks guys and gals, please keep the suggestions coming. We have a whale watch planned in Juneau any other suggestions as a great place to see wildlife?

sfretts,

Astoria is one of the places that we are renting a car. Ft Stevens is on my list as a possible place to visit. How long would you say it would take for you to go drive there and see that? We will be seeing lots of museums, do you think this is really good? Just wondering if the coast line would be more important? Well, important isn't the right word. I am just trying to get hit the highlights in a short period of time. 8 AM to 4 PM that day. Have you been to Tilmook Cheese Factory? People that we possibly are renting a car with want to go there. I am not sure if it is that big of a must see. I could care less about going into tons of shops for just another T shirt. Your information is wonderful.

For those that have been in the Space Needle? How long does it take to get up there, and was it worth the $15 or so they charge.

Has anyone been to Bullock Locks in Seattle?

Has anyone used the public transportation in these ports?

Colleen

exav8tr · 03-05-2009, 02:40 AM

In San Francisco, you will see plenty if you just visit the Pier area, Pier 39 is great, Fishermans Wharf, Ripley Believe it or Not, Ghiradelli Square, (The best chocolate in the world, my opinion). Lombard St is the Crookedest (sp, word?) anyway it is very crooked, street in the world. You would need a car to visit this st. Haight & Ashbury district seems unchanged since the 60's (birthplace of the hippy movement, I lived there for a short time in 1966, (what a trip) then went into the Air Force) In Juneau, you must have a drink at the Red Dog Saloon. We really enjoyed the old houses of Astoria. Enjoy your trip...

adelmoll · 03-05-2009, 11:56 AM

Hi Colleen, Here is a link to our travels to Alaska that include a lot of what you want to see:

http://www.mytripjournal.com/MTJ/Web...1.503.0.11.1.0

Hope it helps.

Helen

Capt Kidd · 03-05-2009, 12:43 PM

I have been to the Tilmook Cheese Factory and it is alright but really more a tourist attration than anything else in my opinion.

There is really neat blimp hanger at an old blimp base that is really cool. I've forgotten the name but I think it was close by to Tilimook.

exav8tr · 03-05-2009, 12:55 PM

I think the Tillamook factory is a "must see" IF you are in the area. Loved the Cheese and Ice Cream......The blimp hangar is there also. It is the largest totally wooden building in the US. They used to house the US Army Signal Corps blimps that patrolled the west coast during the WWII. They have a neat cafe there and aeronautical displays, plus you can rent a ride in a biplane if you've a mind to. We stayed down the road for a week and had a great time in the area. When we first pulled into town we wondered why so much manuer smell then it dawned on us DUH, the Tillamook factory is near and there is a lot of cattle in the area.....

Driftwoodgal · 03-06-2009, 01:29 AM

Thanks everyone for your repleys.

We are having to decided if we want to share a car, with another couple, in Tilmook. They want to see the chesse factory and the air museum that is there.

Phil, since you were in the area for a week, what esle did you do when you were there?

Helen, I am checking out your thread right after this post....thanks.

Any other must do in these ports? Please give me the good, the bad, and the ugly. Also it would be nice to know about the free stuff?

Did anyone buy the discount coupon booklet in Seattle from AAA and is it worth it? For those that have been up in the Space Needle, is it worth $15???? I hate heights, so will I regret going up?

Colleen

exav8tr · 03-06-2009, 03:07 AM

Coleen, We were with my Sister, BIL and her daughter and SIL. We went up and down 101 and as I recall we went to Cape Mears Lighthouse, Oceanside beach, Cape Kiwanda and Rockaway Beach. Oregon coast is a little different then Calif. We did a lot of eating at Mo's seafood places, great seafood, and did a lot of Starbucks. I also took a helicopter ride from Tillamook over the coast, many years of flying myself but first time in a helicopter, FUN. The Astoria Column has breathtaking views. We traveled from Newport up the 101 to Astoria then into Portland and down into Bend Oregon. Great trip!!!!

JLeach · 03-07-2009, 03:26 PM

Hi Colleen...saw you on the golf course yesterday, hope you had a good round!

I would definitely recommend taking a segway tour of San Francisco. A friend and I did that last October. They teach you how to ride/operate one (takes about 30 minutes) then they take you on a guided tour. We're planning on going on the "advanced" tour this October, they take you down Lombard St. the "crookedest" street. Would be happy to share tour information if you're interested.

Jan

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