Natural wonders surround Warrenton, which sits on a peninsula crowned by Fort Stevens State Park. The fort was originally constructed during the Civil War era, and now functions solely as a military museum. One of the park's must-see sites is the beached Peter Iredale shipwreck, dating from 1906. Just to the southwest of Warrenton, Sunset Beach offers miles of uncrowded shoreline ready for beach combing, kite flying, sandcastle building, and, of course, some beautiful sunset views. On the river side of Warrenton to the east, fishing charters and guided boat tours of the Columbia are popular ways to pass the time.

For dining and entertainment, most of the livelier options are found in nearby Astoria or Seaside. but Warrenton does offer a highly regarded sports bar/pizza pub. For those who prefer to cook, the Warrenton Deep Sea Crab & Fish Market is a hidden gem; local fishermen consider it one of the best spots to buy fresh seafood on the Oregon Coast.

Warrenton makes for a great home base, with some of the Northern Oregon Coast's most popular tourist destinations reached in less than an hour. The historical sites (and breweries) of Astoria are just ten minutes away; heading south, the popular Promenade at Seaside and shopping in Cannon Beach can be reached in under half an hour; and the white sands of Long Beach, WA is only thirty minutes north. Portland is just under two hours away, and Seattleites love Warrenton's three-hour proximity for weekend getaways. Though close to shopping, dining, historic sites, and picturesque beaches, Warrenton offers a less-crowded alternative to the numerous surrounding towns.