Step into a world where the rugged coastline meets culinary delights, where every twist and turn reveals a new adventure awaiting your family’s eager exploration. Welcome to the enchanting realm of the Oregon Coast inviting families with teens to come and discover a realm of adventure and flavor leading to an unforgettable family getaway.
As you journey along the Oregon Coast, prepare to be mesmerized by its rocky shorelines and feel the salty breeze caress your skin as you embark on a sensory voyage. This is an outdoor playground for unforgettable family adventures. With an abundance of campsites and home rentals dotting the coastline, you’re invited to embark on an extended road trip filled with laughter, exploration, and cherished memories.
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Venture deeper into the heart of the Oregon Coast, and you’ll uncover a treasure trove of history spanning thousands of years. From ancient indigenous settlements to storied lighthouses standing sentinel along the shore, each landmark serves as a testament to the rich tapestry of human experience woven into the very fabric of the landscape. Let the history of the Beaver State captivate your imagination and enrich your family’s vacation with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the past.
Indulge your taste buds in the coastal fare for which Oregon is celebrated. Delight in succulent clams, delectable crabs, and luscious berries, all while sipping on the state’s renowned craft beers. Each meal becomes a celebration of the region’s bountiful harvest and culinary artistry, promising to tantalize even the most discerning palate.
Pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and set sail for the Oregon Coast—a destination where family bonds are strengthened, culinary delights abound, and adventure awaits at every turn. Your journey begins here, amidst the splendor of nature’s grandeur and the warmth of cherished moments shared with those you hold dear.
Before You Go
Before you pack up your car and head west, create a vacation plan with your kids. This will help you get more adventure out of life when on the Oregon Coast, as your children will naturally gravitate toward fun activities like sandboarding and white water rafting. This can help you get out of your comfort zone when on vacation and lead to serious personal growth.
If you are flying, your best airport options when visiting the Oregon coastal towns are Portland International Airport (PDX) and Eugene Airport (EUG). From there, you can rent a car.
Spending a few days or weeks (if you are able) exploring the Oregon Coast is the perfect way to get your kids outside and build interest in adventure-based activities like hiking and surfing.
The Oregon Coast is spectacular, but it isn’t a theme park. Before you go, it’s important to set expectations with your kids. To avoid disappointment, you’ll need to make sure that your children understand that this vacation is as much about learning and sightseeing as it is about mountain biking and backpacking.
As a parent, you’ll need to set aside some time to learn more about the destination. Consider looking up typical weather for the time of year and find out if there are any festivals or fairs at the time. Don’t forget to pack layers for changing weather conditions – it’s not uncommon to experience rain even on sunny days along the coast. And if you’re planning on hiking or spending time outdoors, be sure to bring appropriate footwear and protective gear.
Travel Tip: I always recommend getting your children involved in the planning process. Let them research and choose a few activities or attractions that they are interested in. This will not only make them more excited about the trip, but also help them learn valuable skills like budgeting and time management.
While traveling along the coast, your internet connectivity may also be sporadic. Luckily, you can get Internet in your car if it is a newer model by selecting Wi-Fi from the connections menu. You may want to opt for a rental car with this feature so your kids can stay entertained by watching videos or playing Internet games while you travel in the Pacific Northwest.
Best Time to Visit Oregon Coast
When planning a visit to the Oregon Coast, it’s essential to consider the best times to ensure an enjoyable experience. The ideal time to visit the Oregon Coast is during the summer months, from June to August. This period offers pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, beachcombing, and exploring the coastal towns. Additionally, summer brings longer daylight hours, allowing for more time to soak in the stunning coastal views and enjoy the various attractions along the coast.
Related: Uncover Best 85 Summer Destinations For A Memorable Trip with Teens
If you prefer to avoid crowds and higher accommodation prices, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (September to October). During these times, the weather is still relatively favorable, with fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months.
Spring brings blooming wildflowers and migrating gray whales, while fall offers beautiful foliage colors and the opportunity to witness the annual salmon runs in the coastal rivers.
Related: Discover 35 of the Very Best Spring Break Destinations for Families This Year
Winter, from November to March, is the off-peak season along the Oregon Coast. While the weather may be cooler and wetter during this time, it can also be a magical experience for those who enjoy storm watching and cozying up by the fireplace in a seaside cabin. Just be prepared for the possibility of rainy days and plan indoor activities such as visiting local museums, breweries, or indulging in fresh seafood at coastal restaurants.
Regardless of the season you choose to visit, each time of year along the Oregon Coast has its unique charm and attractions to offer visitors. From sunny beach days in the summer to stormy coastal scenes in the winter, the Oregon Coast is a year-round destination waiting to be explored and enjoyed.
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Oregon Coast Getaways For Your Family
When it comes to traveling with your family, Oregon is full of wonder and natural beauty. For families with teens looking to explore the coastal area in this state, here are a few Oregon coast getaways and attractions to check out.
Astoria
Astoria is the proverbial jewel in the Oregon Coast’s crown. A historic coastal city, Astoria boasts dozens of museums, science experiences, and forts. It also has strong ties to the natural world, as the forest extends right up to the sea. This is ideal if your family enjoys a range of activities, as you can easily appease kids who love action and education.
The city also hosts the Oregon Film Museum, as movies like The Goonies, Free Willy, and Into the Wild were shot in Astoria. A trip to the Film Museum is perfect for any cinema lovers in your crew, as you’ll learn plenty about the movies that have become part of the cultural fabric of America.
You can spend an entire week sightseeing in Astoria, too. If you do decide to set aside some time for tours and tourism, be sure to plan a trip to the Astoria Column. The Column, which was finished in 1926, is a monument to the Great Northern Railway and marks the end of many long trailheads. It also features meaningful artwork that tells a chronological story of the history of Oregon.
Where to Stay in Astoria, Oregon
For families traveling to Astoria, there are plenty of options for accommodations that cater specifically to children. Here are four recommended places to stay with kids when visiting this charming coastal town:
1. Fort Stevens State Park Campground: Located within the Fort Stevens State Park, a short twenty-minute drive from Astoria, this family-friendly campground offers a range of camping options from tent sites to full hook-up RV sites. Kids will love exploring the park’s historic military fort and bike trails, and parents can relax in the scenic surroundings.
2. Bowline Hotel: This boutique hotel is situated right on the Columbia River, providing beautiful views for guests. The hotel offers special amenities including barrel saunas (my favorite part) and craft beverages,
3. Riverwalk Inn: Located in the heart of downtown Astoria, this hotel offers easy access to all the main attractions in town including the downtown trolley. This budget-friendly lodging option offers families spacious rooms with bunk beds or suites, some with kitchenettes for added convenience. The hotel has scenic views of the marina.
4. Cannery Pier Hotel: This historic hotel is located on a pier over the Columbia River and offers stunning views of the river and surrounding scenery. It also has a heated indoor pool, hot tub, and complimentary continental breakfast for guests. Families can book spacious suites with bunk beds for kids.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is situated forty minutes south of Astoria. It’s a cultural hub for art and artists and boasts some seriously impressive natural formations. This makes it the ideal location if your kids have a passion for painting or poetry, as they’re sure to be inspired by notable visiting artists and writers like Terry Brooks and the Spring Unveiling Art Festival.
Cannon Beach is home to Haystack Rock, too. This incredible natural formation is amongst Oregon’s most notable natural wonders. It is a basalt sea stack that towers an impressive 235ft above the shoreline. It’s the ideal spot for nature lovers, as you can sign your family up for the Haystack Rock Awareness Program and gain guided access to the rock. If you aren’t able to snag a tour, you can also enjoy the rest of the coastline on this easy hike.
Some other hikes near Cannon Beach that you might be interested in include:
- Rockaway Big Tree Trailhead, located 36 minutes away, which ends in a 154-foot tall cedar tree;
- Nehalem Split Trail, a four-mile long hike between the Pacific Ocean and Nehalem Bay, alternating between pines and sea;
- Ecola Creek, which offers a variety of forested hikes along the creekbed through old-growth forests.
The coastline at Cannon Beach is the perfect place to introduce children to seafood. It’s part of the North Coast Food Trail and boasts plenty of crabs, clams, and chowders. Cannon Beach also supports local breweries, meaning you can find a beverage to suit your palate while you unwind after a busy day of sightseeing with the kids.
Where to Stay in Cannon Beach, Oregon
There are plenty of options for accommodations in Cannon Beach that cater specifically to families. Here are the recommended places to stay with kids when visiting the area:
1. The Ocean Lodge: Located right on the beach, this family-friendly lodge offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a free continental breakfast. It’s a short walk to Haystack Rock too. The rooms are spacious and feature cozy fireplaces, perfect for roasting marshmallows with the little ones.
2. Tolovana Inn: With direct access to the beach and an indoor pool, the Tolovana Inn is a great budget-friendly choice for families. The suites include full kitchens and plenty of space for everyone to spread out.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
The Oregon Dunes are easily overlooked when planning a trip to the coast. However, the Dunes are far more than miles of sand. You can sign your family up for a guided walking tour to learn more about the formation of the Dunes, or you can explore more action-packed ways to see the miles of mountain-like dune complexes.
If your kids are a little older, sign up for a dune-buggy tour. Dune buggies are the perfect way to see more of the area, as you’ll be able to climb the hills of driven sand that much quicker when on four wheels.
Alternatively, you can try sandboarding as a family. Sand Master Park is situated 30 minutes north of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and brings a sense of action to the naturally-formed sandy hills. Sand Master Park is one of the world’s premiere dune riding locations and offers a range of beginner, intermediate, and advanced hills for everyone to enjoy.
Whale Watching in Depoe Bay
Visiting the coastline is a great way to reconnect with nature and unwind while taking in the ocean views. However, unless you’re willing to go scuba diving, you may miss the incredible marine biology that calls the Oregon Coast home – unless you choose to visit during whale watching season.
Depoe Bay is the best place to go for whale watching, as it is considered the “Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast”. From here, you can take a charter or tour boat out to sea and witness magnificent gray whales migrate up and down the coast. The peak season for whale watching in Depoe Bay is winter and spring, but some tours are available year-round.
During your visit, make sure to also explore the town of Depoe Bay itself. It is known for its charming shops and restaurants, as well as being home to the smallest navigable harbor in the world.
Prime time for whale watching is early summer through mid-autumn, especially if you want to see the gray whales who call the coast home. While you can opt to sign up for a whale watching tour and see these amazing creatures by boat, there are other opportunities to see them from the shore.
You can see migrating whales in March and December by going to the beach and participating in one of Oregon State Parks’ whale watch weeks, where volunteers are stationed at fifteen points along the coastline to provide free educational programs to interested visitors.
When you go whale watching, make sure to bring some binoculars and a camera – you never know when you might spot a majestic creature breaching the water. And don’t forget to dress warmly as the Oregon Coast can get chilly even in the summer months.
Aside from whales, there is also a diverse array of marine life that can be seen on the Oregon Coast including sea lions, seals, dolphins, and various species of birds. Observing these animals in their natural habitat can be both educational and awe-inspiring.
Tunnel Beach near Oceanside, Oregon
Tunnel Beach is a popular spot for tide pooling, where visitors can get up close and personal with sea creatures such as starfish, crabs, and anemones. Many locals know this place as a great spot for rock hunting for agates and other treasures.This beach is also home to a manmade tunnel on the north end of Oceanside Beach. Carved through the base of Maxwell Point, this tunnel leads to a scenic coastline.
A favorite activity at Tunnel Beach is watching the sunset from the top of the cliffs. The expansive ocean views and colorful skies make for an unforgettable experience.
And just a short drive away is the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, which features interactive exhibits and educational programs about the ocean and its inhabitants.
Oregon Coast Aquarium
If you are not able to visit the Oregon coast during whale watching season, there are other ways to experience the beautiful wildlife that this area of the country offers.
The Aquarium itself hosts otters, octopi, sharks, stingrays, seals, and more. Some animals are housed within specially made exhibits, while others make their home outdoors in larger pens. The Aquarium specializes in rehabilitation and enrichment, too, meaning the animals you see are well-taken care of when they arrive at the center.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium also hosts programs and events. This is perfect if your kid has a budding interest in marine biology. Guest speakers offer an extra level of insight that captures the imagination and brings the field of study to life. You can even book animal encounters with some of the wildlife, meaning you and your kids can interact with octopus and jellyfish in safety.
Foods to Try While In Oregon
When it comes to culinary delights, there are a few Oregonian specialties that you simply cannot miss. Oregon offers a diverse and delicious dining experience for all taste buds.
One of the most iconic dishes in Oregon is the Portland-style pizza, also known as “Portland pie”. This unique take on traditional pizza features a thick crust with toppings piled high, often including local favorites like hazelnuts and marionberries. It’s a must-try for any visitor looking to immerse themselves in the local food scene.
But pizza isn’t the only must-have dish in Oregon. Another popular choice is the Dungeness crab, which can be found fresh at seafood markets and restaurants throughout the state. Known for its sweet and delicate flavor, this succulent crab is often served steamed or in dishes like crab cakes and chowder.
For those with a sweet tooth, Oregon has plenty to offer as well. The state is famous for its marionberries, a type of blackberry that is native to the Pacific Northwest. These juicy berries are often used in pies, jams, and other desserts, making them a staple in many Oregonian kitchens.
And no visit to Oregon would be complete without indulging in some local craft beer. With over 280 breweries throughout the state, there’s no shortage of options for beer lovers. Whether you prefer an IPA or a stout, there’s sure to be a brew that will satisfy your taste buds.
The Oregon Coast is a treat for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. In a single day, you can journey from the rich cultural hub of Astoria to the arid dunes of Florence. There are plenty of guided tours and educational experiences available too if you really want to delve into the area’s history and ecology.
The rugged coastline offers stunning views and hidden coves waiting to be explored. And with miles of sandy beaches, there’s no shortage of places to relax and soak up some sun. This makes the coastline the perfect place for a low-stress family adventure that places a premium on fun, action, and learning. Spend the day or a whole week along the coast, and you’ll see why so many families return year after year.
For more family destination ideas, read more about:
- Exploring The Seven Natural Wonders of Oregon as a Family
- 5 of The Best Hikes in Oregon
- Make Summer Memories at Idaho’s Silverwood Theme Park
- 35 of the Very Best Spring Break Destinations for Families This Year
- Uncover Best 85 Summer Destinations For A Memorable Trip with Teens
- Set Sail for Family Fun! Discover the Most Popular Cruise Lines for Families
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