Best things to see on the Oregon Coast with Kids:

We’ve spent many summers vacationing on the Oregon Coast and it has become one of our favorite destinations. US Route 101 is one of the most scenic roads in America and is a fantastic road trip with kids. The Oregon Coast has the most stunning landscapes… from dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches to charming seaside towns.

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We’ll share our kid’s favorite stops and hidden gems along the Oregon coast, starting in Seaside and heading South to Brookings.

Oregon Coast Tips:

•Visit on a weekday, go early, or visit in the winter for the fewest crowds.

•The weather in Oregon can change quickly year-round. Make sure you pack layers.

•Hotels can book up in advance, especially in the summertime and even more on the weekends. This is the same for Airbnbs and campgrounds, so book in advance if possible.

•The Oregon Coast is the perfect place for picnics. Bring a cooler, blanket, and food.

•Bring beach toys: frisbee, beach balls, kites, etc.

•Head south. The North Coast communities tend to be the most crowded, so head south to the Central or South Coast for less crowds.

•There are so many beautiful beaches along the Oregon Coast. I recommend driving down the 101 and stopping whenever you see a view that you like!

•Consider renting an RV or van on your Oregon Coast vacation. One of our favorite trips on the Oregon Coast was in our RV.

•You are not allowed to pump your gas in Oregon! This took some getting used to. Once you pull up to a pump, you’ll wait for the attendant to come over, swipe your credit card, and pump the gas for you.

•State Park pass: if you plan on visiting a lot of state parks, buy an annual pass for $30 at the first state park you stop at.

•Stay in a Yurt! The Oregon State Parks has yurts available to rent along the coast: Beverly Beach State Park, Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, Devil’s Lake (near Lincoln City), and Fort Stevens State Park.

The best things to see on the Oregon Coast with kids:

Seaside:

Seaside, Oregon, offers plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy with kids.

•Seaside Beach: Spend a day building sandcastles, flying kites, and playing in the waves. It's a great spot for picnics and beach games.

•Seaside Aquarium: Visit the Seaside Aquarium to see a variety of marine life, including seals, sea lions, touch tanks, and interactive exhibits.

•Promenade and Carousel: Take a stroll along the Seaside Promenade, a scenic boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants, and arcades. Ride the historic Seaside Carousel, which features hand-carved animals.

•Arcades and Fun Centers: Enjoy arcade games, bumper cars, and mini-golf at one of Seaside's amusement centers, such as Funland Arcade or Seaside Family Fun Park.

•Captain Kid Amusement Park: Take a few laps in a go-kart or play a round of mini golf.

•Ride bikes along the Seaside Promenade or explore nearby bike trails. Many rental shops offer bikes suitable for kids of all ages, including trailers and child seats.

•Wheel Fun Rentals rents paddle boats, giant water bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, and swan boats.

Cannon Beach:

Cannon Beach is home to the iconic Haystack Rock and a filming location for The Goonies. Take a stroll along the beach, and explore tide pools and marine life.

•The quaint downtown area is lined with art galleries, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, making it a nice place to explore and shop for souvenirs.

•Pelican Brewing is an Oregon Coast staple. They have a kid-friendly menu, featuring fish ‘n chips, flatbreads, and burgers.

•Cannon Beach Bakery offers an excellent selection of goodies, perfect for a snack or dessert. While here, try their famous Haystack Bread, named for the famous Haystack Rock off the beach!

Explore the caves of Hug Point State Park (8 minutes South of Cannon Beach). During low tide, intricate cave formations in Hug Point State Park reveal themselves along the rocky coast. Explore these unseen passageways and prepare to feel like one of the Goonies! You can also check out the small seasonal waterfall that spills onto the beach. The walk is only half a mile one way, depending on how far you choose to go.

Rockaway Beach:

*Eating Tillamook ice cream, Rockaway Big Tree & Cicily’s eating a Pronto Pup and had a little accident!*

•Rockaway Beach is 25 miles south of Cannon Beach and makes a great stop as there are a lot of vacation rentals in this town, and a large beach to explore. Watch a glass-blowing demonstration at one of the local art studios. We found Tillamook ice cream at Sea Breeze on Main Street.

•Take a scenic train ride… The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad runs between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach. Begin your journey in either town, enjoy a 30-minute layover, and then return to your starting point. The train runs daily during the summer months, and only on weekends during the fall. Check their website for times and tickets.

•Eat at The Original Pronto Pup: Your kids will love their corndogs! They have a kiddie pup for $2. Their corndogs have lots of different fillings: Zuchi pup, veggie pup, pickle pup, smoked sausage, spicy pup, and cheesy pups!

•Hike to the Rockaway Big Tree. Just off Highway 101 is a .5-mile trailhead that leads to this massive Western Red Cedar tree. Towering at 154 feet tall and just under 50 feet in circumference around the base, this is one of Oregon's biggest trees and is estimated to be between 800 and 1200 years old.

Garibaldi:

In Garibaldi explore their fishing village and marina.

•Garibaldi Charters will take you out on their boat for fishing, crabbing, and clamming.

•Lewis and Clark guide service can cater a fishing trip for you. Fish for salmon or halibut, etc.

•Visit Sea Baron Fish & Chips food truck in Garibaldi for the best Fish and chips. They serve generous portions and have a covered area with picnic tables.

Tillamook:

•Explore the Tillamook Creamery, where you can learn about cheese-making, sample a variety of cheeses, and indulge in delicious ice cream made with local ingredients. Learn about the region's rich dairy heritage through interactive exhibits and factory tours.

•We love the Recess food truck in Tillamook. After you order your food they give you a pager so you can play corn hole in the grassy picnic area in the back near the picnic tables. The food is fresh and everything we've tried has been delicious!

Three Capes Scenic Route is a picturesque drive along the coast, featuring stunning views of Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, and Cape Meares. Each cape offers hiking trails and viewpoints. Stop at Cape Meares State Park to explore the historic Cape Meares Lighthouse and enjoy panoramic ocean views.

Neskowin:

•The Neskowin Ghost Forest is a fascinating natural phenomenon located near the town of Neskowin on the Oregon coast. It consists of the remnants of an ancient Sitka spruce forest that dates back over 2,000 years. These ancient tree stumps and roots were preserved by sand and mud after being buried by a catastrophic event, likely an earthquake or tsunami. The ghost forest is typically visible at low tide when the sand covering the stumps is exposed. Walk along the beach and marvel at these ancient trees' eerie, weathered remains, which stand as a haunting reminder of the area's geological history.

Lincoln City:

This is one of the larger coastal towns with 7 miles of beach. Lincoln City is known for its glass-blowing community bi-annual kite festivals and of course its fresh seafood!

•We had lunch at Burger 101 in Lincoln City. Super friendly staff, good food and they spelt my name in ketchup on my fries! 👍🏻

Depoe Bay:

•Depoe Bay is a charming coastal town known for its picturesque harbor, and known as the whale-watching capital of the Oregon Coast! Resident whales come close to shore to feed from June to mid-November, giving visitors an excellent chance of spotting them. We took a whale watching boat tour and saw several whales. It was one of the highlights of our trip!

•Just past Depoe Bay is Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint. Get out and stretch your legs, use the restroom, and take a short hike to Whale Cove. They also have some tables here if you want to have a picnic.

Otter Rock:

•Right next to Otter Rock is Devil’s Punchbowl. This natural rock formation looks like a bowl, with an opening at the top. Watch the waves crash in and out of this cave from above.

The Yaquina Head Lighthouse is just North of Newport. Don’t miss this stunning lighthouse. The surrounding area is so gorgeous, it reminded me of Ireland! The rocks just offshore are perfect for birdwatching.

Newport:

Newport is another beautiful coastal town. It's known for its historic bayfront and scenic beaches.

•The Oregon Coast Aquarium was once home to Keiko, the orca that starred in the movie Free Willy, and today it’s one of the most famous aquariums in the US. It offers educational programs, interactive exhibits, and conservation initiatives aimed at promoting marine conservation and awareness. It's a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the marine life of the Pacific Northwest. If you’re traveling with children they will love it!

Coast Park: Our girls loved this park. Their favorite part of the park was the large tube slide which starts at the top of the hill in a pirate’s ship—a great place to spend a few hours with beautiful views of Nye Beach.

The Hobbit Trail is a magical hike along the Pacific coastline. It begins in a lush forest full of Sitka spruce trees and leads to a hidden beach at the foot of coastal cliffs. This one-mile hiking trail is a popular family hike because of its mossy and enchanting landscape.

Haceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint: This lighthouse is one of the most photographed on the coast.

•A half-mile trail to the lighthouse begins in the parking area and passes the lightkeeper’s house on its way up to the lighthouse and viewpoint.

•The ground floor of the lighthouse is open daily.

•Heceta Lighthouse B&B: This was the lightkeeper’s home, perched on a cliff with a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean and the beach below. Paths from the Lightkeeper’s Home lead both to the beach and to the lighthouse. Built-in 1893, the assistant lightkeeper's house is one of the last remaining on the Pacific Coast. Visitors can book a room with ocean views and imagine the life of a lightkeeper.

The Sea Lion Caves are a popular natural attraction located just past Heceta Lighthouse, and north of Florence. The main attraction of the Sea Lion Caves is, of course, the sea lions themselves. Visitors can descend an elevator or take stairs down to a viewing platform inside a large sea cave, where they can observe wild sea lions in their natural habitat. The cave is the largest sea cave in the United States and provides a unique opportunity to see these marine mammals up close. From the observation deck outside enjoy panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and nearby cliffs and views of Heceta Head Lighthouse in the distance.

Florence:

Wander through the Historic Old Town.

Reedsport:

Experience the thrill of riding an ATV or UTV over dunes on the Oregon Coast. Click here to rent an ATV.

Winchester Bay:

A charming coastal community located South of Reedsport. The marina in Winchester Bay is a hub for recreational boating and fishing. It offers boat rentals, moorage, and amenities such as restaurants and shops.

•Umpqua River Lighthouse: This is one of the few lighthouses you can go in, and it still works. The red glass inside is so pretty! Built in 1894, the lighthouse is open to the public for tours, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

•Lake Marie: After our tour, we went to the nearby Lake Marie and walked around while it poured on us. Don't miss a walk along this lake it's so dreamy! 💦

•Umpqua Lighthouse State Park Yurts: Rent a yurt... They have yurt rentals along Lake Marie… Book in advance.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area:

Extends for 40 miles along the Oregon Coast from Florence to Coos Bay. You can explore these dunes either by hiking the scenic trails or renting an ATV. If hiking, start at the Oregon Dunes Day Use Area and take the short trail that leads out to the beach. You can rent an ATV at Spinreel Dune Buggy & ATV Rental. Riding the Oregon Dunes is a rush! The combination of sand, greenery, freshwater lakes, and being able to drive on the beach is one of the most unique Duning environments in the country. The Coos Bay dunes are the largest of the three areas comprising the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area which includes the Florence Dunes to the north as well as the Winchester Bay dunes.

Coos Bay:

*Oregon Coast Historical Railway, Steve Prefontaine mural, Mingus Park*

Begin your journey in the vibrant port city of Coos Bay, known for its bustling waterfront, historic attractions, and scenic beauty. Take a stroll along the boardwalk at the Coos Bay Boardwalk or explore the shops and galleries in the charming Old Town district.

•Box Car Hill Campground in Coos Bay is a great place to camp if you want to enjoy The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. We camped here and were able to ride our SXS from our campsite. The campground has 148 large RV sites, 32 spaces offer full hookups, and 104 spaces provide water & electricity.

•Go crabbing and clamming: Coos Bay is known for its excellent crabbing and clamming opportunities. Rent a boat or join a guided tour to experience this popular coastal pastime.

•Mingus Park & Pool: We love the Japanese Garden at Mingus Park and the trails along the pond. They have a disc golf course, playgrounds, tennis courts, and a community pool.

•Oregon Coast Historical Railway: Vintage railroad and logging equipment are displayed in hopes of preserving an important part of the region’s history. My girls loved the old trains. Admission is free, open Wednesday & Saturdays 11-4.

•On South Broadway Street in Coos Bay, see the larger-than-life two-story-high murals of hometown hero Steve Prefontaine. He was an American long-distance runner who from 1973 to 1975 set American records at every distance from 2,000 to 10,000 meters. He was the first athlete to sign with the Nike Company (for $5,000 in 1974). His life was cut short by a tragic car accident on May 30, 1975.

•Cranberry Sweets & More Factory Store: We enjoyed watching the factory workers and Cicily loved all of the free samples placed around the store!

Take a scenic drive to Shore Acres State Park, just southwest of Coos Bay:

•Sunset Bay State Park: We love Sunset Bay! This beach is very shallow and great for kids. Cicily spent hours digging in the sand for clams and was fascinated with the tide pools. Great Bay for watching the sunset.

•Shore Acres State Park: This was once the home of a lumber magnate. There is a garden full of plants and flowers from all over the world. We went on a tour and learned more about the Simpson family. This is also a great place to see lights during the Christmas season. After visiting the garden we took the path to Simpson Beach. Beautiful... don't miss it if you’re in the area. Cicily had fun climbing on all the rocks!

•Stop at the Cape Arago Lighthouse View Point.

•Cape Argo State Park: The endless views and waves at Cape Arago are some of the best attractions in Coos Bay. We saw sea lions, shorebirds, and harbor seals. Spectacular views along the walking paths.

Charleston:

Make a detour to the charming fishing village of Charleston, where you can indulge in fresh seafood at local restaurants, visit the Charleston Marine Life Center to learn about marine conservation or embark on a scenic boat tour of Coos Bay and its surrounding estuaries.

Bandon:

Bandon is known for its charming Old Town district, scenic beaches, world-premier golf courses, and iconic sea stacks.

•Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint: One of the highlights of the viewpoint is Face Rock itself, a large sea stack that resembles a human face when viewed from certain angles. Other notable sea stacks in the area include Elephant Rock and Cat and Kittens Rocks, adding to the scenic appeal of the coastline.

•Circles in the Sand: See labyrinths in the sand at Face Rock Viewpoint in Bandon. Click here for the schedule.

West Coast Game Park Safari: This is America's largest wild animal petting zoo! My girls love feeding the animals… Don’t miss it if you are traveling with children. It was a hit! We got to feed the free-roaming deer, goats, sheep, llamas, and donkeys. The highlight was petting a Siberian baby bear, lynx, skunk, and raccoon. We always stop when we’re driving by!

Cape Blanco Lighthouse:

The Cape Blanco Lighthouse is located on the southern Oregon coast near Port Orford. It was originally built to guide ships along the treacherous coastline and remains an important navigational aid to this day. Take a guided tour of the lighthouse, which includes climbing the spiral staircase to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. The tours provide insights into the history of the lighthouse and the lives of the keepers who once maintained it. In addition to visiting the lighthouse, visitors to Cape Blanco can explore the surrounding Cape Blanco State Park, which offers hiking trails, picnic areas, scenic viewpoints, and a campground.

Prehistoric Gardens:

This is a popular destination for families, with activities such as scavenger hunts, interactive exhibits, and photo opportunities with the dinosaurs. Kids can let their imaginations run wild as they explore the dinosaur-filled landscape. Prehistoric Gardens features a collection of life-sized, fiberglass dinosaur replicas set amidst lush, tropical gardens. Wander along a winding trail through the forest to encounter dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex, Stegosaurus, and Triceratops, and learn about the history of dinosaurs, their habitats, behaviors, and extinction through informative signage and displays throughout the gardens.

Gold Beach:

*Jerry’s Rogue Jets- Cicily loved getting splashed!*💦

•Jerry's Rogue Jets offers thrilling jet boat tours along the Rogue River in southern Oregon. They offer a variety of scenic tours that take you through the spectacular Rogue River canyon, showcasing the beauty of Oregon's rugged wilderness. Decedents of the original Rogue River mailmen, Jerry's Jets continues mail delivery service to the town of Agness, Oregon. They've been doing this since 1895. The pump jets allow the boats to travel at high speeds in water as shallow as 6 inches as they navigate through narrow canyons and rapids of the Rogue River. You'll cruise past towering cliffs, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls while learning about the area's natural and cultural history. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the riverbanks, including bald eagles, osprey, otters, and occasionally black bears. We saw a deer crossing the river right in front of us. They run jet boat trips daily from May 1st through October 15th. They have four different jet tours that last anywhere from 2-6 hours. Jerry’s Rogue Jets tours are suitable for all ages, making it a great activity for families, groups, and solo travelers.

•Spot a shipwreck! The wreck of the Mary D. Hume is just offshore at the mouth of the Rogue River and much of it is still exposed, so it’s cool to see while you’re in Gold Beach. The ship was built in 1881 in Gold Beach and was used commercially for 97 years before being retired and later sunk.

*Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor-* *The Natural Bridges Viewpoint*

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor: This is the crown jewel on the Oregon Coast! This State Park is a twelve-mile scenic corridor that boasts some of the most dramatic coastal landscapes on Earth.

•After leaving Gold Beach our first stop was Arch Rock, the first major attraction we encountered along the scenic corridor. A half-mile path leads to an overlook that features unobstructed views of Arch Rock.

•Secret Beach is an unmarked gem nestled among the towering rock formations of the Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor. It is a highlight of the state park and one of the Oregon Coast’s most photogenic spots. The pullout to Secret Beach lies near mile marker 345, about a quarter mile north of the Natural Bridges Viewpoint. Since it is an unmarked and unofficial attraction, it is easy to miss.

•The Natural Bridges Viewpoint (mile marker 345.8) is the most noteworthy stop on the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Unlike Secret Beach, it is easier to find. The popular attraction features a series of wave-sculpted natural bridges that rest inside a picturesque cove. Its viewing platform lies a few feet away from the start of the trailhead. It provides a breathtaking snapshot of the seven sea arches that frame the cove’s azure waters.

•At a mile long, Whaleshead Beach is the longest beach in the Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor. It has a picnic area, amazing views, three small streams, and wildflowers! Whaleshead Beach is easily accessible from a parking lot near milepost 349.

Brookings:

Visit Railroad St. Market & Deli for the BEST sandwiches! We love the Maui Wowie with pineapple and Grilled cheese popper with cream cheese!

What to pack for your Oregon Coast road trip:

•Layers: The coast can be cold even in the summer

•Raincoat/umbrella

•Bring shoes that can get wet & good hiking shoes

•Beenie

•Gloves

•Insulated socks

•Binoculars

•Camera

•Picnic blanket

•Cooler

•Sunscreen

•Sunglasses

•Battery pack

•Beach Toys