The Ultimate Guide to the Oregon Coast with Kids

Looking for the perfect family beach vacation? Somewhere that is quaint with epic sunsets, great restaurants, charming towns, and amazing outdoors experiences? You are definitely in the right place because you just described a trip to the Oregon Coast! Luckily for you we have been going to the Oregon Coast with kids for the past decade so we can share all of the best kept secrets, hidden beaches, and underrated activities that will make your vacation a smashing success. And all our trial and error will help save you a ton of time planning and researching your trip. You don’t have time for that!

When to go to the Oregon Coast

Our favorite time of year to visit the Oregon Coast is summer. Temperatures are still cool, typically in the 70s, but you are less likely to encounter intense storms or rain. One of the most magical times of year to visit is in September when the days are still long and warm but most kids have gone back to school so you’ll likely have the beaches to yourselves. Fall and winter on the Oregon Coast have their own charm like crisp air and intense winter storms. However, I find summer to be the best time to visit the Oregon Coast with kids. It can be hard to look at the beach but not be able to throw a bathing suit on, grab your shovel, and build a sand castle!

Looking for a more in depth guide to the Oregon Coast season by season? Check out my post on the best time of year to visit the Oregon Coast with kids and what to expect year around.

What to Pack for a trip to the Oregon Coast with Kids

Let’s be honest, one of the least exciting parts of travel with kids is figuring out how to fit all of their gear into a suitcase and then unpacking it when you get home. Even though I consider us to be very light packers, I still spend way too long before each trip playing tetris with shoes and toiletry bags to try to condense us into one suitcase.

Packing for the Oregon Coast with kids can be daunting because of the weather. Even for a summer trip you are going to need layers, rain jackets, and a good pair of hiking shoes or sneakers. You can leave your formal wear at home though, the Oregon Coast is casual!

I’ve shared my favorite things to wear on the Oregon Coast by season, for a summer trip with the kids I recommend:

• Multiple bathing suits so you can swap them out
• Rain pants for kids who like to splash in the shallows but get cold and a wet suit for kids who want to go swimming or surfing
• A hooded sweatshirt for chilly Oregon Coast nights and windy days
• A light rain proof jacket
• Cozy sweatpants
• Beach vacation staples like a shorts and t-shirts
• Thick socks for toasty toes!
• A sun hat to keep your head warm and sun off your face
• Packable beach toys – these are so cool and have been all over the world with us!
• Board games for when you are feeling bored

If traveling when it is colder just increase your layers and ensure to bring wind and rain resistant layers for the kids!

Where to stay on the Oregon Coast with Kids

Picking a home base for your vacation on the Oregon Coast with kids can be daunting! There are just so many charming seaside towns to choose from and they all have their pro’s and con’s. Luckily, many of the charming Oregon Coast beach towns are located within a few hours of each other making it extremely easy to split a week long trip by two destination.

1. Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is one of the most iconic destinations on the Oregon Coast, you’ve probably seen pictures of the famous Haystack Rock online and might not have even realized it! Known for its gorgeous (and massive) stretch of beach and charming main street, Cannon Beach is a dream for families.

• Where to Stay:
  • Hallmark Resort & Spa: Located right on the beach, this resort offers spacious rooms and condos, ideal for families who want to stay close to the action. With amenities like an indoor pool, hot tub, and bonfire setups for s’mores it’s perfect for families with young kids. Read our in depth review of the Hallmark Resort, its one of our favorite places to stay on the Oregon Coast with kids!
  • The Waves: This hotel is just steps from Cannon Beach, with family suites that include kitchenettes, making it easy to prepare your own meals. Families will appreciate the proximity to the beach and downtown Cannon Beach’s shops and restaurants.
• What to Do in Cannon Beach:
  • Haystack Rock: A must-see natural landmark, Haystack Rock is located right off the beach and is a favorite spot for kids to explore. When the tide is low, you can see starfish, crabs, and other marine life in the tidepools around the rock. I recommend spending the day making sand castles in front of Haystock Rock, venturing out to the tidepools and low tide, and then setting up your bonfire and making s’mores while watching the sunset behind Haystock Rock in the evenings. Truly a magical way to spend a day!
  • Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest: If you’re visiting in June, don’t miss the annual Sandcastle Contest. It’s a fun event for families, with impressive sand sculptures, games, and activities for kids.
  • Ecola State Park: A short drive from Cannon Beach, this state park offers miles of hiking trails with breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding forests. The park is perfect for a family nature walk.

2. Depoe Bay

Known as the “Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast,” Depoe Bay is a small, charming town that provides a more laid-back family experience, perfect for families with young kids who want a quieter escape.

• Where to Stay:
  • The Whale Watcher’s Inn: This oceanfront inn offers rooms with beautiful views of the coast and is just minutes away from the Depoe Bay Harbor. It’s an ideal location for whale watching, and families can enjoy watching the whales from their rooms or while walking along the shore.
  • Salishan Coastal Lodge: This expansive lodge features a variety of family accommodations, including suites with separate bedrooms, kitchenettes, and ample space for families. Kids will love the outdoor pool, and parents can enjoy a relaxing spa experience.
• What to Do in Depoe Bay:
  • Whale Watching: Depoe Bay is one of the best places to spot gray whales, and there are many tour companies that offer family-friendly whale watching excursions. From the shoreline or a boat, the kids will be thrilled to spot these massive creatures.
  • Depoe Bay Aquarium: A great stop for families with younger kids, the Depoe Bay Aquarium features hands-on exhibits with tidepool creatures, local fish, and sea life.
  • The Oregon Coast Aquarium: A short drive from Depoe Bay in Newport, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is home to fascinating marine life exhibits, including a sea otter exhibit, touch pools, and a walk-through tunnel with sharks and other sea creatures. I recommend spending at least half a day exploring the Oregon Coast Aquarium – it’s a blast!

3. Newport

Newport is a vibrant coastal town that offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities, along with many accommodation choices.

• Where to Stay:
  • The Allred: The Allred offers a more intimate and comfortable stay, with a range of room options, including suites and family-friendly amenities. Located near the heart of Newport, it provides easy access to the town’s attractions and is just a short drive to the Oregon Coast Aquarium and Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. The Allred is in our top 5 family friendly resorts on the Oregon Coast – you will absolutely love it!
  • Embarcadero Resort Hotel & Marina: Located on the Yaquina Bay, this resort has great family-friendly amenities, including an indoor pool and easy access to walking paths along the bay.
• What to Do in Newport:
  • Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area: A visit to Yaquina Head’s lighthouse is a fun family activity. The lighthouse has a visitor center with educational exhibits, and the area around it is great for exploring tide pools, watching birds, and enjoying the coastal scenery.
  • Oregon Coast Aquarium: This aquarium is a great spot for families. It’s one of the top attractions in the area, with engaging exhibits for kids and educational programs about marine life. You can definitely visit as a day trip from Depoe Bay or nearby Yachats if you want a quieter home base.
  • Ripley’s Believe It or Not!: If your kids love quirky museums, Ripley’s is a fun stop in Newport. It’s packed with oddities, interactive exhibits, and plenty of surprises that will keep children entertained.

4. Bandon

Bandon is a small coastal town known for its dramatic beaches and a perfect place for families who love outdoor adventures. And it’s world famous golf. So don’t come here with an avid golfer if you are hoping to see them for your entire vacation. I’ve learned that the hard way!

• Where to Stay:
  • Bandon Dunes Golf Resort: Although it’s known for its golf courses, the resort also offers comfortable accommodations for families. Families can stay in cottages or lodge rooms, and the resort is located near several scenic beaches.
  • The Sunset Oceanfront Lodging: Located right on the beach, this family-friendly lodging option features spacious rooms, a large pool, and easy access to the nearby beach.
• What to Do in Bandon:
  • Bandon Beach: Bandon’s beaches are a family favorite, with its sea stacks and scenic beauty. Kids will love exploring the shore, hunting for seashells, and enjoying the wide-open spaces.
  • West Coast Game Park Safari: This is a fun stop where kids can get up close with exotic animals such as monkeys, tigers, and goats. The park also has a petting zoo that children will enjoy.
  • Bandon Historical Society Museum: For a more educational stop, visit the Bandon Historical Society Museum, where kids can learn about the history of the town and its surrounding areas.

5. Florence

Florence is a town where adventure meets nature. From its beautiful sand dunes to its charming historic district, Florence is a great destination for families.

• Where to Stay:
  • Best Western Pier Point Inn: Located near the Siuslaw River, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and is close to the beach, the dunes, and the Old Town area.
  • River House Inn: For a more unique experience, this family-owned inn offers rooms with kitchenettes and easy access to the river and nearby nature trails.
• What to Do in Florence:
  • Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: The dunes in Florence are a must-see. Families can rent ATVs or pretend it’s winter and grab a sandboard and try their balance at sandboarding down the dunes. For the less adventurous, you can always grab a normal sled. Just don’t try to bring your own from home, most sleds made for snow won’t work on sand. You can rent a wooden one from vendors along the road as well as wax. This is one of our favorite activities on the Oregon Coast with kids!
  • Siuslaw Pioneer Museum: For families with kids who enjoy history, the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum offers a fun and educational look at the history of Florence.
  • Heceta Head Lighthouse: This lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots on the Oregon Coast. There are hiking trails to the lighthouse that are easy enough for kids, and the views from the top are spectacular. If you opt to skip hiking to the lighthouse you can take a short trek on the Hobbit Trail to one of my favorite secret beaches on the Oregon Coast.

If you are looking for a more in depth guide to the best Oregon Coast beach towns to stay in for families, check out my post for a list of the 15 most family friendly beach towns on the Oregon Coast!

What to do on the Oregon Coast with Kids

The Oregon Coast offers a variety of outdoor activities perfect for families. Whether your kids are into nature, history, or just having fun on the beach, there’s something to keep everyone entertained.

1. Beachcombing and Tidepooling

The beaches along the Oregon Coast are rich with opportunities for kids to explore. At low tide, kids can walk along the shore and discover tidepools filled with starfish, crabs, sea anemones, and other marine creatures. Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach and the tidepools at Bandon Beach are especially popular. I can’t tell you how many star fish my kids have spotted in the tide pools on the Oregon Coast. It’s truly magical and I love how fun and exciting it is each time we find a new sea creature!

2. Biking

Many towns on the Oregon Coast have great bike paths, perfect for families. You can rent bikes and explore the coastline on two wheels, or venture through the nearby forests. The Oregon Coast Bike Route is ideal for an extended family adventure. For a quirkier biking experience, grab one of the sit down beach bikes in Cannon Beach and zip along the beach! You can also rent surrey bikes in Seaside, Oregon which are like little golf carts that you peddle flintstone style. They are such a fun way to explore the coast!

3. Sandboarding

For families with older kids, sandboarding on the Oregon Dunes is a thrilling activity. Just make sure to bring some googles with you! No matter how well we’ve done staying on our sandboard or sled we inevitably end up with a face full of sand.

4. Kayaking

Many coastal towns offer family-friendly kayaking adventures. Paddling along the shores of a bay or river is a peaceful way to enjoy the outdoors and spot wildlife like seals, otters, and birds.

5. Lighthouse Tours

The Oregon Coast has several historic lighthouses, and many of them offer tours. These educational tours are both fun and informative for kids and allow families to learn about maritime history while enjoying spectacular views of the ocean.

6. Fly a Kite

I love visiting the Oregon Coast with kids but oh my gosh is it windy! You’ll likely want to take breaks from beach days in the mid-afternoon when the wind picks up the most. Or you could make the best of it by bringing out some sturdy kites!

7. Go for a Hike

I mentioned Ecola State Park, but the Oregon Coast is dotted with amazing state parks and smaller local trails that will offer you stunning views of the rugged coast, sitka trees, and sunsets. The relaxed vibe and frequently flat trails make it a perfect place to go hiking with young kids.

What to Skip while Visiting the Oregon Coast with Kids

So everywhere has those one or two things that people swear you should do but you walking away shaking your head because it felt like a waste of time and money. The Oregon Coast doesn’t have a ton of those and everyone’s experience is personal but here are some of the things that we’ve done on our trips to the Oregon Coast with kids that just didn’t resonate.

1. Tillamook Creamery

This pains me because I love their ice cream and their cheese but visiting the Tillamook Creamery is just a mess! It is so over crowded with other families on their way to the Oregon Coast with kids and I really don’t need to stand in line for 15 minutes to get a very tiny sample of cheese. I would much rather pay for a nice wine and cheese board and a quaint restaurant. Or buy some Tillamook ice cream from the grocery store and eat it in my hotel room.

2. Sea Lion Caves

The google reviews will prepare you for how loud and smelly the Sea Lion Caves near Florence are but they didn’t prepare us for how underwhelmed we would feel. I mean sure, sea lions are cool, but you’ll likely want to spend all of two minutes in the cave looking at the sea lions. The rest of the time you’ll spend in the small shop which sells rocks for a million dollars. Save your time and money, there are much better things to do on the Oregon Coast with kids.

3. Seaside, Oregon Promenade

This might be an unpopular opinion but when visiting the Oregon Coast with kids, especially if it is your first time, I would recommend skipping Seaside altogether. It is a very popular destination and has great sandy beaches, a promenade (which I found underwhelming), and a ton of hotels. But it feels very built up and commercial compared to other Oregon Coast towns. I personally found Cannon Beach infinitely more charming which enough amenities to be your home base for a full week on the Oregon Coast with kids.

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We really do have a special place in our hearts for vacations to the Oregon Coast with kids! I have such fond memories of both of my kids toddling around the beaches shortly after they learned to walk, hiking with my mother in law before she passed away, and celebrating birthdays during our summer vacations. There is just something special about visiting the Oregon Coast with kids that keeps us coming back year after year!