Oregon Coast Itinerary with Kids: A Complete 1-Week Guide for Families
For families who love to travel, finding the right balance between adventure and relaxation can be a challenge. Parenting on the road often feels like just parenting in a new setting—but a well-planned trip should feel like a true vacation for everyone. Enter the Oregon Coast, our favorite destination for hiking, beach bumming, and spending quality time together as a family. We developed this Oregon Coast itinerary with kids after dozen of family trips over the course of 10 years (OMG I am getting old!). It’s the perfect itinerary if you’ve never been to the Oregon Coast and are looking to hit the highlights or have been a dozen times and are looking for something new. I promise, after years of exploring, I know the best hidden gems on the coast!
We’ll cover everything you need to know: the best time to visit, what makes the Oregon coast different from other beach destinations, how to choose the right towns to stay in, and a carefully curated 1-week Oregon coast itinerary with kids that combines Cannon Beach and Yachats for the ultimate family adventure.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Oregon Coast?
The Oregon coast is beautiful year-round, but timing matters depending on your family’s travel style.
- Summer (June–August): Warmest weather, plenty of sunshine, and all attractions open. This is peak season, which means higher hotel rates and more crowded beaches, especially in Cannon Beach and Seaside. If your family thrives in lively atmospheres and you want the best chance for sunny beach days, summer is ideal.
- Fall (September–October): Our personal favorite season. The weather is still pleasant, crowds thin out, and sunsets are spectacular. September in particular is perfect for an Oregon coast itinerary with kids because the tide pools are still accessible, and restaurants are less busy. If you have flexibility with school schedules, I highly recommend you consider an early fall trip!
- Winter (November–February): Storm season. If your family loves cozying up in luxury resorts with fireplaces while watching dramatic waves crash outside, winter can be magical. Whale watching peaks in December and January, but keep in mind rain is frequent.
- Spring (March–May): Wildflowers bloom, baby seals appear on the beaches, and migrating gray whales return north. Weather can be mixed, but families looking for quieter adventures will find plenty to love. Just make sure you bring plenty of layers!
For most families, late summer to early fall is the sweet spot: great weather, fewer crowds, and all activities available. If you want to know what to pack for the Oregon Coast by season check out our guide.
Which part of the Coast Should I pick?
Stretching more than 360 miles from Astoria at the northern tip to Brookings near the California border, the Oregon coast is one of the most stunning and family-friendly destinations in the U.S. Think dramatic cliffs, wide sandy beaches, charming seaside towns, tide pools bursting with sea life, and an abundance of cozy (or luxurious) places to stay. Unlike many coastal regions, Oregon has preserved public access to all its beaches, meaning every stretch of sand is open for you and your children to explore.
While the Oregon coast is a continuous stretch of beauty, the northern and southern regions feel quite different.
- Northern Oregon Coast:
- Easier to reach from Portland (2-hour drive).
- Home to famous towns like Cannon Beach, Seaside, and Manzanita.
- Best for families who want dramatic coastlines, luxury resorts, and lots of kid-friendly activities.
- Excellent tide pools, short hikes, and a mix of fine dining and casual seafood shacks.
- Southern Oregon Coast:
- Closer to California, around 5–6 hours from Portland.
- Known for rugged cliffs, fewer crowds, and hidden coves.
- Highlights include Bandon, Gold Beach, and Brookings.
- Great for adventurous families who want more seclusion and are willing to drive farther.
- If you have a golfer in the family, the Southern Oregon Coast is a no-brainer.
Both coasts are stunning, but for families flying into Portland and looking for a mix of convenience, luxury, and iconic Oregon scenery, we recommend focusing on the northern Oregon coast. That’s why our Oregon coast itinerary with kids highlights Cannon Beach and then takes you south to Yachats, creating a blend of both regions without too much driving. If you have kids who do great on long road trips, know that I am incredibly jealous of you. We max out around 4 hours so sticking to the northern Oregon Coast is perfect for our family.
Where to Start Your Oregon Coast Road Trip
The best jumping-off point is Portland International Airport (PDX). It’s consistently ranked as one of the best airports in the U.S., and it’s easy to navigate with kids. From Portland:
- Cannon Beach is about a 1 hour 45-minute drive.
- Yachats is about a 3.5-hour drive.
Renting a car at the airport is essential. The drive to the coast is part of the adventure, with scenic highways, forests, and rivers along the way. If your kids need a break, stop at Camp 18 Restaurant in Elsie (about halfway to Cannon Beach), which doubles as a logging museum with giant cinnamon rolls.
How to Pick Where to Stay: Best Oregon Coast Towns for Families
One of the hardest parts of planning an Oregon coast itinerary with kids is deciding where to stay. Each town has its own personality, so here’s a guide to the best family-friendly beach towns. We tried them all and they all have something unique to offer!
1. Cannon Beach
- Why stay here: Iconic Haystack Rock, luxury resorts, excellent dining, and upscale boutiques. Perfect for families who want the classic Oregon coast experience. Tide pooling here is world-class.
- Best for: Families who value comfort, walkable beaches, and a mix of kid-friendly activities and refined dining.
2. Seaside
- Why stay here: Old-school boardwalk vibe with an aquarium, bumper cars, arcades, and bike rentals.
- Best for: Families with younger kids who want a lively, entertainment-focused destination.
3. Manzanita
- Why stay here: Quieter, more low-key than Cannon Beach but still gorgeous. The wide, flat beach is ideal for sandcastle building.
- Best for: Families who love a slower pace and boutique accommodations.
4. Rockaway Beach
- Why stay here: Seven miles of sandy beach and a historic steam train ride.
- Best for: Families with train-loving kids or those seeking less touristy options.
5. Newport
- Why stay here: The Oregon Coast Aquarium, Yaquina Head Lighthouse, and bustling harbor.
- Best for: Families who want educational activities, wildlife viewing, and great seafood.
6. Yachats
- Why stay here: Wild, rugged beauty with dramatic cliffs, tide pools, and fewer crowds.
- Best for: Families who want a mix of outdoor exploration and cozy, luxury lodges.
7. Bandon (optional for longer trips)
- Why stay here: Striking rock formations, horseback riding on the beach, and charming Old Town.
- Best for: Families willing to drive farther south for unique scenery.
If you want more details on the best beach towns on the Oregon Coast, check out our full guide. You can’t go wrong with any beach town home base. My personal recommendation is to try a few over the course of your travels and figure out which town suits your family’s travel style best. There are some we won’t be back to (sorry, Seaside) and others we keep coming back to year over year (hi, Yachats).
1 Week Oregon Coast Itinerary with Kids
This Oregon coast itinerary with kids combines the best of Cannon Beach and Yachats, balancing iconic highlights with hidden gems. This was the first road trip we took on the Oregon Coast with our kids and over the years I’ve perfected it. We’ve included specific directions, where to park, and where to eat so you don’t have to plan a thing.
Day 1: Portland to Cannon Beach
Camp 18 Restaurant
Our tradition whenever we head to the Oregon Coast is stopping at Camp 18, about halfway between Portland and Cannon Beach. It’s part logging museum, part diner, and all charm.
We order the legendary cinnamon roll (massive, sticky, and about the size of a toddler’s head), plus eggs and bacon for the kids. While waiting, we wander outside to look at the old sawmill equipment scattered across the grounds.
- Cost: Cinnamon roll ~$8, breakfast entrées $12–18.
- Drive: ~1 hour from Portland, then ~45 minutes to Cannon Beach.
- Pro Tip: Share the cinnamon roll. Trust me.
where we stay: Hallmark Resort
I can’t recommend the Hallmark Resort enough. We’ve stayed here numerous times over the years and it never disappoints. Situated on the beach right in front of Haystack Rock, the Hallmark Resort is located in the perfect place for you to enjoy everything that Cannon Beach has to offer. Our favorite activity is the private bonfire they’ll set up for you right on the beach. They’ll do all the work and bring down lounge chairs, s’mores kits, and blankets so you just have to show up and enjoy sunset! Read more about the Hallmark Resort and why love it so much in our full review.
Day 2: Cannon Beach — Tide Pools & Trails
Haystack Rock Tide Pools
No Oregon Coast itinerary with kids would be complete without a day spent at Haystack Rock. Haystack Rock is probably the most iconic sight on the Oregon Coast, and at low tide it becomes a living science lab for kids. Walk out to the rock before the start of low tide, or if you are feeling particularly adventurous grab a beach bike and pedal out to the rock. It’s definitely the more exciting way to get to the tide pools!
My kids’ favorite activity is competing to see who can find the most starfish in a tide pool session. By the end of the day, my littlest kid is willing to call anything a starfish to beat his sister. I don’t think we’ve ever really spotted more than 10-20 but that is still pretty fantastic!
- Cost: Free.
- Parking: Lot at the end of Gower Ave (free, but fills fast). Just stay at Hallmark so you can walk out!
- Pro Tip: Check tide charts in advance — arriving at high tide means you’ll miss the magic. Make sure you head out before low tide. You want to be there as the tide goes out and its easy to underestimate how long walking out to Haystack Rock will take on little legs that want to explore the beach.
Crescent Beach Trail, Ecola State Park
Just like Haystack Rock, no Oregon Coast itinerary with kids would be complete without a hike in Ecola State Park. Today you are knocking out two of the most iconic things to do on the Oregon Coast with kids! This short, kid-friendly hike through old-growth forest descends to a stunning hidden beach. The views coupled with the perfect beach will win over even the most hard to please hikers. My kids have officially hiked all over the world and the Oregon Coast is still home to some of their favorite trails. I personally think its the beaches as the end. Hard to beach that!
- Cost: $5 state park fee.
- Distance: 5–10 minutes from Cannon Beach.
- Pro Tip: Wear sturdy shoes — the trail can be muddy, especially after rain.
Pelican Brewing
After a day outside, dinner at Pelican Brewing is the perfect casual dinner spot. Make sure to request a table outside or near the windows so you can enjoy sunset. And get there early!
- Cost: Entrées $15–20, kids’ meals ~$8, beers ~$8.
- Pro Tip: Go early (5 pm) to avoid the evening rush.
Day 3: Day Trip to Seaside
Seaside Aquarium
This small, retro aquarium is all about the seals. For a few dollars, kids can feed them fish, and the seals slap the water and bark with excitement. Kids are guaranteed to find this hilarious! For the sake of of full transparency, the Seaside Aquarium is one of those things I think is fun to say you did and checked off your list but then it is done. One visit is definitely enough. So if you are short on time or are a person who values more outdoor time when traveling, I’d recommend skipping this stop.
- Cost: $7/adult, $5/kid.
- Drive: 15 minutes north of Cannon Beach.
- Pro Tip: Bring hand sanitizer — fish feeding is messy fun.
Surrey Bike Ride on the Promenade
Post aquarium, rent a surrey bike and bike along the promenade. Surrey bikes are the ones that look like benches and the whole family pedals together. It’s basically a disaster with little kids and you will end up doing all of the hard work with a lot of extra weight but it is so fun! Seriously, we rent surrey bikes whenever we can on vacation and have always had a blast. And you get to see a lot of the town!
- Cost: ~$20/hour.
- Pro Tip: Rent for just an hour — it’s plenty for little legs.
Lunch at Mo’s Chowder House
No Seaside trip is complete without clam chowder at Mo’s. Grab a window table, watch people fly kites outside, and dig into steaming bowls of chowder with sourdough bread.
- Cost: Chowder ~$10, kids’ meals ~$7.
- Pro Tip: Order a cup, not a bowl — servings are huge.
Dinner Back in Cannon Beach: Castaways
This tiny spot serves Caribbean-inspired seafood. We had jerk salmon tacos while the kids devoured coconut shrimp. A little spice, a lot of flavor.
- Cost: Entrées $14–20.
- Pro Tip: Reservations recommended — it’s small and popular.
Day 4: Tillamook Day Trip
Tillamook Creamery
Any good Oregon Coast itinerary with kids is going to include a trip to the Tillamook Creamery. The Creamery is part museum, part cheese factory, and part ice cream heaven. We watched cheddar blocks roll down conveyor belts, then dug into Marionberry ice cream. But there is a catch, the Tillamook Creamery gets crowded. I must have waited in a line 15-25 people deep to get my little sample of (delicious) cheese. I definitely recommend you go early in the day or on a weekday to try to beat the crowds. Or just make sure you go with a good attitude and a lot of patience.
- Cost: Free admission, scoops ~$4, cheese curds ~$3.
- Drive: 1 hour from Cannon Beach.
- Pro Tip: Go early to beat bus tour crowds.
Cape Meares Lighthouse & Octopus Tree
Just a few minutes’ drive from Tillamook is Cape Meares. The lighthouse is short (perfect for little legs to climb), and the Octopus Tree is one of the strangest natural wonders we’ve seen — massive branches twisting like tentacles.
- Cost: Free.
- Pro Tip: The short walk to the Octopus Tree is stroller-friendly.
Dinner at Stephanie Inn (Splurge)
This was our “date night with kids.” White tablecloths, sunset views, and a surprisingly kid-friendly menu!
- Cost: Entrées $30–40, kids’ meals ~$12.
- Pro Tip: Call ahead for kid’s menu options — they’ll happily accommodate.
Day 5: Cannon Beach → Newport → Yachats
Oregon Coast Aquarium
This is the crown jewel for kids on the coast. The shark tunnel, sea otters, and jellyfish tanks are mesmerizing. But if you get bored there is always the Rogue Brewery down the street!
- Cost: $25/adult, $20/kid (ages 3–12).
- Drive: 1.5 hours from Cannon Beach, 45 minutes from Yachats.
- Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday morning — weekends get packed.
Newport Historic Bayfront
After the aquarium, walk along the Newport bayfront and soak in the small town charm before heading on to Yachats.
- Cost: Free to walk, snacks ~$5–10.
- Pro Tip: Park in the public lot at the west end of Bay Blvd.
Where we stay: Overleaf Lodge, Yachats
Check into Overleaf Lodge by late afternoon. This is one of our most stayed at properties on the Oregon Coast because we love the cottage rentals. They are perfect for multigenerational or larger family vacations with multiple bedrooms, a living room, and kitchen so you can really spread out. Read more about our stays at the Overleaf and why we think it is one of the best hotels ever.
- Cost: $250–350/night.
- Pro Tip: Book a year in advance!
Day 6: Yachats & Cape Perpetua
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Five minutes from Yachats, this is where the Oregon Coast shows off. Hike the Captain Cook Trail and spend time admiring the Devil’s Churn and Thor’s Well. Kids will love watching the water as it bubbles up like a fountain.
- Cost: Free.
- Pro Tip: Go at high tide for the most dramatic views.
Picnic from Bread & Roses
Grab bread, sandwiches, and more pastries than you should reasonably eat and then head to Yachats State Park for a quiet afternoon watching the waves roll in.
- Cost: Sandwiches ~$8, cookies ~$3.
- Pro Tip: Bring a picnic blanket — seating is limited at the park.
Dinner at Ona Restaurant & Lounge
Upscale but welcoming. Parents can seafood risotto while the kids share roasted chicken and fries. Dessert is the real show stopper. We love the chocolate cake!
- Cost: Entrées $25–35.
- Pro Tip: Make reservations — this is Yachats’ nicest spot.
Day 7: Yachats to Portland
You’ll want to leave yourself ample time today to head back to the airport. The drive to Portland International Airport is ~3.5 hours. We usually budget a minimum of 6 hours for stops, returning the rental car, and getting to the airport with enough time to check bags and get through security.
Today might end your Oregon Coast adventure but I bet you’ll be back!
This isn’t just a Oregon coast itinerary with kids; it’s an invitation— to find joy in lazy days and reclaim the word vacation as a time you genuinely rest. From Cannon Beach’s charming main street to Yachats’s rugged coast, each moment is curated, but it will feel effortless. I’ve never felt so recharged as I do after a trip to the Oregon Coast. As a mom with a demanding career, I can’t tell you how invaluable that is.
It’s time to start building core memories with your family – go book that Oregon Coast adventure!
Short on time? Consider our 3 day Cannon Beach itinerary instead.
