Top 10 Things to do in Manzanita oregon with Kids
Looking for the perfect family friendly Oregon Coast destination that will allow you to reconnect with your kids, nature, and yourself? Welcome to Manzanita Oregon with kids — a serene slice of the Oregon Coast that seamlessly blends natural wonder, outdoor adventure, and small‑town charm. After numerous trips to the Oregon Coast with kids we stumbled upon Manzanita through a friend’s recommendation and we are so glad we did! This tiny beach town has a reputation for being the best spot on the Oregon Coast for family vacations for good reason. I can’t wait to tell you all of the reasons why we love it!
How to get to Manzanita Oregon?
Manzanita is a quaint coastal village situated on the northern Oregon Coast in Tillamook County, just over 90 miles (about a 1 hour and 45 minute drive) west of Portland via Highways 26 and 101. This convenient location makes it ideal for family getaways from Portland. If you aren’t local, it’s really easy to fly into Portland International Airport, grab a rental car, and go. That’s what we do! Towering above the town is Neahkahnie Mountain, while Manzanita Beach stretches a sweeping seven miles along the Pacific—one of the longest sandy stretches on the Oregon Coast.
Best Time of year to Visit Manzanita Oregon with Kids?
The best time for family adventures in Manzanita is between June and October, when the weather tends to be milder and rainfall less frequent. However, the shoulder seasons—spring and early fall—offer their own quiet beauty: lush green forests, dramatic skies, and fewer visitors, perfect for families craving peace and cozy vibes.
If you want more details on the best times of year to visit the Oregon Coast in general, check out my guide.
Where to Stay in Manzanita Oregon with Kids?
Manzanita is a small town. What it lacks in lodging it more than makes up for in charm. That does, however, mean there are limited options when looking at lodging in Manzanita and it is best to book quite early. You won’t find a luxury resort or many of the typical family friendly amenities in Manzanita. We typically rent a 2-3 bedroom rental through VRBO or AirBnB. If you have room in the budget splurge for something within walking distance to town and beach to make your vacation that much easier.
Where to eat in Manzanita Oregon with Kids
Eating out with kids is no joke! Definitely take advantage of a fully equipped vacation rental and do as much cooking as you can. Manzanita is a small town and while the restaurants are fantastic they are prone to long waits which can get exhausting with young kids real fast. We found ourselves doing a ton of to-go pizzas and peanut butter sandwiches during our first visit. Now we know to stock the kitchen on the first day!
1. Yolk
My favorite breakfast cafe in Manzanita! This one definitely leaves up to my warning about wait times. During the summer, the wait at Yolk can be upwards of an hour if you don’t time your visit right. This stylish and relaxed daytime eatery offer all‑day breakfast and lunch. Famous for lemon ricotta pancakes, cheesy shrimp-and-grits, and house‑made corned beef Reuben sandwiches. I wish I could say I had a favorite dish but truly everything there is delicious!
2. Big Wave Café
A charming seafood spot serving fresh, locally sourced seafood, steaks, and burgers. A farm‑to‑table and boat‑to‑table philosophy shines through dishes like clam chowder, fish & chips, and marionberry pie. Plenty of gluten‑free, vegan, and vegetarian options make it easy for kids with dietary needs.
3. Marzano’s Pizza Pie
No trip to Manzanita Oregon with kids is complete without a dinner at Marzano’s Pizza Pie. Or in our case many dinners! Perfect for a relaxed “pizza night.” Their wood‑fired pies feature fresh daily dough, flavorful sauces, and creative toppings. Gluten‑free options available. Great for families who want something simple and satisfying. Make sure you call early for your to-go pizza. Wait times at Marzano’s can exceed an hour during peak season so we tend to call right when they open and reheat when we are ready to eat.
4. Manzanita Coffee Co. / News & Espresso
For lighter fare or a quick pick‑me‑up, head to Manzanita Coffee Co. This duo serves excellent coffee, pastries, bagels, and even ice cream. Great for breakfast on the go or a mid‑morning snack before beach time. Their smoked salmon bagels are to die for! We typically grab a coffee here while we wait for our table at Yolk.
5. Wild Grocery & Cafe
An organic café offering coffee, fresh juices, sandwiches, wraps, and pastries—with plenty of vegan and gluten‑free options. A smart choice for families seeking healthy, local ingredients.
What to do in Manzanita Oregon with Kids
1. Play and Explore on Manzanita Beach
Manzanita Beach invites families to stretch out on its expansive seven-mile sandy shore—a perfect spot for building sandcastles, flying kites, or chasing waves. Kids can roam freely, spotting shells, driftwood, and maybe even crabs at low tide—it’s ideal for imaginative play. With gentle surf and plenty of space to spread out, parents can relax while keeping a watchful eye on little adventurers. In the evenings, you can setup a bonfire and make s’mores while enjoying the epic sunsets!
2. Discover Tide Pools at Short Sand Beach (Oswald West State Park)
Tucked inside Oswald West State Park, the trail to Short Sand Beach (affectionately “Shorty’s”) is easy to moderate—around a half-mile walk through forest before reaching a secluded cove. Here, tide pools reveal starfish, sea anemones, hermit crabs, and other marine life, offering a hands-on mini ocean experience for kids. Exploring at low tide is best—just be cautious of slippery rocks and incoming tides to keep little tide-poolers safe
Short Sand Beach isn’t just one of the best beaches near Manzanita, it is one of the best beaches on the Oregon Coast. If you are looking for more hidden gems, check out my list of the best beaches on the Oregon Coast to visit with kids.
3. Go Horseback Riding Along the Coast
One of our favorite things to do near Manzanita Oregon with kids, is go on a horseback ride! For a truly memorable experience, head to Oregon Beach Rides, which offers guided horseback rides suited to all ages—even miniature horses for younger riders. You can choose from a 1-hour ride (half-hour on the beach, half-hour in dunes) or a 2-hour ride encompassing a full hour on the beach. These rides are beautiful and the guides are great with young kids.
4. Kayaking and Paddleboarding Adventures
Paddle through peaceful waters with local outfitters like SUP Manzanita or Kayak Tillamook, offering lessons, guided tours, and rentals for families. A popular route—from Roy Creek boat ramp to Nehalem City docks—spans about 6.5 miles and takes 3–5 hours, perfect for intermediate beginners, with chances to paddle alongside harbor seals and observe birdlife. This one might be best for older kids or experience kayakers, my younger one (5 years old) can’t last in a kayak more than an 1-2.
5. Experience Crabbing Adventures
Kelly’s Brighton Marina is the place to go for a family-friendly crabbing outing. Whether you prefer crabbing from a dock or joining a guided boat trip, their crew ensures a fun time—and they’ll even cook and clean your catch right then if you wish! It’s both educational—kids learn about marine ecosystems—and delicious when you feast on fresh crab.
6. Enjoy a Round at Manzanita Links Golf Course
Nestled between forest and ocean, Manzanita Links offers an easy and picturesque nine-hole round that’s accessible for families and newbie golfers. The course is welcoming—with online contact-free check-in and special “Thank You Thursdays,” offering a $20 nine-hole round for educators, healthcare workers, and public employees. The views are as much the draw as the game—the perfect place for enjoying golden hour while having some fun with your kids!
7. Stroll and Shop Along Laneda Avenue
Laneda Avenue is the charming heart of Manzanita—lined with delightful local shops, cozy cafés, and family-friendly finds. Pop into Cloud & Leaf Bookstore for storytime picks, Toylandia for board games, or Four Paws to spoil the family pet. I know it sounds absolutely crazy but my kids enjoyed shopping in the pet store even though we don’t have a pet as much as they like Toylandia. Everything was so cute and thoughtful and my younger kiddo had his heart set on a squeaky toy to throw around the beach!
8. Bike or Rent Fun Gear at Bahama Mama’s (Manzanita Bikes & Boards)
No visit to Manzanita Oregon with kids would be complete with out a stop at Bahama Mama’s—also known as Manzanita Bikes & Boards—to rent fat-tire bikes, beach cruisers, boogie boards, kites, and more, making family outings a breeze. Kids can zoom along the shoreline or pedal through nearby trails, while boogie boards let them ride the gentle waves. Everything can be rented by the hour, day, or week, perfect for customizing around your vacation schedule. Just be warned, if you are thinking of boogie boarding make sure to bring a wet suit. The ocean is chilly – brrrrrr!
9. Visit Nehalem Bay State Park
Just a few miles south, Nehalem Bay State Park boasts day-use areas, a campground, trails, dunes, and abundant wildlife like deer, elk, and birds. Families can bike or stroll on easy trails, fish or crab off the shoreline, or enjoy ranger-led interpretive programs in summer. One of my favorite things to do is let the kids play hide and seek in the sand dunes. Talk about a great way to ensure yourself a nice afternoon nap!
10. Hike Neahkahnie Mountain for Panoramic Views
Definitely the most adventurous recommendation near Manzanita Oregon with kids! For families looking for a challenge, try the South Neahkahnie Mountain Trail. It is a compact yet scenic option: a 3.4-mile loop with approximately 1,066 ft elevation gain, taking around 1h 30m–2h depending on pace. The ascent is shaded and steep but rewards with sweeping views of Nehalem Bay and the Pacific—worth every step AllTrails.com.
Alternatively, the North Neahkahnie Mountain Trail, an out-and-back hike of 4.2 miles with 1,223 ft elevation gain, takes around 2h 30m round-trip. It passes through forested switchbacks before delivering a breathtaking vista of the coast, town of Manzanita, and surrounding bay.
By the time we went on our first trip to Manzanita Oregon with kids, I was already head over heels in love with the Oregon Coast. And I was sure I couldn’t possibly love it any more than I already did. Then Manzanita came along and blew my mind! The 7-mile stretch of golden sand, charming main street, and quaint vacation rentals made Manzanita the perfect homebase for our family trips to the Oregon Coast. It really is hard to imagine a more family friendly town!
