Looking for the best things to do on the North Oregon Coast with kids? Our family has spent more than twenty years exploring this stretch of Oregon with our six children, and we keep coming back.
The North Oregon Coast packs an incredible amount of family adventure into a relatively short stretch of Highway 101. You can climb around a shipwreck, feed seals, search tide pools, walk among old-growth trees, sample cheese, hunt agates, watch dory boats launch from the sand, and finish the day around a beach fire.
In this guide, we’re sharing 35 of our favorite kid-friendly stops from Astoria to Pacific City. Some are famous Oregon Coast landmarks. Others are quieter places that our kids still talk about.
Use this list to plan a single day, choose a family-friendly home base, or build a full North Oregon Coast road trip.
What are the best things to do on the North Oregon Coast with kids?
Short on time? Some of our family’s favorite North Oregon Coast stops are Fort Stevens State Park, the Seaside Promenade and Aquarium, Haystack Rock, Short Sand Beach, the Rockaway Big Tree Trail, Tillamook Creamery, Cape Meares, and Cape Kiwanda.
Astoria is our pick for history and rainy-day attractions. Cannon Beach and Oswald West State Park offer some of the best scenery. Rockaway Beach works well for families looking for a quieter beach-town experience, while Pacific City is our favorite laid-back family beach town.
North Oregon Coast at a Glance
North Oregon Coast at a Glance
Not sure where to start? This quick guide compares the best North Oregon Coast areas for families and highlights our favorite stop in each region.
| Area | Best for families who love… | Our top pick |
|---|---|---|
| Astoria | History, ships, museums, wildlife, and rainy-day activities | Fort Stevens State Park |
| Seaside | Easy beach days, classic family attractions, and lots of amenities | Seaside Beach & Promenade |
| Cannon Beach | Scenery, tide pools, hiking, and easy nature outings | Haystack Rock |
| Rockaway Beach | Quieter beach-town fun, hiking, beachcombing, and quirky stops | Rockaway Big Tree Trail |
| Tillamook | Food, aviation, wildlife, scenic drives, and hands-on attractions | Tillamook Creamery |
| Pacific City | Beach time, dunes, wildlife, and relaxed family adventures | Cape Kiwanda |
How to Use this Post
We’ve grouped each of our stops on the North Oregon Coast by city region. Choose the city you would like to explore, and we’ll tell you the best kid-friendly places in that area.
You can also journey along the North Coast from North to South, by simply reading this article from beginning to end. Let’s start with Oregon’s northernmost city, Astoria.
Table of Contents
Astoria: Where Oregon Began
Astoria is the King of the Coast. This historic city is situated at the mouth of the Columbia River and is rich in beauty, culture, and lore. You can find all kinds of curiosities here, from ancient Chinook culture to the Goonies, from shipwrecks to giant rhododendrons.
Astoria is a prime location for exploring Northern Oregon. The city sits beside the Oregon/Washington border, right where the Columbia River meets the Coast. Little wonder, then, that Astoria offers more sites than any other place on our list.
For full details on all the family-friendly sites Astoria has to offer, check out our blog post with over 20 best spots for families in Astoria. We also have a quick day trip itinerary for Astoria with kids.
Map of Astoria, Oregon
#1. The Astoria Column
Get a bird’s-eye view of the Columbia River, Astoria, and the surrounding region at the Astoria Column. This monumental tower portrays the history of American exploration and settlement in the region.
A nearby monument remembers Chief Comcomly, a Lower Chinook leader who was instrumental in the peaceful and prosperous development of the region. He provided inestimable service to the Hudson Bay Company by piloting its boats over the treacherous Columbia River bar.
Don’t miss this! The gift shop sells inexpensive balsa wood planes to fly from the top!
I also recommend picking up one of their comfy ball-caps. Take a moment to ask the docent about the elusive treasure hidden on the hill where the monument now stands.
#2. Columbia River Maritime Museum
Countless ships have met their end at the mouth of the Columbia and its surrounding coastline. You can explore “the Graveyard of the Pacific” at one of Oregon’s finest museums.
The Columbia River Maritime Museum features the maritime history of the Columbia River and the Oregon coast. This museum pays special tribute to two groups of heroes.
The first group are the seasoned sailors who routinely guide ships in and out of the Columbia River. These Bar Pilots use special training and advanced equipment to prevent ships from running aground on the river’s ever-changing shoals.
The second group is the US Coast Guard. The museum not only features an impressive display on the US Coast Guard, but also stewards a historic USCG lightship: The Columbia. The ship sat anchored at the mouth of the Columbia for years to ensure safe navigation across the Columbia River Bar.
Today you can walk through Lightship Columbia and get a sense of what it was like to provide this essential service.
The Columbia River Maritime Museum is an impressive learning center and an essential stop on any lighthouse roadtrip. Interactive exhibits on weather forecasting, barge shipping, and navigational skills let children get a sense of what it takes to ply the waters.
#3. Lewis & Clark National Historical Park Sites
Lewis & Clark’s Voyage of Discovery was a watershed moment in the history of the United States. The expedition was the first systematic exploration across the North American interior. Its findings ended years of speculation about a Northwest Passage.
The Corps of Discovery spent nearly three months exploring Oregon’s Northern Coast. Lewis & Clark sites can be found throughout this region.
Join up with the expedition in their desperate stay in the Dismal Nitch. Get a glimpse of what the Columbia may have looked like in 1805 at Tongue Point. Learn about the Chinook People at Middle Village & Station Camp.
Tour a historical reconstruction of the Corps of Discovery’s winter quarters at Lewis & Clark National Historical Park.
Share in the triumph of reaching the Pacific Ocean at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Cape Disappointment State Park (Washington). These sites make up Lewis & Clark National Historical Park, one of the best national parks in Oregon and Washington.
#4. Fort Stevens State Park
Fort Stevens State Park is a local secret and our family’s favorite Astoria stop. The park offers an incredible array of interests in its 3,763 acres.
No other place offers:
- up-close views of the mouth of the Columbia
- a shipwreck
- native elk
- a Civil-war period military fort
- a WWII battle site
- miles of breathtaking beaches
Watch the powerful Columbia pour into the Pacific, visit the wreck of the Peter Iredale, and see where a Japanese submarine shelled Fort Stevens! Then come another day to spot elk and other wildlife as you bike the paved paths throughout the park.
Fort Stevens State Park is one of Oregon’s most popular camping locations. You’ll want to reserve your camp or lodging site several months in advance.
#5. Oregon Film Museum
Astoria holds the title as the filming capital of Oregon. At least 11 major motion pictures and three television shows were shot in Astoria and Clatsop County.
In fact, the Oregon Film Museum is located at one of Oregon’s most-filmed locations. Astoria’s historic jail building appears in three films: The Goonies, Short Circuit, and Come See The Paradise.
The Oregon Film Museum gives the story behind the 400+ productions that have been filmed in Oregon. Interactive exhibits allow you to experience what’s involved in movie-making. Goonie Fans can get their mug shot, write a note for the Goonies, and cast their vote for the best Goonie character.
Seaside: Portland’s Playground
Seaside is Portland’s coastal playground. Whether you’re looking for an arcade or art, mini-golf or mountain biking, you’ll probably find it here.
Seaside’s abundant activities and amenities draw big crowds in the summer, and make it a great North Coast stop in the rainy winter. We have a dedicated blog post with full details about all of Seaside’s kid-friendly things to do, plus another to help you find the best lodging, and another post about breakfast options.
Map of Seaside, Oregon
#6. Seaside Beach and Promenade
Take a stroll or bike along the beach promenade. Can you find the Lewis and Clark saltworks? Set up your beach chairs and enjoy the many concerts, tournaments, and other events hosted at this cool beach city.
If you’ll be in Seaside around breakfast time, we’ve got a great list of breakfast stops and coffee shops to try!
#7. Seaside Aquarium
One of our favorite small aquariums is found in Seaside. The Seaside Aquarium features a colorful collection of Oregon marine wildlife housed within one of the city’s most historic buildings.
Children love the touch pools and the opportunity to feed the seals. And don’t forget to pay homage to the aquarium’s legendary lobster.
Cannon Beach: Natural Wonder
Cannon Beach is the poster child of the Oregon Coast. If you’ve seen a picture of the Oregon coastline, there’s a good chance that it was taken here. The small town is ideally placed and surrounded by incredible beauty. No wonder it’s become a haven of creativity and culture.
Cannon Beach is a rewarding family stop, but it can be a challenge to visit during peak season. The region’s mountainous geography makes for a quaint town that has limited parking. Book your lodging in the town of Cannon Beach to avoid the hassle.
Map of Cannon Beach, Oregon
#8. Ecola State Park
One of the most photographed beaches of the West Coast, and for good reason! Ecola State Park offers spectacular views of forested, rocky cliffs and forbidding outcrops.
The park is an endpoint of the Lewis & Clark Trail due to a not-so-spectacular breakfast, but I’ll let the historical marker explain. Ecola State Park also contains Indian Beach, one the most beautiful beaches on the North Oregon Coast.
#9. Haystack Rock
Here is Oregon beauty at its finest. Visit Cannon Beach at low tide to walk beside its famous landmark, Haystack Rock. This iconic outcrop is home to several species of marine birds, and you’ll find no lack of wildlife in the tide pools dotted throughout the beach.
Beach access is provided by a parking lot complete with picnic tables and a playground. Altogether, this chill beach offers variety for the kids and a romantic walk for the parents.
#10. Oswald West State Park
Oswald West State Park may be the best state park on the coast of Oregon. The park’s location puts it at a distance from the coast’s largest cities and its humble highway entrance doesn’t draw attention.
Rugged rock formations shelter pristine beaches. The park is a feature presentation of the Oregon Coast’s natural beauty.
#11. Short Sand Beach
Short Sand Beach is the centerpiece of Oswald West State Park, and one of the best beaches in all of Oregon. This is one stop that you don’t want to pass up.
For one, Short Sand Beach is gorgeous. This immaculate beach is sheltered within a cove that’s accessed via a 1.2 mile trail. The lack of road access and nearby development has made Short Sand Beach one of the most natural, and visually stunning beaches in Oregon’s North Coast.
The Short Sand Beach Trail is just as remarkable as the beach itself. This easy, gravel trail gently descends beside Short Sand Creek and passes beside enormous, old-growth Sitka Spruce trees.
The ancient forest floor is a natural playground, encouraging children to explore and discover. Our kids loved running through tunnels of roots and spotting banana slugs along this fantastic trail.
Short Sand Beach is also a popular surfing location, attracting surfers, boogie boarders, and sand boarders throughout the country. The epic surroundings make Short Sand Beach a natural stop for any surfing road trip.
#12. Neahkahnie Viewpoints
If hiking is out of the picture then take a moment to pull off at the North Neahkahnie Viewpoint and South Neahkahnie Viewpoints. You’ll take in unparalleled ocean views while exploring the history and culture of Oregon’s North Coast.
These two vista points are located within Oswald West State Park, but are mere pull-offs from Highway 101. This is one of our favorite places to watch the sunrise, take a family picture, or make one last roadside stop before heading home.
Rockaway Beach: Surf & Sun
Are you looking for a classic, cozy beach town? Rockaway Beach is a small surf town with a big personality. We have a full blog post about over 30 great things to do with your family in Rockaway Beach,
Map of Rockaway Beach, Oregon
#13: Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach is a beautiful, seven-mile, sandy beach with no lack of accommodations. Over 100 rental houses and 200 hotel rooms put ocean fun at your doorstep in this family-friendly town.
It’s not hard to see why Rockaway Beach is so popular. This chill beach is super accessible and ideally located on the North Coast. A short drive can bring you to Cannon Beach in the North or Tillamook in the South.
Fly your kite in the beach’s strong, steady winds. Better yet, attend one of the largest kite-flying festivals in the Pacific Northwest at this remarkable coastal town.
#14. Nedonna Beach
Nedonna Beach is our latest Oregon Coast discovery. This is the beach to go to when you want to avoid the crowds at Rockaway Beach.
You can easily spend a day at Nedonna Beach. Our children loved playing along the wide, sandy shoreline and the nearby jetty.
Sand dollars and shells can be found throughout the beach. Many folks use the abundant driftwood to build makeshift castles and other structures.
The jetty provides opportunities for fun and exploration. Climb along the rip-rap or discover the marine life that covers the lower boulders.
#15. Rockaway Beach Big Tree Trail
Rockaway Beach holds one of Oregon’s best hiking trails. The Big Tree Trail leads through a remarkable coastal swampland and old-growth forest.
We were amazed at the abundance of plants and animals to be found along this boardwalk trail. We spotted nesting osprey, banana slugs, and enormous native plants over the course of a one-hour walk.
The Big Tree is the culmination of the 1.2 mile, there-and-back trail. But “Big Tree” doesn’t really do the tree justice.
The massive Red Cedar is incredibly huge, with a base circumference of almost 50 feet! This ancient tree is 154 feet tall and is estimated to be between 800 and 1200 years old.
Rockaway’s Red Cedar is one of the largest trees in Oregon. It’s also one of the few trees that survived the powerful Cascadia tsunami that struck Oregon in 1700.
#16. Pronto Pup
Rockaway Beach’s Pronto Pup is the birthplace of the all-American Corn Dog, and it takes its calling seriously!
There’s a lot to be said for Pronto Pup. For one, this place is good, cheap fun. The enormous corn dog is great, but there’s a corn dog to ride as well! The kids loved “breaking in” this deep-fried bronco.
The freshly made corn dogs were delicious (and the deep-fried Oreos were even better!) Their friendly staff gave us much more than we anticipated, even though they didn’t know who we were.
#17. Troxel’s Rock Shop & Garden
Troxel’s Gem and Jewelry Company is the most unique attraction at Rockaway Beach. It may be the most kid-friendly store on Oregon’s North Coast.
Mr. Troxel is quite a character. We found him dressed in a punked-out coat and top hat with matching spiky shoes.
He followed us into his store, riding his Segway, and told his robot, Astro, to offer us free bubble wands. Printed signs posted at the entrance set the tone:
“If you break it, don’t worry. Accidents happen.”
“Smile, You are NOT on camera.”
Troxel’s shop sells all kinds of interesting rocks and minerals, as well as an odd cosplay wig here or there. His rock garden doubles as a home-made miniature golf course.
#18. Lake Lytle
Lake Lytle may be the most convenient lake on the Oregon Coast. Route 101 runs along its entire length and the lake is only blocks away from downtown Rockaway Beach.
In spite of its urban location, Lake Lytle is largely undeveloped. The lake is a favorite location for fishing, kayaking, and other water sports.
#19. The Three Graces
The Three Graces is another location that draws photographers to the Oregon Coast. Three tree-topped islands sit serenely in Tillamook Bay, peaceful watching the ages roll by.
The Three Graces are full of interest for families and photographers alike. The islets and their surrounding tide pools become accessible at low tide. One of the Graces has a hidden arch that can only be seen from one side.
Our children especially love to scramble along the jetty rocks and discover the animals that live among them.
Tillamook: Country Meets Coast
Country meets coast in the city of Tillamook. This quiet coastal town brings out the best of both in a variety of ways. Enjoy the eats, dig for clams, or admire vintage aircraft in this quiet corner of the Oregon Coast.
Map of Tillamook, Oregon
#20. Tillamook Creamery (Tillamook Cheese Factory)
Don’t miss the place that put Tillamook on the map! The Tillamook Cheese Factory is a fantastic family stop for several reasons.
The visitor center offers a great self-guided tour of all stages of the production and packaging process. Interactive exhibits make it easy for kids to follow the process from beginning to end. Best of all, you can sample cheese curds and the factory’s excellent cheeses.
Ice cream trumps cheese, and this place does ice cream like no one else! The factory’s ice cream parlor offers a much larger selection than what you’ll find in the supermarket. And of course, all this is available in any number of cones, assortments, and options.
#21. North Coast Food Trail
Explore the Oregon Coast one bite at a time on the North Coast Food Trail. This delicious travel route features culinary experiences and eateries from Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, and the Tillamook Coast.
The North Coast Food Trail is a self-guided auto tour featuring top-notch culinary stops. Enjoy excellent restaurants, breweries, artisan foods, farms, and culinary experiences as you explore the North Coast. It’s like taking a progressive dinner or a day-long shopping trip at one of the most beautiful places on earth!
Jenn and I enjoy making a stop or two on our family day trips. It’s our grown-up treat for a family play day.
The trail is a great way to discover quality products such as artisan cheese, specialty salts, and craft beer. It’s also a fun way to find gifts to bring back to friends and family.
#22. Tillamook Bay
Tillamook sits near one of Oregon’s largest bays, providing ample opportunity for fun. The bay’s calm waters are ideal for a kayak or a standup paddleboard.
Five rivers flow into Tillamook Bay making it an prime place for bay fishing, clamming, and crabbing. Bayocean Peninsula Park and Cape Meares Beach are locations where you can enjoy both the beach and the bay. The Crabbing Dock at Garibaldi is another good place to consider.
Want to turn your fishing trip into a full-day adventure? Tillamook has a strong selection of fishing guides. The nearby town of Garibaldi hosts several ocean charters. So get out there and earn some dinner!
#23. Tillamook Air Museum
Tillamook has the largest freestanding wood structure in the United States. The enormous blimp hangar isn’t hard to find and it’s well worth the stop.
Hangar B was one of two WWII airship hangars built in Tillamook to house blimps of the US Navy’s anti-submarine patrol. But this isn’t your average air museum! 30+ aircraft and vehicles provide plenty of ways to experience and enjoy aviation history.
#24. Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
Tillamook boasts one of the most scenic viewpoints on the Northern Oregon Coast. Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint is located in Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge, one of best public-lands parks on the Oregon Coast.
The forested bluffs and rich coves of Cape Meares host an abundance of wildlife. Thousands of seabirds nest on these cliff faces and sea stacks including common murres, cormorants, and peregrine falcons. Harbor seals, sea lions, and dolphins can be spotted in the waters below.
Cape Meares’ elevated heights make it a great place for whale watching. Migrating whales make their way along the Oregon Coast from early winter through early spring.
Wildlife is only one of the attractions at Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint. The vista also offers incredible views of Oregon’s coastal beauty and numerous interpretive signs.
The historic Cape Meares Lighthouse holds a kerosene-powered, first-order Fresnel lens. Short hiking trails lead through old-growth Spruce forest to the largest Sitka Spruce in Oregon. Be sure to visit the bizarre, beautiful Octopus Tree.
#25. Three Capes Scenic Loop
The Three Capes Scenic Route is one of the best ways to explore the Tillamook region. This 40-mile loop brings you from Tillamook to Pacific City and along the three capes of the Tillamook Coast: Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, and Cape Meares.
Few scenic routes can match the Three Capes Route in beauty and convenience. You can experience and explore the Tillamook Coast over the course of a leisurely day’s-drive with this spectacular itinerary.
#26. Tunnel Beach
The small town of Oceanside holds one of Oregon’s funnest beaches. Tunnel Beach features a historic tunnel that links Tunnel Beach with Oceanside Beach.
The tunnel was created a century ago by a local resort. Resort owners wanted to provide their customers with the opportunity to enjoy both beaches.
Tunnel Beach and Oceanside Beach have also been known to bear agates and other gemstones. This is a great beach to explore with the kids!
#27. Short Beach
The Oregon Coast is a great place for rockhounding. Agates, jaspers, and other gemstones can be found on many Oregon beaches.
Short Beach is one of Oregon’s best agate beaches and is only half an hour from Tillamook. Agates and Jaspers can be easily spotted amid the gravels of this beach and zeolites can be removed from the boulders along the walls of the cove.
But you don’t have to be a rockhound to enjoy Short Beach. This secret spot has a wild entrance that captures the imagination. You can’t help but think that you’re entering a pirate’s lair.
#28. Cape Lookout State Park
Cape Lookout is one of Oregon’s largest state parks, encompassing all of Cape Lookout as well as the Netarts Spit. Families appreciate Cape Lookout’s deluxe cabins and yurts, spacious campsites, and hot showers. We’ve enjoyed visiting Cape Lookout while driving the Three Capes Scenic Loop.
Pacific City: Oregon’s Best Family Beach Town
Pacific City is one of our family’s favorite places. This secluded beach town offers premium fun with minimal crowds. In many ways, Pacific City is like the best of the coast wrapped into one place.
Map of Pacific City, Oregon
#29. Pacific City Beach
There are two features that make this beach truly unique. The giant sand dune is the most obvious (check out #29 below for details).
Pacific City hosts a vibrant dory fleet and Pacific City Beach is their domain. This traditional fishing fleet ventures out into Oregon’s coastal waters to fish for salmon, dungeness crabs, albacore tuna, and rock fish. Dory boats launch and return from the shore line, and the spectacle is worth the visit.
The gem of Pacific City Beach is Haystack Rock, a beautiful outcrop situated just off the shoreline. It’s not uncommon to see whales and other wildlife moving around this beautiful landmark.
#30. Cape Kiwanda Natural Area
Cape Kiwanda is one of Oregon’s most dramatic capes, and its natural area allows you to take it all in. The state-protected area includes an enormous sand dune, as well as the bluffs and coves that make up the cape. Well-worn paths provide you with a fun adventure that yields beautiful views.
#31. Pacific City Shopping
Pacific City is one of our family favorites. It’s relatively unknown so it doesn’t draw the kind of crowds that you encounter at Cannon Beach or Rockaway Beach.
This chill beach town is full of treasures. Find a treat at a local candy store, grab some coffee, or enjoy a beer at Pacific City’s very own Pelican Brewery.
#32. Sand Lake Recreation Area
One of the North Coast’s best recreation zones can be found just north of Pacific City. The Sand Lake Recreation Area is a great place to play around on your OHV of choice. The park’s 1,076 acres of sand dunes and forest land also hosts a variety of activities including camping, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
#33. Sitka Sedge State Natural Area
Sitka Sedge is one of Oregon’s newest state parks. Forested wetlands, saltwater marshes, tidal flats, sandy beaches, coastal dunes, and uplands are all enclosed within the parks 357 acres.
Sitka Sedge State Natural Area is an important habitat for coastal birds, including the Western Snowy Plover. The park also holds value as the ancestral lands of the Nestucca and Tillamook tribes.
#34. Bob Straub State Park
Oregon State Parks like Bob Straub State Park make great stops for experiencing nature and watching wildlife. Bob Straub SP protects the North Spit of the Nestucca River, giving you the opportunity to enjoy beach, dune, and bay ecosystems.
The 480 acre park borders the Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge, providing a truly natural encounter with the Oregon Coast.
#35. Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent place for exploring the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast. This preserve sustains a wide range of animals including migrating geese, salmon, and the Oregon Silverspot Butterfly.
Nestucca Bay is an important migration location for Canada Geese. Anybody can identify a Canada Goose, but did you know that there are actually six subspecies of the Canada Goose? All six of them spend time at Nestucca Bay NWR.
We were amazed at the abundance of wildflowers that covered the coastal prairie. There was also a team of researchers seeking to protect the threatened Silverspot butterflies, checking various butterfly tents and taking notes.
Nestucca Bay NWR features two nature trails and welcomes a range of activities including fishing, clamming, hunting, and kayaking.
FAQs About Visiting the North Oregon Coast With Kids
What is the best North Oregon Coast town for families?
It depends on the kind of trip your family enjoys. Astoria is excellent for history, museums, and rainy-day activities. Seaside has the most classic family attractions and easy beach access, while Cannon Beach is ideal for tide pools and spectacular scenery.
Our family especially enjoys Rockaway Beach for its relaxed atmosphere and Pacific City for its combination of beach, dunes, wildlife, and small-town fun.
How many days do you need to explore the North Oregon Coast with kids?
Plan on at least three to five days if you want to explore several North Oregon Coast towns without rushing. A long weekend works well if you choose one area as a home base and focus on nearby attractions.
For a longer Oregon Coast family road trip, allow a week or more. Highway 101 may look short on a map, but beaches, hikes, viewpoints, and spontaneous roadside stops have a way of filling the day.
What are the best things to do on the North Oregon Coast when it rains?
Rain doesn’t have to ruin an Oregon Coast family vacation. Some of our favorite indoor stops include the Columbia River Maritime Museum, Oregon Film Museum, Seaside Aquarium, Tillamook Creamery, and Tillamook Air Museum.
A good raincoat also goes a long way. Oregon Coast weather changes quickly, and some of our favorite beach walks have happened between showers.
When is the best time to visit the North Oregon Coast with kids?
Summer offers the warmest weather and longest days, but it also brings the largest crowds to popular destinations such as Cannon Beach and Seaside.
Late spring and early fall can be excellent choices for families who prefer fewer crowds. Winter brings stormy weather and shorter days, but it can also be a great season for museums, wildlife watching, and cozy coastal getaways.
No matter when you visit, bring layers. Weather on the Oregon Coast can change dramatically over the course of a single day.
Do families need to check the tides on the Oregon Coast?
Yes. Check the tide forecast before visiting tide pools, coves, rocks, or beaches with limited access. Places that are easy to explore at low tide may become dangerous or inaccessible when the tide rises.
Keep children well away from logs in the surf, steep cliffs, and sneaker waves, and never turn your back on the ocean. Knowing the tides makes activities such as tide pooling, beachcombing, and exploring places like Haystack Rock much safer and more enjoyable.
Exploring the North Oregon Coast With Kids
The North Oregon Coast has been part of our family’s story for more than twenty years, and we still find something new every time we go back.
That’s one reason it’s such an easy place to recommend for a family vacation. You can mix beaches and hiking with museums, wildlife, good food, and quirky roadside stops without spending the entire day in the car.
If this is your first trip, don’t try to see all 35 places at once. Pick one or two towns as a home base and choose the stops that fit your kids best. Our family would happily return for Fort Stevens, Short Sand Beach, the Rockaway Big Tree Trail, Tillamook Creamery, and Pacific City—but some of our best Oregon Coast memories have come from the unexpected stops in between.
Ready to keep exploring? Continue south with our guide to the Central Oregon Coast with kids, then journey to the Southern Oregon Coast with kids.
©️ Copyright Brian A. Warren, 2026.
