Family posing in front of the beach

Traveling with your family is an extraordinary experience, especially when you plan accordingly. We compiled this collection of Oregon Coast family vacation ideas so you can spend less time planning and more time making lasting memories with your kids.

Exciting Oregon Coast Family Vacation Ideas

Check Out These Fantastic Family Attractions

Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum

Kids and adults will love learning about the rich fishing, shipping, and military maritime history of the Oregon Coast and Columbia River in this Astoria attraction. There are short films and hands-on exhibits to keep younger kids engaged, and if you’re a history buff, plan on spending at least half a day at the museum.  Later, f you’re up for it, climb the 164 stairs of the nearby Astoria Column for unbelievable views of the river and surrounding mountains, then partake in the tradition of launching a small wooden glider once you reach the top!

Experience Family Fun in SeasideGirl upside down in front of the ocean

The small resort town of Seaside provides guests with plenty of fantastic Oregon Coast family vacation fun! You’ll find an arcade, beach volleyball, surrey bike rentals, and a one-room aquarium (a big hit for your little ones) along Seaside’s scenic boardwalk. If you love adventure and you aren’t afraid of heights, try your skills at the Aerial Challenge Course, and for the most unique photo opportunities for your social media, be sure to stop at Seaside Inverted where all the props are upside down!

Hike the Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is home to a collection of great family-friendly hikes. Beginners can enjoy a short climb down to beautiful Short Sand Beach, a popular surfing cove and a beautiful place for an afternoon picnic.  If you want to try a more challenging hike for you and the kids, head up Neahkahnie Mountain or chose from a variety of hikes in Ecola State Park. Both options offer outstanding views of the coastline and the mighty Pacific Ocean crashing against the jagged rock formations.

Take a Scenic Ride on a Steam Train

Steam engine trainWe recommend exploring our area by taking a tour with the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad! Catch the train at either end of the line – Rockaway Beach or Garibaldi.  Not only will you be treated to beautiful views, but you’ll likely see wildlife and learn lots about the North Coast along the way.

Go Crabbing in Nehalem Bay

Stop at Kelly’s Brighton Marina along Nehalem Bay for a crabbing adventure! You can rent a boat and gear from them or drop a pot from their dock. Either way, this friendly establishment will share all you need to know for crabbing success (and if your pot does come up empty, don’t despair! They also sell fresh crab onsite.) This Oregon Coast family vacation idea is the perfect memory-making activity.

Get a Taste of Tillamook Creamery

Calling all cheese and ice cream lovers! Tillamook Creamery is home to the renowned sharp cheddar cheese and provides tours of the production facility. Afterward, head to the restaurant to sample a masterpiece featuring one of their delicious specialties. Kids and adults will arrive hungry and leave happy. Another Tillamook cheese-tasting spot is the Blue Heron French Cheese Company.  They have gourmet cheeses, a deli and gift shop, and a pasture of farm animals who love attention from visitors! 

Rent Bikes at Bahama Mama’s

Girls on bikes by the beach

Do your kids like to bike or surf? Then head to Bahama Mama’s where you can rent everything you need for conquering the Pacific surf or exploring the vast stretches of beaches up and down the coast. Rent one of their 3-wheeled fun cycles for the sand or a beach cruiser for checking out the neighborhoods of Manzanita. You’ll also find a large selection of souvenir-worthy t-shirts, beach gear, and sunglasses.  And that’s just one of the many Oregon Coast family vacation ideas for those who love the outdoors!

Enjoy a Beach Bonfire

There’s nothing quite like relaxing in front of a beach bonfire as the sun sets on the Pacific. Pack the s’mores fixings, gather some driftwood on the beach or stop at one of the local markets for a bundle of wood, then head to the sand to set up! Most Oregon beaches are open to bonfires, but be sure to check for any restrictions during periods of extreme fire danger, and as a safety reminder, always build your fire a safe distance from the beach grass then extinguish with water before you leave.  

Explore Tide Pools on the Oregon Coast

Little girl looking at tide pools

Exploring tide pools is one of our favorite Oregon Coast family vacation ideas! You’ll find starfish, sea urchins, and other bright and colorful sea creatures during low tide near Hug Point, Three Graces Tide Pools, and Haystack Rock. Also at Haystack Rock, you’ll often find a volunteer with the Haystack Rock Awareness Program who can answer your questions and help you spot nesting birds such as the orange-beaked tufted puffins.

 

Book Your Next Family Trip With Starfish VR

Are you ready for the family vacation of a lifetime? Then browse our selection of Starfish Vacation Rental homes and condos! We offer a variety of oceanfront, ocean view, and family-friendly properties from Cannon Beach to Manzanita. You and your kids will love waking up to beautiful views of the beach, relaxing at one of our hot tub rentals, or enjoying a meal in your spacious dining room prepared by a personal chef (just one of the many perks of using our incredible guest services). The choice is yours!

Start planning your family getaway to the Oregon Coast by booking one of our vacation rentals! We look forward to welcoming you to the Starfish Vacation Rental family!