Top 10 Family Must Do's - Oregon Coast

Top 10 Family Must-Do’s on the Oregon Coast

North to South and Everywhere in Between

The Oregon Coast isn’t your typical “sun and swimsuits” beach destination—it’s all about hoodies, pants, and hats, where misty mornings, salty air, and windswept adventures make for unforgettable family memories.

Plan a North to South trip and do it all in 10 days, or check these destinations off one at a time.

1. Astoria

Camp at Fort Stevens State Park, where history meets wide-open beaches. Climb the Astoria Column for sweeping views, then grab a bite at Fort George Brewery.

Fort Stevens - https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=129

Fort George Brewery - https://fortgeorgebrewery.com/

2. Gearhart

Stay at McMenamins Gearhart Hotel, drive right onto the beach (4x4 recommended), and cap the day with a classic Oregon Coast campfire on the sand.

McMenamins Gearhart Hotel - https://www.mcmenamins.com/gearhart-hotel

3. Cannon Beach

Book a stay at Hallmark Resort & Spa Cannon Beach where every room faces the ocean. Walk the shoreline to stand beneath the iconic Haystack Rock and enjoy a seafood dinner at The Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge.

Hallmark Cannon Beach - https://www.hallmarkresortcannonbeach.com/

Wayfarer Restaurant - https://www.wayfarer-restaurant.com/

4. Nehalem Bay

Camp at Kelly's Brighton Marina. Rent a boat, go crabbing in the bay, and have your fresh catch cooked up right there under the buoy-covered shelter—an unforgettable family meal.

Kelly's Brighton Marina - https://kellysbrightonmarina.com/

5. Tillamook

Visit the Tillamook Creamery to see how cheese is made, then treat the family to their full lineup of ice cream flavors (a must-stop for kids and adults alike).

Tillamook Creamery - https://www.tillamook.com/visit-us/creamery

6. Pacific City

Explore the stunning Cape Kiwanda Natural Area, then grab beachfront food at Pelican Brewing Company. Bring (or buy) a kite—the steady coastal wind makes this the perfect place to fly one.

Pelican Brewery Pacific City - https://pelicanbrewing.com/pubs/pacific-city/

7. Newport

Stay oceanfront at Hallmark Resort Newport. Dine at Georgie's Beachside Grill (or order in (Georgie's will bring it to your door—no wrong choice). Spend a day at the Oregon Coast Aquarium—don’t miss the sea otters, jellyfish, and interactive tidepools.

Take a short drive north to Depoe Bay for whale watching, especially in winter and spring.

Hallmark Newport - https://www.hallmarkresortnewport.com/

Georgie's - https://www.georgiesnewport.com/

8. Yachats

RV travelers should book at Sea Perch RV Resort for unbeatable views, private beach access to Sea Rose Beach, and even an indoor wave viewing room.

Grab a meal at Luna Sea Fish House—small, casual, and incredibly good.

Nearby highlights include Thor's Well and the Sea Lion Caves (best viewed November–April).

Sea Perch RV Resort - https://www.seaperchrvresort.com/

Luna Sea Fish House - https://www.lunaseafishhouse.com/

Thor's Well - https://www.yachatsoregon.org/295/Thors-Well

Sea Lion Caves - https://www.sealioncaves.com/

9. Florence

Camp at Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park. Rent a dune buggy or take a guided ride through the epic Oregon Dunes—pure adrenaline and unforgettable fun.

Honeman State Park - https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=95

10. Gold Beach

Stay at Honey Bear by the Sea RV Resort and Campground. Walk along the shoreline where golden sand meets dramatic rock formations rising from the sea—an awe-inspiring way to wrap up your coastal adventure.

Honey Bear by the Sea - https://honeybearbythesea.com/

WHAT TO BRING

-Layers, hoodies, rain jackets, hats, t-shirts

-A change of clothes for everyone, tides can be unpredictable

-Sandals AND rainboots

Best Women's Rainboots - https://amzn.to/4c88yPB

Best Kid's Rainboots - https://amzn.to/47JB2xH

-Toys: Kites, buckets, shovels

Easy Beginner Kite - https://amzn.to/4sXxekU

Sand Castle Beach Toys - https://amzn.to/4sax74b

-A beach blanket

Zip Up Picnic + Beach Blanket - https://amzn.to/41SESkt

Pocket Blanket - https://amzn.to/3PON2YA

-A towel, or two

Oversized Beach Towels - https://amzn.to/3NVllg9

-Beach chairs

Lightweight + Easy Beach Chair - https://amzn.to/4dY3AHy

-Swimsuits, just in case + The Hallmark has a pool

-Sunscreen

-Firewood, fire starter and a lighter, select destinations only

-FOR THE DOG: Leash, water bottle, towel, poop bags, soap or wipes. Yes, they may roll in something stinky, better to be prepared!

-Portable Dog Water Bottle - https://amzn.to/4bEiukPW