The Best Oregon Coast Road Trip Guide: Kid-Friendly Adventures for the Whole Family
Looking for an adventure-packed family road trip filled with breathtaking ocean views, enchanting hikes, and sandy beach days? Then an Oregon Coast Road Trip is the perfect next trip for your travel bucket list. This 363-mile drive hugs the Pacific Ocean the whole way, offering plenty of places to pull over for a dip in the water, a mouthwatering meal, or a photo op with the family.
In this blog, we’re sharing must-see places along the Oregon Coast, like the best Oregon beaches for families and charming coastal villages. Plus, we’ll cover some tips and insights for a smooth, fun, and safe Oregon Coast Trip.
What is the Best Time of Year for a Road Trip to the Oregon Coast?
If you’re craving afternoons spent building sand castles and playing in the waves, summer is the best time to make the trip. You can expect temperatures around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the days that cool down to the 50s at night. Summer is the busy season, though, so expect to pay slightly higher prices for accommodations, as well as more tourists.
Spring and fall can also be a lovely time to make the trip. You will get some rain and fog, but overcast beaches are beautiful in their own right, and still a lot of fun to visit — just swap your swimsuit for a hoodie and hat. You can get some better deals at this time of year, too.
What to Pack on a Trip to the Oregon Coast with Kids
It’s normal to experience a wide range of weather in one day on the Oregon Coast. Even during the summer, the mornings and evenings can be cool, so it’s important to pack a variety of clothing for your Oregon Coast Road Trip. Below is our recommended packing list:
- Rain ponchos
- Hiking shoes
- Swimsuits
- Hoodies
- Beach cover-ups
- Wet suits (the Pacific Ocean is cold)
- Jeans
- Shorts
- Tank tops
- Sandals
- First-aid kit
- Beach towels
- Beach toys (like sand castle supplies)
- Ocean toys (like inflatable rafts and floats)
- Binoculars
- Paper road maps (as backup for when you lose signal)
- Sunscreen
- Beach umbrella or pop-up tent
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Wet wipes
- Waterproof phone bag
- Car snacks and beverages
- Kids activity books
Depending on your unique Oregon coast trip itinerary, you might not need certain items on this list. But if you plan on seeing everything we cover in this blog, you’ll likely want to pack most of these along.
Where to Begin and End Your Oregon Coast Itinerary
Whether you start your trip in the southern part or northern part of the Oregon coast, you can hit all the spots we’ll cover in this blog. However, our itinerary below runs from north to south. We’ve chosen this route because the Portland International Airport is in the northern part of the state and just about a two-hour drive from the coast. Many major airports around the country offer direct flights to Portland International Airport, and you can rent a car right there, so it’s an easy starting point for many travelers. Plus, by ending in the southern part, you can move right into a California family road trip if you’re still feeling the travel bug.
While planning your trip, you might wonder, “How many days do you need to drive the Oregon coast?” Though you could technically make the whole drive in about two days, 48 hours would feel rushed and wouldn’t give you a chance to fully soak in that salty air. So, we recommend at least four days to experience the magic of this region. This would allow you to visit each place on our proposed Oregon Coast road trip itinerary,and true lollygaggers may even prefer to spread it over six days.
What are Kid-friendly Things to Do in Oregon?
One of the best things about this trip is the variety of sites and activities. You’ll feel like you covered even more ground than you did by the end of this road trip —the Oregon Coast is simply that rich with incredible destinations. Every mile offers something you’ll want to pull over for. There are plenty of beautiful, easy-to-access beaches, and many have picnic areas, connecting trails, and unique natural formations to explore. In this blog, we’ll provide our selection of the best beaches in Oregon for families, and there are even more that you could find along the way that could be fun for your family.
If your little ones love marine life, they can get up close and personal with it — both in the wild and at various aquariums and educational sites. In fact, we’ve included a few indoor activities on our list for bad weather days. As any seasoned Oregon coast trip planner knows, the weather in this part of the country is unpredictable, so it’s helpful to have indoor backup plans in the mix. However, these destinations are so desirable that we don’t think you’d regret visiting them, even when it’s beautiful out.
Should the weather treat you right, active families won’t run out of trails to hike, bike, or simply stroll. From covered forests that feel like the settings of beloved children’s books to cliffside trails with coastal views, you can choose from various settings to explore. Ambitious families will even have the opportunity to catch their own meals. There’s truly something for every family on the Oregon Coast.
14 Fun Things to Do in Oregon with Family and Kids
Excited to start your trip? Our list of family-friendly stops along the Oregon Coast ranges from active to laid-back options. By the end of this itinerary, you should be headed home with incredible memories (and probably a car full of sand — but you can clean that up later). Let’s get going!
1. Walk the Plank at a Shipwreck
Your trip begins at Fort Stevens, where your kids can crawl and climb on what remains of the Peter Iredale Ship, which crashed here in 1906. Snap photos of your little voyagers while wondering what became of the great vessel. Over the years, the ship has deteriorated significantly, but visitors can still visit the few remains that jut out of the sand.
Next up is a chance to honor some of history’s greatest explorers at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. Estimated drive time: 15 minutes.
2. Live Like Explorers at Lewis and Clark National Park
With your crew feeling the explorer’s spirit after visiting a shipwreck, Lewis and Clark National Park is the perfect next stop, and you can hand out some kid's atlases to set the tone. The park's costumed rangers and overall setting create an accurate representation of what life would have been like for those two great sojourners in the 1800s. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a live demonstration of hide-tanning, candle-making, or flintlock muzzle-loading.
Time to treat yourself to coastal candy in Seaside. Estimated drive time: 30 minutes.
3. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at the Seaside Candyman
For more than 30 years, this charming candy shop has been serving up colorful and creative sweet treats to visitors. Walking in, you’ll be surrounded by bright tubes of jelly beans and taffy of nearly every flavor — it almost feels like a real-life Willy Wonka factory! Your kids can fill up bags of goodies, delighting in classic and unique flavors like chipotle and red velvet cake. If taffy isn’t your thing, the Seaside Candyman also makes fudge and ice cream. Don’t forget to spin the “wheel of fortune” — if it lands on a number, you’ll get a prize and always get one free taffy either way.
Next, it’s time to put that sugar high to good use at Ecola State Park. Estimated drive time: 20 minutes.
4. Explore the Hidden Corners of Ecola State Park
Ready to get back on the beach? Head over to Ecola State Park. The park is home to two beaches, but we’ll direct you to Indian Beach — a favorite among families. It's known for its sandy shores with views of majestic sea stacks. Kids will love playing in the tide pools and building sandcastles. You can also explore the 2.9-mile Clatsop Loop Trail from the beach that will take you to the lighthouse. Past the lighthouse is a hidden rope attached to the side of a cliff that you can climb down to a hidden beach for a real-life Huckleberry Finn-style adventure.
Next, you’re off to an iconic landmark, Haystack Rock. Estimated drive time: 5 minutes.
5. Have a National Geographic Photoshoot at Haystack Rock
Located in Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock is one of the most photographed sites in Oregon and arguably one of the most recognizable natural formations. It’s about 17 million years old and is the result of lava flow from drainage systems that no longer exist. It rises 235 feet in the air, and when the tide is low, you can walk right up to it. You can also view some beautiful marine life in its surrounding tide pools, like starfish and sea slugs.
Ready for another treat? You’re off to Tillamook Creamery next. Estimated drive time: 1 hour.
6. Enjoy All Things Dairy at Tillamook Creamery
If your family loves dairy products, you can see where one of the most famous U.S. dairy companies makes their goods at the Tillamook Creamery. You can book a self-guided tour with tastings or watch the cheese-making process from the viewing gallery. Stop at the farm exhibit hall to see how Tillamook spoils its cows with everything from extra soft bedding to rolling back massagers. If you don’t have much time to explore, at least visit the ice cream counter, where it’s rumored you can try new flavors before they hit store shelves.
Now, we’ll go from cheese to clams at Neskowin. Estimated drive time: 45 minutes.
7. Scrounge for a Meal at Neskowin Beach State Recreation Area
Your next stop is one of the best Oregon coast towns for families — Neskowin. Locals love this hidden gem of a village for its laid-back vibe and generally uncrowded streets. Take a stroll and enjoy some window shopping. Once you’ve built up an appetite, hit the beach and go clamming. Note: you will need a recreational shellfish license for this, but you can easily get one online or at most sporting goods stores for anyone ages 12 and up.
Time to go fly a kite in Lincoln City. Estimated drive time: 20 minutes.
8. Catch Some Wind at the “Kite Capital of the World”
If your children love to fly kites, you must stop at what Kite Life Magazine calls “The Kite Capital of the World” — Lincoln City! The city earned its reputation thanks to its annual kite festival and famously windy beaches. There are plenty of areas great for flying a kite here, but for simplicity purposes, we recommend going to Taft Waterfront Park. It has parking, restrooms, and easy access to the beach.
Ready to see beautiful marine mammals? Let’s head to Depoe Bay. Estimated drive time: 25 minutes.
9. Engage in Whale Watching at Depoe Bay
There are plenty of places to go whale watching on the Oregon Coast, but Depoe Bay has to be one of the best. The beautiful creatures are known to pass by this particular stretch of the coast often. There are several spots within the bay to pull over, many of which have picnic sites, so you can enjoy lunch while looking for whales. The town of Depoe is charming and worth spending time in too, with tons of boutiques, candy shops, and even a great place for parents at Depoe Bay Winery.
Make more marine friends in Newport next. Estimated drive time: 20 minutes.
10. Dive Into Marine Life at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport
If your kids are itching to see more marine life after their whale-watching excursion, head over to the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport. Many exhibits are inside, so this is also a great stop on a rainy day. Our favorite recommendation is to check out the adorable sea otters — arrive at the right time and you might even witness a feeding. Visit the touch tanks and interact with sea stars and anemones, too. And lastly, you’ve got to walk through the Passages of the Deep, the underwater tunnels where you can view sharks, rockfish, and reefs up close.
You’ll fall in love with this next destination — but don’t fall in! You’re headed to a sinkhole. Estimated drive time: 40 minutes.
11. Marvel at the Magic of Cape Perpetua and Thor’s Well Sinkhole
If you look at an Oregon state map, you can see these next two destinations are just one mile apart. You’ll reach Cape Perpetua first, which has an excellent visitor’s center with helpful staff eager to teach you all about the area. There’s also a wrap-around deck from which you can take in ocean and mountain views. After learning about the local land here, move on to Thor’s Well. Thor’s Well is an ocean sinkhole that’s a lot of fun to look at from afar — it can be slippery and dangerous up close, so keep that in mind with little ones. Luckily, there’s a viewing area from above, up on the road.
Next stop: your own “Lord of the Rings” adventure in Florence. Estimated drive time: 30 minutes.
12. Search for Your “Precious” (Moments) at the Hobbit Trail Hike
If you’re willing to step away from the coastline for a moment, don’t miss the Hobbit Trail Hike. The hike earned its name due to the lush forest that surrounds it. At some points, the trees are so thick they almost feel like a tunnel you’d find in the “Lord of the Rings”universe. The best part is that the trail ends at a hidden beach so that you can sneak in a little more ocean playtime.
We hope you found your “precious!” Now it’s off to the Oregon Dunes. Estimated drive time: 30 minutes.
13. Get an Adrenaline Rush Sandboarding at Oregon Dunes
You’ve heard of snowboarding, but have you heard of sandboarding? Your young athletes might just discover their new favorite sport in this unique activity. The general region around the Oregon National Dunes Recreation Area is known for sand dune activities. However, for safe sandboarding, head over to Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park. ATVs are prohibited at this particular site, creating an open and safe zone for your kids to catch some air (or…sand). If sandboarding isn’t their thing, they can also sand sled.
Ready to relax? End your trip with a picturesque drive at the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Estimated drive time: 2 hours and 15 minutes.
14. End Your Trip on the Most Beautiful Stretch of the Oregon Coast
If you ask the locals, “What is the prettiest part of the Oregon Coast?” They’ll probably say the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a famous stretch of the Oregon coastline. Between the rugged cliffs, quaint sandy beaches, and awe-inspiring spruce trees, it offers quite a lot of beauty. You’ll also view some famous natural formations, including Natural Bridges, which are cool rock bridges formed by waves crashing into their sides over time.
Let Rand McNally Publishing Guide the Way On Your Next Road Trip
Create lasting memories and nurture an adventurous spirit with your kids by taking a road trip to the Oregon Coast. You’ll find so many unique and breathtaking places to explore. We only covered some of the highlights in this blog, but throw a dart at any stretch of the Oregon coast on your Western U.S. map, and you’re bound to hit a place worth visiting.
In this digital era, you might be craving some screen-free time for you and your family. So, plan the trip with your Oregon atlas and then follow the GPS during the trip, or ditch the map app altogether and rely on traditional maps to find your way. Part of the beauty of diving into the Oregon Coast is getting lost a little, but when you’re ready to find your way back to the 101, our atlases and paper maps can always guide you there. Now pack your bags, load up on 50 pounds of snacks for the kids and get ready to hit the road!