The Northern Oregon Coast is our specialty. We love to introduce its beauty, serenity, and sense of welcome community to our guests. The North Coast is also perfect for families vacationing together. With Spring Break just around the corner, we’d like to share a few of our favorite family-friendly activities:
-
Rent three-wheeled recumbent bikes
Family FUNCycles in Cannon Beach rents three-wheeled bikes in a variety of sizes for beach exploring on wheels. The bikes include a buggy for smaller children and infants if needed. Call 503-436-2247 for hours, which vary with the tides.
Photo: Yelp
-
Horseback riding
Horseback riding on the beach along Nehalem Bay where you may spy deer, elk, seals, and even a whale. Oregon Beach Rides accommodates riders at any level, ages six and up.
Photo: rayand
-
Hike to Short Sands Beach with a picnic lunch
Located in Oswald State Park, the hike to this secluded cove is only 1/2 mile from the parking lot off Highway 101, so it’s accessible even with younger children. Enjoy walking on the beach, exploring the stream and watching surfers ride the waves.
-
Hug Point
Amaze your children with close-up views of waterfalls, tide pool adventures, and caves for exploring at Hug Point. Located five miles south of Cannon Beach, you can still view the tire ruts in the rocks that are remnants from the days before the highway was built when cars had to “hug” the point at low tide to pass further south. This picturesque spot is best explored at low tide.
-
Haystack Rock
What trip to the North Oregon Coast is complete without a jaunt to Haystack Rock? This 235-foot sea stack is accessible during low tide, and the tide pools are second to none. Your kids can see barnacles, anemones, sea stars, puffins, gulls and cormorants, just to name a few. Haystack Rock is also one of the North Oregon Coast’s most photographed landscapes. Don’t forget your camera! Knowledgeable volunteers are often available to answer questions and provide information about the rock and its inhabitants.
Photo: Loren Kerns
-
The Seaside Aquarium
It is one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast. Exhibits include a touch tank and a highly unusual Zebrafish, who traveled 4,000 after being tossed out to sea by the 2011 Japanese Tsunami. One of the most special experiences at the Seaside Aquarium is feeding the seals. They are quite entertaining!
-
Crabbing in Nehalem Bay
Did you know that Nehalem Bay is one of the most plentiful crabbing spots on the coast? Catch Dungeness crab, come back to one of the Starfish homes and host a crab feed! We recommend Kelly’s Marina – they rent all the gear, give you instructions, and will even clean your catch for you.
-
Tillamook Cheese Factory
View the cheesemaking process, try some samples, and stop for a scoop of ice cream. The tours are free and self-guided, so take your time and enjoy!