The Ultimate Oregon Coast Road Trip with Kids
The Oregon Coast is one of those places in the US that feels wild and magical. With dramatic sea stacks, sandy beaches, charming coastal towns and plenty of opportunities for adventure, it’s an incredible destination for families.
During our 10-day Washington and Oregon road trip, we spent a couple of days exploring the Oregon Coast before continuing north into Washington. We packed in so much adventure and it left us craving to see more of this epic state.
If you’re thinking about an Oregon Coast road trip with kids, here are some stops that I’d consider adding to your itinerary. They’re a fun mix of outdoor adventure, unique experiences and family-friendly spots that make this one of the most epic road trips in the entire USA.
If you’re planning a longer trip, be sure to check out my complete 10-day Washington and Oregon road trip itinerary for our full route, campground stops, hikes and activities across the Pacific Northwest.
1. Tunnel Beach in Oceanside
Since we flew into Portland, one of our first stops along the Oregon Coast was Tunnel Beach in Oceanside, a truly unique beach that you reach by walking through a giant tunnel carved through the rocky headland.
The tunnel cuts through Maxwell Point and opens onto a stretch of coastline that feels a little more tucked away than the main beach. My kids thought it felt like a secret mission – wearing their headlamps as we made our way through the tunnel to get to a secret beach.
Once you’re on the beach, take your time exploring the shoreline, looking for interesting rocks and shells, and just taking in the views of the dramatic rock formations.
Know before you go: Access through the tunnel depends on the tides, so check local tide information before you go. Never enter if water is rising or conditions look unsafe, and keep your kiddos close around the surf and slippery rocks. I highly recommend a good pair of water sandals to protect little toes – we love these Keen sandals and wear them all summer long.
2. Ride the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad
This scenic train ride is such a fun way to experience the Oregon Coast, especially if you’re traveling with train loving kiddos.
The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad offers vintage train excursions along the Tillamook Coast, with views of the coastline, bays and surrounding scenery. It’s a really unique way to enjoy the landscape and coastal views.
Train schedules and routes vary throughout the year, so check the official Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad website before building your itinerary around a particular departure.
Family tip: If you take the train departing from the Garibaldi depot, take an extended layover in Rockaway Beach depot and hike the Rockaway Big Tree Trail, an easy 1 mile boardwalk that takes you past a massive tree that’s estimated to be over 500 years old.
Also, book your tickets early so you can get seats in the open air car for epic views the entire way!
3. Visit the Tillamook Creamery
If your family loves cheese and ice cream (and who doesn’t?!), the Tillamook Creamery is a must-see spot on your Oregon Coast road trip!
The creamery has a self-guided viewing experience where you can learn about production and see parts of the process from the viewing gallery. There are also some hands-on farm exhibits, cheese samples, a dining hall, a gift shop, lots of fun photo-ops and of course, an ice cream counter.
It’s a fun stop for kids to sample some of the delicious Tillamook flavors and see how some of their favorite dairy products are made and packaged.
Admission to the general creamery experience and self-guided tour is free and comes with a few cheese samples, although I would highly recommend spending a couple dollars for an ice cream fight to sample some of their delicious flavors.
If you are looking for a more in-depth experience, you can book a premium ice cream tour on their website.
Also, make sure to check out the gift shop for some of the cutest cheese themed souvenirs!
Check the official Tillamook Creamery website for current hours and details before visiting.
4. Cannon Beach
No Oregon Coast road trip feels complete without a stop at the iconic Cannon Beach. Its wide sandy shoreline and towering Haystack Rock make it one of the most iconic places on the coast for good reason.
This beach is a wonderful place to let kids run, build sandcastles, look for interesting pieces of driftwood or sand dollars and spot wildlife. You can often see tufted puffins, giant sea stars, crabs, and sometimes even whales or harbor seals.
If you visit at low tide, the rocky areas around Haystack Rock reveal some epic tide pools with tons of marine creatures.
Cannon Beach also has a walkable downtown area with shops, cafés and places to grab dinner or a treat. If you have extra time, you can browse the town before heading back to the beach.
My advice: Don’t treat Cannon Beach as just a quick photo stop. Even if you only have an hour, give your family some time to explore the shoreline. This was my favorite beach that we visited in Oregon, and we spent several hours here just wandering.
5. See the Peter Iredale Shipwreck at Fort Stevens State Park
One of the coolest stops along the northern Oregon Coast is the Peter Iredale shipwreck at Fort Stevens State Park.
The ship remains sit right along the beach, with the rusted metal structure creating a striking contrast against the ocean backdrop. The ship ran aground in 1906, and its remains have become a well-known coastal landmark.
The surrounding state park has plenty more to explore, including beaches, trails and historic military sites, so you could easily spend longer here if your schedule allows.
We visited the shipwreck after our stay at the Fort Stevens campground and it is such a beautiful beach – we found tons of sand dollars here!
Important tip: The shipwreck is affected by tides and coastal conditions. Check conditions before heading onto the beach, keep a safe distance from the metal structure, and don’t climb on it.
6. Explore Astoria
Located right at the mouth of the Columbia River where Oregon meets Washington, Astoria is a historic port town packed with character and coastal charm.
You can easily spend a day in Astoria exploring the pier and all the shops and restaurants! Here are some of the things I recommend doing in Astoria:
- Hop on the $1 Riverfront trolley for a 1-hour narrated ride along the coast to see some of the highlights of Astoria (check the map and schedule here)
- View the sea lions
- Climb the Astoria Column for 360-degree views
- Grab a coffee and walk the Astoria Riverwalk
- See the Goonies House and local filming sites
- Explore the Columbia River Maritime Museum
More time to explore? Head south!
All of the stops listed above are on north of Portland and fit well into our Washington/Oregon road trip loop, but you can easily make an entire trip out of just the Oregon coast!
Here are some additional stops I would recommend adding if you are wanting to explore the entire Oregon coast:
- Cape Kiwanda: Climb the towering sandstone dune for jaw-dropping coastal views, then relax on the shore.
- Siuslaw National Forest: Wander beneath giant Sitka spruces on lush, mossy trails where coastal rainforest meets towering sand dunes, giving your family a true wilderness escape with easy, kid-friendly loop hikes.
- Heceta Head Lighthouse: Perched high on a dramatic cliff 205 feet above the Pacific, this working 1894 lighthouse features an easy, scenic path up from the beach where you can spot nesting seabirds and spouting gray whales offshore.
- Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor: Stretching 12 miles along Oregon’s southernmost coast, this breathtaking highway drive features dramatic cliffside pull-offs, natural rock bridges, and dense evergreen forests that feel like stepping straight into a wild storybook.
- Secret Beach: Tucked along the rugged Samuel H. Boardman corridor, this hidden gem rewards a short, steep hike through coastal woods with a secluded cove full of sea stacks, roaring waterfalls spilling onto the sand, and incredible tidepools at low tide.
How to Plan an Oregon Coast Road Trip With Kids
The Oregon Coast is beautiful, but a little planning can make your visit much easier with children. Here are a few things I’d keep in mind when putting together your route.
Download the GuideAlong Oregon Coast tour
If you’ve been around here long, you know how much I love the Guide Along audio tours! And the Oregon coast one did not disappoint!
It offers so much history and insight to the area, and recommends good stops along the way that you might not have known about otherwise.
I highly recommend downloading the Oregon Coast Guide Along audio tour before your visit.
Check the tides before choosing your stops
Tides matter more than you might expect on the Oregon Coast. Tunnel Beach access depends on the tide, and low tide is the best time to explore tide pools around places like Cannon Beach to see the most sea life.
Check tide predictions for the specific beach you’re visiting and plan around safe conditions.
Pack layers and rain gear
Even when the weather looks sunny, coastal conditions can be cool and windy. Bring sweatshirts, pants and waterproof jackets, along with a change of clothes for the kids.
We visited the last week of July and wore pants and jackets the whole time we were on the coast!
If you’re planning on doing any tide pooling, I highly recommend a good pair or water sandals to protect little feet from sharp rocks. We love these Keen sandals for all of our water adventures.
Don’t underestimate driving time
The Oregon Coast is made for scenic drives, but you’ll likely want to stop often. Beaches, viewpoints and small coastal towns can turn a short drive into a full day of exploring.
Leave some room in your schedule for exploring!
Bring snacks, water and beach essentials
Keep a day bag handy with snacks, reusable water bottles, sunscreen, towels and an extra layer for everyone. Having supplies within reach makes it easier to stop at a beach or viewpoint without needing to unpack the whole vehicle.
Where to Stay on the Oregon Coast With Kids
There are so many great options of where to stay along the Oregon coast for families. Where you stay depends on how which parts of the coast you want to explore and how much time you have.
Some great options near Fort Stevens State Park and Astoria are:
- Holiday Inn Express Astoria – Indoor pool + free breakfast
- Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa – Waterfront, breakfast + balcony rooms
- Lloyd Hotel Astoria Bayfront – Indoor pool, free breakfast + budget friendly
Options near Cannon Beach:
- Wayside Inn Cannon Beach – 10 minute walk from Haystack Rock; close to shops and dining
- Inn of the Four Winds – beachfront in Seaside, Oregon
Options near Tillamook:
- Three Arch Inn – beautiful beach views and beach access
- The Tillamook Inn – Half mile from Tillamook Creamery, kitchenette
There are also some incredible Airbnb properties you can stay at along this route! Find my favorites here.
We spent our time road tripping the Oregon Coast in a campervan staying at campgrounds along the way. Read my complete 10 day campervan itinerary for more details about where we stayed throughout the journey.
Is the Oregon Coast Worth Visiting With Kids?
Absolutely! The Oregon Coast offers the kind of variety that makes a family road trip exciting from start to finish. From epic hidden beaches to unlimited cheese samples and scenic train rides along the shoreline, this is one truly epic USA road trip that your family won’t stop talking about anytime soon.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or adding the coast to a bigger Pacific Northwest adventure, the Oregon Coast is a fantastic place to explore with kids. Pick a few stops, pack your layers, check the tides and leave some room for the unexpected.
For our family, the coast was just the beginning of an incredible 10-day adventure through Washington and Oregon. You can follow the full route in my 10-day Washington and Oregon road trip itinerary to plan your own family adventure.
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