traveling the Oregon coast with kids

Sometimes things don’t go as planned. And sometimes when that happens things actually turn out even better than you were hoping for. That’s kind of what happened last summer. Amidst all the craziness of bureaucratic shutdowns and stringent guidelines our family trip got canceled just two weeks before our departure. We’d been planning our daughter’s big birthday trip for nearly a year. You see, eighth birthdays are kind of a big deal in our family and we let the kids pick a big family trip (within reason) to go on to celebrate. So when our roadtrip to a waterpark in Texas got canceled, we quickly pivoted and planned at trip to the Pacific Northwest instead! Today I’m sharing four must-see stops on the Oregon coast with kids.

Oregon coast with kids

The Oregon coast is absolutely beautiful but be aware that it can be quite cold. We were there in August and were often chilly even with sweatshirts on. Make sure you check the weather forecast so you can be prepared and dress in layers. Here are stops your family should make along the Oregon Coast–starting from the north heading south.

Astoria

Any Goonies fan has to plan a stop in Astoria and tour the spots from the film. While we were there we saw Mikey’s house, the Clatsop County Jail, the docks, and the Lower Columbia Bowling Alley. Make sure that whatever film stops you make that you respect private property.

The Goonies filming locations aren’t the only places worth stopping in this coastal town on the Columbia River. The Maritime Museum is a very kid-friendly destination and houses the biggest collection of maritime artifacts from the PNW in the world. A stop at Fort Stevens State Park is also recommended (you can even camp there!). There your kids can observe the Wreck of the Peter Iredale, a shipwreck that ran aground over 100 years ago.

Lastly, Lewis and Clark National Historic Park is an interesting stop for homeschooling families. In addition to a visitor’s center there is also a replica of Fort Clatsop on site to explore. Special event, lectures, and demonstrations are help throughout the year. Be sure to check their website for COVID-19 updates.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is just a short drive down Pacific Coast Highway from Astoria. In fact, Haystack Rock is the iconic rock from the beach scene in The Goonies. And if you’re a movie fan you’ll be excited to hear the scenes from Point Break and Twilight were also filmed in the area. It’s a really fun place to explore the tidepools during low tide. Look for free parking along the street if you’re willing to walk a bit.

Tillamook

If you love cheese or ice cream a stop at the Tillamook Creamery is a MUST. Take a self-guided tour (check out their website for current COVID-19 guidelines) and browse the gift shop for fun souvenirs. A meal break at their dining hall should be a bucket-list item with their delicious ice cream flavors and the best macaroni and cheese our family has ever had.

Heceta Head Lighthouse

To be honest, there are many lighthouses along the Oregon coast that warrant a stop–11 that are still standing to be exact. But the allure of Heceta Head Lighthouse is definitely that it’s supposedly haunted. The lighthouse keeper’s house is over 100 years old and has been renovated and maintained as a bed and breakfast. It’s on state park land and so the grounds are beautiful and definitely worth a stop along PCH.

More lighthouses that are open for tours along the Oregon coast: