Oregon Coast Trip with Kids: Seaside, Cannon Beach & Astoria Highlights
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An Oregon Coast trip has been on my family travel bucket list for years, and this summer we finally made it happen—and it was everything I hoped for.
In just a few days, we explored Seaside, Cannon Beach, and Astoria, and this trip turned out to be the perfect mix of scenic views, kid-friendly fun, and relaxed family time.
If you’re dreaming of an Oregon Coast trip with kids, here’s exactly what we did, why it worked so well, and tips to help you plan your own family adventure.
When to Visit the Oregon Coast with Kids
The Oregon Coast is beautiful year-round, but late spring through early fall offers the best chance for mild weather and lower rain chances.
Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be chilly, so pack layers.
We visited at the end of June, and it was perfect for exploring tide pools, walking the beach, and spending time outside without feeling rushed.
Why This Oregon Coast Trip Works for Families
✅ One easy home base – We stayed in Seaside, which made everything simple.
✅ Quick scenic day trips – Cannon Beach & Astoria are both just 15–30 minutes away.
✅ Kid-friendly activities – Beaches, tide pools, arcades, quirky museums, and stunning viewpoints.
✅ Relaxed pace – We never felt rushed, which is a win when traveling with kids.
Stop 1: Seaside – A Walkable Beach Town Perfect for Families
We stayed in a vacation rental with an ocean view right on the Seaside Promenade, which was the best decision for our family of six.
Why Seaside is Great with Kids
- We could walk everywhere—the beach, restaurants, shops, and arcade were all just minutes away.
- The Promenade (“The Prom”) made stroller walks and kid-friendly exploring easy.
- It had a fun, casual vibe that worked well for younger kids.
Family Favorites in Seaside
- Morning low tide walks – We collected sand dollars and small shells (bring a bucket!).
- Broadway Street exploring – Carousel rides, candy shops, and the iconic Lewis and Clark Statue at the Seaside Turnaround.
- Funland Arcade – Classic arcade games, bumper cars, and even Fascination (a mix of bingo & skee-ball that I loved).
- Easiest family meals – Fultano’s Pizza (connected to the arcade), Seaside Slushies & Dogs (foot-long hot dogs for $5!), and Sisu Brewing Company (kids can eat dinner while watching sports on a theater screen).
Mom Tip: If your kids love arcades, plan your dinner at Fultano’s Pizza—it’s connected to Funland Arcade, so you can eat first and then let them play afterward. 🍕 🕹
Seaside Tips for Families
- Check tide times before heading to the beach—early morning low tide is best for finding sand dollars.
- Pack layers—mornings can be chilly, even in summer, and kids are almost guaranteed to get wet playing in the water.
- Plan for the arcade—if you eat at Fultano’s, be prepared to spend time (and money) at Funland afterward.
Planning a Stop in Seaside?
Don’t miss our full guide: Oregon Coast Trip with Kids: Seaside, Cannon Beach & Astoria Highlights.
It’s filled with tips, kid-friendly activities, and practical info to help make your Seaside visit easy and memorable.
Stop 2: Cannon Beach – Tide Pools & Haystack Rock
One of my top Oregon Coast bucket list items was seeing Haystack Rock, and it did not disappoint!
I’ve seen pictures of this incredible rock for years, and seeing it in real life was dreamy.
Why You Should Visit at Low Tide
- You can walk right up to the rock and explore incredible tide pools.
- We saw tons of starfish and sea anemones—the kids were amazed.
- Check the low tide calendar before you go—this is the only time you can get close to the rock.
- Go early! We parked at the public lot at 163 Gower Ave (free) and easily found a spot before 8 a.m.
Even though we only stayed about an hour, this was one of my favorite parts of the trip.
Stop 3: Astoria – Quick Stops, Big Wins for Kids
On our way out of Seaside, we spent a couple of hours in Astoria before heading inland, and I’m so glad we did.
Astoria Column
- Climb the 164 steps for amazing views (you can see the Columbia River and surrounding landscape).
- Buy $1 wooden gliders at the gift shop—kids can launch them from the top, and it was such a hit with my boys!
Oregon Film Museum
- Located in the old Clatsop County Jail, this small museum was surprisingly fun for the kids.
- They got to film their own scenes using movie sets, which made for some hilarious family memories.
Astoria Tips for Families
- Parking at the Astoria Column is $5 and good all year—you can also get discounted admission to the Oregon Film Museum and other Astoria museums with your parking pass, so keep it if you plan to visit.
- Carry gliders up the stairs for younger kids—they’re awkward to hold while climbing and may break.
- The Oregon Film Museum is best for ages 5+—younger kids may need help with filming scenes.
- Bring a picnic lunch—there are picnic tables near the Astoria Column with great views.
Recommended Scenic Stop: Ecola State Park
Just a 15-minute drive from Seaside, Ecola State Park is a must if you love scenic views.
- Ecola Point – You can see Haystack Rock and Tillamook Lighthouse from here.
- Indian Beach – My kids loved climbing rocks, throwing stones into the creek, and running around the driftwood logs. The views were incredible too!
- Hiking opportunities – The park has several trails ranging from easy walks to longer hikes, many with stunning coastal views.
- Parking is $10/day, and the drive through the park is gorgeous—huge trees and winding coastal roads.
Ecola State Park Tips for Families
- Wear sturdy shoes—Indian Beach has rocky areas and driftwood to climb over.
- Pack a jacket or sweatshirt—it can be windy, even in summer.
- Plan 1–2 hours—enough time for photos, exploring, and letting kids play on the beach.
Driving Distances for Planning
- Seaside to Cannon Beach: ~15 minutes
- Seaside to Astoria: ~30 minutes
- Seaside to Ecola State Park: ~15 minutes
What to Pack for an Oregon Coast Trip with Kids
Mom Tip: If you want to make your trip easier, here’s what I recommend bringing:
- Layers (mornings can be cool even in summer)
- Water shoes or shoes that can get wet for tide pools
- Buckets for collecting shells or sand dollars
- Snacks and a picnic blanket for scenic stops
- A light rain jacket (weather can change quickly)
Is the Oregon Coast Doable with Kids?
Absolutely! This trip felt relaxed, scenic, and easy, which is exactly what I look for in a family vacation.
- Seaside makes a convenient home base.
- Cannon Beach is an easy half day trip with a big payoff.
- Astoria and Ecola State Park add fun without overwhelming your schedule.
If the Oregon Coast is on your list, I hope this shows you just how doable it can be with kids!
Ready to Plan Your Own Oregon Coast Trip?
If you’re dreaming about your own Oregon Coast adventure, my Travel Itinerary Planner can help you organize it all—whether you love a detailed day-by-day plan or just need a simple way to keep track of stops, reservations, and packing lists.
✅ Grab my free version here if you just want to get started.⤵
✅ Or if you’re ready to go all in, check out the full planner—it’s perfect for creating a complete, stress-free family vacation plan.
May you love your adventure!
