My wife and I are planning a vacation for next summer so that we can take my son to see the ocean. We are looking to stay somewhere right on the beach, somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. Just wondering if anyone knows a good spot to go that would be interesting for an 11 year old. Thanks!
I've been along the coast pretty much from the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, to midway down the Oregon coast, and Cannon Beach was my favorite by far. The rock formations in the water are pretty recognizable from movies, including Goonies.
My wife and I are planning a vacation for next summer so that we can take my son to see the ocean. We are looking to stay somewhere right on the beach, somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. Just wondering if anyone knows a good spot to go that would be interesting for an 11 year old. Thanks!
There is some great ocean front camping along the coast of Washington toward Canada. My bro lives on the Olympic Peninsula, I took a trip out there like 3 years ago where we camped in a couple places along the ocean before hitting the mountains. Camping was great but primitive, I am not sure what you are looking for exactly but their is great scenery and alot to see all up that coast. Definitely one of my favorite places in the country that I have been to.
I've been along the coast pretty much from the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, to midway down the Oregon coast, and Cannon Beach was my favorite by far. The rock formations in the water are pretty recognizable from movies, including Goonies.
That looks promising, I'll have to run that by my wife. My son would love the Goonies connection.
Originally Posted by CloneIce
There is some great ocean front camping along the coast of Washington toward Canada. My bro lives on the Olympic Peninsula, I took a trip out there like 3 years ago where we camped in a couple places along the ocean before hitting the mountains. Camping was great but primitive, I am not sure what you are looking for exactly but their is great scenery and alot to see all up that coast. Definitely one of my favorite places in the country that I have been to.
My wife doesn't get along too well with primitive. We're thinking beach front with amenities.
Cannon Beach is great for the older yuppie crowd.... Maybe Seaside (WA) would be more appealing to an 11 year-old. Cannon Beach has the galleries and volvos driving around. also Haystack Rock which is VERY cool, but Seaside seems to cater more towards families and the younger set. Both are nice though.
Cannon Beach is awesome!! Nice thing is Seaside is about 15 min. north from there. There's TONS of scenic spots all along that coast and Astoria (more Goonies action) is pretty cool. That whole area is just amazing! My wife and I vacationed there the past two years but went east this year instead. You can drive about 45 miles south to Tillamook. There's plenty to do/see around there. Can't go wrong with Oregon...
Cannon Beach is great for the older yuppie crowd.... Maybe Seaside (WA) would be more appealing to an 11 year-old. Cannon Beach has the galleries and volvos driving around. also Haystack Rock which is VERY cool, but Seaside seems to cater more towards families and the younger set. Both are nice though.
Stay in Cannon Beach for the amazing scenery - more relaxed, artsy, less commercialized, more "romantic" AND Goonie-like.
But drive the 5-7 miles north to Seaside and spend some time on the boardwalk, bumper cars, and having fun doing the "Griswold family fun" stuff. It's more congested and carnival-like than Cannon Beach.
No matter what, you can't go wrong with a trip to the Oregon coast.
Our daughter and SIL went to Portland, etc. on their honeymoon last fall. Here's her suggestion:
We took a day trip from Portland to the Oregon coast, visiting Newport and Waldport. Of the two, Newport would be more exciting for kids. There's beach access, restaurants, ice cream/candy shops, touristy shops, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and (our favorite) sea lions sunning themselves on docks in the harbor. Waldport had a neat tourist info. center with exhibits about the nearby historic bridge, and the drive along the coast was full of great scenery.
Another day's adventure was heading to the "end of the Oregon Trail" in Oregon City (a highlight for those of us who grew up playing the computer game) and then back to Portland to spend the afternoon at the zoo. If staying at the beach, it might be worth taking a day trip to Portland (about 2 hours one way from Newport) to hit the zoo and maybe some of the museums (museum of science and industry, children's museum).
Another day's adventure was heading to the "end of the Oregon Trail" in Oregon City (a highlight for those of us who grew up playing the computer game) and then back to Portland to spend the afternoon at the zoo. If staying at the beach, it might be worth taking a day trip to Portland (about 2 hours one way from Newport) to hit the zoo and maybe some of the museums (museum of science and industry, children's museum).
That raises an excellent point- if you're heading to Oregon, make sure you're all up to date on your vaccinations. You wouldn't want to get dysentery.
I appreciate all the input. From what I can gather, coastal areas in Oregon average in the 70's during the summer. Is that right? We're wondering if it will be too cold to swim?
We stayed at Bella Beach in Oregon this summer for a week. Very relaxing vacation. Average high about 70 but it feels colder on the beach. Most people wear jeans with sweatshirt/coat. Very few swimmers. Here's where we stayed Dolce Vita - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Bella Beach
Just curious why folks want to go to cold beaches? My idea of a beach vacation is Maui or Jamaica. If I want cold, I go for a ski trip in Colorado.
I'll take a day in the 70's over one in the 90's anytime. There are any number of activities that are both more enjoyable and healthier to me than baking in the sun and swimming in the ocean.
I appreciate all the input. From what I can gather, coastal areas in Oregon average in the 70's during the summer. Is that right? We're wondering if it will be too cold to swim?
Even if you hit a freak day where the temperature is in the 80s the ocean water temperature will turn your skin blue unless you are wearing a wet suit.
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I have two suggestions:
1) take a detour through Mt Rainier on your way to the Olympic Peninsula. We stayed at Pacific Beach, Washington once and it was good. They have a nice beach and it's not too far away from Olympic NP.
2) swing though my hometown and take the North Cross hwy though North Cascades NP. Then you can stay near the San Juan Islands. I've been all over the western US and I think that the North Cascades is the most beautiful spot in the lower 48.
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Originally Posted by Cyclonepride 
. We're thinking beach front with amenities. 
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