5 Fun Activities for A Family Spring Break on the Oregon Coast

We've Updated Our List. Follow Along for Many More Local Tips!

Adventures await on the Oregon Coast! Being experts in the area, we have 5 great Oregon Coast spring break ideas. These tips of where to explore during your stay are favorites to both tourists and locals. This time, we're focusing on the Oregon Coast, a perfect destination for families looking for adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you're building sandcastles, hiking through senic trails, or indulging in fresh local seafood, the Oregon Coast offers tons of opportunities for family fun. Here's a detailed guide to the best family friendly activities in this beautiful area.

Hiking at Oregon Coast — Hiking on the North Oregon Coast

If you are planning a trip this spring break ...

Check out these 5 perfect spring break activities on the Oregon Coast your family will love

1. Oregon Coast Whale Watching

Whale watching is a must see when visiting in the Oregon Coast!

The wonderful aspect of whale watching on the Oregon Coast is that it is year-round! No matter what time you visit, you’ll be able to take a whale watching tour.

Through Spring, the gray whales migrate back from the Oregon Coast to Alaska. This migration of over 18,000 whales means there is much whale activity happening during March-June.

If you’re coming outside those months, don’t worry, over 200 whales typically stay off the Oregon Coast instead of migrating. So, no matter what time of the year you visit the Oregon Coast, its always a good time for whale watching.

2. Hug Point State Park

Do you love the outdoors and adventures? If you enjoy walks on the beach with a splash of adventure, be sure to visit Hug Point on your Oregon Coast spring break.

When tides are low, you can walk along the original stagecoach road.

The name of Hug Point comes from stagecoaches having to hug the cliff while traveling around it. Now, no longer a road, you can walk along the side of the cliff and explore the caves within.

3. Railriders Cycling

Have you heard of Railriders Cycling before? If you have not, check out this article we wrote about this not to be missed fun.

Railriders Cycling is a special mix of a bike and train, with incredible coastal views thrown in. Riders sit on a special, customized bike that run on a train track all to explore lots of land in little time.

When riding, you’ll be able to go through forests, above water ways and pass by various landmarks. This amazing experience is a must for any family looking for perfect spring break activities on the Oregon Coast.

NOTE: we're hearing they've relocated to another area, but as yet don't have more information.

railriders Cycling — Oregon Coast Railriders Cycling

4. Kayaking

The Northern Oregon Coast is home to wonderful kayaking opportunities. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or expert, there is sure to be a great route for you.

The Oregon Coast is bays, rivers, and lakes that are ready to be kayaked year long. No matter what time you go, you’ll be able to sea various wildlife and vegetation that is native to Oregon. Be sure to check here to find out which route to take based on your experience level and interests.

5. Hiking

If you’re looking for outdoor beauty, consider hiking on your next trip! There are many beautiful places to hike on the Northern Oregon Coast but we highly recommend Oswald West State Park. This magical park is a great introductons to the region's lush coastal rainforests and is a peaceful retreat away from crowds.

The Oswald West State Park consists of 2,448 acres of forest and beach area. With various trail options, you can come hike for one day or multiple days to see all the park has to offer.

For families that love hiking and nature, a short but rewarding trail leads to Short Sand Beach. The 1 mile forested hike is easy enough for kids and leads to a stunning cove perfect for picnics, watching surfers ride the waves, and exploring the nearby tidepools and creek.

More Must Do Oregon Coast Spring Break Activities

Explore Nearby Beaches - There are lots, wherever you go! Did you know Oregon's beaches are public, so they're all open. And one of the biggest draws of the Oregon Coast is its fantastic, wide, sandy beaches, perfect for all sorts of family activities. Some beaches to note are Manzanita Beach and it's famous seven mile beach, Cannon Beach, famous for iconic Haystack Rock. Kids will love exploring the tide pools, searching for sea creatures, and spotting some of the famous puffins that make Haystack Rock their home. Seaside Beach is a lively and fun beach with lots of space for kids to enjoy. Rockaway Beach and it's old fashioned beachside town, known as the Coney Island on the Oregon Coast, that brings to mind beachgoing of yore. Traditional beach activities are always fun such as flying kites, searching for seashells, driftwood, and seaglass. Playing frisbee, beach soccer and vollyball are always fun. Or explore the tidepools and find starfish, anemonies, and tiny crabs.
Visit the Tillamook Creamery - A visit to the Famous Tillamook Creamery is a must for families! Kids and adults alike rave about this experience.
Discover Fort Stevens State Park - If you family loves history and outdoor adventures, Fort Stevens State Park is the perfect destination. This huge park offers a mix of history, nature and beach fun. You can explore the old military fort dating back to the Civil War, search for the Peter Iredale Shipwreck, a rusted ship on the beach, or go wildlife spotting. Elk, eagles, and seals sightings are common.
Have a Blast on Seaside's Promenade - Seaside is a family friendly town on the north Oregon Coast, with lots of exciting activites ofr kids and adults alike. You can walk the Seaside Promenade (The Prom), a scenic 1.5 paved path along the beach. Visit the Seaside Aquarium, where kids can feed the seals, and touch sea creatures in the tide pool exhibit. Play at the Funland Arcade, the biggest archade on the coast, with video games, skee-ball, and bumper cars. Not to mention put-put golf. Or rent surrey bikes, the multi-person bikes that are a a fun way to cruise through town. Be sure to try the fresh saltwater taffy at Seaside Candyman, and their other yummy treats!
Go Crabbing and Clamming - The Oregon Coast is famous for its fresh seafood, and one of the most fun ways for families to experience it is by catching their own. Netarts Bay, Garibaldi, and Nehalem Bay are great places to go crabbing. Kelly's Brighton Marina on Nehalem Bay is one of our favorites. Rent a crab pot or crab ring and a boat, and try your luck at catching Dungeness crab. Or dig for clams during low tide. Be sure to check local regulations for limits and seasons. Many rental spots will even cookyour crab for you so you can enjoy a fresh, ocean-to-table feast.
Try Horseback Riding on the Beach - One of the most unforgettable ways to experience the Oregon Coast is on horseback. Several stables offer guided rides along the beach. Oregon Beach Rides, near Nehalem State Park, Green Acres Beach and Trail Rides in Pacific City, and Oregon Beach Rides in Cannon Beach are all options. Horseback riding offers an exciting and unique activity that great for older kids and adults.
Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum - Located in scenic Astoria, the oldest town west of the Mississippi, you'll find a mix of history, hands-on fun, and seafaring lore. Explore real Coast Guard rescue boats, learn about shipwrecks and the "Graveyard of the Pacific," and try your hand at a ship navigation simulator!

Visiting for Spring Break?

Are you planning an Oregon Coast spring break trip for your family? Consider a vacation rental on Manzanita Beach! The Houses On Manzanita Beach offer five sizes of vacation rentals in the Manzanita Oregon community that will allow for any size of group you might have. Even if you plan an extended-family getaway, our largest rental sleep up to 20.

All of our rental houses are within driving distance of all of the Oregon Coast spring break activities listed above – making for a great place to stay while planning a fun vacation. Check the availability now to book your spring break trip!

The Houses On Manzanita Beach