Picking a travel destination that will please both adults and kids can be hard…

Cannon beach is a great vacation spot for kids and parents because of the abundance of activities, the great selection of family-friendly restaurants, and beautiful scenery and wildlife both parents and kids can enjoy.

Whale & Puffin Spotting:
Kids love spotting animals and the Oregon coast is a great place to see gray whales, puffins, and sea creatures. There are two peak migration times for gray whales. One is from late December to mid-January, and the other is from March to June. These are the times gray whales can be most commonly seen, but some whales stay near the coastline during the summer and can be spotted along the coast. Haystack Rock is also a temporary home for tufted puffins during the breeding season. These birds can be seen diving from the cliffs to feed and nesting on Haystack rock. Bring a pair of binoculars and see if your kids can spot any of the birds.

Tide Pool exploration:
There is nothing more exciting than exploring the tide pools and discovering unique sea creatures like starfish and sea anemones. It is such a joy to look at the colorful creatures up close! When the tide is low, Haystack Rock is a great place you and your kids can explore tidepools. Just make sure you are wearing sturdy shoes!

Kite Flying:
When it comes to other kid-friendly activities, kite flying is a popular choice on the Oregon coast. The spacious beach and strong onshore winds provide great conditions for this activity. Bring your own kite from home or rent one from “Once Upon a Breeze” (located at 240 N. Spruce St at Cannon Beach).

Family Friendly Food spots:
Finding kid-friendly restaurants is easy at Cannon Beach. Start your day with something either savory or sweet at “Crepe Neptune” where kids can get a simple banana-Nutella or ham and cheese crepe and power up for daily activities. “Pig n Pancake” is also a great breakfast or lunch option for both adults and kids. The kids menu has budget-friendly options for picky eaters like kraft mac and cheese, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, or a bowl of applesauce or fresh fruit.

After an afternoon of activities, relax and dine with your family at “Driftwood Restaurant and Lounge”. Complete with a kids menu and fresh seafood, this restaurant is great for both adults and kids. “Public Coast Brewing” is another great place for families. Be sure to snag a spot on the patio and kick back with one of their local beers and organic grass-fed burgers. If the kiddos are craving a sweet afternoon snack, be sure to check out the family-owned “Bruce’s Candy Kitchen”. With over 30 flavors of salt-water taffy, caramel corn, and handmade chocolates, this place has something for any sweet-tooth.

Hiking at Ecola State Park:
If your kids are older (ages 10+), and have experience hiking, we recommend doing a short 2-mile hike in Ecola State Park. Crescent Beach Trail is a 2-mile, out-and-back hike complete with lush forests, cliff views, and a waterfall! Be sure to wear shoes with good tread and bring a backpack with snacks and water.

S’mores on the beach:
Fire Pits are allowed on the beach along the coast. This is an awesome chance to cozy up in a blanket, enjoy the sunset, and roast s’mores with your little ones. Visit the front desk during your stay at Hallmark to get the details and supplies regarding a bonfire on the beach.

The Oregon Coast is a great place for both kids and parents. From whale watching to kite flying, to roasting marshmallows and eating saltwater taffy, Cannon Beach has something for everyone. Book your family vacation today!