Planning an Oregon Coast family vacation? Discover three of the best beaches to explore with kids—Manzanita, Cannon Beach, and Short Sand Beach. Includes tips on tide pools, driftwood forts, nearby eats, hiking, and a 4-day itinerary from our Nomad-ish adventure.
Fog, Sunshine & Driftwood Forts: Our Oregon Coast Home Base
When we planned our Oregon Coast trip, we went back and forth between dozens of towns… but we kept circling back to Manzanita. Something about its quiet charm and proximity to both iconic and hidden beaches felt right for this particular season of life.
We visited in July, when the weather was doing its dramatic Oregon thing—five minutes of fog, a burst of sun, a chilly breeze, repeat. Highs were around 55, which meant layers.
From our rental home base in Manzanita, we spent several days exploring three incredible beaches—each totally different from the other, and all perfect for kids in their own way.
By the end of the trip, these beaches became the highlight of our entire Oregon adventure.
Experience all three beaches—and the kids’ reactions—as we explore forts, tide pools, waves, and a hidden cove.
👉 Exploring 3 Epic Oregon Coast Beaches With Kids | Manzanita, Cannon Beach & Short Sand
In this vlog, we build driftwood villages, splash through tide pools, hike to a magical cove, and share how to plan your own Oregon Coast trip with young kids.
The 3 Epic Beaches We Explored:
1. Manzanita Beach — Driftwood, Wide Open Shores & Pure Childhood Magic
We stayed just a couple blocks from the beach, it was easy to walk down one of the neighborhood paths that weave through the dunes. No fancy facilities, no crowds—just a long, peaceful stretch of sand and plenty of wind.
This beach is perfect for driftwood fort building, which quickly became the kids’ obsession. Manzanita is the kind of beach where imagination runs wild because there’s nothing to distract from nature itself.
Swimming?
Hard pass for us that day—the water was freezing, and the surf was rough. But the kids still ran, dug, rolled, tackled, and built their hearts out.
Know Before You Go: Manzanita
- Parking: We walked from our rental, but there are public access points closer to town.
- Facilities: None directly on the beach. Plan accordingly.
- Best for: Driftwood forts, long walks, moody coastal photos, wide-open play space.
- Tips: Bring jackets and windbreakers, even in summer.
2. Cannon Beach — Tide Pools, Haystack Rock & Full Cozy-Coast Vibes
If you’ve ever watched The Goonies, you already know Cannon Beach. It’s iconic for a reason—Haystack Rock, rolling waves, soft sand, and the kind of fog that turns everything into a movie scene.
We started our morning at The Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge, which sits right along the beach with ocean views. Free parking on Pacific Drive was a bonus, and brunch was chef’s kiss. After changing shoes in the car, we headed straight down to soak up low tide.
Highlights from our day:
- The kids splashed in the shallow tide pools
- We wandered close to shore near Haystack Rock
- Everyone got very wet, very sandy, and very happy
- The town is fun to explore if you want boutiques, bookstores, ice cream, or coastal souvenirs
Know Before You Go: Cannon Beach
- Parking: Street parking near the beach; can fill on weekends.
- Facilities: Public restrooms in town.
- Best for: Tide pools, iconic views, restaurants + shops, all-day beach lounging.
- Swimming: Possible in warm weather, but the water is cold.
- Tips: Bring towels and a full change of clothes for kids. They will get soaked.
Cannon Beach is also a great place to stay if you want walkability and amenities. It’s pricier than Manzanita—especially ocean-view rentals—but many families find it worth the splurge.
3. Short Sand Beach — A Magical Hidden Cove Worth the Hike
Just off Highway 101, nestled inside Oswald West State Park, is one of the most enchanting beaches on the entire Oregon Coast: Short Sand Beach, located inside Smuggler Cove.
It instantly became my favorite.
The Hike
A super doable half-mile trail leads through lush forest, across footbridges, and along a creek before opening into a breathtaking cove. Our 4-year-old handled it easily, and our 1-year-old rode in the hiking backpack.
The Beach
Once you arrive, it feels like stepping into a different world—surrounded by forested cliffs, soft sand, surfers catching waves, and tide pools on the rocks filled with sea creatures at low tide.
Only my husband and our two oldest explored the tide pool area (the tide was coming in fast), but even from a distance it was incredible.
A small creek runs through the sand, which kept our littlest ones entertained throwing rocks and splashing around.
Why We Loved It
- Protected from wind
- Tide pools when the timing is right
- Waterfalls (seasonal, very small in summer)
- Ideal picnic spot
- Great mix of adventure + relaxation
Know Before You Go: Short Sand Beach
- Parking: Oswald West State Park lot
- Facilities: Restrooms + picnic tables at the end of the trail
- Best for: Tide pools, surfers, day-long picnics, photo-worthy landscapes
- Tips:
- Go at low tide for the best tide pools
- Pack lots of snacks—kids are hungry after the hike
- Bring layers; it warms up but can change quickly
- This is a perfect day-trip beach from Manzanita, Cannon, Arch Cape, or even Portland
Short Sand Beach truly feels magical—one of those places that stays with you long after the sand has been washed from everyone’s shoes.
Nearby Eats, Treats & Extra Adventures
- Yolk (Manzanita): Amazing breakfast spot. Go early.
- Tillamook Creamery: A must for kids (ice cream!) and cheese lovers.
- de Garde Brewing (Tillamook): Delicious beers and a food truck outside.
- Seaside: Fun town with boardwalk energy.
- Hug Point: Sea caves and waterfalls at low tide.
- Fort Stevens State Park: Huge and historic—great for camping.
- Crabbing in Brighton: Don’t miss Kelly’s Brighton Marina (Episode 2!).
We’ll definitely return to explore even more—there’s so much packed into this stretch of coastline.
Our 4-Day Oregon Coast Itinerary
Day 1
- Breakfast at Yolk
- Driftwood fort building at Manzanita Beach
- Hot tub + relaxed evening at the rental
Day 2
- Crabbing in Brighton
- Cook and eat your catch
- Afternoon ice cream at Tillamook Creamery
- Optional: de Garde Brewing for adults
Day 3
- Breakfast at The Wayfarer in Cannon Beach
- Beach time with Haystack Rock views
- Explore the town of Cannon Beach
Day 4
- Pack a picnic
- Hike into Short Sand Beach
- Spend the whole day exploring, snacking, tide pooling, and watching surfers
We travel slowly these days with young kids, so our pace is toddler-friendly—but perfect for enjoying each spot fully.
Trip Notes & What We’d Do Differently
We stayed 5 nights and had 4 full days, but honestly?
We wish we’d stayed longer.
This stretch of the Oregon Coast ended up being our favorite stop of the entire trip—beating even Hood River, and definitely the Willamette Valley.
If we planned it again, we’d:
- Stay in Manzanita a bit longer
- Potentially skip or shorten our Willamette Valley portion
- Add more time for hiking in Oswald West State Park
- Visit Short Sand twice (it’s worth it!)
If you are planning a trip to Oregon, check out our Oregon Series on Youtube!
About Nomad-ish
We’re the Hannah family—travelers, storytellers, and slightly chaotic adventurers exploring the world one school break at a time.
Our goal? To show families that travel doesn’t have to wait for “someday.” You can create meaningful adventures right now, in these beautifully ordinary seasons of life.
Follow us on YouTube and Instagram for more family-friendly travel guides and real-life adventures.
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