Oregon Coast Family Vacation from Boise (Portland, Eugene: real estate, getaway, rent)

[Waterlily]

Hello Topher. I have been to Seaside. There's lots of tourists there during summer and during spring break. It does tend to get a lot of the younger set there. There is a broadwalk, an arcade and a large beach. Beside having motels, resturants and shops. Some people will like it better than others.

I don't know when you are planning on being there but summer weather is usually good. If you are going to spend a few days there then you may want to check out the nearby cities on the coast as well.

Have a good vacation!

[sberdrow]

Originally Posted by Tudorwoman

My husband and I went to Cannon Beach for our honeymoon, and then proceeded to go there many times with the children that followed. A must see is OSWALD WEST STATE PARK. You can look it up online and you will find it. Its a beautiful walk along the river to a very unique beach. PERFECT for kids!

We go to Stephanie Inn at Cannon Beach. Its the best.

[Topher]

Waterlilly,...Appreciate the input. I'm booked for second week of October. Am planning on doing the coast thing.This site is addictive, you get so many opinions and experiences, both good and bad. Being from a fairly large city, (140,000 plus) guess I'm used to crowds somewhat. Find that as I am getting older(cant believe I'm knocking on the doorway of the big 5-0) its sometimes is nice to have younger crowds instead of dealing with us blue haired old farts all the time! As I am a stranger to Oregon...any and all input to quality cities would be helpful. I realize it's a IMHO thing, but just as if someone came out here to Michigan, I would know what cities and places to see from being a lifelong resident...bah!! I think Oregon will be a exciting experience. I do in all likelyhood plan on doing the snowbird thing as I'm retiring in October. What are the best months to be here weatherwise? thanks

[Waterlily]

Well..for western Oregon from Late May on through Oct. would be a pretty good time weatherwise. It's been A very nice day today and that would continue for most days until November. That's when the big storms start coming in.

[Topher]

Waterlilly,....I am also reading very positive things for Cannon beach which according to Google Earth, is only about 9 miles away. Obviously, since this is such a close proximity, I intend on going there too. Is the real estate market there out of range for a soon to be retiree whose income would be in the mid to upper mid range? Something tells me that the "wow" factor is something to anticipate. Sounds like the whole coastline is pretty much beautiful so making any decisions "if and when" to relocate is not the issue, but "where"?. May sound a bit premature, but i've always,always loved a rugged coastline and think sometimes that rain,clouds and fog make it more mystical. Who can think of a prettier picture than crashing waves, gulls, and perhaps a lighthouse off in the shadowy distance!! Again, thanking you in advance.........

[thedfly]

Originally Posted by sberdrow

We go to Stephanie Inn at Cannon Beach. Its the best.

I looked at the website, it looks beautiful. However, they do not allow children under the age of 12. So I will keep looking.

[sberdrow]

Originally Posted by thedfly

I looked at the website, it looks beautiful. However, they do not allow children under the age of 12. So I will keep looking.

They own another hotel and do allow children. Not quite as romantic, but its a top contender.

[nwcw2001]

I absolutely LOVE Manzanita. So beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing. And centrally located between the Cannon Beach/Seaside areas and Tillamook area.
There is a beautiful Inn, but they are adults only. There are other motels though in Manzanita that do allow kids - some right across from the beach, others a block or two away.
Definitely worth looking into!

[Larry Caldwell]

Originally Posted by Topher

Skytripper..I am planning a trip to Seaside and was told that it actually was a little nicer than Newport, which I had been researching. I'm starting to feel a little overwhelmed along with some trepidation for my trip plans, which are now booked. I realize that everyone has an opinion and yours could be 100 % correct. I figure the only way to find out is to go for oneself. One thing that I do notice is a steady stream of bad weather reports, boredom, complaints of lack of diversity, crime,etc..I'm from the Detroit area, which, belive it or not, is starting to look pretty good (at least I know the city and what to expect,where to go to or not, and so forth)right now. Never in a million years did I ever think I would be saying that! I do get some eye rolls when I mention traveling to Oregon but sincerely hope they are based on rumor and misinformation. Do appreciate your insight which makes up for "my lack of" regarding what looks to be an absolutely gorgeous state as far as "eye" candy is concerned......

You didn't give us much to go on with regard to your personal interests. As I noted, the Maritime Museum in Astoria is very interesting. Oswald West State Park between Seaside and Tillamook is the jewel of the state parks system, and could easily chew up a couple days, more if you are healthy enough to do some hiking. Get a road map and keep your eyes peeled. The only part of Oswald West that you see from the highway is the parking lot, and it is less than impressive. Take a day pack, there is nothing to eat or drink for sale at the park.

There is a complete set of hiking trails that run all the way from the Columbia to Tillamook, through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The walk to the top of Neahkahnie from the trail head on the mountain (just marked by a finger board on 101) takes about 45 minutes if you are in good shape. When you get to the top, go to the left of the little radio shack and scramble out on the face of the mountain, the view is spectacular.

Neahkahnie

Netarts Bay, near Tillamook, is a federal estuary, where you can clam and crab without a fishing license. If you spring for a day license, there are crabbing and fishing trips available all over. To get there, you have to drive over Cape Lookout, which earns its name on every clear day. Tillamook also is home to Oregon's largest cheese factory, and dozens of smaller specialty cheese makers, like Blue Heron.

Seaside and Canon Beach are pretty much just beaches, but they are nestled against the Oregon Coast Range. Follow any of the streams or rivers inland just a few miles, and you will find another world, devoid of tourists, where rural Oregon still survives. You can also rent a small boat and motor up the Young's river (the bay just south of Astoria). Columbia River excursions are available from Astoria.

Seaside and Canon Beach have endless shopping, and you shouldn't have any trouble finding decent seafood, caught that day. Contrary to popular opinion, there really is a regional cuisine in the Pacific Northwest. It's called, "Don't Screw It Up!" Take the greatest ingredients in the world, don't over-season, don't over-cook, and don't adulterate. Be sure to check out Coho salmon (not Atlantic salmon, which is a mediocre tasting kind of trout), Dungeness Crab, ling cod, fresh halibut or razor clams. If you find the right eateries, the Oregon Coast can be a gourmet's delight. Be sure to match the meal with Oregon wines, which are award-winning vintages, thanks to the hot, dry summer.

Kite flying is a popular pastime on the beach, thanks to Oregon's Asian population. Some of the kites take a pilot's license to operate, so if you have kids, keep it simple.

Look for live music. The long, dark winters mean that musicians don't have much to do but practice. When tourist season rolls around, they come out to play. I have heard some astonishing bar bands on the North Coast. Some of them went on to become quite famous.

You shouldn't have any trouble having a good time.

[Topher]

Larry Caldwell,... Good to know information. I am a late, late, late 40's single guy soon to be retiring this fall. I have always loved the outdoors but cant say that I have alot of experience doing the hiking, biking stuff. Think thats why I love the looks of your rugged state.Want to get off my somewhat sedentary butt, get back to the great outdoors....never hurts to improve ones physical fitness!! Love beaches, even if you cant swim in the water, kiteflying's cool, and I always look to enjoy good food,especially when I dont have to cook it or do the cleaning up! I dont want to hurry up the season (Michigan does have beautiful summers) but am looking forward to the fall and my visit in your neck of the woods.