Advice on quickie Washington/Oregon getaway (Seattle, Pacific: oceanfront, rentals, condo)

[LadyLara]

i'm looking for a not too far 'getaway' in the area for a small vacation in september. we're moving to whidbey next year - so i want to stay south of the seattle area - but not past oregon.

i've found some resorts in ocean shores, wa... but would love any suggestions. we're a lazy family of four - two toddlers. i'm quite the pampered gal, so no camping - but do love the ocean views. (and shopping - love the eats and shops!)

advice or suggestions?

[scirocco22]

My suggestion would probably be Ocean Shores.

If you haven't already visited their site, here's the things-to-do page from their chamber of commerce.

There's also links to places to eat and shop on their site.

[Alcon]

Ocean Shores is a good choice. It's fun and non-demanding. If you want something less touristy but still touristy, there are other oceanfront towns that cater to vistiors, such as Westport.

If you want to "rough it" a little more, there are also beach areas northwards but still in the Grays Harbor County area. It's hard to find a place to stay there and it is somewhat remote, but the La Push area (First and Second Beach) is probably some of the most strikingly beautiful waterfront on the Pacific.

Hope that is of some help.

EDIT: Oregon-wise, there's a lot too. There's a line of beach areas stretching from Cannon Beach near Astoria down to Lincoln County, around Newport. Even further south, near the California border, is Gold Beach, which is also popular.

[scirocco22]

oh, I misread your post.

Yeah, if you have time to make it down the Oregon coast, there's lots of places that are really a pleasure to visit.

One of my favorite getaways is the Seaside/Cannon Beach area. As Alcon mentioned, lots of other places that are fun further down the coast too.

[NCWmark]

I'll have to endorse the Lincoln City area of the Oregon Coast as well. We vacationed there all the time when I was growing up. Many things to do and the beaches are very nice.

Just to give you a non-beachfront option, to the east of Seattle and tucked away in the mountains is Leavenworth. You mentioned shopping and this is a shopper's paradise. Plus, the surroundings are gorgeous with the mountains surrounding the little Bavarian themed village. Just another option.

[bmsea]

If you have toddlers and want a nice place to stay, definitely give Westport a second look. There is a condo complex called westport by the sea, which does nightly and weekly rentals, and its very family friendly. There is a playground on site as well as a swimming pool, grassy lawns, and putting green. You can rent a 2 bedroom condo for under $200 a night.

I have a 1-1/2 year old, and I prefer Westport to the Oregon coast mostly because its not nearly as crowded. Even on a sunny day you can be out on the beach and feel like you're the only one there. Half Moon Bay or Westhaven state park both have sandy beaches where you can dip your toes in the water.

The maritime Museum is interesting and has a kiddie room which can keep the kids busy. Also, around 1 - 3 pm, the charter boats are coming in from fishing and doing their weigh ins at the little derby hut, and I know my nephews love to watch the fish being weighed.

There are several family friendly restaurants in town, the Original House of Pizza (by the airport) and Half Moon Bay Bar and Grill (on the Marina) which have good changing tables. Both have good food too

[doni]

I also enjoyed our stay in Lincoln City! It was a great getaway for us and
we also had a small child at the time!

[diggitydot]

I absolutely love both the WA and OR coasts, but I have to add my vote for Lincoln City. There's a ton of things to do in the area. I'm pretty partial to all the antique shops, myself.