Travel NW – One of our favorite beach spots on the Oregon coast, south of Lincoln City

Click here to see this location on Google Maps

I told you about our trip to the Oregon Coast Aquarium and another highlight of our trip down Highway 101 to Oregon was our stops at the beach. My kids LOVE the beach and the thing I love about the beach is that once you get there – it’s FREE and it provides hours of entertainment. I know gas prices aren’t fun right now but if you can get there – pack a picnic, pack your sand toys, pack some towels and a change of clothes and settle in for a fun-filled day.

Where the big red star is there is a big paved parking spot and the distance to the beach is a very short walk. Our friends got married at this spot about four years ago and it was just as magical when we returned this last time.

We like this spot because it’s easy for the kids to access, parking is a breeze and every time we’ve been there it’s been uncrowded. Granted we aren’t beach experts, but we’ll keep returning here until we have reason to find another spot.

We stayed at the Salishan Golf and Spa resort thanks to a Sharing Spree discount I posted last month – so we were just up the road from this spot.

Here are some photos of the time we spent at the beach:

Find a good driftwood log and make yourself comfortable.

We love the Melissa and Doug sand toys, but you can pack a bunch of things from your own kitchen to play with – a colander, a whisk, a funnel, spatula and plastic bowls or cups.

My son was entertained by jumping off drift wood. Flying was sweet and the landing was soft.

Sandy faces. Messy hair. Big smiles.  

The spot marked on the map above has a little bit of a hill on the beach – so when the tide is coming in, it comes over the hill and makes a temporary “pool” that the kids loved to run through. I prefer this, I get nervous having the little kids near the real waves breaking on the shore – they are just too inconsistant for my liking. But this is perfect – a big waves brings water over that we play with until it disappears into the sand and we wait for the next big wave.

Expect sand (and water) to be everywhere by the time you’re done. It’s all part of the fun. Pack some plastic bags for the sandy clothes and shake them out when you get home. Watch your camera – I’ve known more than one person who ended up getting sand in their camera and it’s not a pretty picture. Also sand is not friendly to iPhone screens, just so you know. 🙂

Go at dusk or later in the evening for a cooler breeze and a possible sunset! My husband and kids walking on the beach.

What’s your favorite beach location on the Oregon or Washington coast? What’s your favorite activity to do at the beach?