Oregon Coast: Rockaway Beach

Situated fifty two miles south of Astoria, Oregon, Highway 101 runs through downtown Rockaway Beach. A lovely little seaside village perhaps best known for it’s annual Kite Festival, Rockaway Beach has lots to offer families. To begin, the beach is fairly easy to access. Look for the public parking lot near South 1st Ave, near the Rockaway Beach Chamber of Commerce that is housed in a bright red train caboose.Playground Rockaway BeachHere you’ll find picnic tables, public restrooms, and a fun pirate-themed playground structure. The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad has a depot at Rockaway Beach, and while we did not take a ride on this particular visit, we did see passengers loading the train. Note: dogs are allowed in the open cars. And on the subject of man’s best friend, check out other resources for dog-friendly activities in the region.  Train Rockaway BeachRockaway Beach offers lots of venues for finding ice cream treats, sandwiches, salt water taffy, pizza, and seafood. We enjoyed Hawaiian shave ice from the hut near the Sand Dollar Restaurant and Lounge.Downtown Rockaway BeachThe beach itself is wonderfully long and wide, with lots of room to spread out and fly kites. During our visit, we saw many kites flying up and down the coast. Kites on BeachAs you might suspect in a place where natural beauty draws tourists, Rockaway Beach is home to many artists and artisans. Enticed by a sign that said “blow your own glass float,” we popped into Ring of Fire Glass Works on the south side of town and watched a glass starfish take shape right before our eyes. Glass Blowing Rockaway BeachStay tuned for more ways to explore Tillamook County and the Northern Oregon Coast.

About the Author

Julie Henning
Julie Henning is a freelance writer and journalist based out of Eugene, Oregon. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and owner of the family-travel website RoadTripsForFamilies.com. She is a recent past member of the Midwest Travel Writers Association and the Association for Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. In March 2018 Julie Henning published the book "100 Things to Do in Eugene Before You Die" (Reedy Press). She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and recent past member of the Midwest Travel Writers Association and the Association for Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. She has been published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Wisconsin State Journal, Travel Wisconsin, Travel Oregon, Hometown News Group, The Daily Journal (Kankakee, Illinois), the Rochester Post Bulletin, Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine (DNR publication), Experience Michigan Magazine, the Official Oregon Wine Touring Guide, Metro Parent Milwaukee Magazine, Eugene Cascades & Coast Official Visitors Guide, Trivago, Intercom Magazine, Roadtrippers.com, Amtrak.com, Eugene Magazine, and FTF Geocacher Magazine. Julie has appeared on Wisconsin Public Radio, Ohio Public Radio, and KCBX FM Central Coast Radio. She has produced episodes for Journey of Discovery with Tom Wilmer, a National Public Radio travel podcast. Julie has also produced travel apps with Sutro Media and Bindu Media. She works full time in marketing. Julie has appeared on Wisconsin Public Radio, Ohio Public Radio, and KCBX FM Central Coast Radio and is an affiliate producer with the Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer, a National Public Radio travel podcast. She has blogged for TravelWisconsin.com, Travel Oregon, and VISIT Milwaukee. Julie travels with her three kids and black lab as much as possible and lives by the motto, "Not all who wander are lost." Check out some of her best work at www.juliehenning.com.