— By Tracy Ellen Beard —
Road trips with kids have their own rhythm — equal parts snack breaks, sightseeing, and spontaneous beach stops. On a recent adventure along Oregon’s Southern Coast, my husband, Steve, and I created an itinerary designed not only around iconic views but also memorable meals and delightful surprises, all tailored for little travelers. From gooey hot chocolate flights to fresh crab pulled from the Pacific, this journey was filled with indulgence, laughter, and scenic stretches that catered to young explorers and hungry adults alike.
Coos Bay: Trails, Tidepools, and Tasty Beginnings
Sunset Bay
We kicked off our adventure in Coos Bay. After winding our way down the scenic OR-38 corridor, which follows the Umpqua River, we arrived at this bustling harbor town that blends maritime history with kid-approved fun. For our overnight stay, we settled in at The Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park, where rooms overlook the bay and families have easy access to the on-site pool and casual dining options.
For dinner, we headed to Wildflour Public House, a relaxed and welcoming spot with house-made pretzels and creamy beer cheese dip. There’s also a tasty mac and cheese that will satisfy the palates of both children and adults. Another great stop is Shark Bites Café, where the crispy crab cakes are golden and satisfying.
The next morning, we explored Shore Acres State Park, where people come from all over the world to watch the waves crash against the rocks. Afterward, we continued the outdoor adventure at Sunset Bay State Park, where tidepools, sandcastles, and scenic coastal trails keep young adventurers entertained. Sunset Bay lives up to its name, so it is imperative to stay until evening.
Bandon: Bluff Views, Crab Cakes, and Chocolate Dreams
Crab cocktail at Tony’s in Bandon
Next stop, Bandon, where we checked into the Bandon Inn, perched on a bluff overlooking the Coquille River. The views from our balcony were stunning, with the ocean, harbor, and Old Town Bandon all within sight and walking distance. This inn is the perfect base for a family eager to explore without jumping back in the car every hour.
That afternoon’s lunch was a flavor-packed affair at Tony’s Crab Shack, where fresh crab cocktails and bowls of clam chowder hit all the right notes. It is fun to watch people crab right off the docks while you eat. For brunch the following day, we splurged on The Loft Restaurant and Bar‘s Crab Cake Benedict: two tender cakes topped with poached eggs and a brown butter hollandaise, served over a bed of spinach and golden potatoes.
No stop in Bandon would be complete without a trip to Coastal Mist. Owner and chocolatier Kevin Shaw is something of a wizard when it comes to sweets. We ordered a trio of mini hot chocolates (Mayan spice, French caramel, and classic dark), served in adorable demitasse cups and crowned with whipped cream. My face beamed with pure joy as my inner child savored and sipped each of the elevated elixirs. Some might believe that they were crafted for the gods.
Between meals, we wandered through the Washed Ashore Gallery and Workshop, where massive sea creatures made of ocean trash tell compelling environmental stories. At Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint, the cliffs and crashing waves added a little magic to our already charmed day, and the Coquille River Lighthouse at Bullards Beach State Park is a must-visit.
Port Orford: Hot Dogs, High Bluffs, and Mousse Along the Oregon Coast
WildSpring Habitat Resort
From Bandon, we continued south to Port Orford, Oregon’s oldest coastal town. Along the way, we made a legendary pit stop at Langlois Market. Their short, snappy-skinned hot dogs are topped with house-made honey mustard, dill pickles, and onions. We devoured ours at a picnic table outside the store, along with sodas and chips — the kind of classic road trip bite that hits all the nostalgic notes.
In Port Orford, we checked into the WildSpring Guest Habitat, nestled within five acres of forest overlooking the ocean. It is a calm and serene destination for adults and families with children ten and older. Thoughtful touches like sculpture trails, hammocks, and stargazing decks made it feel magical.
Dinner was at Redfish, where we enjoyed a juicy steak along with views of Battle Rock and the Pacific Ocean. We concluded our meal with a rich chocolate mousse. Battle Rock Wayside Park got its name from the historic battle that occurred between the Qua-to-mah Native Americans and Captain William Tichenor’s men in 1851.
The next morning, we visited Cape Blanco State Park and envisioned ourselves as lighthouse keepers while soaking in the panoramic views. If you are traveling with older kids, I highly recommend taking a wildlife boat tour with South Coast Tours. We rode aboard the Black Pearl, a sturdy inflatable boat, and spotted puffins, seals, more unusual sea creatures, and dramatic sea stacks while learning about the area’s unique marine ecosystem.
Nearby, The Crazy Norwegian’s Fish & Chips served up a monster platter of fried cod and prawns with crunchy slaw, ideal for sharing after a long day exploring tide pools and trails.
Gold Beach: River Thrills and Taco Twists
Otter Point State Park
Continuing south along the Oregon Coast, we reached Gold Beach. We stayed at Endicott Gardens Gold Beach, which is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. However, it is not suitable for families with children with a 21+ policy. The Pacific Reef Hotel is a family-friendly alternative, offering a comfortable option with direct beach access and a range of family-friendly amenities. Many rooms look out onto the ocean, a perfect place for stargazing or sipping morning coffee while the kids explore the nearby dunes.
For lunch, we could not resist Barnacle Bistro. Their wasabi fish tacos are a surprising hit: The wasabi offers a zingy contrast to the crispy fish, and the whole plate feels like a flavor adventure. The bistro offers quick and casual service, which is perfect for families on the go.
We made time for a quick beach stop at Otter Point State Recreation Site, where sandstone cliffs rise dramatically above driftwood-laced shores. Kids can climb and explore (with supervision), and the views are stunning. North of town, Prehistoric Gardens is a favorite, with life-sized dinosaurs tucked away in rainforest foliage making for a whimsical, educational walk.
Brookings: Breakfast Bliss, Sunset Strolls, and Farewell to Oregon Coast
Whaleshead Beach Resort
Our final stop along the Oregon Coast was Brookings, near the California border. We rolled into Whaleshead Beach Resort, where our cabin offered postcard-perfect ocean views and a little extra room for a family to spread out. With playgrounds, trails, and access to the beach, it is an excellent base for adventures of all sizes.
Dinner at Catalyst Seafood was the grand finale: a whole Dungeness crab, golden and steaming, served with drawn butter, creamy chowder, and a basket of crispy clams.
The next morning, we fueled up at Blue Water Café and Lounge. Steve dove into the Blue Benedict with sausage and cheese, while I opted for the Veggie Benedict with spinach and perfectly crisp hash browns. It was hearty, satisfying, and the ideal send-off before our long drive home.
We rounded out our Brookings stay with a visit to Azalea Park, home to whimsical playgrounds and spring blooms, and ended our trip with a breathtaking sunset at Harris Beach State Park. Here, kids can race the waves, collect shells, and watch the sky melt into pinks and oranges — pure coastal magic.
Delicious Detours, One Bite at a Time
Soft pretzel at Wildflour Public House
As we drove home, I reflected on how many of our best moments were served on a plate: warm pretzels with cheese dip in Coos Bay, a flight of hot chocolate in Bandon, chocolate mousse in Port Orford, tacos in Gold Beach, and an entire crab in Brookings. We found joy in unexpected roadside meals.
This Southern Oregon Coast road trip is not just kid-friendly, it’s kid-celebrated. It offers the freedom to explore, foods to savor, and places that help us all feel a little more connected to our surroundings and each other.
When planning a family adventure, this route delivers all the right ingredients. We’re talking sand between your toes, full bellies and satisfied taste buds, and memories that stay with you like the salty air in your hair.
Seals in Port Orford
Oregon Coast Road Trip Tips:
Book ahead: Especially during summer months, accommodations can fill up quickly.
Pack layers: Weather on the Oregon Coast changes quickly, so bring sweaters, beachwear, and rain jackets. Also, pack a few towels in the car to brush off sandy feet.
Snack wisely: Keep room for hot dogs, tacos, and chocolate tastings—you will want to say yes to every bite.
Photos by Tracy Ellen Beard
About the Author: Tracy Ellen Beard is a freelance writer, editor, and photographer. Tracy’s writing focuses on luxury and adventure travel, spas, fine dining, wine, outdoor activities, and delicious libations. Her favorite pastimes include hiking, kayaking, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures worldwide. Tracy shares a unique perspective on the world from her personal journeys and excursions as the founder and past president of an international children’s nonprofit. Her 20-plus years of experience writing in various genres, and her culinary training in San Francisco, California, add to her knowledge and expertise.
Find more from Tracy on her website.
