FROM TOP: JEREMY BURKE; NICKIE BOURNIAS FAMILY FUN From beachcombing to biking, the Oregon Coast offers a range of fun to keep the whole family smiling. Visit the Peter Iredale shipwreck and explore an old military fort when you camp at Fort Stevens State Park in Warrenton. Head to the driftwood-strewn beach at Siletz Bay for forts and bonfires or gear up to try your luck crabbing and clamming. Nearby, watch the glassblowers at Lincoln City Glass Center. After a whale-watching excursion, budding naturalists can learn more at Depoe Bay’s Whale Watching Center and Newport’s Oregon Coast Aquarium and Hatfield Marine Science Center, all of which feature hands-on exhibits. In Bandon look for Circles in the Sand walkable labyrinths and tidepool interpreters during the summer months, or visit the nearby West Coast Game Park Safari, a petting zoo filled with exotic birds and animals. Kid-approved annual events include kite festivals in Lincoln City and Rockaway Beach, the Garibaldi Crab Races, and the Tillamook County Fair Pig-’n-Ford Races. Oregon Coast Aquarium DOG DAYS We love dogs and dogs love Oregon beaches. Follow these tips to ensure a great day at the Coast with your four-legged friend. Stick to dog-friendly areas. Before heading out, make sure your destination is dog-friendly. Many wildlife preserves and refuges have strict policies for pets. Some great dog-friendly beaches with plenty of space to play include Del Rey Beach State Recreation Site, South Beach State Park near Newport (which has 14 pet-friendly yurts) and the many beaches along Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Plenty of coastal accommodations welcome pets, as do restaurants and pubs with patios — some even have treats! Follow leash laws. Carry a leash at all times and never leave your dog tied up unattended. Dogs must be leashed in state parks; in off-leash areas, dogs should be in sight and responsive to voice commands, especially when near small children and other dogs. Pick up after your pooch and properly dispose of waste. Give wildlife a wide berth. Keep dogs away from birds, tide pools, seals, sea lions and other animals. Check signage at beach-access points, as dogs are restricted in some areas from March 15 to September 15, nesting season for the western snowy plover. Cannon Beach 11 VISITTHEOREGONCOAST.COM ON THE ROAD
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