Pack your luggage, load the kids in the car, and let FTF tell you how best to enjoy a scenic road trip though Oregon.
There’s probably no better state for scenic touring than Oregon, and no better place to begin than its gorgeous coast. From Brookings in the south, to Astoria, on the banks of the Columbia River opposite Washington state, Oregon hosts a 360-mile length of US Highway 101, the celebrated West Coast route better known for its California scenery.
Let the journey begin…
From Shakespeare to Skiing
Before you hit the coast, spend a few days in sophisticated Ashland, a small southern town nestled in the Rogue River Valley. (The Riverside Inn is recommended, but you can contact the Ashland Chamber of Commerce at 541/482-3486 for information about other motels and B&Bs.) The cultural highlight here is the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (541/482-4331), whose backstage tours and fun Shakespeare Festival Museum are as anticipated as its annual productions, where children are welcome.
Head north the next day to the Crater Lake National Park ( 541/594-3000) for picnicking, boating, and a hike (for the hardy) along the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Take a leisurely car tour around the lake, actually a caldera formed by a collapsed volcano; the islands you see are broken slabs from the original mountain. When your family has recovered, head west to explore the striking Oregon Caves National Monument (541/592-2100). Winding roads through forest and foothills will bring you to Brookings, a seaside town at the foot of the Klamath Mountains, right at the head of Highway 101.
Those traveling with older children may prefer a detour northeast into Bend, where mountain bikers, hikers and rock climbers venture into the Cascade Mountains, and windsurfers rule the lakes. Luxe “rustic” cabins sleeping 8-10 people can be rented at the Sunriver Resort (800/801-8765), a huge parcel of wilderness, including 600 acres of carefully preserved wetlands, punctuated by hiking/biking trails and the nearby Deschutes River. The crisp, dry air of Bend and the scenic vistas provided by the volcanic Mt. Bachelor, Three Sisters and Broken Top peaks lure regional tourists all summer. With the Sage Spring Club & Spa for parents and Fort Funnigan for kids, Sunriver Resort is a great time for the whole family.
Cabin-hating non-skiers should contact the Bend Visitor and Convention Bureau (877/245-8484) for accommodations information.
From Eugene North
Eugene, almost halfway between Bend and the Oregon coast, and about halfway up the coast route, is another fine place to break your trip. Another few hours of driving back to the coast brings you to Newport, within 90 minutes of Portland.
Keiko Slept Here
You’ve got to stop at the Oregon Coast Aquarium (541/867-3474), the small facility once chosen by the Free Willy Keiko Foundation to house the retired movie star. The young orphan Keiko was captured by a fishing boat off Iceland in 1979, sold to Marineland in Ontario, and sold again to Reino Aventura in Mexico City. There he became a movie star (remember “Free Willy”?) and fell ill. In 1996, he was rescued by public pressure on Warner Brothers to fund his move and rehabilitation at Newport. Because he flourished in Oregon, in the fall of 1998 he was pronounced ready to return home to Rekjavik, Iceland. In 2002, Keiko decided to move on to Norway, but sadly Keiko died from pneumonia in 2003, ending his heroic journey back from captivity.
Meanwhile, try to book a B&B in this pretty coastal town- the Moolack Shores B&B (541/265-2326) on Beverly Beach or The Vikings (541/265-2477), with condos at nearby Pacific Crest (541/265-2477). As along most of the coast, the thundering surf and high winds make the beach more suitable for challenging sand play than for a swim. Book lovers with quiet kids (or book-loving kids) should consider the unique Sylvia Beach Hotel (888/795-8499), where rooms are literary themed and family-style meals are greatly appreciated. The Newport Chamber of Commerce(541/265-8801) is the best source for alternate lodgings and recreation information.
The region around sleepy Florence comes to life with RVs, dune buggies, ATVs and dirt bikes, as visitors throng to its stunning sand dunes, many over 100-feet-tall. More than 40 miles of the central coastline, from Florence south to Coos Bay, comprise the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Whether you drop in for the day or stay longer, dont miss the chance to take out your own buggy, or join a large guided buggy truck, for a memorable ride.
Summer visitors will find Cannon Beach another good stop. It’s a small, quaint town many shops and restaurants, a beautiful beach, and the highly regarded Evergreen Aircraft Museum, resting place of “The Aviator’s” Spruce Goose. In addition to the popular beach, there is the Ecola State Park for hiking, and Haystack Rock, a big rock outcropping, for dramatic picture taking. Locals come from throughout the area to dine at JP’s Bistro (503/436-0908). North of it is Seaside, an even busier beach resort where you may be surprised by the highrise, ocean front developments. Surfing lessons have become the rage, so if you didn’t do it in Hawaii, this may be your chance. The town’s funky Million Dollar Walk on Broadway Street boasts arcades, games, shops, and snackbars. There is a small Seaside Aquarium when you want to head indoors.
The Columbia River Gorge
Even before the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial, which focused so much on this region, you could tour the Columbia River, the state’s scenic highlight, as a daytrip from funky, casual Portland or, even better, by staying in one of the small hotels on the Hood River. The bustling Hood River area boasts several popular B&Bs on the Washington state shore, including the celebrated, antique-filled Inn at White Salmon (800/972-5226 or 509/493-2335), better suited for older children. On the opposite side, the Edgefield Hotel (800/669-8610) has its own restaurant, movie theatre and winery, a casual B&B ambiance, and family rooms sleeping six! The Vagabond Lodge (541/386-2992) is a popular motel that overlooks the Columbia River. While you’re here, pause long enough to watch the windsurfers tearing across the river, enjoy a tour on the Mt. Hood Scenic Railway (800/872-4661, 541/386-3556) and visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum (503/325-2323).
Portland’s upscale Hotel Monaco (888/207-2201, 503/222-0001) is a renovated c.1912 department store, with a health spa but no pool. The restored turn-of-the-century, moderately priced Hotel Lucia (503/225-1717 ) downtown is another popular choice. We have also had families recommend the Mark Spencer (800/548-3934), where rooms with kitchenettes rise above a small courtyard with fountain, as a good family housing
choice.
Ready for Big City life? Residents of Portland, Oregon, have enjoyed the annual Farmers Market for years. It moves around the city on Wednesdays, Thursday evenings, and Saturday and Sunday mornings, with 150 local vendors selling seafood, breads, nuts, produce, and flowers. For market locations, hours, and other details, call 503/241-0032. Nearly 80 miles northwest of Portland is the misty coast town of Cannon Beach. A great place to spend the night, this beachy town offers a variety of year-round activites, such as beachcombing, surfing, storm watching, extreme sand castle building, fishing, as well as hiking and biking trails. Of course, all of the activities will leave you exhausted so make sure you stop by the Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters (503/436-2796). You can sit on the porch or in the Tasting Room and enjoy hot steamy freshly brewed coffee. Specializing in organic brews, vistors can choose between over 20 choices of coffees and four orginal teas.
If time permits, other recommended outings include a visit to seaside Port Townsend, Washington for antique store browsing, or head west to Port Angeles and explore the Olympic National Park. And if you’ve come only for the scenery, and budget is a consideration, be sure to ask about Oregon’s many camping facilities. But don’t forget your umbrella!
You can order the free Travel Oregon Magazine from the Oregon Coast Visitors Association (800/547-7842) to guide you on the thrilling, if somewhat drizzly, ride.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
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Hi BVIslands411 –
we really appreciate your comments and have just updated this story in response. Thanks for keeping us up to date! – editors
Please check this web site to get informations about trekking in Morocco.
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Hello,
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There are so many great ranches that it is a fun challange to find the right one for you…but I have to say that the Dude Ranchers' Association website and directory are a very big help…you will find quality ranch vacations that will match what you are looking for. I recommend contacting the Association for more information.
Story tapes allow the driver to be amused and entertained along with the troops. The website Audible.com has a selection of stories for children and families and it allows you to preview a story to see if you like the reader.
A & J Aparments are no longer a vacation rental.
Sage Mountain Villas, the area code would be (284) not (809) we have not used that area code in many many years and is now used but the Dominican Republic.
Hello to all ! Great site. I am new here greetings to all from Poland.
Hello to all ! Great site. I am new here greetings to all from Poland.
These are all great options and sound like lots of fun. We've been planning to visit New Zealand and the Butterfield & Robinson vacations seem to be right up our alley.Thanks for the suggestion it sure beats me stressing over the details.
If you're looking for a place to stay try to have a look on http://www.rivierAds.com. Hope this helps.
For the bargain hunter, the beauty of Yosemite can still be enjoyed with an inexpensive stay at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging. The resort is now offering <a href="http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com">Yosemite lodging</a> starting at only $39 for two nights for a yurt that can accommodate up to five people. Yosemite cabins start at only $49 for two nights for a basic cabin that can accommodate four people. With the Yosemite National Park entrance fee of $20 per car for unlimited entries for seven days, a family can spend less than $100 for two days of Yosemite-area lodging and admission to the park. These special rates are available at http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com/yosemite-lodging-camping-specials.html during the fall and winter season. Some restrictions apply. Yosemite Pines (http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com) is an RV resort, campground, and lodge located near Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Pines offers <a href="http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com/yosemite-camping-rv-tent.html">Yosemite camping</a> near Yosemite National Park with full hook-up RV and campsites. Yosemite Pines also offers Yosemite lodging and <a href="http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com/yosemite-lodging-cabins-yurts.html">Yosemite cabin rentals</a> near Yosemite National Park with cabin and yurt rentals. Amenities include a clubhouse, gold mine, gold panning, petting zoo, swimming pool, hiking trail, general store, children’s playground, horseshoe pit, and volleyball.
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You can find information about the Caribean zone at http://www.Cahuita.cr
D.C. is incredible. I love going there for the cherry blossom festival and I have also been lucky enough to get a tour of the White House's West Wing.
The Verizon Center is a great place to see concerts, and the metro is such an easy and convenient way to get around.
I'm lucky to live just a couple hours away in Colonial Beach, a great little riverside resort town.
I always wanted to visit Jamaica with my kids (boys 7 & 12), but lots of people really discouraged me with horror stories about the safety and attitude of locals towards tourists. I was told if we decide to go just make sure we stay inside our resort. We love exploring and learning new things so this keeps me away.
Thanks,
busymom
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Hi Guys,
Just joined up, thought i would say Hi 🙂
Claire
You can contact this tour operator in South Africa that specializes in African Safari. http://www.journeyintoafrica.co.za/
Hi. I like your story. I'm here in Växjö on a study abroad semester from SFSU. I found a nice Miyata 12 speed and totally refurbished it, including a new free wheel and brake levers. My main question is how easy it is to get on Swedish highways? I giving serious thought to riding to Copenhagen via Malmo from Växjö. I'm sure I can make an average of 80 miles a day but I would really like to just hop on a highway and tread right to Malmo. Do you know if Swedes allow riding on larger roads? I had a some problems with this in the states.
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Thank you for the interesting piece about Provence, and for giving us the courage to consider a French holiday with OUR teenagers the coming summer! It sounds like it was a great time for all. Looking forward to following your further family holidays.
The Gaylord Resort is a great place, although it's a bit far from downtown Nashville. But if you don't mind driving a bit, it's an empire unto itself and older kids can amuse themselves for hours just exploring the place.
UNLESS ITS NOT A CROWDED DAY, I THINK THE CABLE CARS ARE A MAJOR PAIN WITH TODDLERS. I WOULD WAIT TIL KIDS ARE OLDER TO GO TO THE TROUBLE UNLESS YOU DON'T HAVE TO WAIT IN LINE AND JOSSLE FOR A SEAT.
I ALSO THINK CROSSING THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE IS FUN, BUT ALSO LOST ON TODDLERS, SO UNLESS YOU WANT TO DO IT, SKIP THAT ATTRACTION OR MAYBE JUST WALK OUT A LITTLE WAYS.
THE EXPLORATORIUM SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF THE LIST FOR A COLD, FOGGY OR RAINY DAY – IT'S THE PERFECT PLACE FOR LITTLE ONES TO RUN AROUND AND PUSH, PULL AND POKE ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING.
if you're in Scotland you have to try the national dish, haggis, just don't tell your children what it is! It's actually quite delicious. Scots often refer to dessert as pud or pudding, but they mean the entire gamut of dessert items, not just pudding.
I think it's important to get out of the city and go into the country if you get the time. Check the calendars to see where a Scottish game might be where there will be bagpipers, the tossing of the caber, and all kinds of interesting Highland games. They take place throughout the spring and summer throughout the country and are well worth a detour.
I'd skip Poble Espanyol in Barcelona — way too touristy — unless you want to take advantage of the kids crafts activities.
Kids adore Gaudi's crazy Sagrada Familia, the high-spired church that soars above the skyline. Pay to take the elevator up and then climb down the tight spiral staircase – your kids will be thrilled.
Barcelona;s beachfront was developed during the Olympics, it's now a relaxing way to spend an afternoon with the kids after too much busy city-touring.
Another great kid pleaser is the aerial tram ride up to Montjuic where older kids may enjoy the Olympics museum or a quick stop in the Miro museum.
Villa Cosmica
Villa Cosmica is located on the south side of Puerto Vallarta, far away from the noise, where only the sound of wild birds and the whispering of the waves colliding in the ocean will awaken you every morning. Enjoy this 5 bedroom house, where all bedrooms surround a beautiful swimming pool with a Jacuzzi for 10 people and the most marvellous view to the bay is just a glance away from you. All the bedrooms have air conditioning, also our T.V. room with a game table and SKY cable at your service. Our living room, in the center of the villa is open to the breeze, under a beautiful palapa roof with a small bar to pamper all your senses.
Bedrooms: 5 Sleeps: 10 Baths: 6
Floors: 2 Parking Space: 2 Year Built: 2007
Size of Unit: 450 sq. mts.
Period Nightly Weekly Monthly
Jan 6, 2009 – Apr 30, 2009 $1,495.00 $10,465.00 N/A
May 1, 2009 – Nov 15, 2009 $978.00 $6,846.00 N/A
Nov 16, 2009 – Dec 17, 2009 $1,495.00 $10,465.00 N/A
Dec 18, 2009 – Jan 5, 2010 $1,840.00 $12,880.00 N/A
Jan 6, 2010 – Apr 30, 2010 $1,495.00 $10,465.00 N/A
May 1, 2010 – Nov 15, 2010 $978.00 $6,846.00 N/A
Nov 16, 2010 – Dec 17, 2010 $1,495.00 $10,465.00 N/A
Dec 18, 2010 – Jan 5, 2011 $1,840.00 $12,880.00 N/A
http://www.pvrpv.com
Gay Friendly Puerto Vallarta
Nestled between the lush jungle greenery of the Sierra Madre Mountains and the sparkling waters of one of the world’s largest bays, The Bay of Banderas, Puerto Vallarta has earned an international reputation as one of the best Gay tourist cities in the world.
Being a port city and a destination for many cruise lines including RSVP and Atlantis, Puerto Vallarta is tolerant and abundant with all things gay.
The center of the activity is the charming section of old town known as The Zona Romantica. Here you will find cobbled streets, red tiled roofs and lovely white washed buildings rich with Spanish architecture. Many gay owned and gay friendly businesses including restaurants, bars, shops and art galleries for every pallet and taste, fill the narrow streets of this splendid fishing village.
Coming Events
There are no scheduled events.
Most tourists spend their day on the gay beach. With its white sand and raging surf Playa Los Muertos is the place to be and be seen. Find a deck chair, sit back and relax and let the friendly servers indulge you with great cocktails and yummy food while you unwind and watch whales and dolphins frolic in the blue ocean waters. If beaching is not for you, Puerto Vallarta offers many gay tours to fill your days. Bay cruises, horseback riding through the jungle, bike rides along the Rio Cuale and canopy tours are just a few of the many activities available.
Late afternoon the roof top bars of the gay hotels offer entertainment and a place to enjoy and view spectacular sunsets. These lively spots are crowded with beautiful men and women drinking, laughing and sharing their stories. After the sun sinks into the ocean, it’s time for dinner. From internationally recognized 5 star restaurants to small local eateries Puerto Vallarta is a foody’s delight. At last count, Puerto Vallarta boosted over 1100 restaurants of every description. Haute cuisine to meatloaf, the list of places to dine is extensive and wonderful.
Being a top gay destination, Puerto Vallarta offers more gay bars and dance clubs than most mid-sized American cities. Cantinas, martini bars, stripper and drag shows and fabulous dance clubs await you. As some of the clubs serve until 6am, most are not busy until 1am, so it is advisable to take that all important ¨Disco nap¨ before heading out.
While the vast majority of gay travelers are from Canada and the United States, Vallarta, recently has seen an increase in gay tourists from Europe and as far away as Australia. Gay men and women world wide are discovering and falling in love with the little spot of paradise that is Puerto Vallarta, making it Mexico’s and perhaps the world’s, gay mecca.
It’s good to be gay and it’s great to travel to such a gay friendly resort town. Puerto Vallarta beckons and embraces its gay tourists and it will be a spot you will return to often.
Agree that the skiing is absolutely terrific – the tram to the top of the mountain makes this resort absolutely awesome top to bottom. But I think there is one level of skier/rider who would have trouble – the advanced beginner or beginning intermediate. There isn't as much terrain to select for this group. But it's a resort that you definitely have to experience at least once – and you might get hooked and never want to go anywhere else!
It's important to start 'em young! Of all the family vacations you can pick that can last through the decades, skiing is the very best. When the kids are little you get a break because they're having fun in ski school. When they're older and more accomplished you can ski together. When they're teens and are whizzing past you, you can still ride up the chairlift with them and have them to yourself in the condo. Then when they're in college, you get to spend quality time with them on the slopes and in the condo because you're buying your lift ticket. It's a family vacation that can continue on as a tradition until you're too old to strap on a pair of skis…
i think many accidents occur when new teen or young men (and sometimes women) who are not very experienced are out with their much-more experienced pals. They get talked into trying a part of the mountain that is too much for them and then they try to keep up. They get themselves into trouble that way and often are injured.
If you are looking into hostels and you are a family, call the hostel to get a sense of the character of the place. We went to a hostel once with our elementary age kids(not in a ski area) and it was filled with young 20 somethings and teens having lots of fun – smoking pot in the parking lot, partying, etc. Even though some hostels have family rooms, if the place is full of kids it can be uncomfortable. Some hostels do have older visitors and more families, so it pays to ask.
Don't forget to plan some time to see some of the other attractions in Monterey, like the aquarium, which has an amazing sea horse exhibition coming up and take a drive to Point Lobos to hike around and Big Sur to see some of California's most spectacular coastline. Have lunch at Nepenthe in Big Sur.
Great advice and some fun ideas for new places to try. thanks for sharing your family secrets!
All of Wyoming is a great destination with kids, but my family especially loved this place because it is really a unique bit of the Old West. Definitely worth a detour!
Hello People,
I Just joined up and am trying edit my profile but i can't see the button!! probably staring me in the face lol
thanks guys
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The 25-year-old tour company Wildland Tours has a family vacation package for 2009. It will be a great multi-generational adventure for folks who like whales, puffins, comfortable hotels, and the many wonders of Newfoundland.
Just stopping by to say that the fourm seems to be a great place so i thought that i would signup and join in on all the fun
Hello People,
Just joined! I'm liking it around here 🙂 hopefully i can contribute something to the forum in future.
G
Great article- I am a resident of oregon and my family and I enjoy the coast and central oregon. Oregon has some of the best fishing in the northwest and such a diverse climate to choose from year round. The weather is very tempermental and almost impossible to plan around so bring a rain coat and sunglasses. I think this article gave a pretty good overview of everything that Oregon has to offer.
Sunriver Resort is a quality organization with a great reputation in Oregon. I have been to sunriver probebly 10 times since moving to Oregon and we have used the resort 7 times to book vacation rental accomodations. I highly recomend them and also visiting Sunriver.
Good hotel in a great location.
I find it to be a good value hotel, breakfast facilities are one of the best i have seen. Room is great for people on a budget who want the amenities and cleanliness of a 5 star. I'm very happy with our choice.
Hello Cassiano!
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This is very interesting and helpful information.
Thank you,
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Very useful for me. Thanks!
This is a very good article. Thank you.
Just wanted to add that we're on Central Daylight Time and now open at 9:30 am (Holiday World) and 10:30 am (Splashin' Safari). In 2009, we're introducing the World's Tallest Water Ride, Pilgrims Plunge, plus the new (free) HoliWatch program which will help separated family members find each other during their visit.