Tucked away on Washington state's Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park offers the best of not one, not two, but three worlds: temperate rain forest, ocean beaches, and mountain peaks await visitors to this unique park. No matter the season, families can escape metropolitan life in only a matter of several hours (approximately three from Portland and Seattle) and find themselves hiking between … [Read more...]
The Wizarding World at Universal Studios Hollywood: What to know before you go
October 28, 2019 By
If you have kids who live and breathe all things Harry Potter, and you can't take them on a trip to the motherland, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios is the next best thing. With the Wizarding World is now open on both coasts, we opted to check out Hogwarts and Hogsmeade in Hollywood. Read on for our best planning tips: Don't forget to budget time for one of the best … [Read more...]
Five favorite coastal campgrounds for families
May 21, 2018 By
Families wanting to make the most of the camping season need to head to coastal, temperate zones to avoid temperature extremes (bonus if they can find yurts or cabins at the campground). Family camping is economical, easy to plan, and often close to home! We've compiled a list of our favorite coastal campgrounds for families in the Pacific Northwest and California. At each of the following state … [Read more...]
Exploring the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
September 9, 2011 By
Directly along Oregon's stretch of coastal Highway 101 lie the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: miles of sandy hills and valleys awaiting exploration! Never heard of it? I'm not surprised...many don't realize these mammoth mountains of sand are so close at-hand for Northwest visitors! The biggest of these dunes are about 10 miles south of Reedsport near the town of Lakeside in Eel … [Read more...]
Oregon Sea Lion Caves
April 25, 2011 By
The Oregon Coast's famed sea lion caves (91560 Hwy. 101 N., Florence) can be found eleven miles north of Florence, Oregon on scenic Highway 101. A great pit stop for families traveling this windy, windswept stretch of coastline, the caves offer not only a chance to get out of the car, get some sea air, and explore, but also to experience a true rarity: the world's largest sea lion … [Read more...]
Whale Watching in Crescent City, CA
May 12, 2010 By
1001 Front Street Crescent City, CA Crescent City, CA has long been a favorite location for whale watching year-round, but the best time to get a glimpse of a gentle giant or two is in May! If you find yourself traveling along scenic Highway 101 this spring, it's well worth a pit stop on your family vacation! Check in at the Cultural Center (1001 Front Street) first in order to see if any … [Read more...]
Tillamook Cheese Factory
April 13, 2010 By
4175 Highway 101 North, Tillamook, Oregon Located conveniently along scenic Highway 101 between the tourist towns of Cannon Beach and Lincoln City, the Tillamook Cheese Factory makes for a great pit stop and picnic lunch spot (1-2 hours max). You can take a self-guided tour of the production floor (viewed from above), then sample all the cheese you want (yes you read that right!). Definitely … [Read more...]
Crescent City, CA
October 22, 2009 By
Hwy 101 Crescent City, CA The entire beach town of Crescent City, CA makes for a breathtakingly beautiful pit stop any time of year! A great place to start is Enderts Beach in Redwoods National Park. Says reviewer Angie McCoy, "It's a great flat beach with a picnic area, parking and bathrooms. You go just 2 miles south of Crescent City (Hwy 101) to Enderts Beach Road. Take this road for … [Read more...]
