family vacation in Gearhart

An Unforgettable Oregon Coast Family Vacation in Gearhart

Planning an Oregon Coast family vacation in Gearhart this summer 2024? Look no further for the perfect getaway destination that promises unforgettable memories for the entire family. Tucked away along the northern Oregon coast, Gearhart offers a serene setting ideal for relaxation and family-fun adventure. 

With a variety of northern Oregon coast vacation rentals to choose from, your family can enjoy the comfort and convenience of home while exploring sandy beaches, charming local shops, and exciting outdoor activities. Get ready to embark on a summer vacation filled with fun and laughs in beautiful Gearhart.

Gearhart beach for family vacation
Photo Credit: ‘Gearhart beach’ by Sam Beebe via CC BY 4.0 DEED

Why Choose Gearhart for Your Oregon Coast Family Vacation?

Not completely sold yet on Gearhart as your 2024 family vacation destination? Here are six reasons why Gearhart is an attractive option for you and your loved ones.

  1. Quiet and Relaxing Atmosphere: Gearhart offers a peaceful and serene environment, perfect for families looking to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
  2. Beautiful Beaches: The pristine, uncrowded beaches of Gearhart provide ample space for family picnics, sandcastle building, and beachcombing.
  3. Family-Friendly Activities: From hiking and biking trails to tide pooling and exploring local parks, Gearhart has plenty of outdoor activities to keep kids and adults entertained.
  4. Convenient Vacation Rentals: With a variety of northern Oregon coast vacation rentals available, families can enjoy the comforts of home while staying close to the beach and local attractions.
  5. Charming Small-Town Feel: Gearhart’s quaint shops, cozy cafes, and friendly locals create a welcoming atmosphere that families will love.
  6. Proximity to Major Attractions: Gearhart is conveniently located near popular attractions like Seaside and Cannon Beach, offering even more options for family fun and exploration.

Top Family-Friendly Activities in Gearhart

Although Gearhart is known as a serene, relaxing location, there are many fun activities and things to do for families in Gearhart and nearby. 

dog at the beach in Gearhart
Photo by Paul Buffington on Unsplash

Beach Days

Beachcombing and Sandcastle Building: Gearhart’s expansive, sandy beaches are perfect for beachcombing and sandcastle building. Spend a day exploring tide pools, collecting seashells, and creating impressive sand sculptures.

Flying Kites: The steady coastal breezes make Gearhart an ideal spot for flying kites. Bring your own or buy one from a local shop and watch it soar against the backdrop of the ocean.

Picnics: Gearhart Beach is the perfect spot to lay your checkered blanket with your woven basket and have a family picnic.

Outdoor Adventures

No vacation to the Oregon Coast is complete without immersing oneself in the natural surroundings. With so many fun outdoor activities available in and around Gearhart, getting lost in nature is easy.

Families Who Love to Hike: Hiking around Gearhart offers families a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty of the northern Oregon coast. The region boasts several family-friendly trails, such as the Fort to Sea Trail, which stretches from Fort Clatsop to Sunset Beach, providing a scenic and relatively easy hike through lush forests and coastal landscapes. The Necanicum River Trail is another popular option, with picturesque views of the river and opportunities for some wildlife spotting en route. 

Biking: For those wishing to ditch the hiking boots for two wheels, the Fort Stevens State Park has miles of paved trails perfect for a leisurely family ride. These trails provide a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, ensuring a memorable outdoor experience for all ages.

Golfing: For families who enjoy golf, there are a few golfing options in and near Gearhart. The Gearhart Golf Links is a historic course that welcomes players of all ages. It’s a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon together.

Visit the Gearhart Park: This park is ideal for family picnics, with a playground and open spaces for kids to play sports. There is also the Gearhart Courts across the road where families can play basketball, pickleball, handball, and tennis. 

visit Gearhart park for family picnics or vacation
Photo by Miguel Ángel Sanz on Unsplash

Ecola State Park: Ecola State Park offers family-friendly activities like hiking the Clatsop Loop Trail, picnicking in scenic spots, and exploring tide pools on the beach. Enjoy stunning coastal views and capture memorable photos at iconic viewpoints like Indian Beach.

Family Dining in Gearhart

For a cozy breakfast or brunch, head to Pacific Way Bakery & Cafe, where you can enjoy fresh pastries, hearty breakfasts and lunches, and delicious coffee. Grandma’s Corner Restaurant is a great spot for breakfast and lunch. There’s Dooger’s Seafood & Grill for a taste of the Pacific and they have a kids menu. For a real family-fun treat, head to Gearhart Bowl & Fultano’s Pizza where you can dine and bowl together. Don’t feel like going out? Get takeout from El Trio Loco or The Great Wall Restaurant and enjoy it in the comfort of your cozy vacation rental.

Busy festival on at Seaside Oregon
Photo Credit: ‘Hood to Coast, Seaside, Oregon’ by Seaside Vistors Bureau via CC BY-NC 4.0 DEED

Family Day Trip to Seaside

Taking a day trip to Seaside is a must-do for your family vacation. Just a 10-minute drive away from Gearhart, this close proximity gives you the best of both worlds. Seaside has a quintessential coastal, family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of attractions and activities to keep everyone entertained. Spend the day strolling along the famous Seaside Promenade, enjoying panoramic ocean views and browsing the unique shops and boutiques. 

Kids will love the Seaside Aquarium, where they can get up close with marine life, and the arcade games and bumper cars at Funland are a sure favorite. Don’t miss out on the charming shops, tasty treats, and delicious dining options along Broadway Street. A day trip to Seaside adds an extra layer of fun and excitement to your Oregon Coast family vacation in Gearhart.

Family-Friendly Accommodations

Gearhart offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations perfect for your Oregon Coast family vacation. Choose from a selection of northern Oregon coast vacation rentals, ranging from cozy cottages to spacious beach houses, ensuring comfort and convenience for families of all sizes. We understand that pets are part of the family too, which is why we offer a range of pet-friendly accommodations, so your furry family mascot can join in on the fun. Enjoy an unforgettable stay in Gearhart, where every member of the family, including your pets, feels right at home.

Family Fun Awaits in Gearhart, Oregon

Gearhart is the ultimate playground for an unforgettable Oregon Coast family vacation! With its sandy beaches, adventure-packed activities, and vacation rentals, Gearhart has all the ingredients for a fun, memorable family vacay. Dive into tide pools, conquer scenic trails, or simply kick back in your perfect beach house. Ready to make waves? Book today and get ready to explore the magic of Gearhart – where family fun never ends!