alicarwil

We are spending the summer in Charleston, but flying into Portland and want to take about three days to drive down to Charleston. I know it's only a four hour drive, but we want to see the sights. We are a family of four, with 2 boys, an almost 4-year-old and a 6-month-old. I'd greatly appreciate some ideas about where to go (it looks like Cannon Beach is a good place) and places to stay.

Thanks!

Scarlett

There is a Charleston in Oregon?
Who knew? lol...

There are 2 and 3 night minimums in hotels along the Coast and they book up fast so whatever you do, make the decision quickly

With the children, I suggest SurfSand in Cannon Beach.
surfsand.com

There is a place I love in Arch Cape, 10 mi south of Cannon Beach called the Inn at Arch Cape..
innatarchcape.com
They have kitchens, decks, a bbq grill and a short walk to the beach..

Hope this helps..sounds like fun...Charleston, heh?

alicarwil

Charleston is actually just south of Coos Bay. The Oregon Institute of Marine Biology is there (a campus of UO) and my husband will be teaching a course there over the summer. We have done this before and Charleston is very small, but quaint with some excellent state parks, and with Coos Bay and North Bend nearby, it has everything we need.

For our trip, we have been as north as Newport and are wondering if we should drive south more inland, through Willamette Valley instead of the coast. Is there much to see in say, Newberg, Corvallis, McMinnville, Salem? We have been to Eugene and would like to stop there again. Or is there just much more to see and do on the coast? Is Tillamook worth a stop?

Thanks

Fodorite018

I know where Charleston is, lol! Never been there, but have heard of it. Anyway, there is nothing in Newberg, but you could continue through there to get to McMinnville where the Spruce Goose is. Very cool place, and I cannot imagine any 4 yr old boy not loving it. They have an IMAX theater as well. Also in McMinnville is an restaurant called Alf's which has great burger and ice cream, but also has a little monkey named Elvis that lives in a room there. Obviously kids love to watch him

Salem, there are a few things, but not much really, and except for the carousel not much for young kids. There are two things that are possibilities though. One is Silver Creek Falls, which is outside of Salem, just east of town. Great place to hike, very pretty, but it just depends on what your interest is. Also, The Enchanted Forest is a kiddie area just on the south end of town right off of I-5. I personally think its cheesy, but some people like it. I grew up down there, so have been many times, and went again a few years ago. I would much rather suggest McMinnville, but again it just depends on your interests.

Corvallis, as much as I love the town (went to college there), there really isn't much for a stop.

Scarlett

So when I first saw the title, I thought it was Maine to South Carolina

Of course, mms, knows where it is! She saved us sooo many times with directions in Portland (Or) and beyond

beachbum

Charleston.... I spent my early growing up years in Coos Bay and North Bend. Neat little place if it wasn't so wet!

In terms of keeping your 4-year-old entertained, it's probably best to take a coastal route. Not that the scenery's much different from around Charleston, but more that any activity on the inland route(s) would be good for only a couple hours tops before you'd want to move on. Whereas, you can easily spend a day on the beach building sandcastles, flying kites, exploring tidepools..... So, I'd suggest aiming for Yachats or Newport on day 1, spend 2 nights, then head to Charleston on day 3.

Your best reason to go via Tillamook is probably the Tillamook Cheese Factory, which also makes some great ice cream. There's an aviation museum there too, but McMinnville's is much better.