When the start of the Redwoods National Park is less than 30 minutes away from the end of the Oregon Coast, it only makes sense to add it on to your trip. While the Oregon Coast was definitely the main attraction of this road trip, our side trip into Redwoods National Park was definitely a highlight for all. We started Day 5 in Crescent City, CA - a great base city for exploring the Redwoods State and National Parks. This is the part of the road trip where you start to slow down a bit, but still are eager to see something dramatic and maybe something new. Redwoods allowed us to just stop at a few places, just do a couple hikes but for a large payoff. Then on Day 6, we started making our way back up Oregon to enjoy a few spots around Oregon’s I-5 before heading back to Seattle.
Continuing on down the Oregon Coast, Days 3 and 4 of this 8 day road trip of Oregon and the Redwoods National Park got us just cross the border to California! These two days took us through the quieter and rugged south Oregon Coast. There are less people, but definitely not less beauty. This section of the coast features more dramatic views off the coast from sea rocks to sand dunes and lots of opportunities to see wildlife. In this itinerary, we break up the sights into 2 days but you can easily stretch it out into more days if you have time. Additional sights for each day are included in this guide, along with where to stay.
The first two days of our Oregon Coast road trip took us from our home in Seattle to Newport, OR. We explored the cute towns, tide pools and gorgeous beaches of Oregon’s north coast and made it to the central coast. Below details each stop we took along the way, the best places to stay and additional stops to add to your itinerary. We did this road trip with our two kids, aged 3 & 4, but it can be modified for any group.
One of the most scenic road trips in the world, the Oregon Coast is a must see. This road trip is easily accessible from Portland and Seattle and is easy to do no matter who is in your group. The roads are well-paved, even if a bit windy, and the must-see stops are frequent. This road trip can be customized to fit the interests of your family - from focusing on nature and gorgeous photo spots to wildlife spotting to eating your way down the coast. Just a short extension and across the border into California, the Redwoods National Park and its moody forests are the perfect addition to the moody Oregon Coast. This guide will help you with planning your own trip along the coast.
Seattle is rich with day and weekend trips within a short driving distance. None I would rank more highly than the San Juan Islands. These magical, gorgeous and historic islands are just an 1.5 hour drive and a 1 hour ferry ride away from downtown Seattle. The San Juan Island archipelago is made up of 172 named islands, but only four are accessible by the Washington Ferry system
This list contains every possible thing you might need to make your trip to Oahu smooth and relaxing. I have included items from baby age on up, so if something doesn’t apply to you - ignore it. I’ve included items if you plan to spend all day on the beach or if you have reservations to hike up Diamond Head. Items that work great if you are staying at an apartment, but might be unnecessary if you are staying at a luxury resort. So take this list as a starting point and cross things off as you go to make your perfect packing list for your family on your trip to Oahu.
Over 40 spots around the greater Seattle area to enjoy the spring blooms and warmer weather. This article details all the popular spots to see the beauty that is spring around Seattle with kids. From flower fields, to beaches, festivals, and hikes. Great for locals and tourists visiting between the months of March and May.
Thomas Dambo’s giant trolls that have been scattered throughout the Pacific Northwest feel so at home here that is a surprise that have only been here since 2023. This guide will go through how to find the trolls, great places to visit near each of the trolls to extend your outing, and tips on visiting with kids.
Oahu was easily ranked my kids top places they visited in 2025. Despite not remembering many trips beyond that, it probably would still be their favorite trip they’ve ever taken. Just as importantly, it was also very enjoyable trip for us parents as well. Warm soft sand, calm beaches, spotting giant sea turtles, unique cultural adventures, and short but rewarding hikes. Oahu is an island packed with things to do with short easy drives between them. Below you will find our 7 day itinerary, activities we didn’t get to, and advice on where to stay on the island.
The final two days of this road trip! We spent these days in and around Portland, Oregon and making the drive back up to Seattle to end our trip. This part of the trip is far more of a choose your own adventure, as they are countless things to do around Portland. We visited the quirky Enchanted Forest Amusement Park, the last troll we needed to see of Thomas Dambo’s PNW trolls, and walked around downtown Portland. This article includes many more ideas of how to fill your time