Visit the Oregon Coast: a Pet-Friendly Vacation

© Stephanie Hicks 2010

We've been traveling to the Oregon Coast for over 20 years. Since my husband and I went from dating, to married, to parents, we've loved returning time and time again to the beaches along Oregon's western edge, bordering the Pacific Ocean.

In addition to 4 kids, we have 2 dogs. When we plan a trip to the Oregon Coast, we have them in mind just as much as the children. In fact, our annual vacation along Oregon's beaches is the highlight of the year for our canine family members!

There are a number of hotels, beaches and trails that are dog-friendly along the Oregon Coast. In fact, the freedom to allow your dog to run off-leash is one of the primary reasons we keep coming back. Just make sure that you follow posted regulations - as well as common courtesy - in keeping your dog in line, and cleaning up after him!

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From Seaside, Oregon down to Newport, Oregon, there are a number of Oregon beaches that are dog-friendly! In fact, most public beaches are open to both owners and their canine companions.

Dogs can be off-leash and running free on most beaches on the Oregon Coast, provided that they respond to your call, and are well-socialized with other dogs. Considering that many people and children also use the beaches, it only makes sense that you should use dog etiquette to clean up after your pet, rather than leaving their mess in a sandy pile.

Seaside, Oregon is our first stop. About 30 minutes south of Astoria (the northwest tip of Oregon) is popular Seaside. The boardwalk downtown has a video game stop, a carousel, many tourist traps, and the popular Pig N Pancake breakfast restaurant.

Along the beach, you can surf, walk, run, fly kites or simply wade into the ocean. Dogs are quite welcome here. And let me tell you.... they love it!

If anyone is even remotely familiar with the Oregon Coast, they will probably think of Canon Beach. Famous for Haystack Rock, and a popular destination for weddings, Canon Beach is classic Oregon.

Did you see the movie, "Kindergarten Cop"? The 1980s-era film was made right along the Oregon Coast, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger before he was a famous movie star, or the Governor of California....

Among the northern Oregon coast beaches, Canon Beach is the most popular, and the most crowded. But if you plan your trip after Labor Day and before Memorial Day, you can enjoy the best of the Oregon Coast without most of the annoying tourists.

We love visiting Canon Beach - but not staying there!  Seafood restaurants, salt-water taffy, hand-dipped ice cream from Tillamook Cheese Factory - there is so much to enjoy here.  Just make sure that you justify your culinary experiences with some extra long walks along the beach!

Manzanita Beach is our usual destination on the Oregon Coast. My husband's family has had a home in Manzanita for over 25 years. Literally steps away from the beach, the house is a family favorite. We often have to reserve our time on Labor Day or other holidays months in advance.

Manzanita Beach is about 5 miles long, with plenty of wide, open sandy beaches for dogs and kids to run free. Make sure you consult a tide table so you can get out to the ocean's edge to spot the best seashells and tide pools.

What we love about Manzanita is that its a relatively private beach and people there are laid-back and relaxed. If your dog likes to bark, most people won't get their feathers ruffled. In fact, I usually find that I'm more concerned about our dogs' behavior than other dog owners appear to be!

Manzanita Beach is a great place to go running, fly kites or skim board. Younger children love building sand castles and playing in the streams that run into the ocean.

You can expect generally sandy beaches, not a lot of larger rocks, and nice, clean expanses of sand. Children love to search for seashells, and dogs just love to play frisbee or chase seagulls.

We always make a point of hiking Neahkanie Mountain, which is right behind Manzanita. The 1 mile trail takes you up over 1000 feet above sea level for some fantastic views. Dogs are welcome on the trail, too. Our little poodle-schnauzer mix, Earl, loves climbing the mountain!

Newport, Oregon is famous for its aquarium. Keiko - the killer whale from Free Willy - stayed at the Newport Aquarium before he was moved to Iceland.

When you visit Oregon, you are there for more than just the Aquarium and the salt water taffy. Newport is a historic city, as well as a prime location for enjoying seafood (my favorite is Dungeness Crab) in the Pacific Northwest!

There are many attributes of Newport, Oregon which add to its charm and the fact that its often described as the most authentic city on the entire Oregon Coast  The city is comprised of distinct neighborhoods including Agate Beach; Nye Beach; the Deco District, which contains art deco buildings; the historic Bayfront which is a working fishing port, the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse; and South Beach which is home to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Rogue Brewery, the Hatfield Marine Science Center, and boat launch and fishing opportunities.

The Oregon Coast is a very pet-friendly place for you to bring your dogs. Many properties allow dogs at no extra cost. And, the fact that your pets can run along the beaches off-leash mean that they have fun (and get tired) and you can enjoy your own walk or hike.

Consider the following when planning a vacation with your four-legged friend:

• Access to clean, fresh water
• Always bring a leash
• Don't forget dog food and chews
  
• Extra toys (balls, frisbees, etc.) are a plus
• Bring an extra towel or two to help your dog dry off after playing at the beach
• Consider rinsing your dog off either outside or in a shower immediately after a trip to the ocean (salt water can irritate their skin and you want to avoid sandy footprints and fur)
• Ask the property owner or hotel manager if there is a sur-charge for pets in advance
• Small dogs can get chilled in the stiff breezes;  you may wish to pack a sweater or coat for them, too!
  

What better place to bring your pet than the Oregon Coast? Wide open beaches, friendly people and a temperate climate all contribute to a perfect location for families of pets and children alike!

Have any questions about a trip to the Oregon Coast with your pets? Be sure to contact me!

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