When traveling on family vacation we try to avoid the expense of eating out. However, we always make an exception for Mo's. When in Newport we love stopping into Mo's Annex, as it overlooks the bay, and the combination of the view and the food can't be beat. While they have many choices on the menu, we always have the chowder. It is simply delicious and because they offer it family style it is very affordable. The place is small and can be packed with long lines, but they do offer take out if desired. Our family is always happy with the food and the service is great too. Last time all the kids had plastic sharks stuck on their straws, which they just loved. They are very kid friendly and offer crayons and color menus for entertainment. We will continue to go here for years to come.

Scheel's is one of those places where you find unexpected entertainment. While it is a sporting goods store first, that seems to come second when you go there with kids. When you walk in there is a 16,000 gallon salt water aquarium that can be explored. It is built in the shape of arches allowing for many different views. After this you won't be able to help but notice the full size ferris wheel right in the store. It is $1 to ride. On the second floor there is a kid friendly shooting gallery, animated presidents, and a mountain of taxidermy animals. Last, but not least they have a bunch of fun set ups for photos that include taxidermy animals and more. It is a fun place to spend a little time exploring and you can't beat the price for the entertainment.

The Utah Olympic Park is a fun way to learn about winter sports and to relive the 2002 Winter Olympics. We visited with my 5 year old daughter and 3 year old son. My daughter loved it, but it was probably over my 3 year old’s head. First thing we did was visit the exhibits downstairs and learned about the history of skiing. There were many hands on activities for kids, even the older kids and parents. Upstairs is a beautiful exhibit of the 2002 Winter Olympics where many items from the Olympics are displayed. We opted for the tour, which was a little pricey (we were able to find a discount in the local happenings book.) It was worth it. We took a small van around to see the ski jumps and the bobsled track. If you are lucky to be there when practices are taking place they are free to watch. We were there to see the long jumps and the ariel jumps. We had seen them on television before, but nothing compares to seeing them live. If you find yourself in Park City (or even Salt Lake City) it is worth the trip to discover the magic of the Olympics and the sports that create them.

It is no secret to anyone that knows me that Oregon is my favorite vacation destination. Whenever I travel to Oregon, there is no question what-so-ever whether or not to visit Newport’s Historic Bay Front. It is possibly my favorite place in the world. Yes really. This place has something for everyone that is drawn to the coast. First, there is plenty of free parking, some lots are right on the bay front, some just a short walk away.

This historic bay front is perfect for those that just want to stroll and see the scenery. The views are beautiful. The bridge towers over the water and helps to create the perfect setting. The murals are beautiful. If you get a chance try to find the mermaid mural, she is kind of hidden. The sea lions are a favorite of many. Depending on the day traveler’s may be treated to a street performer or two.

Perfect for families are the wax museum, underwater gardens, and Ripley’s Believe it or not. Every time I have been there a discount ticket for all three was available.

Shopping is plentiful. There is everything from high-end art galleries to cheap souvenir shops. Every shop I have ever been to has been friendly and welcoming. The candy shops are a favorite stop for my kids, especially for free taffy samples.

While food is plentiful, I usually just skip over to Mo’s Annex. There is just something about eating delicious a family style serving of clam chowder while over looking the bay. If the line is too long they will pack it to go as well.

Another favorite is the various boat trips out of the bay front. I have experienced whale watching as well as a fun and thrilling ride on a much faster boat known as the rocket, kind of like a rollercoaster on the ocean (I found this video of it on youtube of it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLD_gu7_VWo.) There are also plenty of fishing trips that are very popular.

We can spend hours here no problem.

Also this last summer we were lucky enough to be there on the 4th of July. We paid to watch the bay front fireworks from a boat. It was amazing and totally worth every penny.

Despite going to Oregon several times, I have always missed going to a lighthouse. I decided that this trip we would finally see a lighthouse. This trip was made with my husband, my 5 year old daughter, 3 year old son, 15 year old sister, and me.
Upon arriving we visited the visitor’s center to get a better idea of what there was to experience. The staff there was super helpful, and even answered some questions about the Oregon Coast I had wondered about. There is a small museum area that teaches visitors about the coast and lighthouses. There was also a gift shop and a small area with some games that would have been prevalent during the time the lighthouse was built.
We opted to walk from the visitor’s center to the lighthouse. For those that like hiking there are also some easy hiking trails, however, we opted for the paved route. We found out that our 3 year old son was too small to climb the stairs (and they do not allow children to be carried.) He was a little disappointed, but opted to find that watching the sea life was equally as enjoyable.
Yaquina Lighthouse is actually the tallest lighthouse in Oregon. The lighthouses are not as tall as the east coast lighthouses as the Oregon coast provides a pedestal of rock that allows them to be shorter. However, it is still a little bit of a hike up the stairs. I would not suggest anyone with any walking ailment attempt it.
The best part of this area was when we returned to experience the tide pools. We were treated to starfish galore! Also we saw small fish, anemones, crabs, and more. It was all safe to touch and was a favorite of all.
If you are looking for an experience that is “The Oregon Coast” plan on a trip to the Yaquina Lighthouse and surrounding area. It won’t disappoint.