Fans of the movie “The Goonies,” you have arrived. Haystack Rock is an iconic location from the popular 80s film, and will be a highlight of your selfie collection. Located just 15 minutes south of Seaside, the 235-foot landmark looms over Cannon Beach, Oregon, and serves as a magnet to visitors. At low tide, you can walk right up to Haystack Rock to explore its many tidal pools, where kids will thrill at the variety of sea life, including sea stars and anemones, or gawk at the many birds that call the rock their home, including cormorants, falcons, and puffins. Keep in mind that Haystack Rock is a protected area, so teach your kids to not touch the sea creatures, and to not climb above the high tide line.
Give yourself a good hour before low tide to explore the area, and keep a close eye on the ocean while your children play. All the while, the town of Cannon Beach is right behind you, so restaurants and bathrooms are close at hand.