Summer isn’t the only time to visit the Oregon Coast. In fact, our favorite time of year for a coastal getaway is late fall, when the beaches are empty, the rental prices drop, and the weather remains near-perfect.
If you’re lucky enough to getaway this November to the Southern Oregon Coast, Pit Stops for Kids recommends Whaleshead Beach Resort, nestled along a hillside just outside of Brookings. A casual resort which embraces kids, Whaleshead is comprised of dozens of rental units dotting the coastline directly across Hwy 101 from the beach. You can rent them weekly or nightly, and no matter the size or needs of your group, there will be the perfect accommodations for you, from multi-bathroom, multi-bedroom cottages to cozy two-person cabins. We have found the reservation staff to be very helpful, especially when booking a single cabin for two families to share: we’ve needed everything from adjoining rooms to single stories to cribs, and it’s all been accommodated.
At Whaleshead, you have your pick between Ocean View and Creek View, and you really can’t go wrong with either. Ocean View affords the most breathtaking views of the, well, ocean, obviously, but if you’re bringing kids who will want to ride their bikes, opt for Creek View, as Ocean View cabins are situated on a steep slope. (Creek View cabins are also within walking distance of the beach trail, making it possible to skip driving back and forth for sand castle building and kite flying…beloved past-times on Oregon beaches). No matter what cabin you choose, you’ll have a full kitchen at your disposal, a living area, and in almost all cases, a TV with DVD player and hot tub (and sometimes game systems).
After enjoying your cabin and the resort, walk through the 700 foot tunnel from Whaleshead to the beach, or drive over. Not only is Whaleshead Beach beautiful, but it’s more protected than other nearby beaches, making it possible to set out a picnic or spread out a blanket in the cherished Oregon Coast sunshine.
Extra Tip: There’s also a camping area: if you’re traveling with an RV, their camping/hook-up sites are the nicest I’ve seen, with full built-in wooden decks and lush greenery.
Date Last Visited: September 2013
Distance from the Interstate: Directly off Hwy 101 (about 15 miles from the Oregon/California border).
Room Rates: At the time of our visit, cabins ranged from approximately $110 per night to $195 per night, depending on size and season. Beware of extra fees for additional people to your reservation. We found that base price was misleading on the website, since we were traveling with several kids, who cost extra in some cabins.
Dining Options: Whaleshead does have a restaurant on-site, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can find your typical burgers and sandwiches here, as well as good seafood at dinner. Brookings offers more (just five miles south) in the way of fast food, seafood, and the like.
Directions: From Brookings, follow Hwy 101 to Whaleshead Road (on right). Full address: 19921 Whaleshead Rd, Brookings, OR.
