Hallmark Inn Newport Oregon

Coastal Lodging Specials for August 2011

Stay two or more nights at regular rates, now through the end of August at Hallmark Resort in Cannon Beach, and receive a certificate good for your second night free between November 1 and December 23. Certificate is good for a room of equal or lesser value when you stay two nights in late fall. Reserve online using the promotional code TWOSIES. Some restrictions apply. Hallmark Resort , Cannon Beach, OR (503) 436-1566, (888) 448-4449 Oceanfront suites at The White Heron Lodge or Southwind view suites at The Waves in Cannon Beach are being offered at low rates for fall season. Two guests can stay any two nights Sunday through Thursday for $199 per night. Each suite has a separate bedroom with a queen bed, living area with a fireplace and Murphy wall bed, full kitchen, private deck and in-room jetted tub. Mention Sweet Suites to take advantage of this special. Offer good September 18 through November 3. " target="_blank"> The Waves and The White Heron Lodge , Cannon Beach, OR, (800) 822-2468 or (503) 436-2205 Fall and winter in Cannon Beach is a time when life slows down a bit and the summer crowds are gone. At Tolovana Inn, you can save 50 percent on oceanfront and oceanview rooms during these quieter seasons. Offer is good for Sunday-Thursday bookings beginning October 24 through March 22. Tolovana Inn's spacious suites include full kitchens, fireplaces and views of Haystack Rock from private balconies. The Inn also has an indoor saltwater pool and spa. Tolovana Inn is a partner member of the Green Hotels Association. Tolovana Inn , Cannon Beach, OR (800) 333-8890 The Inn At Spanish Head in Lincoln City is offering the second night free when you book your stay Sunday through Thursday. Stay Friday through Saturday and receive 50 percent off your second night. Oceanfront rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the ocean, sky and beautiful sunsets right to you. With the Inn's easy beach access you can be out exploring miles of Oregon's pristine beaches and tide pools in minutes. The Inn also features Fathoms restaurant and bar on the 10th floor, open daily. Holiday periods are excluded. Valid through 2/29/12. Inn at Spanish Head , Lincoln City, OR. (800) 452-8127 Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City is offering two Stay & Play packages at half price. The Couple's Package includes two nights in a beachfront room, $120 in meals and $80 in slots play for $229, a value of $418.

Newport, Oregon with Kids

Newport, Oregon is a similar destination to Cannon Beach, Oregon for the annual family vacation. You’ve got the lovely, cream-toned sand, the toy stores and kite shops, the upscale and midrange restaurants.

But there’s one big difference between Cannon Beach and Newport — you won’t sleep at Cannon Beach hotel prices (which can easily leap into the $300- $400-dollar range). Plus, Newport offers many outdoor and indoor attractions, whether you’re there on a sunny summer day or on a rainy weekend getaway.

The downside? It’s a haul from Portland, Seattle or further north or east. You’ll tack on about two hours of drive time each way

The Newport Aquarium’s top attraction is undoubtedly the over 200-foot-long acrylic tunnels, where tropical fish, reef sharks, graceful rays and other denizens of the deep swim right above you. I’m also partial to the 29-acre aquarium’s Bizarre and Beautiful Gallery and the Dangerous and Deadly Gallery – how does an electric eel make sense in any way? One of my favorite, kid-friendly aquariums in our area. If you’re an AAA member, bring your card, as you’ll get a discount on admission.

Hatfield Marine Science Center overflows with nerdly fun. All the center’s signs seem to gush over science, courtesy of Oregon State University’s marine science research facility. My kids liked the slightly icky exhibit on invasive species and the please-touch tidepool exhibit. It’s worth the donation (all they ask for). The museum shop’s books can help identify critters you see on any upcoming tidepool walks; if you’re going to buy a book on your trip, why not buy it here?

Yaquina Head Lighthouse’s Interpretive Center is worth a half-hour visit or so. The center describes lighthouse history, a lightkeeper’s life and how lighthouses work with hands-on exhibits; there’s a small children’s area with activities and period-era toys. Chat with the well-informed staff and volunteers and pick up a few insider tips on touring Yaquina Head.

Walk along Bay Boulevard’s charming mural-infused waterfront, past fishing boats and working fish processing plants and canneries, restaurants and ticky-tacky shops. You won’t be able to miss the noisy, rowdy (and slightly disgusting) sea lions, which eat and burp and hoot and fart. The Homer Simpsons of the sea, as it were. Not the best role models for dinner table behavior, but the seals are an amusing spectacle. You won’t miss the loudmouths if they’re in the harbor — just follow the braying.