Growing up, my family would drive five hours southwest from Seattle to spend a hand full of days each year at the coast in Lincoln City, Oregon. For many years, we stayed at the same hotel, visited the local outlet malls and indulged at our favorite pizza joint. We would wait for low tide, then peruse the beach for seashells, build sand castles or investigate the tide pools looking for starfish and anemones.
Walking on the beach with Grandma in summer 1989.
Exploring the tide pools with the family in summer 1994.
Although we often visited in the middle of summer, the coastal breeze typically kept it in the 60s. However, I remember one trip when I was about nine years old that the winds shifted and the temperature spiked well into the 80s. As an aspiring California girl, the unexpected heat wave made me practically giddy! The feel of the hot sand between my toes may have been slightly scalding but it also felt amazing.
A gorgeous sunny day at the Oregon coast during Lincoln City's annual kite show.
In the past few years, we’ve transitioned from spending a week in the summer at the coast to taking a few days after Christmas to getaway. While there is definitely never a chance of having hot weather in the Pacific Northwest in December, the coast is surprisingly mild. Jackets are necessary and we’ve had days that require a thick ski coat, but it’s not unheard of to only need a lightweight fleece either.
The gorgeous winter sunset at the beach in Lincoln City in December 2009.
Another beautiful winter sunset in Lincoln City in 2008.
With Lincoln City being such a big part of my life over the years, I was beyond surprised this past winter to find out that it has been a destination for my boyfriend’s family for years as well. Although he’s originally from Oregon, we met in San Diego and yet somehow, out of all the small coastal towns, we both grew up spending part of our childhood summers in the same one. After flying home for the holidays, we brought our families together to meet for the first time in Lincoln City.
To capture your very own Ocean Breeze, enter our July giveaway for your chance to win a selection of bath and body products in the relaxing scent of a day at the beach or shop our 25% Ocean Breeze sale. Both end July 31.
Do you have a special coastal town or beach that you fondly remember from your childhood? Do you still visit it or have you found a new seaside spot to adore?
Tell us about your best memories of childhood at the beach or visit our other blog entry to leave a comment about your favorite beach for a chance to win a $10 gift card to SJ Creations. Share your thoughts by Thursday, July 28 at 11:59 p.m. PST for your chance to win! The winner will be announced on Friday, July 29.
