Spring break is just around the corner; Rockaway Beach’s quaint charm and family-friendly activity roster are just as close. Boasting seven miles of sandy beach opposite a laid-back downtown and 46-acre wetlands preserve, the town promises nostalgic, screen-free fun and a plethora of ways to connect with nature. Here, we’ve rounded up the top five activities to fill out that spring break itinerary.

1. Take a ride aboard the historic Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad

Sightseeing gets a major upgrade on board the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad’s historic steam and diesel locomotives. The classic half-hour ride carts passengers from Rockaway Beach’s downtown station to nearby Garibaldi for a quick excursion—just enough time to meander through the cute fishing village—before a return trip along the coast. Throughout the ride, operators point out wildlife, tell the land’s story, and give context to the stunning sights beyond the train’s windows. In April, an Easter Eggstravaganza ride features visits from the Easter Bunny on board, while a longer Spring Splendor Excursion focuses on the changing seasons of the coastal wetlands.

2. Play a round of The Wizard of Oz-themed mini golf

Visitors to the creative mini golf course adjacent to Troxels Rock Garden cosplay as Dorothy and Toto, thanks to a themed course complete with the Tin Man and Scarecrow. Reminiscent of the unexpected gems of roadside stops on long family road trips of yore, the cute, handmade course got a makeover this winter, bringing a fresh yellow brick road and Emerald City to the outdoor attraction. Five dollars scores unlimited play.

3. Find treasure in the sand

Pressure might make diamonds, but spring storms reveal rocks along Rockaway Beach’s famous coastline. Agates, jasper, igneous rocks, and even fossils turn up in the sand in nature’s analog search-and-find. Seven miles of beach is a lot to scour for budding rockhounders; the pros recommend searching at the surf line, where wet rocks glisten and might be easier to spot. Time your search with an outgoing tide and, if you can, head out after a big storm has eroded embankments and uncovered hidden rocks.

4. Catch a live dinner

Think of a visit to Kelly's Brighton Marina and Jetty Fishery as dinner and a show, but the show is watching friends and family master the art of crabbing. Both spots on the Nehalem Bay will teach first-timers how to catch crabs and rent out all the necessary gear from life jackets to baited crab rings. For an added adventure, both rent boats for off-dock crabbing excursions, and they’ll cook whatever you catch for a fresh-as-it-gets picnic.

5. Get on the mic and sing karaoke

Local restaurant Tie-Breaker is the place to be on weekend nights for karaoke. Running Friday and Saturday from 9 pm until 12 am, the sports bar turns into a karaoke hot spot for the evening’s night owls. Wings, clam chowder, and elk burgers star on the menu any time of day, and a kid’s menu features their own boneless wings alongside classics.

For more information about things to do in and around Rockaway Beach, visit visitrockawaybeach.org.