The Oregon Coast will never cease to surprise you if you give it enough attention. Remarkable discoveries along this exceptionally pristine stretch of U.S. shoreline can be found all the time, often lurking in the tiniest or most unassuming places.

Taking a helicopter ride is probably one of the more obvious delights - in any locale. But this insanely cool excursion on Oregon’s North Coast has something a little different, with several curious sides and surprises to it. If you want a glimpse of major Lewis & Clark landmarks, a peek at some sites from a cult movie classic as well as an eyeful of other natural wonders, Seaside Helicopters has it.

It’s an unusual and powerful day on the coast: and with the wild, funky weather that flip-flops between small rain squalls and mostly warm, even muggy, sunny weather. It feels like August in the valley, but it’s only mid-April.

It’s in this atmosphere, one of slightly mystical weather, that I embark upon Gary Turel’s mind-boggingly fun ride.

Gary bought into this business about four years ago, after years of being addicted to flying on his own. It’s like his dream job, he confesses to me after the ride in the sky. The National Guard veteran exclaims his ultimate goal would’ve been to wind up a fighter pilot and eventually make his way into the astronaut program. But he didn’t meet the rigid criteria for space flight, although he qualified for commercial flight.

Gary is a comforting and personable presence in the helicopter as he zips around the shores of Cannon Beach, the peaks of Tillamook Head and above the resort town of Seaside at about 100-plus miles an hour. First, you don the headset with the microphone system, enabling you to speak with Gary and he to speak to you. I blurt out, “I feel like an astronaut,” and immediately wonder how many times has he heard that line.

Then, you’re strapped in, and takeoff happens shortly after.

With a bubble window to the world below, you feel yourself ever so gently lift upwards, a sensation similar in some ways to easing up in an airplane, but in a helicopter there’s definitely that spine-tingling feeling of rising faster. It’s exhilarating to say the least, with the tilt of the aircraft pulling you against its quick upward ascension.

For me, I became used to this new and unique feeling within minutes, and it was soon no longer that intense thrill. I was too busy. I was armed with my digital and 35 mm camera, and quickly became engaged in trying to shoot as many photos as humanly possible.

In no time, we’re up over the back of Tillamook Head - a 1300-foot-high, forested headland. Gary points out its sheer cliffs from this side, spots where elk congregate and even the small bald spot on top of the mountain that is a Lewis & Clark monument. It was here - some two hundred years ago - that William Clark, Sacagawea and a few others hiked over the headland to catch sight of a beached whale in what would become Cannon Beach. Along the hike, at spot now named after Clark, he peered out over the ocean, on one of the few sunny days the Corps of Discovery had while camping in Oregon over the winter of 1805/06.

Most incredible is approaching the tip of Tillamook Head as Gary points out a rocky arch sitting offshore called “Goonies Rock,” which was featured in the movie “Goonies.” Remember that scene near the end where the kids took a key and matched it to a rock structure with a hole in it? That rock is now named after the movie, visible from Indian Beach. Seeing it from above, however, in the context of everything around it from this viewpoint, is a bit mind-altering. It reminds you how tiny and insignificant we humans can be.

We never head far out to sea, not more than a quarter mile or so, for safety reasons. This means I can’t get a close glimpse of the mysterious Tillamook Rock Lighthouse - which resides a mile offshore from Tillamook Head. It’s visible from both Cannon Beach and Seaside, albeit a bit better seen from the Cannon Beach side. This enigmatic feature has grasped the imaginations of visitors for generations, sitting on a clump of basalt that invites consistent battering by waves and objects tossed around by the sea. Its real history is even far more colorful than what most can come up with conjecture, with many dying during its construction in 19th century and while getting to and from the boats that re-supplied it with lighthouse keepers and foodstuffs. It was decommissioned in the 1950’s, and now houses urns of ashes of those who pay to be interred there.

I’m a little disappointed I can’t get any closer, as this place has always had me riveted. Gary, however, hovers a ways out over the ocean a little while for me to snap a few pics of it. It’s still highly gratifying.

Gary swings around to the south from here, allowing me to shoot shots of Cannon Beach’s Haystack Rock, Crescent Beach, Indian Beach and the top of Ecola State Park. These landmarks are enormous when you’re there, up close. From above, they are diminutive and puny. I know these places intimately, but here they present numerous new discoveries.

From there, we swing around again, head north over Tillamook Head, and he shows me that rocky shoreline beneath the headland that can’t be seen any other way. At this point, Seaside is in full view, as are the shores of southern Washington and hints of Astoria. Then it’s back to the landing pad, with a zoom over the adjacent Seaside Family Fun Park and its numerous fun-tastic possibilities (http://www.seasidefamilyfunpark.com/, 503-738-2076).

Perhaps ten or 15 minutes have gone by. It’s hard to tell. Apparently, most rides run about 10 minutes or so, beginning at $25 per person, with options including the Cannon Beach run, a nature/wildlife run, Seaside-from-above or other combinations.

He’s had several marriage proposals happen during the flights, including one memorable excursion where the man and his friends had scrawled a huge “will you marry me?” in the sands of Seaside. She emphatically squealed “yes,” says Gary.

Later, Gary and I chat, and it turns out he was a bit of a celebrity in the 90’s. Together with his brother Stan Turel, the pair were the faces on Oregon TV commercials for their Columbia Tax Services. Yet another surprise today.

In the last year, Gary picked up another celebrity - in namesake, anyway. John Glen works for him as a second pilot: not John Glenn of space fame, however. Glen is a real trouper and lets his bosses get lots of mileage out of his name. This started back in the 60’s, during his high school days, as the famous John Glenn was making orbits. Glen was a delivery driver for a store, and his boss used Glen’s name to jokingly tout his business. The delivery vehicles were even named “capsule 1″ and “capsule 2.”

You’ll find Seaside Helicopters and the Seaside Family Fun Park just south of Seaside. Gary still makes some runs during the winter and early spring - mostly on weekends - when those famous beautiful, dry days hit. Generally, it’s considered closed during these months, and doesn’t really start up with an eye on a full schedule until spring break. However, one secret about the Oregon Coast is that February tends to have a run of sunny, warm days (much warmer than inland), so you may get lucky and have a chance to grab a ride then or on other days the weather seems cooperative to flight. Hwy 101, S. Seaside. http://www.seaside-helicopters.com/. (503) 440-4123.

The best spot is Carpinteria State Beach. 12 miles south/east of Santa Barbara. My favorite beach is Carpinteria, which is rated at "The World's Safest Beach". There is plenty of beach for swimming or body surfing. There are some excellent tide pools on the south end of the beach, and some large natural tar seeps nearby, which is how the beach got its name (The Spaniards noticed that the local natives used the tar to make their canoes… the word Carpinteria basically means "wood shop"). Also, there are plenty of places to explore in the nice little town. There are fun local restaurants like the Spot (just look for the line of people on Linden Avenue), the Palms (where you cook your own steak), or Giovanni's Pizza (where they have excellent antipasto salad). There is even an old-fashioned candy store called Robitaille's (RO-bah-ties). Kids will also probably like the surf shop (Matt Moore's Rincon Designs), and Foster's Freeze… nothing like a ice cream cone on a warm afternoon. The trains go by, but it’s a minor inconvenience compared to the benefits. In fact, it’s a source of entertainment, since you can put a penny on the tracks and watch it get smashed flat by the train. Also, there is a train platform about 100 yards from the north end of the campground, which we have used when someone in our group hast to come late or leave early. Camping on the beach doesn’t get any better than Carpinteria, which puts you steps away from the sand and surf. Be sure to bring your bikes: It’s one of the favorite activities besides going to the beach. Just before dinnertime, the campground has more bikes moving than cars. This is probably the most family-friendly camping on the coast. However, you’ll need to plan well in advance: Sites book 6 months in advance, so you have to think of summer camping in the winter (Memorial Day weekend books November 1, for example).

McGrath State Beach, Ventura: This is a nice enough beach. Technically, you are on the beach, but it’s almost ¼ mile to the water over the dunes. And no trains to worry about.

Point Mugu State Park: Near Oxnard, it consists of two campgrounds: Sycamore Canyon and Broome Beach. Sycamore Canyon is nice enough. My dad used to love it here. There was a fire about 15 years ago which destroyed the campground, but it’s grown back nicely. Broome beach is a windswept parking lot just off PCH. Not much in the way of amenities here.

Leo Carrillo State Park, Malibu: Note the name. Most people call it Leo Carrillo State Beach, but it’s on the inland side of PCH, and you can walk under PCH to get to the beach. Since the beach is covered with large rocks, it’s low on my list of favorite campsites.

Doheney State Beach, Dana Point: This is one of the few campgrounds that have actual beachfront sites. There is a VERY nice park next door, and you are within walking distance of the Dana Point Harbor and shops. Just across PCH and the RR tracks, there is a condo development where you could pay hundreds per night to stay. Or, you could pay twenty bucks and camp right on the beach. The choice is yours. This is another one of my favorite spots for tent camping.

Yes, Hawaii is known for its great beaches. And true, there’s nothing quite like basking under the warm Hawaiian sun and feeling your cares drift away with each gentle wave that laps at your feet. But there’s a lot more to the Aloha State than soaking up some sun. You can get out and do something!

You can explore Hawaii on land, air or sea and take advantage of all the state has to offer.

For hikers, there are fabulous nature trails on every Hawaiian island, including treks for beginners and experts. On Maui, Haleakala is revered as one of the state’s best hiking spots. A favorite hike on Oahu is the 45-minute climb to the top of Diamond Head, where visitors are rewarded with sweeping views of Waikiki, Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. On the Big Island, head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and take on the Kilauea Iki Trail, a five-mile adventure that begins at the Thurston Lava Tube.

If hiking is not your thing and you would rather pedal your way through Hawaii, you will not be left out. Haleakala offers a downhill ride that is very enjoyable in both exercise and scenery. Then there is the Garden of the Gods on Lanai. This looks like the surface of the moon with very colorful rocks.

Horseback riding is always a popular outdoor activity. Enjoy “happy trails” on the Big Island, where you can be a paniolo (cowboy) for a day at places like Parker Ranch, one of the largest ranches (175,000 acres) in the United States.

There is even skiing on Hawaii. Yes, you read right, skiing! The top of Mauna Kea will usually surprise you with snow from November to April. Be prepared, however, these slopes should be reserved for the most advance skiers. Amateurs should try something else on Hawaii.

And, of course, there is the ocean. This is an area that should not be overlooked. Believe it or not, some people have gone to the island and never stepped foot in the water! Gentle waves along with the shallow water make learning how to surf at Waikiki Beach perfect. Hanauma bay offers snorkeling while off Lanai’s south shore are the Cathedrals, which is a wonderful SCUBA diving location. Deep Sea fishing can be found off Kailua-Kona and the Tuna and Marlin are ready to be caught. If you would like to kayak, head on over to Kauai and go along the Napali Coast for some breath taking views.

To see all the beauty of Hawaii from the top, try hang gliding or helicopter at one of the many providers on the island. Oahu even has skydiving to offer you. There, a licensed instructor will show you how to not panic when you jump out of a plane at 13,000 feet so you can open your shoot on time. Do not worry, though, it will be a tandem jump, and if you do go blank, the instructor will pull the cord for you.

The list of outdoor activities goes on and on: camping, hunting, clay shooting, sailing, windsurfing, jogging, whale watching, parasailing and so much more. There’s a whole world of adventure awaiting you in the Hawaiian Islands. Just go for it!

I am not looking for a campsite that has a bunch of motorhomes or amenities. I just want to go down with my truck, bike, and friends and camp on the beach. Nothing touristy, I have done all of that before. Any info is appreicated. Both the pacific and Sea of Cortez are fine with me. Thanks again!

Baja Sur has better camp spots, but one that doesn't seem to be destroyed at this time in Norte, is just south of San Quintin, called El Pablon…its the place where they gather up the black stones for landscaping. Or, Alisitos, La Mision has big camping beach, K 59, surfers, some amenities and close to La Fonda. Haven't seen any motorhomes unless they are at the parking lot.

Looking to campout on the beach and was hoping to find a place i could do it.

What about on beach driving?

You should go to the Outer Banks… there are several state parks to camp at.. make reservations if you can.. if you can't there's private campgrounds (full of fat, lazy tourists in RVs blaring television and generators all night long) but they suck..

the best places are on Cape Hatteras Island: the oregon inlet (on the north side) and cape point (on the southern end) and Ocracoke Island with it's own campground..

there are tons of sand dunes.. and hiking trails… they are so beautiful and most of them are protected from the wheels of a vehicle tearing them apart…
have fun!

Hi, I'm thinking of going camping soon, but am not sure where to go. I live in Sacramento, CA, so some place not too far would be great. Any suggestions? Also, I'd prefer to go camping near the beach, if anyone has any suggestions for that? Or maybe refer me to some sites I can look at for more info? Thanks! Sorry, by beach, I meant I'd rather go to a beach somewhere in Northern Cali; not like a beach camp site in San Diego or something. It doesn't necessarily have to be near Sacramento, because I know there isn't much in the way of oceans around here. Thanks!
Sacramento is at least a hundred miles from the ocean, so by beach, I'm assuming you mean some sort of river beach or lake beach? There are several camp sites along the Sacramento River, American River (maybe?), and at Folsom Lake. If you really mean the ocean, then you could drive to the Santa Cruz area, or over to the Point Reyes area?

The honeymoon is a very important part of a newlywed married couple’s life. Both of them want to make the event memorable so it requires careful planning and considerable time to plan it.

There are many honeymoon themes available for couples like romantic honeymoon, dream, exotic, island, luxury, beach, mountain, tropical, adventure, winter, safari, and exclusive honeymoons. If you want to decide on the theme of your honeymoon, and to help you with that task, you can find the top ten list of honeymoon destinations here.

Before checking out the list, there are certain things to consider before choosing your honeymoon destination like -

- in planning for your honeymoon, make a listing of different places that both of you would want to visit, and the activities that you want to be involved in

- the honeymoon budget

- how long do you plan to spend on your honeymoon

- get as much information of your chosen destination

- shock each other with surprise plans

Every couple is excited for their upcoming honeymoon. And so they should choose a honeymoon destination that will suit their tastes and preference. Here is the list of top ten honeymoon destinations:

1. Bora Bora

If you want to add a captivating aura for your honeymoon, a Bora Bora vacation is the top-most choice.

You can enjoy the crystalline seas and powdery beaches of this beautiful place. Spend quiet evenings together along the beach coast as you watch the moon and stars above. A couple nice places to visit would be the Bora Bora Le Meridien or the Bora Bora Bora Pearl Resort.

2. Mauritius

This magical place with the Mauritius weather,landed on the second place as a top honeymoon destination. Holiday Mauritius, in case you are going during the holidays, is also very popular. This place will truly enchant you and you’re sure to get personal attention. Set on a turquoise sea, the island is considered an oasis of tranquility and peace.

3. Barbados

This is an island in the Caribbean that allures many honeymooners with their white beaches, quixotic atmosphere, and turquoise seas. The island boasts of its sophisticated and charming sandy shores that are alive with so many possibilities, so You will find much to do, such as a, Barbados shore excursion. You can enjoy the Barbados activity and picture taking. You’re sure to wake up in a paradise, together with the tropic’s rhythm.

4. Maldives

If you want to visit an impressive place that is secluded and calm, and is most ideal for honeymooners, this is the perfect love spot for you. Enjoy a Maldives honeymoon with the island sun and Other places like, some of the island Maldives royal, island Maldives Sun, where The Little Mermaid Dive Center is located, for instance, on Sun Island, Maldives. This is located 100 km from Male International Airport, on the uninhabited island Nalaguraidhoo.

5. Aruba

This place is also called the lover’s paradise. The couple can enjoy their stay in this romantic place and receive champagne upon arrival. They will also receive a gift, as a souvenir that they’ve been to Aruba. These days, they also offer a promotional ‘free night’ on a return visit. If you are looking into an Aruba vacation package, they offer cruises to Aruba, there are beautiful locations such places as Palm Beach, and Aruba fishing, Aruba deepsea fishing, even an, Aruba wedding, if you like.

6. France

You can also find mountain slopes, beaches, cathedrals, monuments, and museums in France that caters to honeymooners. There are some great vacation packages for those seeking honeymoons in France, especially as it is considered a ’short break’ to France. Another cool idea would be to go camping France, or make it a camping holiday in France, as it is your honeymoon.

7. Thailand

In this country, you can find sun-kissed waters and seas. Become one of the Thailand woman, or a Thailand man, or Thailand nude if only for a few days with your loved one. They also boast of their exquisite Thai cuisine and attracts many newly weds. Be Thailand sexy with a full moon party. Just watch out for tsunamis in this gorgeous country of Thailand, in the event that you fall into a deep, delicious sleep with your partner after all that fun and sex on the beach! Just playing.

8. Singapore

You can find a lot of botanic gardens and natural environment in this country, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable honeymoon. For a great Singapore singapore vacation, Tiger Airway Singapore offers some affordable packages and airfare to those wishing to enbark on Singapore travell.

9. Seychelles

If you want a tropical honeymoon, this place could best suit you as a couple. They offer powdery, Seychelles beaches, and islands meant for lovers; it’s a great place to experience romance like the waves that caress the shores at midnight. A seychelles honeymoon may be just the thing for you.

10. Italy

Many honeymoon couples are attracted to this beautiful country. You can find painters, paramours, poets, and potentates in this boot-shaped country. Its light, sumptuous, and dreamy landscapes are meant for romance. You can visit, como Italy lake, hotel in Italy venice, Italy Sorento,italy little maggianos, a fine restaurant known for their incredible cuisine, plus much more.

So there you have it, the top ten (10) honeymoon destination(s) top, preferred by many couples.

A group of friends and I wanted to go camping, but also wanted to go to the beach, so we decided to combine them both and go camping on the beach. However, we're unsure if that's actually allowed somewhere along the NJ shore.

Would you be allowed to set up a tent and stay overnight on the sand? And if so, where?

Thanks!

plain and simple no. there just isn't any place to camp on the beach in NJ. Maryland has some nice beach camping at the National Seashore there.

the boys playing at the beach at Lake Huron near Grandma and Grandpa Buck's house

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Plan your RV vacations very carefully. This is because you want your vacation to be fun-filled and memorable. You also want to travel as much as you can and make the most out of your vacation. So before going for the vacation, you should do a lot of research and come out with the most reasonable plan. Road trip vacations are affordable vacations. Through RVs you can avail the most accepting and convenient way of road traveling for the road trips. RVing road trip can turn out to be the most fun-filled and the cheapest trip if you follow the steps given below.

RVs come in different sizes. So you should choose the RV according to you need. Buy the RV depending on the total number of people and the accommodation type you will like to have. This will save you lots of money on all further trips as far as lodging is concerned. You can also carry a lot more on your trips.

In case you have kids traveling with along, you need to keep them entertained. So RVs have enough space so that the children can play and also roam around if they feel bored. You should keep a number of things to keep the kids busy and amused. Some RVs have the DVD players in them, so that the children can watch movies. Some may also allow you to plug in the video games.

RV is great for family vacation because it will cut down the lodging cost. The money you save here can be used for several other activities. You can go anywhere you wish on your RV and you do not have to worry about the lodging. The type of vacation you want to take will be entirely your decision; it may be a mountain or a beach stay. So you can go anyhwre you like on your RV.

RV vacation is fun-filled. There are so many scenic and beautiful places to see on your way. You along with your family of fours can go for camping at a National Park or a State Forest. This camping for a week will cost you not more than $1000. This will include campground fees and camping gear also. You can stay in your RV and have a great time with your family here. RVs do have a small kitchenette but in case you are RV does not, buy a small stove or grill. You can also bring your own food and cook it. This will help you save money on meals. One such great place for camping is the Yellowstone National Park. This is quite a popular camping place in the United States. Other than being a great campground, the place also offers a number of activities and loads of entertainment.

You can also take a RV trip to the hot springs in USA. Because you have a RV, you do not need to sleep in the tents. Hot Springs in Arkansas has campground sites and RV parking. Your stay will be quite convenient because of the RV. You can put up a tent so that your kids can have fun. The Hot Springs in Arkansas is quite a popular hot spring. You will stay in your RV and hence there will be no lodging fees. A number of activities for the whole family are provided here so that you can have a wonderful time.

There are a number of RV parks and campgrounds throughout Canada and United States. You can have a great vacation with your family at these places. You must plan your vacations carefully. Have your own RV, and make your vacations memorable!