For a Perfect Vacation, Stay in Manzanita, Visit Canon Beach

Most of the time we spent on the Oregon coast over the long weekend wasn’t on Canon Beach but in Manzanita, a smaller, less trafficked town 10 minutes down the road. The house we stayed in on the beach had floor to ceiling windows, which let the sunlight and ocean views inside all day. Locals walked up and down the beach, letting their dogs roam free in what is probably one of the most dog friendly areas of the country. In late May, the water was in the 50s, and the weather was cool enough for long pants and long sleeves, so beaches were neither crowded with sunbathers nor teeming with tourists. Evenings brought quietly epic sunsets, and as the light faded we climbed into bed, exhausted from the activities of the day.

Manzanita Beach at Sunset

Just 15 minutes down the road from Manzanita is Canon Beach, a more developed town and tourist destination. I often see glam shots on my Instagram feed of Haystack Rock, one of the most iconic images of Oregon. Usually, Instagram shots are a letdown. Places that have been promoted on social media are often carefully selected pieces of beauty that ignore the crowds or less pleasing aspects of the location, popularizing an image of perfection over reality. However, Canon Beach had more depth than a single shot. Even during Memorial Day weekend, the little spot we found wasn’t crowded with people but instead packed with birds. They feasted on mammoth clams, fish, and other critters that live in the shallows. The icy waters kept out most tourists, but I had fun going thigh deep into the waves to stand amid the birds and take photos.

Haystack Rock in the distance

I don’t have recommendations for the Oregon Coast. We didn’t eat at any nice restaurants, shop at any cute stores, or do anything special. Yet, everything was special. It was a quiet family vacation, and we played cards, flew kites, ran around with the kids in the sand dunes, walked the dog on the beach, and grilled steaks at night. It was everything a beach vacation should be. It wasn’t just special—it was perfect.

Birds taking off from Canon Beach

Canon Beach birds

Canon Beach pelicans