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Cannon Beach on a Budget

By Gail Overstreet

Introduction

Cannon Beach has a small-town feel and artistic bent that visitors love. A bonus is Cannon Beach is a nice place to hang out in, even in rainy weather – which has a good chance of happening during most any season on the Oregon Coast! Even though Cannon Beach has gotten pricey over the past few years, you can thoroughly enjoy the area by following the tips below.

Orientation

The main town is situated on and around central Hemlock Street, so everything is within easy walking distance, and there are a couple of free public parking lots just steps from everything (there is a lot and public restrooms directly south of the Visitor Information Center, where you can pick up loads of helpful brochures on current events and activities).

Tip: Make a reservation ASAP for Holiday weekends – the coast is getting very popular as a year-round destination. Note that it might be a bit tricky getting a relatively inexpensive room – almost all hotels have “holiday” rates, and waterfront rooms are at a premium – but plan far ahead and your chances of finding suitable digs will increase.

Budget Accommodations

Inn at Arch Cape
This inn used to be the old post office in Arch Cape, a dot-on-the-map just a few miles south of Cannon Beach. I recommend Room 1, (and Room 5 is a mirror image of 1). Staff generously stocks the room with firewood for the large, stone fireplace; dishes/pots/silverware in the efficiency kitchen; and even various board games and books to keep everyone amused! It’s like staying in the cozy home of an old friend.

McBee’s Cottages
I am completely charmed with McBee’s! Their quaint rooms are newly remodeled and some have well-stocked kitchenettes. Since 1941, McBee’s has been a very popular, budget accommodation, with rich blue exteriors and ocean mist-loving flowers spilling out all over the grounds. This pet-friendly motel has a communal barbeque area, and a gas grill available for guest use. Be sure to ask for a room AWAY from busy Hemlock street; Room 31 is a charmer. The proprietors of McBee’s also own 3 other inns nearby.

Cheap Eats

Like most places on the coast, Cannon Beach is transitioning out of the old, greasy “fried-fish-and-chips” style of food to one that caters to a more healthy diet. It took several visits to find some good places, but here are a few of my favorites.

Bella Espresso
The Tuscan-like earthy-toned interior of this coffee shop - complete with large Renaissance-inspired murals and abundance of exquisitely rich desserts - is inviting and comforting on misty coastal mornings.

Pig ‘N Pancake
A great place for breakfast; try to get a window seat overlooking the small creek that runs alongside the large windows. Their banana pancakes are a favorite!

Gower St. Bistro
European-style bistro, complete with small, white marble tables atop ironwork pedestals, tiled floors, and the requisite pastry case with many tempting options. I went for lunch, but they also serve dinner, which is a bit pricier. After lunch, check out Iceworks, the very cool glass-blowing studio right across the street, where you can watch glass-blowing artisans create one-of-a-kind vases and bowls before your eyes.

Things to Do & See

Aside from the breathtaking beach – with the 3rd-tallest monolith in the world, Haystack Rock – there is plenty to see and do.

Ecola State Park
Take in awesome views from a dramatic bluff overlooking the ocean. Well-paved trails allow you to safely walk right along the edge of craggy cliffs. And keep your eyes peeled – you may even spot a sea lion bobbing in the surf or a whale passing by on the horizon! Day Use fee.

Cannon Beach Books
A lovely independent bookseller in the middle of town. Rest a moment in the window seat in the back of the store while you enjoy perusing some new titles.

Haystack Gallery
There are loads of art galleries in town to linger in, and Haystack Gallery is one of my favorites. Be sure to take a moment to browse through their vintage photographs collection, which features many images of old-time Portland.

As you can see, you can still enjoy the natural beauty and bohemian feel of this oceanside art colony on a shoestring budget. So load up your car and head on out to Cannon Beach!

Budget Accommodations
Inn at Arch Cape
McBee's Cottages

Cheap Eats
Bella Espresso
Pig 'N Pancake
Gower Street Bistro

Around Town
Map of Downtown Cannon Beach
Haystack Gallery
Ecola State Park

Photos by Gail Overstreet

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