Cannon Beach, Seaside and Manzanita
Longtime Favorites for Dog Lovers
Cannon Beach and Seaside
One of the more popular destinations for visitors to and locals in the Northwest, Cannon Beach is often the “go to” spot for a day at the beach. The city is also well known for its iconic “Haystack Rock,” which graces many a postcard and
magazine cover, and works great as a backdrop for day-at-the-beach pictures. CB’s sister city to the north, Seaside, has its own share of notable landmarks, such as the Promenade, auto Turnaround, and of course, the statue marking the end of the Lewis and Clark Trail, the explorers rendered forever gazing at the horizon with . . . dog lovers take note . . . their trusty canine companion Seaman at their sides.
Visitors who insist furry family members be included in beach adventures will find plenty of pet-friendly hotels, vacation rentals, shops and dining areas in these two popular coastal towns. In addition to ample pet-friendly amenities, there are plenty of recreation opportunities as well.
SHOP
Cannon Beach hosts an impressive array of art galleries and studios in its relatively small shopping district. You’ll also find a good mix of surf shops, bookstores, specialty boutiques and crafty, beachy places ideal for browsing. You and your pack are welcome at Puppy Love By The Sea, where your dog can have a treat while the humans visit with the friendly staff and pick out a new doggie toy for the ride home.
The main shopping district in Seaside has a festival atmosphere in summer, complete with surreys careening through the streets, Carousel songs, and the ever-present aroma of kettle korn. Shoppers can stroll along, checking out galleries, knick-knack shops and specialty boutiques. Furry shoppers rave about the Beach Puppy boutique.
PLAY
Well, you are at the beach, so whether you’re racing down Cannon Beach or strolling leisurely along the water at Seaside, the ocean is the place to play here. However, both cities have several nearby state parks, including Ecola and Gearhart. For a short, brisk hike, Ecola State Park has a 2.5 mile loop trail, or you can traverse an eight mile section of the Oregon Coast Trail, keeping an eye out for the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse on a clear day. If you want to really wear the pack out, take a detour 30 minutes inland and tackle the Saddle Mountain trail. This 5.5 mile loop takes hikers up a long series of switchbacks, culminating in an incredible panoramic view.
Quick note: All dogs are required to be on a leash no longer than six feet within the boundaries of state parks. Outside those boundaries, leash laws are rarely enforced, though dog guardians are required to keep their pups in control at all times and are responsible for their behavior. Certainly it’s best to follow the “can’t we all get along” golden rule, which means being sensitive to other and exhibiting courtesy first. Also, please keep dogs out and away from the nesting areas of Western Snowy Plovers.
EAT
After a full play day, relaxing and enjoying a meal is one of the best parts of a day at the beach. Both Cannon Beach and Seaside provide excellent regional fare, whether for a quick bite or an elegant sit-down-and-watch-the-sunset affair. Cannon Beach offers a couple of dog-friendly eateries with pooch-friendly patios. The Lumberyard Grill & Rotisserie is a family-friendly favorite, while Sweet Basil’s Café has a homey, funky feel and vegetarian fare. In Seaside, if you want to sit and snack con perro, check out the great local seafood at Bell Buoys.
STAY
Kicking off your sandy shoes, taking a nice hot shower and climbing into a comfy bed completes the beach experience. Okay, so the dogs won’t kick off their shoes, but they can get very comfy at numerous locations. In Cannon Beach, The Ocean Lodge, Land’s End, Tolovana Inn and the Surfsand Resort welcome dogs. Seaside also has plenty of lodging choices, including the Best Western Ocean View Resort, Inn at the Seaside, Oceanside Vacation Rentals, and the Sandy Cove Inn.
Manzanita
Want mellow? Head for Manzanita.
When it comes to coastal destinations that offer a quieter, cozier ocean respite, Manzanita often tops the list. Dog lovers continue to seek out this peaceful seaside town for its overall friendliness, relatively empty beaches, and homey village atmosphere. As with all coastal cities the beach is the big draw, but Manzanita and its neighboring communities of Nehalem, Arch Cape and Rockaway Beach offer plenty themselves for a relaxing vacation.
SHOP
You won’t be overwhelmed by taffy shops in Manzanita, though the main drag that leads out to the beach provides a pleasant stroll with relaxed browsing. Antique shops, art galleries, crafts and books are all within walking distance, and the pet boutique Four Paws on the Beach stocks plenty of treats, apparel, pet food and toys.
EAT
For a small town, there are plenty of places to partake in Manzanita. The Bread and Ocean bakery is a popular eatery for a sweet treat, salad or deli sandwich. If you’re planning a picnic, cruise by Mother Nature’s Natural Foods and fill your basket with healthy fare. The local Mexican restaurant El Mariachi Loco is a tourist favorite, and the Big Wave Café offers a wide selection for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
SHOP
You won’t be overwhelmed by taffy shops in Manzanita, though the main drag that leads out to the beach provides a pleasant stroll with relaxed browsing. Antique shops, art galleries, crafts and books are all within walking distance, and the pet boutique Four Paws on the Beach stocks plenty of treats, apparel, pet food and toys.
PLAY
The beach at Manzanita stretches out for seven miles of running room for you and your pack on gorgeous white sand. There’s also plenty of open space for kite flying, wind surfing and even horseback riding along the shore. Beach bikes are available for rent to give you an edge on your fast-running canine. For the hikers, a favorite trek is Neahkahnie Mountain, whose 1600-foot peak offers a birds-eye view of the Oregon Coast. If you’re looking for a calmer water experience, you can picnic or a swim along the North Fork of the Nehalem River near Roy Creek Park.
Later this summer, dogs and their families will turn out for the Muttzanita Festival Aug. 18. This benefit for the United Paws of Tillamook features doggie demos, a pet parade and canine-inspired activities.
EAT
For a small town, there are plenty of places to partake in Manzanita. The Bread and Ocean bakery is a popular eatery for a sweet treat, salad or deli sandwich. If you’re planning a picnic, cruise by Mother Nature’s Natural Foods and fill your basket with healthy fare. The local Mexican restaurant El Mariachi Loco is a tourist favorite, and the Big Wave Café offers a wide selection for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
STAY
Mellow Manzanita doesn’t lack for places to stay with canine companions. Vacation rentals through Coast Cabins and Manzanita Rental Company all offer cozy pet-friendly getaways, while Oceanfront Vacation Rentals provides beachfront lodging at its Studio and Lighthouse locations. Nearby Rockaway Beach also has room for the critters at the Ocean Rogue Inn. Looking for something a bit more rustic? Nehalem Bay State Park offers pet-friendly yurts.