
As we drive past the many boutiques and galleries that line Hemlock Street, Cannon Beach’s main drag, the streets are quiet as we roll through town on our way to Surfsand Resort, our home away home for the night. We are here in the off season (November) and I kind of like it that way—it means we avoid the crowds and have more beach to ourselves!
Speaking of beach, with just a few hours of daylight left, we dump our gear and head straight to the shore. The Surfsand sits perched on the Pacific and is just steps from Cannon Beach’s world-famous landmark, Haystock Rock. It’s a bit blustery as we make our way down to the beach, but it’s worth it. Accessible by foot at low tide, Haystock Rock rises 235 feet high and is surrounded by tide pools—home to many critters including starfish, sea anemone and crabs. The rock is also a nesting site for many sea birds, including terns and puffins.

As mentioned, we are here in November, but the mild temperatures of the coast make it an ideal destination any time of year—even winter. In fact, winter storm watching has become quite popular and at the Surfsand you can brave the beach or cozy up in your waterside room and watch the waves crash along the shore. That’s exactly what we do, while the dogs enjoy the welcome basket we found in our room upon arrival, filled with goodies just for them. It includes a pet bed, towel, placemat, food and water bowls and of course, treats.



Our first stop is Dogs Allowed, a destination for dogs and dog lovers, with organic food and treats plus toys and accessories—all tested and approved by Hailey, the store’s resident black Lab. Dogs Allowed also carries a variety of Oregon-made goods such as collars by Portland’s Cycle Dogs and gear from Bend’s own Ruffwear. The store also supports local rescues by donating 100% of proceeds from each bottle sold of their Dogs Allowed wine, which can be purchased at the Cannon Beach Wine Shack.

In addition to two pet boutiques, Cannon Beach is a shopper’s paradise, with countless specialty stores, clothing boutiques and art galleries. Bruce’s Candy Kitchen can’t be missed with its hot pink-striped storefront. Operated by the same family for four generations, Bruce’s makes award-winning saltwater taffy among other confections.

But what Cannon Beach is ultimately known for—besides the beach, of course—is its art, and lots of it! Cannon Beach is one of the Northwest’s top destinations for art, offering opportunities to see some of the country’s best-known sculptors, jewelers, painters, photographers and glass-blowers. Seemingly too many to count, be sure to pick up a map listing all of the galleries at the Cannon Beach Information Center, located at 2nd and Spruce.
Whether, like us, you visit Cannon Beach for some wild winter storm watching, or wait until spring when wildflowers are in bloom, colonies of birds return to Haystock Rock, and migrating gray whales can be seen offshore, or wait until summer when the town is hopping with two- and four-legged alike, this quintessential beach town offers year-round fun for you and Fido.
More Information
Surfsand Resort
148 W Gower Ave., Cannon Beach, Ore.
503.436.2274; surfsand.com
Hallmark Resort & Spa
1400 S Hemlock St., Cannon Beach, Ore.
855.392.3279; hallmarkinns.com
Hallmark Resort & Spa
1400 S Hemlock St., Cannon Beach, Ore.
855.392.3279; hallmarkinns.com
Bill’s Tavern & Brewhouse
188 N Hemlock St., Cannon Beach, Ore.
503.436.2202; billstavernandbrewhouse.com
Dogs Allowed
148-B N Hemlock St., Cannon Beach, Ore.
503.440.8740; dogsallowedcannonbeach.com
Puppy Love By The Sea
271 N Hemlock St., Cannon Beach, Ore.
503.436.9800; puppylovecannonbeach.com
Cannon Beach Information Center
207 N Spruce St., Cannon Beach, Ore.
503.436.2623; cannonbeach.org
Subscribe to CityDog Magazine and receive a FREE copy of our special Travel + Adventure Guide!
Subscribe to CityDog Magazine and receive a FREE copy of our special Travel + Adventure Guide!