Cannon Beach vs. Rockaway beach: 10 Best Oregon Beach Choice

The first time I arrived in Cannon Beach, I stood barefoot on the sand as the sun slipped behind Haystack Rock, that iconic basalt sea stack rising from the Pacific. The air smelled of salt and driftwood, and the only sound was the rhythmic crash of waves. 

Years later, on a quiet morning in Rockaway Beach, I found a completely different kind of magic: seven miles of nearly empty shoreline, where my partner and I walked hand in hand without seeing another soul for nearly an hour.

Having visited both towns across multiple seasons—sometimes on budget road trips, sometimes splurging at boutique hotels—I’ve come to understand how these two destinations deliver romance in contrasting ways. 

Cannon Beach offers upscale charm, art galleries, and world-famous scenery. Rockaway Beach, by contrast, feels more laid-back, budget-friendly, and private, perfect for couples craving solitude.

In this guide, I’ll share 10 expert tips—drawn from my own travels, local conversations, and lessons learned—that will help you plan the perfect romantic weekend in Cannon Beach vs. Rockaway Beach.

Romantic Weekend in Cannon Beach vs. Rockaway Beach: The Core Difference

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Couples planning a Romantic Weekend in Cannon Beach vs. Rockaway Beach will immediately notice how the vibe shifts between the two towns. Cannon Beach feels polished with its galleries and gourmet dining, while Rockaway Beach feels stripped-down and free, where time slows to the rhythm of the waves.

Over the years, I’ve found that the real difference is in how each place shapes intimacy. Cannon Beach frames romance with curated experiences, while Rockaway Beach creates romance through solitude and space. This balance is what makes choosing between the two such an exciting decision for couples.

10 Tips for a Romantic Weekend

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A Romantic Weekend in Cannon Beach vs. Rockaway Beach isn’t just about where you sleep or what you eat—it’s about crafting experiences that feel deeply personal. From beach walks to storm-watching, these tips help couples tailor a trip to their unique style.

I’ve tested each of these suggestions myself, sometimes splurging on luxury, sometimes keeping it simple. The beauty is that both destinations adapt easily, making romance accessible to all kinds of travelers.

1. Choose the Right Accommodation

When planning a Romantic Weekend in Cannon Beach vs. Rockaway Beach, accommodation becomes more than just a place to sleep—it sets the tone for the entire trip. 

A luxury suite in Cannon with a view of Haystack Rock feels vastly different from a quiet cabin in Rockaway where the only sound is the surf. Both create intimacy, but in very different ways.

Cannon Beach Hotels & Inns

• Stephanie Inn (luxury): Oceanfront suites with fireplaces, perfect for a rainy evening.
  
• The Waves Cannon Beach: Affordable yet stylish, steps from the sand.
  
• Surfsand Resort: Known for beach bonfires—ideal for couples.
  

Rockaway Beach Options

• Surfside Resort: Budget-friendly with direct beach access.
  
• Vacation rentals: Cabins near Lake Lytle or oceanfront homes.
  
• Motels on Hwy 101: Convenient, simple, and inexpensive.

Personal Note: One stormy weekend in Cannon, my partner and I stayed in a fireplace suite at Stephanie Inn. Instead of feeling trapped indoors, the rain on the windows, the crackling fire, and a bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir turned the night into one of the most romantic of our travels.

2. Plan Around the Seasons

Seasons can completely change the mood of a Romantic Weekend in Cannon Beach vs. Rockaway Beach. While Cannon bustles in summer with festivals and visitors, Rockaway feels nearly deserted, which some couples find even more romantic. Timing your visit carefully ensures the vibe matches what you’re hoping for.

Season	Cannon Beach	Rockaway Beach	Best For
Summer (Jun–Aug)	Crowded, lively festivals, warm evenings	Less crowded, wide beaches still quiet	Social couples
Fall (Sep–Nov)	Crisp air, fewer crowds, golden sunsets	Storm watching begins, cozy rentals	Photography, intimacy
Winter (Dec–Feb)	Storm watching, moody skies, spa escapes	Empty beaches, dramatic waves	Privacy seekers
Spring (Mar–May)	Wildflowers in Ecola State Park	Whale-watching season	Active couples

Pro Tip: For a truly romantic weekend, visit in late September. You’ll avoid peak tourist chaos, but still enjoy mild weather and glowing sunsets.

3. Dining Experiences That Set the Mood

Sharing meals is one of the highlights of any Romantic Weekend in Cannon Beach vs. Rockaway Beach. Cannon’s fine dining feels elevated, while Rockaway’s comfort food has a charm of its own. 

Both experiences, when shared together, leave lasting memories that often become part of a couple’s story.

Cannon Beach Restaurants

• Newmans at 988: Fine dining with French-Italian fusion.
  
• Wayfarer Restaurant: Beachfront with Haystack Rock views.
  
• Ecola Seafood Market: Casual, fresh, and affordable.
  

Rockaway Beach Favorites

• The Beach Bite & Brew: Cozy pizza and craft beer.
  
• Sand Dollar Restaurant: Ocean views with hearty seafood.
  
• Pronto Pup: Corn dog stand with nostalgic charm.

Insider Tip: Skip peak dinner hours in Cannon Beach. Instead, grab a happy hour drink, stroll Hemlock Street’s art galleries, then dine around 8 p.m. when the crowds thin.

4. Romantic Beach Walks

Walking side by side on the sand is perhaps the most essential part of a Romantic Weekend in Cannon Beach vs. Rockaway Beach. 

Whether you’re admiring the grandeur of Haystack Rock or wandering Rockaway’s endless shoreline, these walks create quiet moments of connection that stay with you long after the trip.

• Cannon Beach: Walk south from town to Haystack Rock at sunset, when the sea stars glow in tide pools.
  
• Rockaway Beach: Seven uninterrupted miles of sand—ideal for couples craving space.

Photography Advice: For couple portraits, Canon’s sunsets frame Haystack Rock beautifully. In Rockaway, morning light at Twin Rocks gives a softer, private glow.

5. Hidden Spots for Couples

The magic of a Romantic Weekend in Cannon Beach vs. Rockaway Beach often lies in the places most visitors overlook. Tucked coves, quiet lakes, and hidden trails offer couples a chance to feel like the coast belongs entirely to them, if only for a few fleeting hours.

• Cannon Beach: Hug Point waterfall (low tide only), tucked-away trails in Ecola State Park.
  
• Rockaway Beach: Lake Lytle at sunrise, quiet coves near Twin Rocks.
  

I still remember discovering a secluded cove south of Hug Point. We were alone, waves crashing gently, our footprints the only marks in the sand—it felt like our private paradise.

6. Art, Culture & Local Charm

In Cannon, art galleries and theater nights make for elegant dates, while Rockaway’s vintage shops and kite festivals invite couples into a slower, more authentic community rhythm.

• Cannon Beach: Art galleries on Hemlock Street, Coaster Theatre Playhouse, summer arts & crafts fair.
  
• Rockaway Beach: Small-town Kite Festival, vintage shops, International Police Museum.
  

Cannon feels curated, refined. Rockaway feels raw, authentic, like stepping into an Oregon community where locals still greet each other by name.

7. Adventure Together

For couples who thrive on activity, a Romantic Weekend in Cannon Beach vs. Rockaway Beach provides plenty of adventure. Whether hiking forest trails or kayaking on quiet bays, sharing these experiences builds memories rooted in discovery and teamwork.

• Cannon Beach: Hike Tillamook Head Trail, tide-pooling near Haystack Rock.
  
• Rockaway Beach: Kayak Nehalem Bay, ride the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad.
  

Budget Range:

• Free: beach walks, trails, tide-pooling.
  
• $10–30: scenic train rides, kayak rentals.

Pro Tip: Book the steam engine train between Rockaway and Garibaldi for a romantic vintage experience with coastal views.

8. Relaxation & Wellness

Not every romantic trip needs constant activity. A Romantic Weekend in Cannon Beach vs. Rockaway Beach can just as easily be about slowing down—sipping wine in front of a fireplace, listening to waves, or unwinding with a spa treatment designed for two.

• Cannon Beach: Spa treatments at Hallmark Resort, yoga by the sea.
  
• Rockaway Beach: More DIY—rent a hot tub cabin, sip wine by the fireplace, listen to the ocean.

Some couples thrive on curated spa days. Others prefer simple evenings wrapped in blankets, listening to storm winds. Both styles can be deeply romantic.

9. Logistics & Transportation Tips

Knowing the distances, parking issues, and best routes helps couples focus less on logistics and more on enjoying each other’s company along the Oregon Coast.

• From Portland: Cannon Beach is about 80 miles (90 minutes). Rockaway is ~100 miles (2 hours).
  
• Parking: Cannon gets crowded; Rockaway has plenty.
  
• Exploring: Cannon is walkable; Rockaway requires a car.

Safety Note: On Hwy 101 at night, watch for fog and slick roads. During winter, check storm warnings—sneaker waves are real.

10. Budgeting for Romance

Budget can define what kind of experiences you have on a Romantic Weekend in Cannon Beach vs. Rockaway Beach. But romance doesn’t always mean luxury—sometimes the simplest evenings, like sharing fish and chips on a quiet beach, end up being the most meaningful.

Destination	Budget Range	Splurge Worth It?
Cannon Beach	$250–$500/night hotels, $$$ dining	Yes, for oceanfront suites & fine dining
Rockaway Beach	$100–$200/night, casual dining	Yes, for vacation rentals with hot tubs

Sometimes, romance isn’t about money but about creating space together. I’ve had just as romantic a weekend with takeout fish & chips in Rockaway as with champagne service in Cannon.

Cultural & Historical Insights That Add Depth

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A Romantic Weekend in Cannon Beach vs. Rockaway Beach takes on more depth when you understand each town’s history. Cannon Beach evolved from a creative artist colony, while Rockaway grew with the railroads, giving them very different cultural identities.

When couples travel with this awareness, the landscapes feel more alive. You don’t just see Haystack Rock or Twin Rocks—you see symbols of heritage, resilience, and community that enrich the romance of your trip.

• Cannon Beach: Named after a Navy cannon found ashore, later became an art colony in the early 1900s.
  
• Rockaway Beach: Grew during the railroad boom of the 1900s, when Portlanders flocked for seaside escapes.

Knowing this history adds texture—Cannon as an artist’s haven, Rockaway as a nostalgic train-stop town.

Photography & Documentation Advice

Capturing your Romantic Weekend in Cannon Beach vs. Rockaway Beach ensures the moments don’t fade with time. Each location offers backdrops so unique that even amateur photos look like postcards.

I’ve often found that couples treasure the candid shots most—the laughter during a windblown walk or a quiet look shared on a stormy evening. These natural images become timeless souvenirs.

• Best Sunset: Cannon Beach, south of Haystack Rock.
  
• Best Sunrise: Rockaway, at Lake Lytle.
  
• Storm Shots: Use a waterproof case—spray can ruin cameras.
  

Couples should consider one candid session with a local photographer. Those windswept Oregon coast portraits become treasured keepsakes.

Safety & Sustainability for Couples

Romance flourishes when couples feel safe, and a Romantic Weekend in Cannon Beach vs. Rockaway Beach comes with its own coastal considerations. Tides, sneaker waves, and winter storms all demand respect and awareness.

Equally important is how we engage with the local community. Supporting small businesses ensures that the places we love remain vibrant, making each return trip feel just as special as the first.

• Tides: Always check charts—Hug Point can trap visitors.
  
• Sneaker Waves: Never turn your back on the ocean.
  
• Support Locals: Skip chains, buy from seafood markets, vintage shops, and family-run restaurants.

Travel romance is sweeter when it sustains the very communities that host us.

Conclusion

No matter how many times I return, both towns still surprise me. Cannon Beach seduces with refined romance, iconic backdrops, and culinary pleasures. Rockaway Beach whispers intimacy through solitude, storm-watching, and unhurried walks.

For couples asking, Cannon Beach vs. Rockaway Beach: which is better?—The answer depends on your style. If you crave polished experiences, choose Cannon. If you crave privacy, choose Rockaway. And if you’re lucky enough, choose both.

Each visit reminds me that love isn’t defined by the destination but by the shared experiences along the way. These coastal towns simply provide the perfect stage. Whether it’s laughter over a casual meal or awe at a fiery sunset, romance finds its home on the Oregon Coast.

Frequently Asked Questions