Weekend in Cannon Beach, Ore., one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: Picturesque Cannon Beach, just a 90-minute drive from Portland, was named one of the Top 100 Beautiful Places in the World by National Geographic. The exceptional coastal city is famous for the iconic 235-foot Haystack Rock that juts from the ocean, tidal pools to explore, shore birds (puffins!) to elk grazing in meadows. This peaceful town is also reputed to be one of the Northwest's top art communities. Plan trips at www.cannonbeach.org.
Getting there: Nonstop Delta flights from $410 during sale periods (14-day advance required). Connecting flight service from $150 each way.
BUDGET
Stay: Tolovana Inn is less than 2 miles south of downtown Cannon Beach, with ocean view (from $125) and oceanfront suites with fireplace and private balcony. Standard rooms from $72. On site are an indoor saltwater pool, spa and sauna, a masseuse and fitness center. 3400 S. Hemlock St., 503-436-2211, www.tolovanainn.com.
Eat: Choose from 23 breakfast, brunch, lunch and dessert crepe varieties at Crepe Neptune, $10. 175 E. Second St., 503-436-9200, http://crepeneptune.com.
Experience: Visit Ecola State Park and its dramatic 7-mile trail with views of Haystack Rock, a lighthouse and isolated beaches. The park is one of the best to explore tidal pools and the marine life. 84318 Ecola State Park Road, 1-800-551-6949, www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=136. When visiting downtown, stop at the Cannon Beach Distillery, where small batches of spirits are mashed, fermented, distilled and matured on site. Open noon-6 p.m. daily but closed Wednesdays. The tasting room is open 1-6 p.m. Fridays-Sundays. Sample rum and gin, $7. 255 N. Hemlock St., 503-436-0301.
MODERATE
Stay: Choose from standard rooms for two (from $149), studios and one- and two-bedroom suites at the Hallmark Resort & Spa. Partial view rooms start from $239; from $269 oceanfront. Most rooms have a gas fireplace. For $25 more, add a s'mores package for everything you need for the perfect bonfire (beach bonfires permitted). Amenities include free cruiser bike rentals, DVD rentals, popcorn and fresh baked cookies. Features include an indoor, heated saltwater pool with spa, sauna and fitness room. 1400 S. Hemlock St., 1-855-392-3279, www.hallmarkinns.com/cannon-beach.
Eat: The Irish Table is an intimate restaurant with a pub vibe serving Irish and American fare, seasonal seafood and Oregon wines; $11-$30. 1235 S. Hemlock St., 503-436-0708.
Experience: Find a vacation keepsake at one of the 16 downtown fine art and sculpture galleries. One of the most popular is Icefire with vases, bowls and handmade beads and jewelry. 116 E. Gower St., 503-436-2359, http://cbgallerygroup.com/galleries. Through Dec. 20, catch an evening musical or play performance at the Coaster Theatre Playhouse. Tickets, $15-$23. 108 N. Hemlock St., 503-436-1242, http://coastertheatre.com/#_=_.
SPLURGE
Stay: Overlook the scenic coast from the large wraparound verandas at Ocean Lodge. This family-friendly property offers 37 oceanfront studios and suites. Massive Douglas fir beams and a two-story river-rock wood-burning fireplace greet guests in the lobby. Take the chill off by the library fireplace. Amenities include cookies and organic coffee in the lobby and continental breakfast. Rates from $312. 2864 S. Pacific St., 503-436-2241, www.theoceanlodge.com.
Eat: Dining at the Stephanie Inn is casually sophisticated. An elegant prix fixe, four-course experience is $79 or $119 with wine pairings. Non-guests welcome. 2740 S. Pacific St., 1-855-977-2444, www.stephanieinn.com.
Experience: Learn to surf with a trained instructor. Day 1 beginner lesson (for one person), $90, plus $45 for 24-hour equipment rental; Day 2 intermediate lesson, $90. The rate per couple for two days is $205 per person, and for three or more participants, it's $185 per person for the two days of lessons. 1088 S. Hemlock St., 503-436-0475, www.cannonbeachsurf.com.
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