Going to Portland and northern Oregon coast this summer. Trying to decide between Cannon Beach or Seaside? Want a nice place along the beach, nice beaches to walk along, shopping, etc. Thanks

Was just here. Cannon Beach, Definitely. We drove through seaside from Astoria and our comment was - wouldn't want to live here. It's a sleepy little town.

Cannon beach, however...WOW. Stay at Schoooner's Cove. It's moderate prices for right on the beach views and the backdoor is pretty much the little town with galleries, shopping, taverns, and nice restaurants. Make sure to visit haystack rock (need to know when low tide is). I LOVED Cannon Beach. My last trip report mentions that several times, I think.

http://www.schoonerscove.com/

Have fun!

I'd be inclined to say "either one," but I'll have to admit that we have stayed in Seaside every time we went down. They are not that far apart. No matter where you stay, try Girtles seafood restaurant in Seaside...fabulous clam chowder. We always stop for a bowl even if we are just passing through enroute to somewhere else.

Yes I would have to agree with the above poster. Stay in Cannon Beach! I have to say the Oregon Coast is beautiful, but there are no "great" places (for shopping, food, art galleries, etc) like Cannon Beach. (although Seaside has a nice outlet mall) I have stayed at the Waves, at the Hallmark Resort and another that I cant remember the name for. You cant go wrong with this quaint lil town.
Rese

Cannon Beach is definitely the town for what you say you are looking for. We live in the Portland area and go to CB often, but avoid Seaside as much as possible. We just don't care for the carnival atmosphere of it. If you have any other questions for the trip, you might want to do a search on here, but also feel free to ask any questions you might still have

mms, YES! That's it. We were trying to put a finger on what it was about seaside we didn't like and "circus atmosphere" is it!!!

I meant "carnival"...

Another vote for Cannon Beach. Lovely. When I think of Seaside, I think "seedy." Sorry, Seaside fans! IMO it seems tacky and low class when compared to CB.

sorry but I really couldn't agree more too noryglory.

maria so--carnival,circus...basically all the same Even our kids cannot stand Seaside, and they are teens. I cannot tell you how relieved I am about that, lol!

Seaside is (well) past its prime. A Myrtle Beach, but desolate.

Cannon Beach is currently experiencing it's hay-day. Beach community flavor.

I have not been to Astoria or Seaside, but from photos someone posts around the net, they do look a bit on the seedy needy side..But I have been to Cannon Beach a few times since we moved to Portland and I reeeally like it there.
In fact, we have played with the idea of not buying in town but buying some tiny beach cottage
I do like to dream lol..
Just the idea of taking evening walks with Pup on the beach with Haystack Rock right there!
Today the weather here is so amazingly pretty, I get Beach ideas

Still a Seaside fan. No hard feelings, noryglory.

Is the opposite true if I say I find Cannon Beach stuck up and snooty? I lived through too many years of that town trying to keep anyone but themselves out of it.

But the whole coast is beautiful. We stay at Gearhart, though.

Seaside and Astoria "seedy?" I don't think so. Sure, neither town has that quaintness that Cannon Beach thinks it has, but both Seaside and Astoria are charming in their own way. Seaside is kind of your traditional beach town, with kids attractions along Broadway, the main drag headed toward the beach. Otherwise it might be considered a bit ordinary, but the kids might enjoy the attractions and it has a nice beach.

Astoria's downtown looks like an old town from the 70's, with many of the storefronts seemingly unchanged. It's not a beach town (it's not techincally on the coast) - it still feels like the old port it was. Walking along the riverside by the old docks and such still gives you that feel. It's fun to watch the big ships going in and out of the mouth of the mighty Columbia.

Andrew

Hey Enrico, I could see your point. I have never gotten a stuck up or snooty vibe in Cannon Beach but could certainly see people feeling that way. Different strokes for different folks! It's nice that there choices and people can choose what they prefer.

Without hesitation... Cannon Beach! Since 1975, we've been going there every 5 years from Northern CA. Love the Oregon coast!

JayZee;

Where do you stay in Cannon Beach? We stayed at the Tolovana Inn, but that was 20 years ago. We will definitely do Cannon Beach, because of its quaintness!! Thanks

Deblynn--We always stay at the SurfSand Resort in Cannon Beach. It is right on the beach, looks out to Haystack Rock, and is an easy walk to the main downtown area.

I love Seaside! It is anything but seedy. It does have a more youthful vibe than Cannon Beach, but it is hip, fun, and exciting. I don't think you can go wrong with either place though- they are both gorgeous. It just depends on what you're looking for. Have fun on your trip!

Oops, I should have known I would step on a toe or two..
photos someone posts around the net, they do look a bit on the seedy needy
These photos were taken by a Fodorite/TA poster, the photos might have just been bad, but they showed both towns in an unflattering light.

I live here and have been to Cannon Beach a few times and comparing what I have seen to those photos, I made my comments...Please excuse any incidental toe stepping