The Most Fabulous Time of Year to Visit Cannon Beach

For me, the most fabulous time of year to visit Cannon Beach isn’t summer — it’s fall and winter.Sure, summer has its charm: building sandcastles, making s’mores, shopping the boutiques,
and indulging in ice cream from Schwietert’s Cones & Candy. But there’s something about Cannon Beach when the crowds disappear and the mist rolls in that captures my heart even more. The grey skies, salty air, and sound of rain create a cozy, moody magic that’s pure Oregon coast perfection.

This is the time of year when you can walk into Bill’s Tavern & Brewhouse without a line out the door, warm up by the fireplaces glowing in cafés and hotel lobbies, and truly slow down. Bring a few good books or stop by Cannon Beach Books to grab one (or three). Maybe even bring along a craft project to finish while you sip your favorite local brew.

This week, I had the pleasure of reviewing one of my all-time favorite spots — the Hallmark Resort & Spa. There are plenty of charming inns, small hotels, and Airbnb options in town, but Hallmark has been special to me since I was about ten years old. My mom and I used to come down several times a year, and now I get to bring my own family back to make new memories in the same place.

                               

Right on the water and the closest resort to Haystack Rock, Hallmark is the only hotel in Cannon Beach with a connected spa. Their recently remodeled rooms are stunning, and the balcony views are breathtaking. But what truly sets them apart is their warmth — not just toward their guests, but also toward our furry family members.

They’re extremely dog-friendly, which was a huge plus for us! My service dog, Molly, was greeted with her own special doggie gift bag — complete with a frisbee, water bottle, bowl, cookies, and a mud towel. She was living her best life!

After a slow morning enjoying our room, we wandered down the beach and had lunch at Pelican Brewing Restaurant & Lounge, just a short, drizzly stroll from the hotel. Their clam chowder and fish and chips were both incredible — perfect comfort food for a coastal day.

When we returned to the hotel, we were met with the most delicious surprise: 

freshly baked cookies in the lobby! Every afternoon from 4–6 p.m., Hallmark serves warm cookies to guests (and yes, Molly even got a few of her own). It’s those thoughtful touches that make Hallmark feel like home.

That evening, we grabbed takeout from Pelican again — a sausage pizza and a big salad — and settled into our room for a cozy night by the fireplace. With complimentary popcorn and movies available in the lobby, it was the perfect low-key family evening.

Though we didn’t make it to the Elements by the Sea Spa this trip, I’m already dreaming about returning for a full-body massage or facial next time. Their spa also features a sauna and indoor pool — ideal for a relaxing escape (maybe when my boys aren’t splashing around in it!).

In the summer, we love roasting s’mores using the hotel’s iconic blue Adirondack chairs around the fire pits — another family favorite tradition.

No matter the season, Hallmark Resort & Spa captures everything that makes Cannon Beach magical. The boys and I made more beautiful memories this trip, and I know we’ll be back again soon — maybe next summer, if we can wait that long. 

My boys’ core memories are wrapped up in Cannon Beach — the rock, the town, and this special hotel.

Thank you, Hallmark, for hosting us on this trip!

Tell the The Write Influence with Stacey.
You can book your stay here:
👉 https://www.hallmarkinns.com/cannon-beach/