The Dog Days Aren’t Over in Cannon Beach

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What a trooper! Photos by Jarib Porter

Dog owners beam at the antics and carefree jaunts of their four-legged family members all along Oregon’s coastline. The public nature of our beaches means that dogs are welcome anywhere they can run on the sandy shores. Leashes are forsaken (legally as long as the dog is “within voice control”) in favor of Frisbees and makeshift driftwood for fetching. One town in particular is any proud pet owner’s dream. Cannon Beach welcomes four legs with open arms and offers a variety of pet-friendly recreation and accommodations.

Check in at beachfront Surfsand Resort and any dog is instantly at home. The lobby plays host to a meet-and-greet interface for dogs with large water bowls and a big welcome sign that names all the four-legged guests on premises that night. Desk clerks know your dog by name, and a “cookie” jar is always filled with treats. For its human guests, Surfsand puts on a daily Tillamook ice cream social with warm cookies and milk, too. This sugar infusion will brighten any rainy Oregon Coast day.

The mix of rain and dogs spells mess. No worries, complimentary dog baths at the beach entrance ensure an easy transition from beach time to a clean room. If your traveling companions have a dog allergy or are traveling without theirs, pet-free rooms are available.

The rooms, most with beachfront views, are designed and accessorized with creature comforts—of both the canine and human variety—in mind. The entry has wood flooring, good for towel-drying your dog with towels provided for that purpose. A cushy dog blanket with a sheet, extra treats, two dog bowls and a rubber protection mat (for messy drinkers) await Fido.

Most rooms include a deep soaking tub, Aveda bath products and balconies. Suites include a mini kitchen, TVs in every room (including the bathroom), a gas fireplace and a quietly luxurious feel. The resort’s indoor saltwater pool, hot tub, saunas and an exercise room are only steps away from any room. The Wayfarer Restaurant is fantastic, recommended by many locals and is located adjacent to the hotel.

Insider Tip: Waits can exceed an hour, but room service comes from the Wayfarer, so order the same delicious meals to your room. Food arrives shockingly quick. Eat in front of the fireplace or on the balcony with your travel companions, and you won’t miss the bustle of the restaurant.

Finally, there are few better spots on the Oregon Coast for beach bonfires than the Surfsand Resort. To book your own personal bonfire, simply call the front desk and pick a time. Staff will set up chairs for your entire group and build a bonfire while you chat, the dogs play, and beautiful Haystack Rock gleams at sunset.

The best part: Skip dessert at dinner because a complete smores kit is included with each bonfire.

Daytime tips: Most places in town offer outdoor dining and welcome dogs on their patios. The Lumberyard Rotisserie and Grill is a great dining option. Charge the meal to your room at Surfsand for ultimate convenience. The same goes for Stephanie Inn. The Irish Table is behind the delicious Sleepy Monk Coffee and offers an incomparable ambiance. Ecola State Park is wonderful for hiking (dogs permitted on leash). The long downtown strip is lined with shops and is full of dogs strolling with their owners. There are quite a few watering and doggie bag stations outside businesses to make for the complete dog-friendly weekend.

Our picks for other pet-friendly lodging options in Oregon:

Jupiter Hotel

Inn at Wecoma

The Lavabelles

Historic Prospect Hotel

The Historic Union Hotel

The Dalles Inn

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