Many beach towns are made for summer crowds, but Cannon Beach and the northern Oregon coast exude romance all through the year. Haystack Rock presides over the misty surf, and when the tide ebbs, low boulders appear to bubble up from the sand around it, hiding tide pools in their crevices. (Keep in mind, the cold Pacific waters and strong riptides do not favor swimming.) Cannon Beach’s cottages, shops, and restaurants reward a day of browsing, and if you’re visiting from an eastern state, don’t leave without feasting on Dungeness crab and Oregon craft beers. More sedate than nearby Seaside, the town’s quiet, comfortable character is perfect for relaxed getaways, with plenty of hiking and biking to entertain you between spells of contentedly staring out at the ocean.

Cannon Beach is only 85 miles northeast of Portland, and it’s a straight shot on U.S. Route 26. Hundreds of direct flights from around the country arrive at Portland International Airport (PDX) every day, and you’ll have your pick of car rental agencies there.

If you’re not driving, the POINT Bus and the NW Connector buses travel between Portland and Cannon Beach, and the NW Connector operates routes up and down the Pacific coast. You can bring a bike on either, or rent one in town. Cannon Beach is so compact you can easily navigate the city on foot or by wheelchair, and surrounding coastal towns such as Seaside, Arch Cape, and Manzanita are close enough to bicycle to.

The good news is that the climate of the Oregon Coast is mild year round, but the rumors of rain and clouds are true. May through September are the sunniest months in Oregon, with little rain and average temperatures in the 60s, 70s, and 80s Fahrenheit. Even days that begin overcast and foggy often clear away by afternoon. The cold and rains hit in November and last through March, though freezing temperatures are extremely rare — a lined raincoat and waterproof shoes are your main necessities. The cool gray moodiness suits the Pacific coast, as any Northwesterner will tell you, and Oregon’s flower-filled spring arrives in March. In any season, you’ll want to pack layers for temperature fluctuations and a hat that the ocean breeze can’t dislodge.

Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park begins on the north end of Cannon Beach and stretches north along the Pacific coast for miles. Eight miles of the Oregon Coast Trail pass through here, and many routes take you up the bluffs to find spectacular views. Kids love scrambling around the tide pools at Indian Beach, pointing out anemone and starfish — just keep an eye out for the sneaker waves. In winter, look for gray whales and elk.

Nehalem River

Fifteen miles south of Cannon Beach, near Rockaway Beach, the Nehalem River flows into the Nehalem Bay. Several kayak rental companies can set you up with boats and gear, and you can spend the day on the water exploring the coves and looking for harbor seals and bald eagles.

Captain Kid Amusement Park

Seaside, located a few miles north of Cannon Beach, has plenty of summer-resort attractions to amuse children: a carousel, and this amusement park, which offers 18 holes of mini golf and a go-kart track.