There are plenty of attractions and a broader selection of lodging options in Lincoln City compared to Cannon Beach. Cannon Beach has dramatic sea stacks and mild weather year-round. Dining options in both places are delightful, with Lincoln City offering a wider culinary range.
While Cannon Beach offers you tranquility, Lincoln City provides a livelier nightlife. Even though it is quiet, Cannon Beach is costly compared to Lincoln City.
Let me help you make your choice easier! For this, I have arranged a showdown between Cannon Beach and Lincoln City.
Cannon Beach Vs Lincoln City: Quick Showdown
Join me on an exhilarating comparison journey between two captivating destinations, Cannon Beach and Lincoln City.
| Aspect | Cannon Beach | Lincoln City |
| Location | Clatsop County, Oregon, US | Lincoln County, Oregon, US |
| Climate & Weather | Temperature ranges from 40°F to 67°F | Temperature ranges from 41°F to 67°F |
| Best Time to Visit | June- September | May- September |
| Accessibility | 69.2 miles from Portland Airport | 49.6 miles from Salem Airport |
| Accommodations | Ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere | Incredible views and pet-friendly features |
| Dining & Restaurant | Seafood, American cuisine, and cafes | Mexican, American, and seafood cuisines and more |
| Attractions & Activities | – Art galleries – Historical sites | – Glassblowing demonstrations – Shopping |
| Nightlife | Quiet | Lively |
| Cost (per night) | $88 to $400 | $59 to $315 |
To help you decide, I have provided a detailed comparison of Cannon Beach and Lincoln City.
Location
Cannon Beach and Lincoln City are both cities in Oregon, but Cannon Beach is in Clatsop County and Lincoln City is in Lincoln County.
Cannon Beach is characterized by its dramatic sea stacks and proximity to Ecola State Park. Meanwhile, Lincoln City offers a longer and more expansive coastline.
Cannon Beach is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the iconic Haystack Rock, which rises majestically from the Pacific Ocean. In contrast, notable features of Lincoln City include the D River, which empties into the Pacific Ocean and is among the world’s shortest rivers.
If you want to consider beaches in Clatsop County, you can choose from Seaside and Cannon Beach.
Climate and Weather
Cannon Beach provides a mild climate year-round, where you can expect a temperature range from 40°F to 67°F. While quite similar, in Lincoln City, you’ll find the range from 41°F to 67°F.
Both Cannon Beach and Lincoln City have year-round appeal due to their coastal qualities. They would entice you with pleasant and partly cloudy summers and wet, mostly cloudy winters that would appeal to your preferences.
Best Time To Visit
Cannon Beach enjoys its prime season of visit from June to September, while Lincoln City’s ideal time to visit extends from May to September.
These months mark the peak of summer and early fall when both destinations experience the most favorable weather conditions.
In terms of seasons, this period offers the best climate for your beach adventures, ensuring a delightful travel experience.
Accessibility
Cannon Beach is about 69.2 miles from Portland Airport, while Lincoln City is roughly 49.6 miles from Seattle Airport.
Cannon Beach is relatively closer to both Portland (PDX) and 133.15 miles away from Salem (SLE) airports. Conversely, nearby airports in Lincoln City include Eugene (EUG) and Portland (PDX).
Accommodations
Cannon Beach accommodations offer ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere, while Lincoln City provides diverse options with incredible views and pet-friendly features.
Various accommodations in Cannon Beach offer diverse experiences, including-
- The Ocean Lodge: Ocean views, wine tastings, and fresh cookies
- Inn at Cannon Beach: Beachfront with wild bunnies and breakfast
- Hallmark Resort & Spa: Oceanfront, modern rooms, and fresh-baked cookies
- The Waves: Oceanfront with modern rooms and fireplaces
- Surfsand Resort: Ideal for couples with personalized notes and beach bonfires.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg9rFzNSSVg
On the other hand, in Lincoln City, the following accommodation options await you-
- The Coho Oceanfront Lodge: Boutique experience with ocean views
- Surfland Hotel: Oceanfront with updated rooms and pet-friendly features
- Inn at Wecoma: Centrally located, budget-friendly, and spacious rooms
- Whistling Winds Motel: Cozy, cabin-like feel with comfortable rooms and excellent beach access
- Lincoln Sands Oceanfront Resort: Clean rooms, full kitchens, and beach access
Dining & Restaurant
Lincoln City has a variety of restaurants offering American, seafood, Mexican, and other cuisines, while Cannon Beach offers seafood, American cuisine, and cafes.
Some popular choices in Cannon Beach include-
- Castaways
- Lazy Susan Cafe
- Newmans at 988
- Cannon Beach Hardware & Public House
You can enjoy meals in places in Lincoln City like-
- Puerto Vallarta
- Nelscott Cafe
- Kyllo’s Seafood Grill
- Fathoms Restaurant & Bar
Attractions and Activities
Cannon Beach has various art galleries and historical sites to explore, while in Lincoln City, you can do glassblowing demonstrations and go shopping.
If I may list out the Cannon Beach attractions with art galleries and historical sites, I need to include-
- Lincoln City Glass Center
- Mossy Creek Pottery
- Alderhouse Glass Blowers
- Roads End State Recreation Site
Lincoln City, on the other hand, provides glassblowing demonstrations and shopping destinations such as
- Jennifer Sears Glass Art Studio
- North Lincoln County Historical Museum
- Lincoln City Outlets
Whether you’re interested in art, history, or shopping, both towns have something to offer. But in case you are looking for places where you can enjoy wildlife and hiking, you can look for Bethany Beach or Rehoboth Beach.
Nightlife
Cannon Beach would be a great choice if you want quiet nightlife, but if you want lively nightlife, you’re looking for Lincoln City.
Cannon Beach provides a peaceful atmosphere for travelers to unwind and enjoy the ocean views. In contrast, Lincoln City has options like bars and pubs where you can enjoy a drink and some entertainment in the evening.
Cost
Cannon Beach accommodations typically range from $88 to $400 per night, while in Lincoln City, prices are more budget-friendly, ranging from $59 to $315.
I have created a comparison table to discuss the cost differences between Cannon Beach and Lincoln City.
| Aspect | Cannon Beach | Lincoln City |
| Accommodation (per night) | $88 to $400 | $59 to $315 |
| Average 7-day trip (Solo traveler) | $2,089 | $1,672 |
| Average 7-day trip (Couple) | $3,752 | $3,003 |
| Average 7-day trip (Family of four) | $7,034 | $5,630 |
Final Verdict: Which Oregon Beach Should You Choose?
The final verdict depends on your personal preferences and the type of coastal experience you’re seeking. Which can include-
- If you’re looking for dramatic coastal landscapes, choose Cannon Beach.
- For convenience when flying, Cannon Beach has the upper hand.
- If budget-friendly options are your priority, Lincoln City is the winner.
- In case you prefer lively nightlife, you should opt for Lincoln City.
- If you seek a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, Cannon Beach is your destination.
Conclusion
In the end, your choice between Cannon Beach and Lincoln City depends on your preferences. So, whether you are traveling with your family or looking for scenic beauty, travel convenience, or nightlife, pick a destination that fits your needs.
