Both Rock Beach and Cannon Beach have diverse choices for beach getaways.
Rockaway Beach provides more tranquillity, a quiet escape from the crowds, and offers bold flavors.
Cannon Beach, on the other hand, has a livelier atmosphere, stunning natural beauty, and a variety of dining options.
Dive into our comparison of Rockaway Beach vs. Cannon Beach to see which best suits your needs, whether it’s a peaceful retreat or a bustling coastal adventure.”
Rockaway Beach vs. Cannon Beach: A Quick Comparison
Rockaway Beach and Cannon Beach, both of them have their unique characteristics. Before explaining them in detail, let’s look at a quick comparison.
| Factor | Rockaway Beach | Cannon Beach |
| Location | Tillamook County, Oregon | Clatsop County, Oregon |
| Weather | Average 10.2 °C | Average 9.9 °C |
| Best Time To Visit | Summer (June- September) | Summer (June- September) |
| Transportation | Cars, Ridesharing, Shuttle Bus, Subway, Ferry | Shuttle Bus, Cars, Ridesharing |
| Dining & Restaurant | Bold flavor, Romania influence, and fresh seafood | Wide range of option |
| Places To Stay | Hotels, Airbnbs, Condo Rentals | Beachfront Hotels, and Couple-friendly, Family-friendly Hotels |
| Nightlife | Local Bars, Live Music | Local Bar, Live Music, Quieter Beach |
| Things To Do | Surfing, ocean view, art, and live music. | Exploring various parks, flying kites, and walking in nature. |
| Crowd | Less crowded | Slightly more crowded |
Same as Rockaway Beach VS Cannon Beach, you can take a look at Rockaway Beach VS Long Beach.
Rockaway Beach VS Cannon Beach: Detailed Comparison
If you want more detailed information about Rockaway Beach and Cannon Beach, the following section is for you.
Location
Rockaway Beach is located in Tillamook County, Oregon, United States.
Cannon Beach is in Clatsop County, Oregon. It is a small coastal town, known for its scenic beauty along the Pacific Ocean.
The main road in Cannon Beach is Hemlock Street, running from the north to the south and passing through Tolovana Park. Hemlock Street connects to U.S. Highway 101 at both of its ends.
These two beaches are 25 miles apart from each other.
Weather
Both beaches have a marine west coast climate with mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers.
The annual average temperature of Rockaway Beach is 10.2 °C. Here winter faces more rain than summer. And summer is from June To September.
In Cannon Beach, the average temperature during summer is around 20 Degrees. The coldest months are December and January. The annual average temperature is 9.9 °C.
Time To Visit
The best time to visit both of these beaches is in the summer. In the Summertime the area becomes busier and crowded.
From June to September, these months have the most warm and pleasant temperatures.
Transportation
Both Rockaway Beach and Cannon Beach offer various modes of transportation including, rideshare, bike, and car rentals. Beside these,
You can get to Rockaway Beach using these transport options:
- Subway
- MTA Bus
- Long Island Rail Road
- NYC Ferry: Take a Rockaway-bound ferry to Beach 108th Street.
On the other hand, to get around in Cannon Beach you can use the following mode of transportation.
- Cannon Beach Shuttle: Free service since 1990, serves businesses, hotels, and Tolovana Park, wheelchair accessible, operates daily.
- RVes
Dining & Restaurant
In Rockaway Beach and Canon Beach, there are various options from fine dining to cheap eats. Where you can enjoy different cuisines including seafood, pizza & breweries.
Some of the suggestions in different price ranges are the following:
| Rockaway Beach | Cannon Beach |
| Old Oregon Smoke House ($$$$) | Newmans at 988 ($$$$) |
| Big Wave Cafe ($$ – $$$) | Castaways ($$-$$$) |
| Grumpy’s Cafe ($) | Nonni’s Italian Bistro ($) |
Besides restaurants, both of the beaches have dozens of bars as well.
Bonus: If you are interested you can check out Coney Island vs. Rockaway Beach.
Places To Stay
Both Rockaway Beach and Cannon Beach offer a mix of affordable accommodations.
In Rockaway Beach, you can choose from hotels, Airbnb, and condo rentals within various price ranges starting at 80$. You can check the top 10 hotels in Rockaway Beach.
Meanwhile, Cannon Beach offers a variety of beachfront hotels, and couple-friendly, family-friendly accommodations. You can choose according to your budget.
Here are the top 10 hotels in Cannon Beach.
Nightlife
In Rockaway Beach and Cannon Beach, you can enjoy limited nightlife; a quieter atmosphere including, live music and bars.
In Rockaway Beach, you can enjoy,
- Local bar and beach Bonefire.
- Stargazing.
Cannon Beach is slightly livelier than Rockaway Beach.
Some of the nightlife events in Cannon Beach include:
- Bill’s Tavern & Brewhouse: Offers a pub atmosphere and live “beach grass” music.
- The Lumberyard Rotisserie & Grill: Features late evening dining and live music every Wednesday.
- Cranky Sue’s: Offers live music.
Things To Do
There are many interesting things you can enjoy on both of the beaches including hiking, surfing, camping, stargazing etc.
Some of the activities that you can enjoy are the following,
| The Rockaway Beach | The Cannon Beach |
| Explore the beach, go to Whale Watching, and take a hike | Visit the beach and iconic Haystack Rock. |
| Visit the Jetty Fishery Marina & RV Park and Go crabbing at Kelly’s Brighton Marina | Explore state parks like Ecola, Oswald West, and Hug Point. |
| See the 1000 years old tree at Cedar Wetlands Preserve | Discover art galleries, restaurants, and breweries |
| Try local restaurants. Some popular spots include the Old Oregon Smokehouse, Sand Dollar Restaurant, and Grumpy’s Cafe | Go tide pooling to see marine life up close. Fly kites, are a popular local activity. |
| Visit wineries and cheese factories. | Watch breathtaking sunsets on the beach and go for hiking. |
Crowd
Rockaway Beach is a peaceful, sleepy, and uncrowded beach. It is seven miles long, which may help distribute crowds.
Cannon Beach is slightly more developed and attracts more tourists than Rockaway Beach. In July and August, Cannon Beach gets incredibly crowded.
Both of the beaches are tranquil and nature-oriented destinations. They attract tourists seeking a calmer beach experience, outdoor adventures, and the stunning Oregon coast.
Pricing
The travel costs to visit Rockaway Beach and Cannon Beach are relatively similar but Cannon Beach is slightly on the expensive side.
With the transportation options being affordable and lodging prices varying depending on location and choice.
Which One To Choose Between Rockaway Beach Or Cannon Beach?
Rockaway Beach is the better choice if you prefer a quieter, more tranquil beach experience.
On the other hand, if you seek a livelier atmosphere and don’t mind a slightly higher cost, Cannon Beach is for you.
It offers a beautiful coastal town with more amenities and attractions, making it the preferred option for those who enjoy a busier beach experience.
FAQ
Is Rockaway Beach The Same As Cannon Beach?
Rockaway Beach is located just south of Cannon Beach. Seaside and also has a small town with many things to do and even more places to visit nearby.
Which Beach Is Better Cannon Beach Or Seaside?
The town of Seaside is larger, with more services and busier streets. If you want to relax in a quiet town away from the crowds, Cannon Beach is a better option.
What Is So Special About Cannon Beach?
Cannon Beach offers simple access to many incredible viewpoints and natural areas, such as nearby Ecola State Park with its unforgettable views, to enjoy the stunning beauty of the Oregon Coast, in addition to the unbeatable view from the beach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your personal preferences will determine whether you choose Rockaway Beach or Cannon Beach.
Rockaway Beach is ideal for a peaceful and isolated beach getaway, while Cannon Beach offers a livelier coastal town experience with more amenities and stunning beauty.
Both beaches cater to different traveler interests and provide a serene outdoor retreat along the beautiful Oregon coast
