Just 15 miles south of popular Cannon Beach, Manzanita feels a world away. It has a nice mellow vibe, less tourists and more sunshine. The Native Americans called the area “hole in the sky” due to the fact there is often an opening of sunshine directly above Manzanita when the areas just to the north and south are engulfed in clouds and fog. Manzanita also makes for a quick day trip or weekend get-away with the kids when you need a break from the big city life of Portland.
Go: Now.
Approximate travel time: Less than 2 hours from Portland. Just 20 minutes south of Cannon Beach.
Where to go: Go to the beach, of course! And, lucky for you and the fam, there are a ton of options. If you’re coming from Portland, about 5 miles north of Manzanita is beautiful Shorts Sands Beach at Oswald State Park. This scenic beach in a sheltered cove is popular with surfers, sunbathers, kids and dogs. You can also hike the Cape Falcon trail from here. The trail has amazing views and is less than 5 miles round trip, making it pretty family-friendly, depending on the stamina of the kiddos, of course.
The beach in town is more wide-open and great for activities like flying a kite, skim boarding and riding fun cycles. It’s also a popular spot for kite boarding. Manzanita Bikes & Boards rents a variety of bikes and boards and also sells beach toys and kites. If staying dry at the beach is more your style, Northwest Equine Outfitters offers beach and trail horseback rides out of nearby Nehalem Bay State Park.
After brushing off the sand, check out some of the little shops and boutiques along Laneda Avenue, Manzanita’s main strip. The array of interesting and unique items that can be found makes browsing fun for the whole family.
Children will love Overboard, which has a carefully selected assortment of games, puzzles, books and more. The big round stuffed animals just scream to be hugged. The store also carries super cool Kiddimoto wooden scooters with real tires that little ones can test out in front. You’ll be sure to find something fun for the family to enjoy together.
If you want to record your memories and images of Manzanita, visit Salt & Paper. This small, but jam-packed stationary store carries a great selection of art supplies for all ages, scrapbooking materials, cool pens, paper, salt water taffy and a whole lot more.
If sweets are your thing, you’re in luck. Vintage Living & Other Sweet Things is the new corner candy shop. The huge selection of nostalgia sweets and other vintage knick-knacks will no doubt put a smile on the face of children and adults alike.
Newly opened Finnesterre, down the street offers candy of a different sort. This modern home décor and art boutique is candy for the eyes. The beautifully displayed pieces echo the colors of nature and Manzanita’s surroundings. Mom or Dad can stop in and browse or pick up a special gift while the kids enjoy their sunny deck.
If Rover’s feeling left out, not to worry, Four Paws on the Beach pet boutique sells toys, treats as well as unique gifts for pets and pet lovers. Four Paws on the Beach is also hosting its annual charity event this summer, the Muttzanita Festival. The festival includes a pet parade as well as fun contests for dogs such as the ChuckIt Toss, Doggie Musical Chairs and the Pet Fashion and Talent Show. Guaranteed family fun!
Possible lunch spots: For cold or grilled sandwiches on freshly baked bread, homemade soups and salads, go no further than Bread and Ocean. They bake organic breads daily and all their sandwich meats are baked in house. They also have daily specialty breads like pain au chocolate with dried cherries as well as daily sandwich specials. If you’re headed to the beach, their Picnic Lunch Box is the way to go.
For healthy organic snacks and specialty baked goods, there’s Mother Nature’s Natural Foods grocery store. In addition to gluten-free and vegan treats, they carry organic produce and bulk goods like organic nuts and dried fruit.
After an active morning at the beach there’s nothing like hot and cheesy pizza to rejuvenate tired, hungry souls. And you needn’t go far. One block from the beach is Marzano’s Pizza. They serve quality pizza on handmade dough as well as calzones, soups and salads.
Another option right off the beach near Marzano’s, is Manzanita Mudd Dog, a hot dog stand with outdoor picnic tables serving authentic Chicago-style hot dogs. You’ll feel good eating here as all the proceeds from the business go to a local charity.
How to dress: Seasonally appropriate.
Need to know: The Third Annual Muttzanita Festival will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2011
Bonus: There are guided tide pool walks at Oswald West State Park throughout the summer.
Cost of trip: moderate
Online: ci.manzanita.or.us/
- Ali Livolsi
