Weekend Condo in Cannon Beach or House in Rockaway Beach? (where to stay, rental)

[JIer]

Hey All,

We are trying to decide where to stay for a weekend in August for our daughter's birthday. With our dates, pets, etc we are down to a condo in Cannon Beach (a walk to Tolovana Park) or a house in Rockaway Beach 1 house back from the beach and a walk to the downtown area. The house seems better because we could have a little cookout for her birthday, but I've never been to Rockaway Beach. Would you choose a less beachy-feeling condo to be at Cannon Beach instead of Rockaway? Are there any significant differences between the two towns? I see there's a train that passes though the downtown in Rockaway?

Thanks for any help!

[pdxMIKEpdx]

Rockaway's beach is different than Cannon beach.
More sand, less scenic vistas etc.
Also the towns are very different.
Cannon beach is more upscale with nice shops and such, while Rockaway is more beachy-touristy-family.

If it was me, and the focus was kids, I'd choose Rockaway.
You can always visit Cannon beach, it's not that far away.

If the kids are older, they might enjoy all the shops in Cannon beach, but if they are your usual ten year olds, the house and the beach at Rockaway would be much better.

If I spend more than two or three days at the coast, I always look for a beach house rental over a motel room or a condo.

It's a bit more expensive, but in my eyes it's well worth the extra cost.