T’is the season at Cannon Beach, and it’s all about Haystack Holidays. This annual slew of events lasts from late November through Dec. 31. The festivities include a meet and greet with Santa and caroling, a cozy theater production, Santa on the fire truck, a light display contest, and so much more. For a complete list of events and schedules, visit the Cannon Beach Chamber website.
We hope to see you at Haystack Holidays this year! Book your vacation rental today.
Haystack Holidays 2025 Schedule
Coaster Theatre: A Carol for Tiny Tim
Weekends, November 21 – December 21
A heartwarming sequel to enjoy this holiday season: A Carol for Tiny Tim, performed by the local community theater. Learn more at www.coastertheatre.com or call (503) 436-1242.
Cannon Beach in Lights
December 1 – December 31
Drive around Cannon Beach and take in the beautiful lights and Christmas displays. Vote for your favorite at the Chamber or on social media. Voting is open through Dec. 31.
‘Name That Tune’ Window Display Contest
December 1 – December 20
Pop in at participating Cannon Beach businesses and locations for our annual ‘Name That Tune’ contest. Submit completed playing cards for a chance to win a holiday gift basket. Voting is open through the 20. Awards will be announced on Facebook on Dec. 21. Download your playing card here.
Operation Candy Cane
December 1 1-13, 6 pm
Catch Santa on the firetruck throughout Cannon Beach and donate canned goods and items for the local food shelters. Firefighters will be handing out candy canes for the little ones!
Holiday Storytime at Cannon Beach Library
Saturday, December 13, from 1-2 pm
Bring the little ones for a memorable fireside reading and decorate an ornament to add to your tree! Bonus: receive a holiday book and a hot chocolate pack to take home.
Caroling Downtown
Saturday, December 20 at 4:30 pm
Christmas caroling in downtown Cannon Beach is a time-honored spreading of yuletide cheer by the local and visiting community. The singing procession commences at the Chamber and continues through downtown, ending at the Steidel Community Hall (207 N Spruce, Cannon Beach Chamber Building) with warm beverages.
Start Planning Your Haystack Holiday Today
Stay with Beachomber Vacation Homes during your Christmas vacation to Cannon Beach and choose from idyllic historic cottages, rentals with hot tubs, rentals with fireplaces, pet friendly rentals, oceanfront or oceanview rentals, and much more.
Most of us can agree that summer camping trips are a staple of childhood. Gather up the friends and/or family and hit the road with the promise of new adventures in nature. That escape into a new wilderness always brings along plenty of smiles and great memories to boot!
However, along with summer camping trips also come a handful of subtle but prevalent camping irritations. The tent that’s always missing a pole, dodgy campsite restrooms, sand getting everywhere, and an often-endless assault from mosquitos. For all its positive aspects, true camping can also bring a fair share of frustration.
What if we told you that you could have all the positives of summer camping with none of the grievances? The only change you have to make is to swap your tent for a vacation home. Then with a little creative activity planning – which we’ll explain below – you’ll have everything you’ll need for the new and improved summer camp.
Read on to see our perfect Cannon Beach vacation home summer camp activities itinerary!
Day 1 – Wake Up Fresh And Explore Ecola State Park
Ecola State Park is the perfect place to spend your first day of vacation-home summer camp in Cannon Beach. The state park contains 9 miles of awe-inspiring coastline between Cannon Beach and Seaside, and it includes the famous Tillamook Head. Ecola State Park also holds a fascinating historical significance involving the native Tillamook people.
This combination of gorgeous natural beauty and fascinating history make the state park the best first stop on your vacation-home camp.
Day 2 – Embark On A Tidepool Scavenger Hunt Near Haystack Rock
After a comfortable night’s rest in your vacation home, summer camp continues with an exciting scavenger hunt at the tidepools near Haystack Rock. Here you’ll find a variety of crabs, fish, corals, sponges, and more hiding in the shallow pools. Challenge yourself, your family, and friends to see who can spot the most different species of marine.
Also, don’t forget to watch for the many species of sea birds riding the wind above Cannon Beach’s famous tidepools.
Day 3 – Meet The Local Wildlife At The Seaside Aquarium
In addition to cozy beds and comfortable amenities, another perk of opting for a vacation home instead of a summer campsite is the ease of access to the local town attractions. One spot that fits the spirit of summer camp perfectly is the Seaside Aquarium at the south end of Cannon Beach.
At this aquarium, there are the traditional captivating water tank exhibits and fun touch pools. However, the showstopping attraction here is the opportunity to feed Seaside Aquarium’s playful seals! Purchase some seal food at the aquarium and watch these cute, charming sea mammals jump for joy to be fed.
Day 4 – Play Some Old-Fashioned Beach Games At Cannon Beach
No camping trip is complete without a day or two to play a few games in the open grass or along a sandy beach. Here at Cannon Beach, we think you can figure out which field of play we’re going to suggest.
The many picturesque beaches of Cannon Beach are ideal for both sightseeing and some friendly competition. A day of touch football or ultimate frisbee on the dense sand is sure to bring laughs and smiles all around to the whole crew of happy campers.
Day 5 – Cook A Big Camp-Style Meal And Relax For The Final Evening
For the last day of your vacation home summer camp, we recommend embracing the new accommodation and taking the day to relax in comfort at your home in paradise. Hang out and reflect on the many fun adventures, sing a few campfire songs around the living room, or just kick back and relax out on the deck.
At the end of the day, gather your camp squad to prepare one last summer-camp-inspired meal before sitting out on the deck and watching the sun set over the beautiful Pacific Northwest coast. As your last full Cannon Beach day comes to an end, take in a few final deep breaths of that refreshing coastal air before retiring a final time to your home’s comfy bed.
That right there is how you turn your vacation home into the perfect alternative summer camp destination. For more great camping-inspired things to do, be sure to check out our list of local outdoor activities. And, of course, reserve your new-and-improved summer campsite by browsing through our Cannon Beach vacation homes.
Get Ready for Some Fun in the Sun with these Cannon Beach Summer Activities
Summer is the prime season here at Cannon Beach, and it’s easy to see why. The North Oregon Coast sees glorious conditions throughout the summer that are equally sublime for relaxing and adventuring.
For your summer stay at Cannon Beach, these are the essential things to do and see during your visit. If you haven’t already, be sure to book your stay in one of our lovely Cannon Beach vacation homes.
Gawk at Haystack Rock
It’s obvious to list, but we have to do it. Visiting and viewing Haystack Rock is the signature thing to do for a visit to Cannon Beach. And there are so many ways to enjoy this natural marvel.
You could marvel at Haystack Rock in relative solitude by strolling our town’s titular beach in the early morning before everyone else is up. You could also head to Haystack Rock in the evening to soak in one of the most glorious sunset settings of the entire west coast. Or, if you don’t mind a little more crowds, visit the landmark around noon and enjoy the views with a picnic lunch.
No matter what time of day you choose to visit, a stop (or two) at Haystack Rock is a must when vacationing at Cannon Beach in the summer.
Hike at State Parks and Recreation Sites
Hiking opportunities around Cannon Beach are simply sublime during summer. There are a handful of scenic hiking areas that offer lovely coastline views as well as classic Pacific Northwest forest scenery.
The most popular area to hike is at Ecola State Park, just a few miles north of Cannon Beach. Here you’ll follow winding trails along scenic cliffs, down across secluded beaches, and through enchanting tree groves. Popular summer hikes at Ecola State Park are the Clatsop Loop, Indian Beach and Crescent Beach trails.
In addition to those individual trails, you can also hop along stretches of the Oregon Coast Trail. Cannon Beach lies within section one of the Oregon Coast Trail, and this section stretches from Fort Stevens State Park up north to Oswald West State Park to the south.
LOCAL TIP: Cannon Beach also features many great trails for mountain biking. Check out this blog post to find our favorite trails and places to rent or buy biking gear.
Discover Tidepools All Around Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach hosts a plethora of intertidal areas that are tremendous to explore at low tide. These tidepools reveal a fascinating conglomeration of colorful sea creatures. Spot things such as starfish, green anemones, coral, fish, crabs, and more!
Haystock Rock at Cannon Beach is the most popular spot for tidepooling in the summer. However, you can also find great pools at Ecola Point in Ecola State Park, Silver Point near Arcadia Beach, and around Hug Point State Park.
To find the best times to view the tidepools around Cannon Beach, refer to this tide chart.
Dine at Classic Cannon Beach Eateries
The restaurant scene at Cannon Beach is relatively small, but every eatery, bar and cafe packs a seriously tasty punch! You’ll have no trouble finding great meals any time of the day when out on the town.
For quick breakfast bites served with wonderfully brewed coffee, you have to check out Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters. It’s a quaint little cafe that roasts its own coffee beans and has a lovely outdoor seating area. Sip your fresh brew and enjoy a homemade pastry with fantastic views of Haystack Rock from their patio.
Another must-stop dining spot at Cannon Beach is Pizza AFetta, which has been slinging hand-tossed gourmet pizzas since 1988. Pizza AFetta is rated as one of the Top 50 Pizzerias in the US by Pizza Today Magazine. The only trouble you’ll have at this Cannon Beach classic spot is deciding which pizza to try!
There are several more exceptional restaurants and bars to visit during your summer vacation at Cannon Beach. Check out our Restaurants page to see all our favorite local dining options.
LOCAL TIP: If you’re staying at a Beachcomber vacation home with a kitchen, then check out our blog feed for great recipes you can make right at your rental!
Those are the essential activities and places you have to visit during your summer vacation at Cannon Beach. For more trip inspiration, be sure to check out our Area Guide and Things to Do pages.
If you still haven’t yet booked your accommodations in Cannon Beach, then be sure to browse our extensive catalog of vacation homes to find the rental that’s right for you.
Walk Through Picturesque Cannon Beach to See Charming Vintage Cottage and Dream Homes While Learning Fascinating Oregon Coast History
For the past 22 years, the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum has hosted tours of Cannon Beach’s historic cottages and beachfront dreamhomes. This annual Cannon Beach Cottage Tour is a celebration of both the quaint charm of our little Oregon coast community and the fascinating history of how Cannon Beach came to be.
The 2025 Cannon Beach Cottage Tour will take place over the second weekend of September, and it will feature a few additional events alongside the titular tour. Read on to learn more about what to expect for this year’s Cannon Beach Cottage Tour.
But First, a Little Cannon Beach History
Ever wonder how Cannon Beach got its name? If you’re thinking that it was named after a cannon on a beach, then you’re correct! But there’s much more to the story than that!
It all started way back in August of 1846, when the Shark, a U.S. Navy schooner, reached the Oregon coast on a mission to survey the harbor at the mouth of the Columbia River. After completing its mission, the Shark struck Clatsop Spit and wrecked on the mouth of the Columbia River whereupon a large section of the vessel split off and eventually washed ashore at what is now Arch Cape.
A U.S. midshipman named T.J. Simmons, was sent to visit the wreckage and salvage what he could. He and several Native Americans managed to free one of the Shark’s cannons, and they stored it away from the shoreline at a creek bed for safekeeping.
However, the cannon was soon lost, and it wasn’t seen again until a mail carrier spotted it half a century later in 1898. Since its rediscovery, the cannon changed hands many times, but it now resides at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum.
Check out the History Center blog to learn more details about the cannon and the Shark.
The 22nd Annual Cannon Beach Cottage Tour
That brings us to the Cannon Beach Cottage Tour, which is a fundraiser festival for the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum. The fundraising from this festival helps the History Center preserve exciting exhibits like Cannon Beach’s cannon, keeping alive this community’s fascinating history.
So, if you’re visiting Cannon Beach between September 12th and the 14th (hopefully in a Beachcomber vacation home), then here are the details for each day of the Cannon Beach Cottage Tour festival:
Friday, September 12th
From 5:30 – 8:00 PM, the History Center will host the Opening Night Benefit Bash to kick off the weekend. Enjoy live music by Gayle Ritt and Mike Soto, refreshing beer pours provided by Pelican Brewing, exquisite wine provided by The Wine Shack, snacks from Rainy Day Boards & Bakery, all while touring the museum’s lovely exhibits. Plus, there will be an exciting silent auction where you can bid on everything from beautiful art pieces to private experiences.
The cost of admission to this benefit celebration is a “pay-what-you-will donation” to the History Center.
Saturday, September 13th
This is the day of the Cannon Beach Cottage & Garden Tour’s 22nd anniversary. From 12:00 – 5:00 PM, take the self-guided walking tour of over a dozen historic cottages and dream homes in Cannon Beach.
Locations for the tour range from areas behind the Coaster Theatre to Presidential Streets, and this year, your ticket includes “Out on the Town” perks granting you discounts at local shops in Cannon Beach.
If you want to take the tour, you are encouraged to purchase tickets online ahead of time. Tickets cost $50 online now, but the prices will increase to $55 on Sept. 1st and $60 on tour day.
Sunday, September 14th
Finally, the festival weekend will close on Sunday with the Candle Painting workshop. This is held at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, with two session options at 11:00am and 1:00pm. Guests will decorate locally made beeswax candles under the guidance of artisan Kalla Jae and enjoy a tea-style setup with local treats and honey. Participants will also learn about the cultural significance of beeswax and the role of bees in the ecosystem.
Tickets are $50 and extremely limited. This workshop is expected to sell out.
And that’s what you can expect for this year’s 22nd Anniversary of the Cannon Beach Cottage Tour. Learn a little history, see some charming historic coastal homes, and have a great time with our welcoming community!
If you haven’t already booked a place to stay, then be sure to browse our catalog of lovely cottages and dream vacation homes in Cannon Beach. We have a fantastic selection of rental homes fit for any group size and budget. Check them out today!
Summer is a time for fun potluck gatherings with family and friends. We love to share tasty appetizers and other dishes while cheersing a cool, refreshing beverage out in the summer sun at Cannon Beach. And boy oh boy is this Cajun Chicken Morsels recipe a wonderful addition to any summer potluck gathering!
Adapted from an Albertina’s recipe, this Cajun Chicken Morsels recipe makes about 70 pieces of deliciously seasoned chicken that bring a little whisp of spice. It’s the perfect balance of flavor and mild heat, and the homemade mustard dipping sauce that goes with it is chef’s kiss-level excellent.
Without further adieu, here’s how you can make our favorite Cajun Chicken Morsels recipe this summer at your Cannon Beach vacation rental.
Cajun Chicken Morsels Ingredients
Cajun Chicken Morsels
- 1 ½ cups Panko Bread Crumbs
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 whole chicken breasts, boned, skinned and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup butter
- Chopped parsley, garnish
Mustard Sauce
- 4 ounces dry mustard
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup white wine vinegar
- 6 eggs, beaten
Combine all ingredients except chicken, butter and parsley. Melt cup of the butter. Dip chicken pieces in butter and then in panko flour mixture, pressing to coat well. Refrigerate.
Halve the remaining cup of butter and melt in a large skillet on medium heat. Add ½ of the chicken pieces and saute until brown on all sides. Repeat with remaining butter and chicken. If not serving immediately, chicken may be wrapped in foil and refrigerated at this point. Reheat in partially opened foil in 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
Place in chafing dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley. May be served with Mustard Sauce for dipping if desired.
To prepare Mustard Sauce, mix and cook sauce ingredients in double boiler until thick. Stir often while cooking.
That’s how you make our tasty Cajun Chicken Morsels recipe! If you want to find more great recipes, head over to our blog feed and click the posts with “Cannon Beach Recipe” in the title.
Be sure to browse our catalog of Beachcomber Vacation Homes in Cannon Beach. We have a wonderful collection of vacation rentals in Cannon Beach fit for any group size or budget, most of which feature fabulous kitchen to cook in. Click here to check out all our Cannon Beach vacation homes.
This fall, bring a taste of the season to your Cannon Beach vacation rental with our delicious Caramel Apple French Toast.
Guaranteed to brighten your mornings and excite your tastebuds, this scrumptious dish is perfect for breakfast or brunch and is the perfect recipe to whip up as a family. Check out the instructions below:
Caramel Apple French Toast
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 12 slices sweet French bread, cut about ½ inch thick
- 8 small green apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 6 eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cinnamon and nutmeg to taste
- Hot syrup and whipped cream, optional
Coat a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined and thickened. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
Place one layer of sliced French bread (6 slices) on top of the syrup and pecans. Layer the sliced apples on top of the bread slices.
In a blender, combine the eggs, milk, and vanilla. Pour half of the egg/milk mixture over the apples and the first layer of bread. Place the remaining 6 slices of bread on top of the apples, and pour the remaining egg/milk mixture over the top layer of bread. Sprinkle with the cinnamon and nutmeg. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 to 10 hours.
When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 60 minutes, or until golden brown, on middle rack. Just before removing them from oven, drizzle ½ cup melted butter over top of bread period. To serve, place a double layer of French toast on each of 6 plates. Serve with whipped cream and hot syrup, if desired.
Makes 6 servings.
*Adapted from California Wine Country Bed & Breakfast Cookbook
*I like to sauté apple slices in butter and cinnamon before placing them in the baking dish. Also works well with pears.
And there you have it! Your delicious Caramel Apple French Toast is ready to be devoured, and when it tastes this good… that’s exactly what will happen!
We hope you enjoy making this recipe while on your vacation to Cannon Beach and that you remember it long after you return home. With its perfect blend of fall flavors, it’s a delightful dish to incorporate into your regular recipes.
If you’re looking for a Cannon Beach vacation rental with a full kitchen, be sure to check out our available properties and book your next Cannon Beach trip with us right here on this site. You can also see other wonderful recipes in our Cannon Beach Blog!
About Hug Point State Park
Located just 5 miles south of Cannon Beach, the Hug Point State Recreation Site is the perfect beach to explore when you want a mix of history, marine life wonders, gorgeous scenery, and peaceful headlands. Complete with convenient parking, restrooms, secret beaches, and more, this is one stop along the Northern Oregon coast that’s well worth it.
As you plan your visit, be sure to check the tide chart for the day, as most of the things you’ll want to see are only visible at low tide.
With more than 40 acres, this beach park is great for families visiting with kids, couples looking for easy hikes, or anyone who just wants to take in the scenic views. Keep in mind, though, it can get busy in spring and summer, so plan accordingly.
Top Things to See at Hug Point Recreation Site
Tide Pools
Visible at low tide, tide pools are a beautiful microcosm of the ocean. Filled with colorful sea stars, crabs, sea urchins, sea slugs, mussels, barnacles, and more, they’re a great way to get up close to creatures you may not otherwise get to see.
Seasonal Waterfall
Best seen in fall and winter or after a good rain, the Hug Point waterfall is a great spot to let little ones splash or grab a great photo. To get there, exit the beach access onto the shore, turn right, and walk about a quarter mile. Once you round a rock that encloses part of the beach, you’ll be there!
Sea Caves
Years of pounding waves have eaten away the soft sandstone cliffs of Hug Point, leaving behind two ethereal beach caves for you to explore. Located near the waterfall, these caves are accessible at low tide and are a great spot to find tide pools. While one cave is relatively shallow, the other extends fairly deep into the rock. Always pay attention to the tides when you’re exploring, and make sure you’re out of there before high tide rolls back in.
Stagecoach Road
Hug Point got its name from the late 19th-century travelers who used to traverse the stretch of coastline by stagecoach. At low tide, they could just barely make their way around the rocks that divide the beach, having to hug the point to avoid the water. Thus, its name was born and has stood the test of time. Keep an eye out for the wheel ruts left in the rocks when you visit!
What Amenities are Available at Hug Point State Park?
- Flushable Toilets
- Shaded Picnic Areas
- Beach Access
Getting There:
Getting to Hug Point is easy! Just follow Oregon’s coastal Highway 101 south from Cannon Beach for about six minutes until you reach the Hug Point Beach Access Road and turn right. There’s a decently sized (free) parking area near the bathrooms with a path you follow straight to the beach.
- Address: 80424 Oregon Coast Hwy, Arch Cape, OR 97102
How to Stay Near Hug Point
Booking a vacation rental with Beachcomber Vacation Homes offers plenty of options for staying near Hug Point as well as other popular spots like Haystack Rock or Tolovana State Park. Plus, when you book a stay directly with us, you get local expertise to help you plan exciting vacation adventures, and you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you got the best rate on your stay.
Booking directly lets you bypass the third-party fees of online travel agencies like Booking.com or Vrbo. It also gives you access to specials only available through our site. And as if that’s not enough, all Beachcomber guests get up to $290 in free offers at local businesses thanks to our Xplorie Benefits Program!
So, what are you waiting for? Check out our Cannon Beach vacation rentals and book your stay near Hug Point State Park today!
Frequently Asked Questions about Hug Point State Park
Can I bring my dog to Hug Point State Park?
You can! Hug Point is dog-friendly. Just make sure if your dog is off leash, it’s under your complete control. That means it’s always in sight and responds to your voice commands or other methods of control. You’ll also need to have a leash with you. And as always, clean up after your pup.
Are drones allowed at Hug Point?
To protect our native nesting shorebird populations, drones are not allowed at Hug Point.
Can I hike at Hug Point State Park?
Yes! The Hug Point Trail is an easy .7-mile out-and-back trail that takes around 16 minutes to complete, and it’s also dog-friendly. Want a more secret spot? Head right from the parking lot, up a narrow trail past some picnic tables. Just beyond that point, you’ll find a clearing with an excellent aerial view of Hug Point – great for photo ops.
This Valentine’s Day, give your special someone something truly special: a romantic retreat to the stunning Oregon Coast. Time away from the daily grind, devices, and children or fur babies (if you have them) provides the perfect opportunity to connect and deepen the ties that bind.
Nothing is cozier or more perfect for cuddling than a charming coastal cabin. Here are a few of our favorite Cannon Beach and Arch Cape cottage rentals for canoodling.
The Shell
2 beds | 1 bath
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Step inside your home away from home and get ready to relax! There’s plenty of space to spread out in the open living room with a gas fireplace at one end of the room, a flat screen TV at the other end, and lots of comfy furniture in between!
Enter Dates for Availability >>
Lil Bird Cottage
2 beds | 2 baths
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This cozy, relaxed cottage is inviting from the first moment you arrive. The front yard garden has been lovingly tended and is a complete joy from the front gate to the walk up to the porch. Cozy up with your sweetheart in front of the gas fireplace or whip up a home-cooked meal for honey in the galley kitchen.
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The Loft
2 beds | 2 baths
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This bright and cheerful upper-level condo offers a no-hassle accommodation close to all of Cannon Beach’s most popular attractions. The Loft has a warm and sunny charm and with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, there’s plenty of space for privacy, if you need to work a little and gather together in the cottage’s cozy nooks or in front of the gas fireplace.
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Puffin’s Nest
3 beds | 2 baths
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This warm and inviting three-bedroom, two-bath home is located just south of world-famous Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach. Stroll hand in hand to the beach with your special someone or take in the fresh salty air from the cottage’s upper deck—also a fantastic setting to sip tea or your favorite vintage while the sun sets on the Oregon Coast.
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Little Caper
2 bed | 1 bath
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If you are dreaming of a “get away from it all” with your sweetheart at an authentic beach cottage you need to experience Little Caper. A beloved vacation home for ten years, Little Caper has great ocean views and is a quick one block walk to the beach. It is located on a dead-end street away from the noise and traffic of Highway 101. The cottage boasts a spacious, wrap-around deck and large grassy yard which is perfect for play and relaxation.