Cannon Beach, OR

It's got dramatic coastal skies, a natural icon in the form of the striking Haystack Rock (pictured), and rows of galleries to help you while away the time when you need a break from the sun and sand. But Cannon Beach is also foodie central, ideal for getting your seafood and beer fix or indulging in a roster of ambitious restaurants. Some of our faves include Fishes ($$$; fishes-sushi.com), a Tokyo-worthy sushi restaurant; Evoo ($$$$; evoo.biz), a cooking school with a nightly dinner cooking show; and Bill’s Tavern and Brewhouse ($$; billstavernandbrewhouse.com) with prizewinning Duckdive Pale Ale.

More: An art-filled weekend in Cannon Beach