Much more drawn to hotels these days, I booked two nights at the Rockaway Beach Resort, where rooms come with oceanside views and full kitchens. The communal pool and hot tub sweeten the deal ...

On a rainy spring afternoon, the Pool House at the Rockaway Hotel ... found at much bigger resorts (several restaurants, a full-service spa, fitness classes, and beach access).

This story is published in cooperation with Willamette Week and Visit Rockaway Beach. Summer has always been the busiest time of year at the Oregon Coast. Families arrive ready to play all day on ...