We’ve made it; we’re in what can only be described as deep winter. The forecasts are gray, the snow is less than inspiring so far, and sunsets are just starting to inch past quitting time. It’s time to lean into cozy season and photosynthesize whenever possible. Cheerful, down-to-earth Rockaway Beach—just under two hours from Portland—serves as a home base for cozy unwinding.

With seven miles of uninterrupted beach to explore, the town beckons visitors to stay a while. Between rockhounding, bike riding, and recovering with a local IPA in hand, Rockaway Beach is set to indulge the adventurous and the relaxed. After all, nothing says winter in this corner of the country quite like grabbing a good book and taking some time to reset—with stunning nature just beyond the pages.

Snag a room with an ocean view for peeks at photo-worthy sunsets over the Pacific and migratory birds wintering in the coast’s temperate surroundings. Vacation rentals abound, from dog-friendly cottages and balconied condos to entire beachside cabins. A wavelet of low-key motels adds to the accommodation mix: orange-facaded Sea Treasures Inn, view-rich Silver Sands Motel, family-friendly Surfside Resort, beachside Tradewinds Motel, and the charming Twin Rocks Motel.

Rockaway Beach’s culinary outposts greet the season with requisite chowders and fresh-caught seafood, buoyed by winter runs of steelhead in nearby rivers. Sand Dollar Restaurant, Pelican Brewing, Old Oregon Smokehouse, and Tie-Breaker all hawk rave-worthy clam chowder, but don’t miss out on showstopping plates like almost-local Tillamook fried cheese curds, Korean wings, and cabbage rolls.

To really taste the season, stop by Green Coast Market to peruse the local wares. With the gusto of an indoor farmers market, the shop hawks seasonal produce from nearby farms, breads and pastries from area bakers, natural milks from Bennett Family Farm, Zweifel Farm’s pasture-raised eggs, and flowers crafted by Neahkahnie Blooms. Of course, there is locally-caught fish from Captain’s Corner and cheeses from a trifecta of small creameries in addition to protein-rich Pacific dulse from Oregon Seaweed and craft ciders, wines, and brews.

To round out a chill, relaxing winter vacation, visit Rockaway Beach’s artisans for boundless creativity and handcrafted decor. Blue Water Fine Art Gallery showcases works from emerging and established artists in a haute, refreshing setting that mirrors the seaside inspiration infused in all Rockaway Beach businesses. In addition to rotating, always-fresh exhibitions, the gallery hosts hands-on workshops for those looking to try something new and artist receptions for the art-curious to gain face-to-face insight.

For eclectic shopping beyond art gallery walls, Seaquest gifts and The Little Crow beckon shoppers with unique finds: antiques, collectibles, jewelry, and clothing. Oregon Du Drops, nestled in a brightly-colored bungalow on Rockaway Beach’s main stretch of road, features recycled light bulbs that earned a new life. Local artisan James Stephen Du Bois fashions the hanging treasures, combining the glass orbs with Oregon rain—collected over 20 years—and brass temple bells.

To plan a relaxing stay in Oregon’s inspired coast, head to Rockaway Beach’s visitor site.