In-depth analysis

Should you buy an STR in Cannon Beach in 2026?

Only if you can acquire an existing transferable STR license. Cannon Beach has the strongest economics in the PNW coastal STR market: $287 ADR, 56% occupancy, $161 RevPAR, 84/100 market score, tier-B saturation. Demand is dominated by Portland metro drive-to plus shoulder-and-summer tourism. The deal-defining catch: the city operates one of the strictest STR-density-cap programs in the country, and new licenses are not currently being issued outside the limited commercial-zone allowance. The buy = the license.

Regulation: where the city stands

City of Cannon Beach — operates an STR license program with a hard cap. New licenses outside specific commercial zones are not available; existing licenses transfer with property.
Clatsop County (unincorporated) — separate jurisdiction with its own STR rules.
Oregon state lodging tax + transient lodging tax — both apply.
License transferability — verify in writing on the specific property before EMD goes hard.

See the City of Cannon Beach short-term rental program page for current rules.

The market by the numbers

Metric	Cannon Beach	Notes
Avg ADR	$287	Top-tier PNW coast
Occupancy	56%	Strong year-round shoulder
RevPAR	$161	Top-quartile
Market score	84/100	Scarcity premium
Saturation tier	B	Capped by ordinance

Submarkets that matter

Downtown / Haystack Rock corridor — premium walkable village; oldest license inventory.
Tolovana Park — quieter; family demand.
South Cannon / Arch Cape edge — beach SFR; quieter.
Manzanita / Nehalem (separate jurisdictions) — different cap rules; covered in their own guides if available.

The 3 mistakes buyers make here

Buying expecting to apply for a new STR license. In most zones, you cannot. The transferable license is what you’re buying.
Underestimating PNW seasonality. Cannon Beach has a longer shoulder season than most beach markets, but November-February is meaningfully softer.
Skipping the license-transferability paperwork. Get the license-transfer process confirmed by the city, in writing, before EMD goes hard.

What to do next

Confirm STR license transferability in writing with the City of Cannon Beach.
Run Comp Analyzer on licensed properties only.
Get a bound STR insurance quote and use it in DSCR Loan Calculator.
Use Year 1 Cash Needs with off-season carry modeled.
Read Licensed-Cap Markets and the Scarcity Premium.

Not investment advice. Verify all regulatory, tax, and insurance information with local authorities and licensed professionals before committing capital.