The west's 20 best seaside inns: from the storm-lashed Pacific Northwest to perpetually sunny Southern California, winter is the perfect time for a romantic coastal getaway - Directory - Cover Story

Sunset, Feb, 2004

ON THE MENU: "Most ingredients come from within 20 miles of here," chef Matt Costello tells us. Famous six-course prix fixe dinners are served Friday through Sunday nights and often include wild salmon, halibut, and plenty of Washington wines.

NEARBY TREAT: Browse book-stores and art galleries on a short stroll into Langley.

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DETAILS: 24 rooms, 2 cottages from $175 weekdays, from $225 weekends (includes breakfast), prix fixe dinners $80 (reserve well in advance). www.innatlangley.com or (360) 221-3033.--J.M.

Oregon

NEWPORT

Ocean House Bed and Breakfast

This is the perfect place for storm watching in heavy weather, or beach walking and tidepooling when it's clear. Immaculate hardwood floors, fireplaces, Oriental rugs, and vaulted ceilings make this well-established coastal inn feel brand-new. Four rooms have jetted tubs.

SEASIDE EXPOSURE: From your room, you can see the Pacific through tall trees; a footpath puts you on miles of walkable beach in two minutes.

UNEXPECTED PLEASURE: Go fly a kite; local shops will set you up.

ON THE MENU: Breakfast might include wild-salmon hash with poached eggs, a quiche made from Yaquina Bay shrimp and oysters, or hazelnut Belgian waffles with homemade berry syrup. On stormy Friday and Saturday nights, the stay-in supper ($15) is welcome.

NEARBY TREAT: Yaquina Head Lighthouse (541/574-3100), the tallest light in Oregon, is just a mile north, while Yaquina Bay Lighthouse (541/574-3129) and Oregon Coast Aquarium (541/867-3474) are a few minutes south.

DETAILS: Eight rooms from $120 (includes breakfast). www.oceanhouse.com or (800) 562-2632.--J.M.

MANZANITA

The Inn at Manzanita

The inn is a collection of four shingled buildings, each uniquely configured with three or four rooms connected to one another by paths through native gardens of salal and rhododendron. Think Big Sur in the '70s--the decor is mostly a bit dated (five contemporary rooms were added in 1996) but is woodsy and luxuriously welcoming. Designed with romance in mind, it's adults-only.

SEASIDE EXPOSURE: Spot the waves through gnarled shore pines; walk half a block to reach Manzanita Beach, stretching 7 miles from Nehalem Spit to Neahkahnie Mountain.

UNEXPECTED PLEASURE: With terry robes, in-room spa tub, gas fireplace, fridge and coffeemaker, newspaper at your door, and the sounds of the surf drifting in from the patio or deck, you may never leave your room.

ON THE MENU: Stroll up the street for quiches and pastries at Manzanita News & Espresso (closed Mon-Tue; 503/368-7450) or dinner at Blue Sky Cafe (503/368-5712).

NEARBY TREAT: Drive 15 miles north to browse the galleries in Cannon Beach, or go south 2 miles to the fun and funky shops of Nehalem.

DETAILS: 13 rooms from $110 weekdays, from $140 weekends. www.innatmanzanita.com or (503) 368-6754.--BONNIE HENDERSON

DEPOE BAY

Channel House Inn

Couples propose here, then return for their honeymoon and anniversaries. Which isn't surprising: There's something magical about the views from this small clifftop hotel as well as the sense of privacy in the midst of a busy little coastal town. Set on a rocky stretch of shoreline, it's ideal for storm watching.