Finding the ideal place to crash is half the fun of planning a coastal getaway—yet it can feel like a puzzle. How many beds do you really need? Will your dog have room to roam? And what if half the group wants game night while the other half wants quiet time? At Sunset to Sunset Vacation Rentals, we’ve done the homework so you don’t have to. Below, we break down two of our favorite pet-friendly properties—Sanctuary in the Shire and Sand Bucket—and show you how to match them to your crew’s size and travel style.
Step 1: Count Heads, Paws, and Personalities
First things first: headcount. Sanctuary in the Shire sleeps up to 18 people across two separate cottages. Sand Bucket tops out at six guests. But numbers only tell part of the story. Think about personalities, too. Do the night owls need their own hangout so early-to-bed folks can actually sleep? Would the kids be happier in a bunk room? And does someone in your group need a quiet corner for remote work?
Step 2: Weigh the Common-Area Factor
Sanctuary in the Shire (Unit SANC)
Best for: multi-family reunions, retreats, milestone birthdays
This two-home compound—OSPREY NESTand HummingBird Cottage—packs a serious communal punch. Seven bedrooms, 5.5 baths, and an additional outdoor living space mean there is lots of room to spread out. Plus, the full chef’s kitchen lets you serve up pancakes for the crowd without juggling frying pans. Add in a kid nook, roomy deck, and ocean breezes only two blocks away, and you’ve got a built-in gathering hub.
Pro tip: Split larger families between cottages. Grandparents snag HummingBird’s peaceful suite; parents and littles pile into OSPREY NEST. Everyone meets in the courtyard for evening s’mores.
Sand Bucket (Unit SBUCK)
Best for: one family, couples’ trip, small friend group
At 1,862 square feet, Sand Bucket feels spacious yet intimate. Two living areas—both upstairs and downstairs have Smart TVs and upstairs has a VCR for movies, giving you flexible hangout zones. Want to stream the latest series while someone else reads by the wood stove?
Pro tip: Families love the separation: tuck teens downstairs with their own TV, keep adult chat upstairs.
Step 3: Location, Location, Coffee
Both homes put you close to everything that makes vacation rentals in Manzanita Beach, Oregon so special—endless shoreline, Nehalem Bay trails, and Laneda Avenue’s coffee shops.
- Sanctuary in the Shire: two blocks to the sand, half a block to espresso, pizza, and ice-cream runs. Park once; walk everywhere.
- Sand Bucket: 1½ blocks to the surf and a quick pedal to Nehalem Bay State Park. Morning beach strolls, afternoon trail rides, evening grill sesh—all without moving the car.
Step 4: Check the Gear & Gadgets
- Sanctuary in the Shire has Streaming TV, Wi-Fi and that is it. It is NOT a Tech-Savvy House. It is a family-friendly house with KID GEAR, a bunk room for kids, outdoor living space with TV and ROKU, games, etc., beach gear, beach toys, and beach towels.
- Sand Bucket includes a garage stocked with beach chairs, boogie boards, and trail-ready gear. Pack lighter; play harder.
Both properties feature fast Wi-Fi, streaming TVs, and fully stocked kitchens. But if your crew plans elaborate dinners, the chef’s layout in Sanctuary will be your culinary playground.
Step 5: Factor in Furry Friends
Pets are family, too. Sanctuary welcomes multiple dogs in its fenced outdoor space, perfect for ball fetch before breakfast. Sand Bucket also rolls out the red carpet for pups, and its proximity to dog-friendly trails means easy exercise. Just remember the small pet fee, and you’re good to go.
Step 6: Picture Your Perfect Day
Scenario A: You’re celebrating Grandma’s 80th. The cousins need bunk beds, the adults want wine nights, and everyone wants to walk to town for pastries. Sanctuary in the Shire checks every box.
Scenario B: You and two other couples crave surf, hiking, and craft-beer tastings with zero crowds. Sand Bucket’s chill vibe and two-living-room layout nail it.
Ready to Lock It In?
Choosing between cozy cottage and crowd-ready retreat boils down to matching space, style, and location to your group’s rhythm. Whatever you pick, our vacation rentals in Manzanita Beach, Oregon, promise ocean air, modern amenities, and local support from a team that lives right here.
Browse dates, grab the crew chat, and claim your spot. Whether it’s Sanctuary’s two-home sprawl or Sand Bucket’s laid-back charm, Sunset to Sunset Vacation Rentals has the coastal basecamp you’ve been dreaming about.
