Location: Cannon Beach
Top Things to do in Cannon Beach
What to do and see in Cannon Beach, Oregon (OR): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
With the distinctive Haystack Rock and Needles marking its shoreline, Cannon Beach is one of Oregon's quaintest and most picturesque destinations. Nine miles of beach make a perfect setting for strolling along the seaside, watching diverse wildlife in its natural habitat and building a sand castle in the annual sand castle building contest. With strict regulations in place limiting the infiltration of large chain stores or restaurants, Cannon Beach retains its small town charm.
Restaurants in Cannon Beach
1. Haystack Rock
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,201 reviews
Haystack Rock is a unique 235 feet monolith that attracts wildlife and tourists alike and is part of the Oregon Coast’s geological history, formed millions of year ago by lava flows that created many of the dramatic capes and headlands along the coast. Haystack Rock is protected under U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a seabird nesting colony and it is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and is a State protected Marine Garden. The Rock is home to nesting seabirds in the summer and marine invertebrates all year. Tidepool seekers are beckoned by its wonders every day. The Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP) is a stewardship and environmental educational program whose mission is to protect, through education, the intertidal and bird ecology of the Marine Garden and Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge at Haystack Rock. HRAP offers an extensive interpretive program on the beach during the spring and summer months around low tide.
Reviewed By CreateCourageAdvent - Salem, United States
Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach is a huge Oregon Coast attraction. At 235 feet tall, this basalt beauty is one of the best-known symbols of the Oregon Coast in general and an image you see on every Oregon Coast Travel Blog out there (including this one!) At low tide you can explore vast tidepools and walk all the way to the rock itself. Tufted Puffins, Bald Eagles, Brown Pelicans, Common Murres, and many other birds are abundantly present on and around Haystack Rock depending on the season making this location a Pacific Northwest birdwatchers dream come true.
2. Cannon Beach Bookstore
3. Oswald West State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 343 reviews
Scenic state park encompassing nearly 2,500 acres of mostly undeveloped land, which is ideal for a variety of outdoor recreation including surfing, kayaking, bird watching, hiking and camping.
Reviewed By wohdonkey - Newark, United States
We stopped here along Highway 101 on our way to Cannon Beach. You can get some great photos from the scenic lookout. We also went to the Devil’s Cauldron which was really worth seeing and just a short hike to get to.
4. Ecola State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,827 reviews
Reviewed By TrailsExplorer
This is a wonderful area to get a taste of the Oregon Coast with some great mountain hikes to view from above and beach hikes to observe the sea stacks.
5. Hug Point State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 507 reviews
Reviewed By Brookecn - Denver, United States
Great stop while driving South on 101 from Cannon Beach. The tide was low so we got to walk out on the sand and checkout tide pools and see some anemones, and walk right up to a small waterfall on the beach.
6. Cannon Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,470 reviews
Reviewed By AeneasAtSea - Salt Lake City, United States
Cannon Beach is perhaps the most popular beach along the northern Oregon coast, because if its direct and easy access from Portland. And since it's fronted by numerous vacation hotels, condos, etc., it's also one of the most crowded. But if you're not looking for solitude (if you are, drive south a few miles to Arcadia or another nearby beach), the people can be a fun added ingredient. By its famous landmark haystack rock there are tide pools at low tide and puffins to see, so it's a fun beach for kids. And it stretches north and south for quite a ways, so you can walk in the sand and surf to your heart's content. There are several public restrooms at key beach access and parking lot points. Expect to spend a while searching for parking, so plan accordingly. Hemlock Street is the main drag, a block east of the beach, with lots of fun restaurants, stores, galleries, candy venues, a glass blowing studio/store, etc., so it's as much fun as the beach itself. Remember that the coast is typically about 20 degrees cooler than inland, so bring a hoodie or light jacket even on hot days.
7. Bruce's Candy Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By 765miriamh - Salt Lake City, United States
Very cute store. We came during a very slow season so the sampling taffy they had out was as hard as a rock haha. I'm sure it is fresher during the busy months. They have really cute trinkets.
8. Cannon Beach History Center and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
The Museum was organized for the purpose of preserving the history of Cannon Beach by seeking, collecting, and protecting historical memorabilia of all kinds, by recording oral histories, and by making these materials available to the public whenever possible. We invite you to explore our many programs and resources for historical study, read our newsletters, get the stamp of the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, learn how you can volunteer or support the Museum, view historic Cannon Beach photos, or shop history in the online gift shop. Stop by for a visit to the Museum, located on the corner of Spruce and Sunset in Cannon Beach, and let a little history into your life. Open six days a week, Wednesday through Monday from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Reviewed By AmandaTravelGal - Tigard, United States
I am a native Portlander (Oregon) and grew up going to the Oregon Coast. Yet, I somehow missed the history of the "Daddy Train" which I learned about at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum. I also attended a lovely jazz concert there for an audience of 30. Cannon Beach is known as the artist town of the Oregon Coast, so it would be easy to focus on the galleries and quaint restaurants along front street. However, going a couple blocks inland to the Museum is a must. There is a long history to Cannon Beach, long before it became a very wealthy coastal town known for its art galleries. The power brokers of Portland vacationed side-by-side with the homesteaders of Oregon -- a story worth knowing told by the staff of this charming museum.
9. Tillamook Rock Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By HaveWingsWillTravel - Wilsonville, United States
I got a real surprise when I brought my binoculars to the beach this time.. Right between Haystack and some other rock I spotted the Tillamook Head Lighthouse. I never knew it was there.. Too bad I don't own a helicopter.. What a fascinating site!
10. Cannon Beach Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 27 reviews
The Cannon Beach Farmers Market is an all edible (even our flowers!) market. We have a wonderful array of local produce, meats, wild-caught seafood, fresh and aged cheeses, artisan baked goods and other hand-crafted specialty foods. The CBFM is pleased to announce that it is now accepting Oregon Trail (EBT) cards, Visa, and Mastercard for food purchases. Company Overview: The Cannon Beach Farmers Market is an easy stroll and just minutes away from downtown Cannon Beach's renowned shopping district. The Midtown area is host to several fine galleries and restaurants, as well as the gateway to one of the loveliest beaches in the world and the majestic Haystack Rock! Please come and enjoy the Cannon Beach Farmers Market!
