Location: Cannon Beach
Top Things to do in Cannon Beach
What to do and see in Cannon Beach, Oregon (OR): The Best Free 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. 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.
5. Sesame and Lillies
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By MOJOMTN - Denver, United States
This was our favorite place to shop during our day adventure in Cannon Beach area. I bought a beautiful necklace and enjoyed exploring and finiding little treasures around every corner.
6. Bronze Coast Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Bronze Coast Gallery was opened in Cannon Beach in 1993, on a foundation of knowledge and experience in bronze casting. This laid the groundwork for a gallery based upon the belief that education facilitates appreciation, and the gallery continues this mission today. As the face of bronze sculpture has changed over the years, so have the gallery offerings. A wide variety of sculpture is available, from classic limited edition bronze to unique and innovative contemporary artwork, as well as exquisite paintings. Representing over 40 artists from the northwest and beyond, we consider it a privilege to be involved with these extraordinary people and make it a priority to intricately understand their work in order to share the experience with others. The Bronze Coast Gallery is located in the heart of scenic Cannon Beach, 90 minutes west of Portland on the northwest Oregon coast.
Reviewed By Studio69 - Phoenix, United States
Long time visitor who has visited them all and bought works from several, but my go to place is the Bronze Coast Gallery. The new owner, Joseph Clayton has a passion for art and the business and his enthusiasm is present when you walk in. He has replaced Kim the former owner admirably. Melissa on staff is excellent to work with and very knowledgeable. For special event weekends this is always a fun place to spend time.
7. Jeffrey Hull Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Retail Art Gallery featuring exclusively the work of Cannon Beach Artist Jeffrey Hull. Original Watercolors, Oils. Giclee prints, notecards of the beautiful NW coastline.
Reviewed By 202happygirl - Cannon Beach, United States
If you want to experience a beautiful gallery in cannon Beach, with amazing paintings and prints from a longtime local artist, filled with coastal beauty then this is a must . Very friendly, local staff and comfortable space to walk thru at your leisure.
8. 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.
9. DragonFire Gallery
10. 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.
