{"id":7041047,"date":"2026-08-18T04:21:16","date_gmt":"2026-08-18T04:21:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/17-amazing-things-to-do-in-cannon-beach-oregon\/"},"modified":"2026-08-18T04:21:16","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T04:21:16","slug":"17-amazing-things-to-do-in-cannon-beach-oregon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7041047","title":{"rendered":"17 Amazing things to do in Cannon Beach, Oregon |"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Cannon Beach is the Crown Jewel of the Oregon Coast, and in this detailed guide, I will tell you all about it.<\/p>\n

The Oregon Coast is one of the most beautiful places I have visited. There is just something about that rugged, windswept coastline; it\u2019s so magical. And one of the best places along the coast to visit is Cannon Beach!<\/p>\n

It is absolutely beautiful, and there are so many things to do in Cannon Beach; it\u2019s perfect for a day trip or a little getaway.<\/p>\n

This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my small business.<\/p>\n

Where is Cannon Beach Located?<\/h2>\n

Cannon Beach is located on the west coast of the state, about 25 miles south of the border with Washington State, and 80 miles west of Portland. Cannon Beach is famous for Haystack Rock, a giant rock that makes for the most picturesque and scenic beach in the state! It\u2019s a very popular beach and town to visit, with over 750,000 annual visitors!<\/p>\n

I live in Vancouver, BC, which is a few hours north of\u00a0Oregon\u00a0(about a 6-hour road trip!), and so I\u2019ve visited the Oregon Coast a few times. I love Cannon Beach because of the cute town to explore, the iconic Haystack Rock to take photos of, and the long, long, long beach to take a stroll along.<\/p>\n

I am a more chill kind of beach person, preferring a good book and a long, slow walk over anything too strenuous. A lot of people prefer getting super active and busy!<\/p>\n

But the good news is that there are so many things to do in Cannon Beach that there is really something for everyone! So, without further preamble, here are my best tips for Cannon Beach and all the amazing cannon beach activities to check out.<\/p>\n

\"amazing<\/source><\/picture>\"amazing<\/figure>\n
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How to Get to Cannon Beach<\/h2>\n

The best way to get to Cannon Beach and explore Oregon, in general, is by car. I use\u00a0Discovercars.com<\/a>\u00a0to find the best car rental deals and opt for their full coverage, which covers all car rental excess, for my peace of mind. I explained how it works in my dedicated video (see below).<\/p>\n

But basically,\u00a0Discover Cars<\/a>\u00a0will show you all the possible car rental companies available for the location and date you selected, in the order you choose, along with their terms and conditions and prices. You choose the best car for your needs, then select the full coverage options.<\/p>\n

Then you\u2019ll see a summary of your booking and instructions on how to proceed.<\/p>\n

Please read the car rental terms and conditions carefully before confirming your booking. Most of the time, you can cancel your reservation with a full refund 48 hours before the scheduled pickup. Make sure you read it in the terms and conditions before booking.<\/p>\n

Once you book, you will find your booking information in the Discover Car app, with instructions on how to collect the car. You can check my Review in the video below.<\/p>\n

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Essential Tips about visiting Cannon Beach<\/h2>\n

Whether you are staying for a few days or just on a Cannon Beach day trip, there are some essential tips about visiting Cannon Beach:<\/p>\n

Pack layers<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Weather in Cannon Beach can change rapidly, from sunny and warm to windy or even cloudy or rainy. I recommend you bring multiple layers with you so that you can easily throw on a sweater or jacket and still enjoy the rest of your day!<\/p>\n

Bring a camera<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Or your phone works too! Just don\u2019t forget to snap some pics of your day at Cannon Beach. Haystack Rock is iconic for a reason \u2013 it makes amazing photos!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\"Cannon<\/source><\/picture>\"Cannon<\/figure>\n

Grab some snacks or a picnic from town<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Once you find a good spot on the beach, you\u2019ll want to stay there for a while! So, head over to Mariner Market, the Farmer\u2019s market, or a local place to eat (see below) and grab some food.<\/p>\n

Practice fire safety<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re sticking it out until the evening to watch the sunset (which I highly recommend!) then you\u2019ll likely be making a beach bonfire! So, bring all the things you need \u2013 firewood, matches, etc. \u2013 but also remember to safely put out your fire when you\u2019re done by pouring water on it and spreading out the ashes.<\/p>\n

Check the tide calendar<\/strong> <\/h3>\n

Check what time high and low tide is. Even though you can enjoy the beach at any time during the day, you might want to go at a specific time \u2013 for example, you can only see the tidal pools around Haystack Rock during low tide.<\/p>\n

Book ahead<\/strong><\/h3>\n

For popular hotels, tours, or restaurants. It can get really busy in the summertime, so make sure you are planning ahead and booking your accommodations and things to do well in advance.<\/p>\n

\"Cannon<\/source><\/picture>\"Cannon<\/figure>\n

Check the events calendar<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Cannon Beach has a number of annual events<\/a> and festivals such as Whale Watch Week in March, North Coast Culinary fest in May, or Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest in June! You might want to look ahead to see when these events are happening \u2013 either to get in on all the fun, or choose a less-busy time to visit, depending on your purpose for traveling.<\/p>\n

Pick up some binoculars<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Tufted puffins will nest on Haystack Rock between April to July. You might want to grab some binoculars so you can check them out up close!<\/p>\n

Bring a kite<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s time to channel your inner child and pick up a kite (just head to a shop in town \u2013 they\u2019re everywhere!). It can be windy on the beach all year round, so flying a kite is the perfect afternoon activity and one of the best things to do in Cannon Beach!<\/p>\n

Best time to visit Cannon Beach<\/h2>\n

Cannon Beach is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, known for its mild climate, higher rainfall, and prone to wind and rain off of the Pacific Ocean. This means that the best time to go to Cannon Beach, at least weather-wise, is from July-September. This season is the warmest (with temperature highs in the 80s) and driest (though rain is still a possibility!), making it pleasant for visiting and engaging in all the Cannon Beach activities.<\/p>\n

The downside to visiting Cannon Beach during these summer months is that it can get pretty busy! Tourists and visitors flock to Cannon Beach and other coastal towns during the summer, and so prices can be more expensive and you\u2019ll have to share the beach with a lot of other people.<\/p>\n

That is why I personally like to visit in the shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall, so from April-June or again in October.<\/p>\n

The weather is usually not too bad, crowds are thinner, and prices are better. I also think there is something really moody and beautiful about the beaches during these seasons, with dark clouds and lots of wind.<\/p>\n

Everyone might not agree, but there are some people who actually think Winter is the best time to go to Cannon Beach<\/a>. This is primarily because it is storm-watching season! Just imagine being all bundled up in your oceanfront rental with a hot chocolate, watching the majestic Pacific Ocean storm like crazy!\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Overview<\/source><\/picture>\"Overview<\/figure>\n

Things to do in Cannon Beach<\/h2>\n

Practice your photography at Haystack Rock<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Haystack Rock is absolutely iconic. It is a 235-foot-tall rock and is actually a protected wildlife site! You will see this rock from anywhere on Cannon Beach \u2013 it\u2019s pretty hard to miss!<\/p>\n

When the tide is low you can see check out the tide pools around the rock, full of starfish and other little creatures. But, the best part of the rock? It makes for pretty epic photos.<\/p>\n

I definitely recommend you spend some time setting up a good photo \u2013 either of the rock and beach itself or get in there and get a new Instagram photo!<\/p>\n

Have a beach bonfire and watch the sunset <\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the best parts of west coast beaches is undoubtedly the stunning sunsets. And since Cannon Beach is so long, the sunsets here are totally epic and seem to go on forever. I recommend bringing a blanket (or two or three!) to bundle up in as the sun is setting.<\/p>\n

Then, set up a bonfire to warm up! Bring some s\u2019mores and just enjoy the view. Bonfires are legal on Cannon Beach, but make sure you are practicing fire safety and put it out correctly.<\/p>\n

\"Sunset<\/source><\/picture>\"Sunset<\/figure>\n

Hike in Ecola State Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This beautiful state park is located about 3 miles north of Cannon Beach and is a great place for outdoor recreation activities like hiking, surfing, or beachcombing.<\/p>\n

There are few popular hikes, including Clatsop Loop Trail (2.5 miles) or a section of the Oregon Coast Trail (8 miles). You can also take the trail to see \u201cTerrible Tilly<\/a>,\u201d which is a local lighthouse (Tillamook Rock Lighthouse) with a bit of a colorful past! In short, Terrible Tilly got her name because of how difficult it was to construct \u2013 over 500 days to build, with many shipwrecks and storms impacting the sailors and workmen.<\/p>\n

Today, Terrible Tilly is an old and rundown lighthouse that makes for a unique viewpoint along your hike!<\/p>\n

Try surfing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

<\/strong>The Oregon Coast <\/strong><\/a>is a popular place to go surfing, and there are quite a few good opportunities to try it out around Cannon Beach!<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re new to the sport, you can get rentals and lessons at multiple shops in town such as Cleanline Surf<\/a> that will take you out and show you the ropes! Experienced surfers may head to the nearby town of Seaside, which has so great surfing spots.<\/p>\n

Shop at the boutiques in downtown Cannon Beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n

<\/strong>If you\u2019re looking for a souvenir or gift for someone, there are lots of cute little boutiques to go shopping in Cannon beach.<\/p>\n

I really enjoyed strolling down the street, popping in and out of the little shops to check things out.<\/p>\n

I am really just a kid at heart, so I think my favorite store was Schwietert\u2019s Cones & Candy<\/a> to get some salt water taffy! There are also lots of shops that sell clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, and other souvenir items.<\/p>\n

Pick out some art at a local gallery<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Cannon Beach is home to some amazing artists and art galleries and was actually named one of America\u2019s Best Art Towns! With over 15 art galleries, I can understand why!<\/p>\n

Some popular galleries to check out are the Archimedes Gallery<\/a> (mostly paintings) or the Bronze Coast Gallery<\/a> (lots of sculptures). You can also check out some glass-blowing at Icefire Glassworks<\/a>!<\/p>\n

\"Cannon<\/source><\/picture>\"Cannon<\/figure>\n

Visit Seaside<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a little day trip from Cannon Beach, Seaside is just nine miles north and definitely worth a visit! Seaside is slightly larger than Cannon Beach, so has a lot of shops and restaurants to check out.<\/p>\n

The oceanfront is also beautiful and they have a long, expansive promenade along the ocean \u2013 great for a stroll with an ice cream in hand! Seaside also has a lot of different accommodations, so if you weren\u2019t able to find somewhere to stay in Cannon Beach during the busy months, you can always check out Seaside too.<\/p>\n

Whale watching<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Just off the coast of Cannon Beach is the home of some resident gray whales that can often be viewed right from the shore! But if you are visiting in March\/April or December\/January, you are likely to see the whales migrate from Mexico to Alaska.<\/p>\n

You can try to catch a glimpse of these majestic whales from several spots along the coastline, such as Neahkahnie Mountain viewpoint, Ecola State Park, or along the dunes north of the beach.<\/p>\n

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\"coasline<\/source><\/picture>\"coasline<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Visit Hug Point<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re up for a short drive, travel the 5 miles south to Hug Point Recreation Area<\/strong>. This beautiful little sandy beach is the perfect place to explore the beach and tidal pools. It is less popular than Cannon Beach, so a good place to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet for the day!<\/p>\n

Fun fact<\/strong>: it\u2019s called Hug Point because early travelers (think stagecoaches!) had to hug the point<\/em> carefully while driving along this stretch of coast, so they didn\u2019t get swept out into the sea!<\/p>\n

Catch a show at Coaster Theatre Playhouse<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As you now know, weather can change abruptly in Cannon Beach, and you might get an unexpected rain shower at some point! If you\u2019re looking for the perfect indoor activity, definitely check out the Coaster Theatre Playhouse<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You can catch a live show in this historical building; it was once a roller rink back in the 1920s and used to show silent movies during the 1950s. After its purchase in 1972, it was converted to the local theatre it is today!<\/p>\n

\"Cannon<\/source><\/picture>\"Cannon<\/figure>\n

Where to eat in Cannon Beach<\/h2>\n

I\u2019m pretty sure most of you will agree with me that food is the best part of visiting a new place, and there is a ton of great places to eat in Cannon Beach!<\/p>\n

Where you decide to eat will depend on what you are looking for, so here are some recommendations based on top-rated restaurants and types of activity.<\/p>\n