Cannon Beach: Lap it up on Oregon’s Coastal Masterpiece
Tucked away along the rugged coastline of northern Oregon, Cannon Beach is a breathtaking blend of natural beauty, artistic soul, and small-town charm. It has the iconic Haystack Rock rising from the Pacific surf, windswept shores stretching for miles, and a backdrop of lush forested headlands. Cannon Beach feels both dramatic and serene—a place where the ocean meets the imagination.
Whether you’re a nature lover, an art enthusiast, or simply in search of a peaceful escape, Cannon Beach delivers a world-class coastal experience without the pretense of a resort town. It’s a place where bald eagles soar overhead, tide pools teem with life, and cozy cafés serve up fresh seafood and espresso in equal measure. One visit, and you’ll see why Cannon Beach is often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the United States.
The Star of the Show: Haystack Rock
When most people picture Cannon Beach, they imagine the towering Haystack Rock. It is a 235-foot monolith that stands proudly offshore, visible from nearly every point along the beach. Formed millions of years ago by lava flows, it now serves as the centerpiece of the coastline—a natural sculpture rising dramatically from the sand and sea.
At low tide, the base of Haystack Rock becomes accessible on foot. It reveals a fascinating world of tide pools filled with sea stars, anemones, crabs, and mussels. The rock is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. It’s protected as a Marine Garden, so touching the sea life is discouraged. Still, it’s a wonderland for children, photographers, and anyone fascinated by marine ecosystems.
Above the tide line, Haystack Rock is a nesting ground for seabirds, including Tufted Puffins (from spring through early summer), cormorants, and gulls. With binoculars in hand, visitors can spot these colorful and quirky birds diving into the surf or tending to nests along the rock’s rugged face.
Click here for a 3-Day Guided E-Bike Tour Through the Columbia River Gorge.
A Beach for Every Mood
Cannon Beach isn’t a single stretch of sand—it’s a series of interconnected coves, rocky outcrops, and wide-open spaces that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re walking barefoot at sunrise, flying a kite in the afternoon breeze, or watching the sun dip behind the waves in a blaze of color, this beach invites slow exploration and quiet reflection.
To the south, Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site offers easier parking and access for families. Just north of town, Ecola State Park provides a completely different perspective—a sweeping cliffside view of the coastline from above, complete with hiking trails, picnic areas, and panoramic vistas that rival California’s Big Sur.
Click here for a 4 Day Womens Rafting Retreat on the Rogue River.
Ecola State Park: Forest Meets Ocean
Just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park is a jewel in its own right. Here, coastal rainforest meets the rocky shoreline in dramatic fashion. Moss-covered trees, fern-lined paths, and the constant sound of crashing waves create a sensory-rich experience that’s quintessentially Oregon.
The Clatsop Loop Trail is a popular 2.5-mile hike that offers views of the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse—nicknamed “Terrible Tilly” for the dangerous waters that surround it—and follows part of the route taken by Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery in the early 1800s.
Whether you hike or just stop at the viewpoints, Ecola offers a deeper connection to the natural landscape that defines this region.
Click here to E-bike in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorges
A Town with Artistic Soul
While the natural beauty of Cannon Beach may first draw you in, the town itself has a personality that’s equally magnetic. Known for its commitment to the arts, Cannon Beach has a thriving creative community that manifests in numerous galleries, boutiques, and workshops.
Wander the pedestrian-friendly streets and you’ll find everything from high-end glasswork to whimsical sculpture and local photography. The town hosts several annual arts festivals, including the Stormy Weather Arts Festival in November and the Spring Unveiling Arts Festival in May, where artists often demonstrate their work and meet with collectors.
Live music, theater at the Coaster Theatre Playhouse, and literary readings round out the cultural offerings, making Cannon Beach much more than just a seaside stopover.
Click here for a 4 Day Wilderness Raft Trip on Hells Canyon.
Dining: From Beach Snacks to Fine Cuisine
Despite its small size, Cannon Beach punches above its weight in the food scene. There’s a delightful blend of casual beach eats and upscale dining, often with a focus on local, sustainable ingredients. You’ll find excellent seafood—think Dungeness crab, halibut, and wild salmon—served up in restaurants with ocean views.
For a laid-back lunch, grab some fish and chips or chowder at Ecola Seafoods Restaurant & Market. For a refined evening, The Wayfarer or Newmans at 988 offer memorable dining experiences. Don’t miss the cannonball-sized cinnamon rolls at Sea Level Bakery + Coffee, or the artisan ice cream at Suzy’s Scoops.
Cannon Beach also boasts a growing selection of craft beer and Oregon wines, with tasting rooms and cozy bars where locals and visitors mingle after a day in the sun.
Click here for a Private Tour at The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls.
Seasons of Beauty
While summer is the most popular time to visit, Cannon Beach is a year-round destination. Each season brings its own kind of magic:
- Spring offers wildflowers, puffin sightings, and fewer crowds.
- Summer means long beach days, warm temperatures, and bustling streets.
- Fall provides crisp air, fiery foliage, and the return of solitude.
- Winter is storm-watching season—when massive waves pound the shore and dramatic skies make for unforgettable sunsets.
Even in the cooler months, the town’s cozy hotels and inns—with fireplaces, hot tubs, and ocean views—make it easy to enjoy the wildness of the coast from a comfortable perch.
Click here for a Private Tour at The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls.
Where to Stay
From luxurious oceanfront resorts to charming bed-and-breakfasts and family-friendly cottages, Cannon Beach offers a wide range of accommodations. Many of them are pet-friendly, too—because here, dogs are as welcome as humans.
Popular spots include:
- Hallmark Resort – closest to Haystack Rock, with stunning views.
- Surfsand Resort – known for excellent service and beachfront rooms.
- Stephanie Inn – a romantic, adults-only retreat with gourmet dining.
Click here to learn about the home of theater.
A Place to Remember
There’s a reason travelers return to Cannon Beach again and again. It’s not just the views—though those are unforgettable. It’s the feeling you get here: calm but inspired, humbled by nature but lifted by art, surrounded by beauty but never overwhelmed.
Cannon Beach doesn’t shout. It whispers. And if you listen, it just might speak to you in a way that few places ever do.
