Top 20 Best Things to Do at Cannon Beach Oregon | Parking, Restaurant, and Lodges

Cannon Beach is a charming coastal town in Oregon, famous for its stunning scenery, artistic vibe, and rich history. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, an outdoor adventure, or a cultural experience, Cannon Beach has something for everyone. Here are 20 of the best things to do in Cannon Beach Oregon, along with some tips and recommendations.

Consider reading: 12 Best Things to Do in Seaside Oregon

Visit the Beach and Haystack Rock

One of the most iconic attractions in Cannon Beach is Haystack Rock, a 235-foot tall basalt sea stack that rises from the ocean near the shore. Haystack Rock is home to a variety of marine life, including starfish, crabs, mussels, and sea anemones.

You can explore the tide pools around the rock during low tide, or admire it from a distance at any time of the day. The beach itself is also a great place to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. You can swim, surf, kayak, paddleboard, or just relax on the soft sand. The beach offers spectacular views of the ocean and the sunset, making it a perfect spot for photography.

Visiting Haystack Rock is one of the Best Things to do at Cannon Beach.

Explore Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park is a scenic park that spans nine miles of coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, and the surrounding forests. The park has several hiking trails that range from easy to challenging, leading you to secluded beaches, clifftop viewpoints, and historic sites.

You can also enjoy picnicking, wildlife watching, and camping at the park. Some of the highlights of the park include Indian Beach, a popular surfing spot; Ecola Point, a panoramic lookout; and the Oregon Coast Trail, a long-distance trail that connects several coastal towns.

With panoramic vistas of the Pacific, Ecola State Park’s undulating hiking trails, with their unparalleled oceanic views, become a paradise for nature lovers.

Keep an eye out for migrating whales or enjoy a picnic amidst the park’s moss-laden trees and wildflower meadows.

Hike the Oswald West State Park

Oswald West State Park is another stunning park that encompasses four miles of coastline, as well as lush forests, creeks, and waterfalls. The park has several hiking trails that take you through the old-growth forest, where you can see towering trees, ferns, and mushrooms.

You can also visit the Short Sand Beach, a secluded cove that is popular among surfers and kayakers. The park is also home to the Neahkahnie Mountain, a 1,680-foot peak that offers amazing views of the coast and the ocean. You can hike to the summit of the mountain, or enjoy the view from the roadside pullouts.

If you are into hiking then hiking the Oswald West State Park is one of the Best Things to do at Cannon Beach.

Discover Arcadia Beach

Arcadia Beach is a small and quiet beach that is located between Cannon Beach and Arch Cape. The beach is ideal for relaxing, strolling, and enjoying the views of the ocean and the rocks. You can also find some tide pools and caves to explore during low tide.

The beach is accessible by a short trail from the parking lot, and there are picnic tables and restrooms available. Arcadia Beach is a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and tranquility.

Remember to check tide schedules, as a high tide could limit beach access.

Check out Hug Point State Park

Hug Point State Park is a scenic park that features a sandy beach, a waterfall, a cave, and some historic remnants. The park is named after a point where the old coastal road had to hug the cliff to avoid the high tide. You can still see the traces of the road and the wheel ruts on the rock.

The park also has a seasonal waterfall that cascades onto the beach, and a cave that was once used by smugglers. You can also enjoy picnicking, fishing, and wildlife watching at the park.

At low tide, you can explore caves carved by the persistent waves, and find a seasonal waterfall cascading onto the beach, painting a mesmerizing backdrop.

Visit the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum

If you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of Cannon Beach, you should visit the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum. The museum showcases the stories of the Native Americans, the explorers, the settlers, and the artists who shaped the town.

You can see exhibits, artifacts, photographs, and videos that illustrate the history of Cannon Beach. You can also learn about the natural history of the area, such as the geology, the wildlife, and the plants. The museum is open from Wednesday to Monday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free.

Go Shopping in Downtown Cannon Beach

If you’re looking for some souvenirs, gifts, or local products, you should visit the downtown area of Cannon Beach. You’ll find a variety of shops, boutiques, galleries, and markets that offer everything from clothing, jewelry, art, books, toys, candy, and more.

You can also enjoy the charming architecture, the friendly atmosphere, and the seasonal events that take place in the downtown area. Some of the popular places to shop in Cannon Beach include the Cannon Beach Book Company, the Bruce’s Candy Kitchen, the Cannon Beach Gallery, and the Cannon Beach Farmers Market.

Take a Gallery Walking Tour

Cannon Beach is known for its vibrant art scene, and one of the best ways to experience it is by taking a gallery walking tour. You can visit over a dozen galleries that showcase the works of local and regional artists, as well as national and international artists.

You can see paintings, sculptures, ceramics, glass, photography, and more. You can also meet the artists, learn about their techniques, and purchase their artworks. The gallery walking tour is offered every first Saturday of the month, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and it’s free and open to the public.

Attend the Annual Sandcastle Contest

One of the most fun and exciting events in Cannon Beach is the annual sandcastle contest, which is held every June. The sandcastle contest is the oldest and largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, and it attracts thousands of spectators and participants.

You can watch or join the teams of sand sculptors as they create amazing and intricate sandcastles on the beach. You can also enjoy live music, food, and entertainment throughout the day. The sandcastle contest is a family-friendly event that celebrates the creativity and community spirit of Cannon Beach.

Consider reading: 9 Best Things to Do in Gold Beach Oregon

Enjoy the North Coast Food Trail

If you’re a foodie, you’ll love the North Coast Food Trail, a culinary adventure that showcases the best of the local cuisine and culture. The trail covers over 100 miles of the Oregon coast, from Cannon Beach to Lincoln City, and features over 60 participants, including restaurants, farms, breweries, wineries, distilleries, and more.

You can sample the fresh seafood, the organic produce, the artisan cheese, the craft beer, and the award-winning wine that the region has to offer. You can also learn about the stories and the people behind the food, and how they celebrate the bounty of the coast.

Take a Birdwatching Walking Tour

Cannon Beach is a paradise for birdwatchers, as it hosts a variety of birds, both resident and migratory. You can see seabirds, shorebirds, songbirds, raptors, and more, depending on the season and the location.

You can also take a birdwatching walking tour with a local expert, who will guide you to the best spots and help you identify the birds you see. You can also learn about the habitats, the behaviors, and the conservation of the birds.

The birdwatching walking tour is offered by the Friends of Haystack Rock, a non-profit organization that promotes the protection and education of the Haystack Rock ecosystem.

Learn About the Tufted Puffins

One of the most iconic and charismatic birds in Cannon Beach is the tufted puffin, a seabird that has a black body, a white face, and yellow tufts on its head. The tufted puffins nest on Haystack Rock from April to August, and they can be seen flying, diving, and fishing in the ocean.

You can learn more about the tufted puffins by visiting the Haystack Rock Awareness Program, a volunteer-run program that provides information and education about the birds and the marine life around Haystack Rock. You can also borrow binoculars and spotting scopes from the program to get a closer look at the puffins.

Visit the Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site

Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site is a public park that offers access to a wide and sandy beach, as well as a view of Haystack Rock. The park has a large parking lot, restrooms, picnic tables, and a playground.

You can enjoy swimming, surfing, kite flying, or sandcastle building at the beach, or just relax and watch the waves. The park is also a good spot to see the tufted puffins that nest on Haystack Rock during the spring and summer months.

Take a Bicycling Adventure Around Cannon Beach

If you’re looking for a fun and active way to explore Cannon Beach and its surroundings, you should try bicycling. You can rent a bike from one of the local shops, such as Family FUNcycles, Cannon Beach Bike Shack, or Bahama Mama’s Bikes, Boards & Beach Fare.

You can then choose from a variety of routes and trails that suit your skill level and preference. You can ride along the beach, through the forest, or around the town. You can also join a guided bike tour, such as the Cannon Beach Fat Bike Tour, that will show you the best spots and hidden gems of the area.

Consider reading: Best Things to Do in Florence Oregon

Attend the Annual Stormy Weather Arts Festival

One of the most popular and anticipated events in Cannon Beach is the annual Stormy Weather Arts Festival, which is held every November. The festival celebrates the art and culture of Cannon Beach and features a weekend of live music, art shows, gallery receptions, demonstrations, and workshops.

You can meet and mingle with the artists, enjoy their works, and even purchase some of their creations. You can also enjoy the cozy and festive atmosphere of the town, as well as the dramatic weather that adds to the charm of the festival.

Explore the North Coast Craft Beer Trail

If you’re a fan of craft beer, you’ll love the North Coast Craft Beer Trail, a self-guided tour that features 12 breweries and pubs along the Oregon coast, from Astoria to Pacific City. You can taste the diverse and delicious beers that are brewed with local ingredients, such as hops, honey, berries, and even seaweed.

You can also enjoy the food, the music, and the ambiance of each venue. You can get a passport from any of the participating locations, and collect stamps as you visit them. If you collect at least 10 stamps, you can redeem your passport for a free pint glass.

Take a Whale Watching Tour

One of the most thrilling and memorable experiences in Cannon Beach is taking a whale-watching tour. You can see the majestic gray whales that migrate along the coast twice a year, from December to May and from June to November. You can also see other marine mammals, such as seals, sea lions, dolphins, and porpoises.

You can choose from a variety of tour options, such as boat tours, kayak tours, or land-based tours. You can also visit the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay, where you can learn more about the whales and their behaviors.

You might be interested in visiting the Sea Lion Caves which is the largest sea cave in the world.

Visit the Pacific Graveyard

If you’re fascinated by shipwrecks and maritime history, you should visit the Pacific Graveyard, the nickname for the area of the coast where hundreds of ships have met their doom. You can see the remains of some of the ships that have washed ashore, such as the Peter Iredale, the Emily G. Reed, and the USS Shark.

You can also visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria, where you can see exhibits, artifacts, and models of the ships that have sunk in the Pacific Graveyard. You can also learn about the stories and the legends of the sailors, the pirates, and the rescuers who have braved the treacherous waters.

Check Out the Earth and Ocean Arts Festival

One of the newest and most innovative events in Cannon Beach is the Earth and Ocean Arts Festival, which is held every September. The festival celebrates the connection between art and nature, and features a variety of activities, such as live music, art workshops, environmental presentations, and beach cleanups.

You can also see the amazing artworks that are created with natural materials, such as sand, driftwood, shells, and rocks. The festival is a collaboration between the Cannon Beach Gallery Group and the Haystack Rock Awareness Program, and aims to inspire and educate the public about the beauty and the importance of the earth and the ocean.

Attend the Annual Cottage Tour

If you’re curious about the history and the architecture of Cannon Beach, you should attend the annual cottage tour, which is held every September. The cottage tour is a fundraiser for the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, and it allows you to visit some of the historic and charming cottages, homes, and gardens in the town.

You can learn about the stories and the styles of the buildings, as well as the people who have lived in them. You can also enjoy live music, wine tasting, and a luncheon during the tour.

Cannon Beach Oregon Parking Tips

Here are some Cannon Beach Parking tips for hassle-free travel:

Pre-book Your Accommodations

To ensure a hassle-free trip to Cannon Beach, particularly during the bustling summer season, we recommend making your hotel or vacation rental reservations well in advance.

The town experiences high demand for accommodation, which can make last-minute bookings challenging. The added advantage of booking a hotel or rental property is the convenience of dedicated parking space.

Moreover, Cannon Beach’s layout is highly conducive to walking, which means you can easily explore the quaint town without needing your vehicle.

Plan Your Day Trips Wisely

If your plan is to relish the beauty of Cannon Beach on a day trip, consider bypassing the busy midday hours over the weekend. Traffic congestion and parking can become incredibly frustrating during these peak times.

Instead, plan to arrive as early as possible to secure a parking spot. This will also give you the opportunity to enjoy the charming town and the stunning beach before they get crowded.

Opt for Early Parking

Finding a parking spot in Cannon Beach during the summer months can be tricky, particularly around popular spots like Haystack Rock and the downtown area.

Your best bet would be to head to the larger parking lots. Some of the preferable options include those along Spruce Street in downtown, along 2nd Street near the Information Center, at the intersection of Hemlock and Gower in midtown, and at Tolovana Wayside towards the south of town.

To avoid running afoul of the law and incurring a parking ticket, ensure you are parked legally. If you are uncertain, seek guidance from the amiable Cannon Beach Police bike patrols who are there to assist you.

Explore on Foot or Use the Shuttle at Cannon Beach Oregon

Once you’ve secured a parking spot, the best way to experience Cannon Beach is on foot. Pack everything you will need for the day so that you won’t need to return to your car frequently.

If walking isn’t your preferred mode of exploration, consider using the affordable local shuttle service. It charges only $1 and offers routes between Seaside and Cannon Beach.

You can check out the schedule for the shuttle service at nworegontransit.org. This is a cost-effective and efficient way to traverse the picturesque landscape of Cannon Beach while also avoiding any potential parking woes.

Looking to Visit Oregon? Consider reading: Best Things to Do in Lincoln City

Popular Restaurants at Cannon Beach, Oregon

Here are some of the popular restaurants in Cannon Beach, Oregon:

Please note: The table above shows the actual price range in value for some of the restaurants at Cannon Beach Oregon, based on their average menu prices.

The actual price range is indicated by the approximate amount of money in US dollars that a person would spend for a meal, excluding drinks, taxes, and tips.

Popular Lodges at Cannon Beach, Oregon

Here are some popular Lodges at Cannon Beach, Oregon:

Please note: The table above shows the price range in value for some of the lodges at Cannon Beach Oregon, based on their average nightly rates.

The price range is indicated by the approximate amount of money in US dollars that a person would pay for a room, excluding taxes and fees. 

Final Thoughts on Best Things to Do at Cannon Beach Oregon

Cannon Beach Oregon is a wonderful destination for travelers who love nature, art, and culture. There are so many things to do in Cannon Beach Oregon, from exploring the stunning beaches and parks, to enjoying the vibrant art scene and cuisine, to participating in the fun and exciting events.

In this article, we’ve shared 20 of the best things to do in Cannon Beach Oregon, along with some tips and recommendations. We hope you’ve found this article helpful and informative, and that you’ll visit Cannon Beach soon.

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family who might be interested in visiting Cannon Beach Oregon. Thank you for reading!

FAQs on Best Things to Do at Cannon Beach Oregon

What is so special about Cannon Beach?

Cannon Beach captivates visitors with its unique natural charm, highlighted by the majestic Haystack Rock, a towering sea stack. This Oregon gem boasts pristine sandy shores and a picturesque landscape that has cemented its status as a premier coastal destination. It’s a special oasis for seaside relaxation and scenic beauty.

Is Cannon Beach Oregon worth it?

Absolutely, Cannon Beach in Oregon is a must-visit destination. It offers an idyllic blend of picturesque beaches, delectable local cuisine, and natural parks. Notably, the stunning Haystack Rock and the opportunity for whale-watching make it an unforgettable coastal retreat for any traveler.

Which is better seaside or Cannon Beach?

Cannon Beach is often preferred for its quaint, small-town vibe and exceptional walkability. Renowned for superior art galleries, unique local dining, and boutique shopping experiences, visitors frequently choose it for a more relaxed and culturally rich getaway over Seaside.

Can you swim in the ocean at Cannon Beach?

Yes, swimming in the ocean at Cannon Beach is allowed, but always check local beach monitoring conditions first for safety. Be aware of water temperature, currents, and any posted advisories before taking a dip in the Pacific waters at this scenic Oregon coast destination.

What are some of the top attractions at Cannon Beach, Oregon?

Cannon Beach offers several notable attractions. Haystack Rock, a 235-foot sea stack, is arguably the most famous landmark. The Cannon Beach History Center and Museum offer a glimpse into the area’s past, while Ecola State Park provides scenic hiking trails and stunning views of the coastline. Art galleries like Bronze Coast Gallery and Icefire Glassworks add a cultural touch to the locale.

What outdoor activities are available at Cannon Beach?

Outdoor enthusiasts have a multitude of activities to choose from at Cannon Beach. Apart from swimming and sunbathing, you can explore tide pools, go bird watching, and hike on trails in Ecola State Park. For water sports enthusiasts, surfing and paddle boarding are popular activities.

What is the best time to visit Cannon Beach?

The best time to visit Cannon Beach is from late June to September when the weather is warm and the chance of rain is lower. However, the off-season can also be charming with fewer crowds, lower prices, and the opportunity to experience the area’s famous winter storms.

How do I get to Cannon Beach?

Cannon Beach is about a 90-minute drive from Portland, Oregon via U.S. Route 26 West. Public transportation options are available but are less convenient. If you’re traveling from further away, the nearest major airport is Portland International Airport.