Welcome to Cannon Beach! Watch sea stacks pierce through morning fog, cozy up with chowder in driftwood-shingled cafés, and chase low tide along windswept shores where puffins perch and tidepools glisten — Cannon Beach is where Oregon’s wild coast meets iconic postcard perfection.
☑️ Cannon Beach Checklist
- Book your Flight: Fly into Portland International Airport (PDX), then drive 90 scenic minutes through forested coastline
- Reserve your Hotel: Stay beachfront or at a cedar-shingled inn for unbeatable views of Haystack Rock
- Join your Tour: Book a tidepool walk or guided Ecola State Park photography hike ahead of time
🌊 Day 1: Haystack Rock
- Haystack Rock Walk: Start your day at low tide and stroll up to this 235-foot sea stack where puffins nest and starfish cling to the rocks
- Tidepool Exploration: Crouch down and peek into tiny saltwater worlds filled with anemones, hermit crabs, and sea snails
- Cannon Beach Downtown: Wander streets lined with galleries, ice cream shops, and driftwood-scented bookstores that feel straight out of a movie set
- Lunch by the Fire: Grab a bowl of clam chowder or crab melt and warm up beside a stone fireplace with views of crashing surf
- Bronze Coast Gallery: Step inside to see windswept sculptures and Northwest-inspired art that echo the scenery outside
- Evening Bonfire on the Beach: Dig your toes in the sand, roast s’mores, and let the orange glow bounce off Haystack Rock as the sun dips low
- Stargazing with Ocean Sounds: Stay a little longer and let the crashing waves be your soundtrack as constellations take over the dark sky
🌲 Day 2: Forest & Cliffs
- Ecola State Park: Drive through misty evergreens and pull over for picture-perfect views of sea cliffs and surfers catching waves below
- Indian Beach: Trek down the rugged trail to a secluded beach where surfers ride Pacific swells and driftwood lines the shore
- Tillamook Rock Lighthouse Viewpoint: Peer out at the lonely lighthouse perched on a sea stack — nicknamed “Terrible Tilly” for good reason
- Picnic with a View: Unpack sandwiches and snacks at one of the coastal overlooks — fog or shine, it’s a front-row seat to nature’s drama
- Short Sand Beach Stop: Head a little south to this hidden gem with forested trails that spill onto smooth black sand
- Dinner at a Cozy Tavern: Slide into a booth with wood beams overhead and order Pacific salmon or a big bowl of Dungeness mac and cheese
- Evening Drive Back: Cruise the winding road home as the trees darken and the last light fades behind sea cliffs
🐚 Day 3: Local Flavor
- Sleep In, Then Beach Stroll: No need to rush — roll out of bed and take your coffee to the sand for a lazy morning wander
- Coaster Theatre Peek: Step into this charming playhouse that used to be a roller rink — even if there’s no show, the vibe is pure Cannon Beach
- Public Coast Brewing: Sip crisp coastal beer brewed steps from the sea, maybe with a side of fish tacos or a gooey grilled cheese
- Icefire Glassworks: Watch artists shape glowing molten glass into ocean-colored bowls, wave sculptures, and jellyfish ornaments
- Souvenir Stop Downtown: Pick up hand-painted postcards, sand-dollar jewelry, or a cozy Cannon Beach hoodie for foggy days back home
- Toffee Tasting at Bruce’s Candy Kitchen: Pop in for buttery, salty-sweet toffee or neon saltwater taffy pulled right in front of you
- Beachfront Farewell Dinner: End your trip with a table by the window, a steaming bowl of cioppino, and the sun melting into the horizon just beyond the surf
💡 Cannon Beach Tips
- Check Tide Charts: Plan your beach walks around low tide to get up close to Haystack Rock and tidepools
- Pack Layers: Weather can flip from sun to sea fog in minutes — bring a hoodie even in summer
- Go Early to Ecola: The lots fill fast, especially on weekends — mornings are quieter and mistier
- Bring Waterproof Shoes: Many trails and beach paths are muddy or damp year-round
- Skip the Chains: Cannon Beach is all about local shops and cozy cafés — support the little guys
- Watch for Wildlife: Look up for bald eagles and puffins, and out to sea for seals or even whales
- No Fires in Dunes: Bonfires are allowed on the beach, but keep them away from grass and dry driftwood
📅 Cannon Beach Calendar
- Get Lit at the Beach (Feb): A cozy winter literary festival filled with author talks and fireside readings
- Spring Unveiling Arts Festival (May): Galleries debut new pieces with artist receptions all weekend
- Sandcastle Contest (June): Watch teams sculpt sea dragons and castles that disappear with the tide
- Fourth of July Parade (July 4): Locals and visitors line Hemlock Street for small-town charm and flag waving
- Plein Air & More (July): Artists paint outdoors as visitors stroll and peek over their shoulders
- Stormy Weather Arts Festival (Nov): Jazz, art, and wine fill the town as ocean storms roll in outside
- Haystack Holidays (Dec): A full month of tree lightings, carolers, and festive shop windows
🦀 Cannon Beach Menu
- Dungeness Crab Cakes: Crispy outside, buttery inside — served hot with lemon and housemade aioli
- Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl: Creamy, briny, and best enjoyed while watching waves roll in
- Cioppino: A tomato-based seafood stew loaded with mussels, clams, crab, and fish — hearty and coastal
- Smoked Salmon Bagel: Lox-style local salmon layered with cream cheese, capers, and pickled onions
- Toffee from Bruce’s: Buttery, crunchy, and dipped in chocolate — a sweet salty souvenir worth the extra bag
- Fish & Chips: Fresh-caught Pacific rockfish fried golden and piled next to thick-cut fries
- Saltwater Taffy: Stretchy, chewy bites in every flavor imaginable — best bought by the pound