10 Best Cannon Beach, Oregon Attractions
My husband and I love weekend getaways, and in February 2023 we flew to Oregon to explore the coast and discover the best attractions in Cannon Beach. The quick flight from Denver brought us to Portland, where we picked up a rental car. A scenic 90-minute drive later, we arrived in the charming town of Cannon Beach. This seaside gem is famous for Haystack Rock, one of the many dramatic rock formations along the Oregon coast. This was the perfect spot for a weekend trip, and we enjoyed the unique things to see along the Pacific Northwest.
This post will explore the top 10 things to do in Cannon Beach on a weekend.
When is the best time to visit the Oregon Coast?
What are the best hotels in Cannon Beach?
Top 10 Cannon Beach Attractions
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1. Haystack Rock
The Dramatic Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach
Haystack Rock is the iconic rock formation standing tall within the ocean along Cannon Beach. I’d say this is the most popular attractions on Cannon Beach. During low tide, it’s a fun experience to walk right up to the rock, my husband and I took advantage of this which was a lot of fun. This is a great time to see the tide pools with sea creatures such as starfish, anemones, and crabs.
Cannon Beach is a great, fun beach to walk along, it stretches for miles, is great for people-watching, and just has a great all-around vibe. This beach is dog-friendly too! We enjoyed watching all the dogs playing in the sand from our balcony.
To see the best time to walk out to Haystack Rock – Click here for the Ocean Tide Tables on Cannon Beach
2. Ecola State Park
While spending time in Cannon Beach don’t miss the must-see Ecola State Park, one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited. During our stay, we were lucky to experience the park on a crystal-clear, sunny day. Offering stunning coastal views, this park holds special significance as one of the filming locations for the classic movie “The Goonies.”
Within the park, there are many hiking trails that provide opportunities to explore the forested areas or stroll down to the beach. Ecola Park is just 3 miles north of Cannon Beach and charges a $5 entry fee. The drive up to the parking area alone is truly beautiful with towering green trees lining the roadway.
For those seeking guided experiences, fantastic tours from Portland to Cannon Beach and Ecola State Park are available. Local guides showcase all the noteworthy attractions in Cannon Beach, providing a comprehensive and enjoyable exploration of the area.
Click here to book a guided tour around Cannon Beach
3. Tillamook Rock Lighthouse
The Tillamook Rock Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse off the coast and viewable from Ecola State Park. You can catch views of it here from several vantage points along the park’s trails and overlooks. One of the best spots is from Ecola Point, which is a beautiful overlook and easy to get to.
4. Hug Point State Park
While at Cannon Beach, my husband and I discovered this awesome place called Hug Point. It’s a really pretty beach near Cannon Beach with cool caves, waterfalls, and big waves. We learned it’s best to visit when the tide is low because you can’t get to the caves and waterfalls during high tide (and it can be dangerous). It was fun to explore and take in the beautiful views. Hug Point isn’t too far from Cannon Beach, and it’s worth a visit!
To see the best time to walk around Hug Point – Click here for the Ocean Tide Tables on Cannon Beach
Click here for a list of guided tours you can take around the area
5. Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site
Just 2 minutes (1.2 miles) from Hug Point is Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site. It features a sandy shoreline, ideal for viewing tide pools, strolls, and relaxation by the Pacific Ocean. Experience the typical rocky shores of the Pacific Northwest. While generally accessible, be mindful of sandy and rocky terrain. Caution is advised regarding changing tides and ocean conditions at this coastal location.
6. Oswald West State Park
Oswald West State Park is a beautiful coastal park, located just south of Cannon Beach. In this park, you’ll find lush forests and miles of beaches. One of the most well-known beaches is named Short Sand Beach which is popular among surfers and is a great place for a picnic. The park also has many hiking trails where you can view the spectacular coastal views and wildlife.
7. Enjoy shopping and dining in Cannon Beach
I found downtown Cannon Beach, along Hemlock Street, to be quite charming. There are plenty of shops, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes, making it a fun place to stop by for an afternoon. We ate here a few times; there are great breakfast spots as well as breweries and places to pick up groceries.
Our favorite spots to eat were Pelican Brewing and Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge.
Another great area is Tolovana Beach where my all-time favorite seafood place is, Mo’s Seafood and Chowder. Mo’s has the best chowder and crab and views of iconic Haystack rock. Tolovana Beach is a great starting attraction as you come into Cannon Beach, you’ll get great views and it’s an awesome beach to walk around.
8. Go on an Oregon Coast Brewery Tour
If you’re a fan of craft beers, another great way to explore the sights of the Oregon coast is by taking a brewery tour. The tour will lead you to must-visit destinations such as Astoria and Cannon Beach, as well as scenic viewpoints along the coastline. You’ll have the chance to experience great craft breweries like Rogue Public House Astoria, Public Coast Brewing Co., and options such as Pelican Brewery or Bill’s Tavern & Brewhouse.
9. The Town of Seaside
About 9 miles north of Cannon Beach is the oceanside town of Seaside. I loved it because there were so many cool gift shops and restaurants. You can grab some souvenirs and enjoy the awesome views of the ocean. The beach is super nice and great for families – they even have a swing set right by the beach. It’s perfect if you’re visiting with kids! Seaside was a short trip from Cannon Beach as it’s only about 9 miles and a great place to stop for lunch, do some shopping, and walk out on the beach.
10. Astoria
On our way back to Portland, we made a stop in the cute town of Astoria. Astoria is located along the Columbia River, where you can see lots of different types of boats, from cargo ships to fishing boats. We had a lot of fun driving around the town and looking at the unique Victorian-style houses and looking for the iconic “Goonies” house from the famous movie. We also had lunch at our favorite spot, Mo’s Seafood and Chowder.
After lunch, we went on a scenic drive across the Astoria-Megler Bridge, which led us into the picturesque state of Washington. Here, we were treated to an even more beautiful coastline and we had the chance to explore some appealing campgrounds located near the beach. Something we’d like to do with the kids when we come back here.
When is the best time to visit the coast of Oregon?
We took our chances and went in February. That can be hit or miss with rain (or even snow) and foggy weather. We were really lucky and had crystal blue sunny skies. Bring a coat and warm pants because it is still chilly! Many people don’t visit in winter and spring because it’s often rainy and foggy, but I still think it’s a great time to visit. The scenery is dramatic in overcast weather, it’s not too cold by the coast, and there are fewer crowds and lower prices than in summer. Just be prepared for varied weather, dress in layers, and bring a raincoat!
If you want sunny weather, the best time to go to Cannon Beach is from July to September. But even in summer, it’s not always warm enough for swimming. It can be in the 70s or 80s on sunny days, but sometimes it’s cool, and you might need a sweater or raincoat.
Where to stay in Cannon Beach
We stayed at the Hallmark Resort & Spa, Cannon Beach. This is a fantastic hotel with amazing views of Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. Cannon Beach overall has great options for beachfront hotels, click here to view more recommendations.
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