Location: Cannon Beach
Top Things to do in Cannon Beach
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10 Things to Do in Cannon Beach That You Shouldn't Miss
With the distinctive Haystack Rock and Needles marking its shoreline, Cannon Beach is one of Oregon's quaintest and most picturesque destinations. Nine miles of beach make a perfect setting for strolling along the seaside, watching diverse wildlife in its natural habitat and building a sand castle in the annual sand castle building contest. With strict regulations in place limiting the infiltration of large chain stores or restaurants, Cannon Beach retains its small town charm.
Restaurants in Cannon Beach
1. Haystack Rock
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Haystack Rock is a unique 235 feet monolith that attracts wildlife and tourists alike and is part of the Oregon Coast’s geological history, formed millions of year ago by lava flows that created many of the dramatic capes and headlands along the coast. Haystack Rock is protected under U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a seabird nesting colony and it is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and is a State protected Marine Garden. The Rock is home to nesting seabirds in the summer and marine invertebrates all year. Tidepool seekers are beckoned by its wonders every day. The Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP) is a stewardship and environmental educational program whose mission is to protect, through education, the intertidal and bird ecology of the Marine Garden and Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge at Haystack Rock. HRAP offers an extensive interpretive program on the beach during the spring and summer months around low tide.
Reviewed By CindyLou2262 - Denver, Colorado
I would highly recommend this area it was absolutely gorgeous. I had no idea that they actually had a beach in Oregon. I thought most of the coastline was just Rocky. But Haystack rock the whole area Cannon Beach is absolutely gorgeous wide and long beaches to do plenty of walking on. The sun is out finally after two days, it’s been raining hard! it will be an awesome place to watch the sunset. I WOULD return.
2. Cannon Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By VMtraveler22 - Baltimore, Maryland
I first visited in August of 2013 and was surprised how uncrowded it was. The weather was chillier than I expected! Then in October 2017 I returned and the weather was quite similar. We enjoyed eating ripe blackberries off wild bushes and LOVED exploring the tide pools. Both times we walked a 10k through Ava.org. This is a gorgeous beach for a relaxing, low-key visit.
3. Ecola State Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By MountainFriendsPhoto - Portland, Oregon
The trail from Ecola Point - over the river and through the woods to Indian Beach - is closed due to an ongoing earth-slide. But, it is open to the slide and is a wonderful up-down trail on the edge of the Ecola bluff. Wow! Wonderful views in every direction.
4. Oswald West State Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 269 reviews
Scenic state park encompassing nearly 2,500 acres of mostly undeveloped land, which is ideal for a variety of outdoor recreation including surfing, kayaking, bird watching, hiking and camping.
Reviewed By acnona - Portland, Oregon
Park in the large parking lot right off of 101. Stroll through the forest to a beautiful beach. Many surfers were out when we there, It made for an interesting time. Lovely walk, gorgeous beach. Stop and see it!
5. Hug Point State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 419 reviews
Reviewed By MountainFriendsPhoto - Portland, Oregon
A small parking lot leads to a thin trail with multiple tsunami warnings. Ignore the warnings and walk to the beach, turn right (North) and walk to the waterfall and its accompanying cave. This is one of the best Hugging places on the Oregon Coast.
6. Icefire Glassworks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Icefire Glassworks is a working hot shop and art gallery that makes finely crafted blown glass. We feature the work of James Kingwell, Suzanne Kindland, Michelle Kaptur and Mark Gordon. We also carry fused glass panels in frames by Robert Tamis, as well as beads and jewelry by Pamela Juett. Visitors are invited to watch while work is in progress. We are open every day during the summer, and Thursday through Monday during fall, winter and spring.
Reviewed By Manazefa - Jenks, Oklahoma
We arrived during their seconds sale, where beautiful glass that didn't meet the artists' high standards, is sold for a bargain price. I bought two beautiful vases, one for me and one as a gift. I could see nothing on any of these pieces that looked like a problem, and the glassware was all stunningly beautiful. I highly recommend a stop if you like beautiful, handmade colors glass
7. Tillamook Rock Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 170 reviews
Reviewed By CraftBeers - Plano, Texas
Tillamook Rock Lighthouse once known as Terrible Tillie is located 1.2 miles off the Oregon Coast near Ecola State Park north of Cannon Beach. It's a non-functioning lighthouse, but it's pretty to see. Up until 1999, it was a columbarium. The storms and weather conditions make this an impossible lighthouse to keep operational.
You cannot visit the rock, so viewing it from the coast is the best option. Ecola State Park has a good advantage point to see it. Cannon Beach has a view, but you will need a good lens on a camera to get a picture of it.
Beautiful example of the Oregon Coast.
8. Cannon Beach Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
C.B.D. is a artisan, craft distillery. All spirits are mashed, fermented, distilled and matured on site in the heart of downtown Cannon Beach. C.B.D. focuses on using high quality, responsibly sourced raw ingredients to produce quality, truly artisan products with fresh ideas. Come try the current product line in the tasting room, and check back regularly for new products. Currently open daily from noon to 6pm, Closed on Wednesday.
Reviewed By Kim D - Beaverton, United States
Mike (owner of Cannon Beach Distillery) came to the Stephanie Inn and gave us a demonstration in Margarita making using his Agave spirit. It was AMAZING!!! Went to the distillery in the morning and bought some to take home :)
9. Coaster Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
The Coaster Theatre Playhouse has entertained thousands of visitors and locals of Cannon Beach and Oregon's North Coast. Maurie Clark opened the Coaster Theatre in 1972. He supported it with his time, talent and financial resources. Upon his death in 2001, the Coaster Theatre became a not-for-profit theatre. Each year the Coaster Theatre produces 5 plays and 2 musicals as well as inspiring young actors with our Coaster Kidz spring, summer and winter camps. With the support of our wonderful volunteers, sponsors, donors and patrons we will continue to offer quality community theatre in the heart of Cannon Beach.
Reviewed By Leebot - Portland, Oregon
My husband and I have been to quite a few plays and musicals over the years, as Cannon Beach is one of our favorite getaways. Plan on staying in the area overnight, and have breakfast at the incredible Lazy Susan next door!
The historic playhouse building is so charming, restored from an old roller skating rink, and the tiers of seats provides for reasonably clear views. The costumes and scenery are always delightful. The quality of the performances has been uneven as might be expected of amateurs and volunteers -- some have experience and some do not -- but no one can deny the heart of the performers, or the fun scripts and staging that are selected. Keep a sharp eye and you might just recognize one of the book store ladies in a performance!
Special tip: Don't pass up the homemade cookies sold during intermission. They sell out quickly!
10. Cannon Beach Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Lianne T - Cannon Beach, Oregon
This gallery gives local artists a venue, and the prices for jewelry and art are very reasonable. There's a highly-developed sense of place here. If you want an authentic piece to take with you, I'd look here first.
