Location: Cannon Beach
Top Things to do in Cannon Beach
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The 10 Best Things to do in Cannon Beach, Oregon (OR)
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
5.0 based on 3,201 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 CreateCourageAdvent - Salem, United States
Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach is a huge Oregon Coast attraction. At 235 feet tall, this basalt beauty is one of the best-known symbols of the Oregon Coast in general and an image you see on every Oregon Coast Travel Blog out there (including this one!) At low tide you can explore vast tidepools and walk all the way to the rock itself. Tufted Puffins, Bald Eagles, Brown Pelicans, Common Murres, and many other birds are abundantly present on and around Haystack Rock depending on the season making this location a Pacific Northwest birdwatchers dream come true.
2. Oswald West State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 343 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 wohdonkey - Newark, United States
We stopped here along Highway 101 on our way to Cannon Beach. You can get some great photos from the scenic lookout. We also went to the Devil’s Cauldron which was really worth seeing and just a short hike to get to.
3. Ecola State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,827 reviews
Reviewed By TrailsExplorer
This is a wonderful area to get a taste of the Oregon Coast with some great mountain hikes to view from above and beach hikes to observe the sea stacks.
4. Hug Point State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 507 reviews
Reviewed By Brookecn - Denver, United States
Great stop while driving South on 101 from Cannon Beach. The tide was low so we got to walk out on the sand and checkout tide pools and see some anemones, and walk right up to a small waterfall on the beach.
5. Cannon Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,470 reviews
Reviewed By AeneasAtSea - Salt Lake City, United States
Cannon Beach is perhaps the most popular beach along the northern Oregon coast, because if its direct and easy access from Portland. And since it's fronted by numerous vacation hotels, condos, etc., it's also one of the most crowded. But if you're not looking for solitude (if you are, drive south a few miles to Arcadia or another nearby beach), the people can be a fun added ingredient. By its famous landmark haystack rock there are tide pools at low tide and puffins to see, so it's a fun beach for kids. And it stretches north and south for quite a ways, so you can walk in the sand and surf to your heart's content. There are several public restrooms at key beach access and parking lot points. Expect to spend a while searching for parking, so plan accordingly. Hemlock Street is the main drag, a block east of the beach, with lots of fun restaurants, stores, galleries, candy venues, a glass blowing studio/store, etc., so it's as much fun as the beach itself. Remember that the coast is typically about 20 degrees cooler than inland, so bring a hoodie or light jacket even on hot days.
6. Coaster Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 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 DoctorJourney - Ritzville, United States
Awesome local theatre for Cannon Beach!! We saw the performance of "Clue" and were drawn in to the mystery, comedy and good time! There was obvious chemistry between the actors as we saw the show on September 1, 2017 just a day before the final curtain. This charming little theatre is a must see on the Oregon Coast for all musical and live theatre aficionados. Every seat in the house is good, but pay the extra $5 for the best... you'll feel like the actors are looking straight at you and that you're in the play.
7. Cannon Beach Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Cannon Beach Distillery is a artisan, craft distillery. All spirits are mashed, fermented, distilled and matured on site. We focuse 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 and production facility, and check back regularly for new products. For current hours visit website or call for more info.
Reviewed By gordonlR6210JQ
Mike and his team (Pax for sure) create extraordinary spirits that should appeal to a wide variety of tastes. If Pax or Mike are in the tasting room it only takes a few questions to get the stories flowing. Fair prices for award-winning product - and if you taste something you like, buy it "now" since a large percentage of Mike's products are "one-off" creations. Ever had a sipping gin, neat? Find it here!
8. Icefire Glassworks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 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 (abstracts by Robert Tamis, land- and seascapes by Steven Krig and wildlife-themed representational pieces by Kathleen Sheard), as well as marbles by Anthony Parker, and beads and jewelry by Laura Bowker. We are just 75 miles from Portland Oregon. We are currently limited to 6 persons plus staff in our gallery. Face coverings are required, and we offer one-on-one appointments and curbside pick-up for your safety. Our regular hours: Monday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday Noon to 5:00 pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Reviewed By bournetofly
Beautiful store and the artists are super friendly. Loved getting to talk with them about the process of making the art and explore the shop. Every piece is unique and gorgeous! Loved getting to stop in here on our trip.
9. Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By 25thurmank
We always Stop here, because the Ocean is a Stones Throw, and so Nice to Watch the Waves & People Enjoying Walking or Sitting on the Beach.
10. Tillamook Rock Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By HaveWingsWillTravel - Wilsonville, United States
I got a real surprise when I brought my binoculars to the beach this time.. Right between Haystack and some other rock I spotted the Tillamook Head Lighthouse. I never knew it was there.. Too bad I don't own a helicopter.. What a fascinating site!
