Top 10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Cannon Beach, Oregon

1. Explore Haystack Rock at Low Tide

Must-See Sights

Time your visit during low tide (typically dropping 1-2 feet below mean level) to explore the vibrant tide pools surrounding the rock's base. These natural aquariums reveal a colorful underwater world of sea stars, anemones, crabs, and other fascinating marine creatures. From April through July, look up to spot Tufted Puffins nesting on the rock's upper portions—their distinctive orange beaks make them easy to identify even from a distance.

Local Secrets

The Haystack Rock Awareness Program stations volunteers (recognizable in their red jackets) at the rock during low tide periods. These knowledgeable guides can point out easily-missed creatures and share fascinating facts about the marine garden's ecology. Don't hesitate to ask questions—they're passionate about conservation and education.

Seasonal Tips

Summer brings the clearest viewing conditions but also the largest crowds. For a more serene experience, visit during spring or fall when you'll often have more space to explore. Winter storms create dramatic wave displays against the rock, perfect for photographers seeking moody shots.

Nearby Food Spots

After exploring, warm up at Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters, a local favorite serving organic, house-roasted coffee and freshly baked pastries. For heartier fare, Wayfarer Restaurant offers panoramic ocean views and Pacific Northwest cuisine featuring local seafood.

Accessibility

Multiple public access points lead to Haystack Rock, with the most convenient being the Gower Street entrance. The beach is wheelchair accessible via ramps at 2nd Street and Gower Street, though the sand makes navigation challenging. Beach wheelchairs are available for free rental through the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce (reservation recommended).

2. Things to Do In Cannon Beach:  Hike the Trails at Ecola State Park

Just minutes north of downtown Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park offers some of the most spectacular coastal views in the Pacific Northwest. This 1,023-acre park stretches along 9 miles of coastline, featuring lush Sitka spruce forests, hidden coves, and panoramic vistas that have captivated visitors for generations—even serving as a filming location for “The Goonies” and “Point Break.”

Must-See Sights

The park's main viewpoint near the entrance provides a postcard-perfect vista of the coastline with Haystack Rock visible to the south. For more adventurous visitors, the 2.5-mile Clatsop Loop Trail offers breathtaking views of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse (locally known as “Terrible Tilly”) perched on its isolated offshore rock. Indian Beach, accessible by car or trail, provides a secluded spot for beachcombing and surfing.

Local Secrets

The lesser-known north section of the Oregon Coast Trail within the park leads to a secluded viewpoint called Crescent Beach. This hidden gem requires a moderate 1.25-mile hike down, but rewards visitors with a pristine beach rarely crowded even during peak season.

Seasonal Tips

Spring brings wildflowers and migrating gray whales, while summer offers the clearest hiking conditions. Fall displays dramatic fog patterns rolling over the headlands, and winter storms create spectacular wave displays. Note that winter weather occasionally causes temporary road closures due to landslides or fallen trees.

Nearby Food Spots

Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the park's designated areas with ocean views. Alternatively, Cannon Beach Hardware & Public House (locally known as “Screw and Brew”) offers hearty post-hike meals and local craft beers in a uniquely charming hardware store setting just a short drive from the park entrance.

Accessibility

The main viewpoint is accessible via a paved path suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Most trails are unpaved and moderately challenging with elevation changes. A $5 day-use fee or Oregon State Parks pass is required for parking.

3. Things to Do In Cannon Beach: Explore Downtown Cannon Beach Shops & Galleries

Must-See Sights

Hemlock Street forms the heart of the shopping district, with over a dozen art galleries showcasing works from renowned Pacific Northwest artists. Don't miss Icefire Glassworks, where you can watch glassblowers create stunning pieces, or Bronze Coast Gallery featuring impressive sculptural works. For unique gifts, Cannon Beach Book Company offers a curated selection of books and local literature.

Local Secrets

The courtyards and side streets often hide some of the most interesting shops. Venture down the passageway near Sesame & Lilies to discover hidden gardens and smaller boutiques. Local artists frequently work in open studios, providing a fascinating glimpse into their creative process.

Seasonal Tips

Three major art festivals animate the town throughout the year: Spring Unveiling (May), the Stormy Weather Arts Festival (November), and the Earth & Ocean Arts Festival (September). These events feature gallery walks, artist demonstrations, and special exhibitions that showcase why Cannon Beach has been recognized as one of “The 100 Best Art Towns in America.”

Nearby Food Spots

Sea Level Bakery + Coffee offers artisanal pastries and exceptional coffee perfect for a shopping break. For lunch, Crepe Neptune serves sweet and savory crepes with locally-sourced ingredients in a charming setting.

Accessibility

Downtown Cannon Beach features wide sidewalks and is generally wheelchair accessible, though some shops have one or two steps at their entrances. Public restrooms are available at the Chamber of Commerce information center and Cannon Beach City Park.

4. Things to Do In Cannon Beach: Enjoy a Sunset Beach Bonfire

Few experiences capture the magic of the Oregon Coast better than gathering around a crackling bonfire as the sun sets behind Haystack Rock. This cherished tradition brings together families, friends, and even strangers to share stories and create memories against one of nature's most spectacular backdrops. The simple pleasure of roasting marshmallows while waves crash nearby creates an almost timeless atmosphere that epitomizes the Cannon Beach experience.

Must-See Sights

The sunset itself is the main attraction, as the sky transforms through shades of gold, pink, and purple before darkness falls. As night deepens, the stars emerge with remarkable clarity, offering excellent stargazing opportunities when weather permits. During summer months, you might even spot the Milky Way stretching across the night sky.

Local Secrets

For the easiest bonfire setup, head to the Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site at the south end of Cannon Beach. This location offers convenient parking and beach access, making it simpler to transport firewood and supplies. Fresh Foods market nearby sells bundled firewood, marshmallows, and all necessary bonfire supplies.

Seasonal Tips

Summer evenings offer the warmest conditions, but fall bonfires provide the most dramatic sunsets with fewer crowds. Winter bonfires can be magical on clear nights, though you'll want extra layers. Always check wind conditions—strong winds can make fire management difficult and uncomfortable.

Nearby Food Spots

Pelican Brewing in Pacific City (about 30 minutes south) offers craft beers and pub fare with ocean views—perfect before heading to your bonfire. For a quick option, Tom's Fish & Chips provides takeout seafood ideal for enjoying beachside.

Accessibility

Beach bonfires must be built below the high tide line and at least 50 feet from beach grass or dunes. Fires should be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high. Remember to fully extinguish your fire with water (not sand) before leaving, and pack out all trash. No permits are required, but always follow posted regulations.

5. Discover Hidden Tide Pools Beyond Haystack Rock

Must-See Sights

The north end of Cannon Beach near Chapman Point features extensive tide pool formations with diverse marine life. Look for purple and orange sea stars, green anemones, hermit crabs, and occasionally octopuses hiding in rocky crevices. Hug Point, about three miles south of Cannon Beach, offers not only tide pools but also fascinating sea caves and a historic stagecoach route carved into the headland.

Local Secrets

Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site, just two miles south of town, features excellent tide pools that attract fewer visitors than those at Haystack Rock. During extremely low tides (negative tides), hidden pools emerge at Silver Point that contain some of the most diverse marine life along this stretch of coast.

Seasonal Tips

Spring brings the lowest daytime tides of the year, making it ideal for tide pool exploration. Summer offers warmer conditions but more crowds. Always check tide tables before planning your adventure—tide pools are typically accessible beginning two hours before low tide until two hours after.

Nearby Food Spots

Cannon Beach Bakery offers perfect grab-and-go options for tide pool adventures, including their famous “Haystack Bread.” For a sit-down meal after exploring, Driftwood Restaurant serves classic coastal comfort food with ocean views.

Accessibility

Most tide pool areas require walking over uneven, sometimes slippery rocks. Wear sturdy water shoes with good grip and never turn your back on the ocean. Remember that tide pools are protected marine gardens—observe but don't disturb the wildlife, and never remove creatures or shells.

6. Hike Oswald West State Park's Hidden Trails

Must-See Sights

The park's crown jewel is Short Sand Beach (locally known as “Shorty's”), a protected cove reached via a half-mile forest trail. For more ambitious hikers, the Cape Falcon Trail (5 miles round-trip) rewards with panoramic ocean views, while the more challenging Neahkahnie Mountain Trail (3 miles one-way with 1,700 feet elevation gain) offers some of the most spectacular vistas on the Oregon Coast.

Local Secrets

The Devil's Cauldron viewpoint, accessible via a short trail from the Elk Flats Trailhead, showcases a dramatic rocky cove where waves crash with thunderous force during high tides or storms. For a less-traveled experience, the north section of the Oregon Coast Trail within the park offers serene forest hiking with occasional ocean glimpses.

Seasonal Tips

Summer and early fall provide the driest trail conditions, while spring offers spectacular wildflower displays, including trillium, salmonberry blossoms, and wild iris. Winter hiking can be magical when storm watching is at its peak, though trails become muddy and some sections may be temporarily closed due to fallen trees.

Nearby Food Spots

Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the park's designated areas. Alternatively, Manzanita Grocery & Deli (locally known as “The Little Apple”) in nearby Manzanita offers excellent sandwiches and snacks for hikers. After your adventure, try San Dune Pub for hearty meals and local microbrews.

Accessibility

Most trails in Oswald West are moderately challenging with some elevation changes and occasionally muddy sections. The first quarter-mile of the Short Sand Beach trail is relatively flat and wide, though not paved. No day-use fee is required for parking, making this an economical option for visitors.

7. Experience Winter Storm Watching

While summer draws the crowds, winter reveals Cannon Beach's wild soul. From November through February, powerful Pacific storms transform the typically serene coastline into a dramatic spectacle of nature's raw power. Massive waves crash against Haystack Rock and nearby headlands, sending spray dozens of feet into the air while wind-driven rain and occasional lightning add to the sensory experience.

Must-See Sights

Ecola State Park's viewpoints offer spectacular storm-watching vantage points from a safe elevation. For a more immersive experience, the beach itself provides front-row views of waves pounding the shoreline—just maintain a respectful and safe distance. The Tillamook Rock Lighthouse offshore becomes particularly dramatic during storms, with waves sometimes completely engulfing its base.

Local Secrets

Between storm fronts, brief “weather windows” often open with surprising sunshine and rainbows. Locals monitor weather radar and head out during these breaks for beach walks with dramatically different lighting and atmosphere than summer offers. The north end of the beach near Chapman Point provides excellent storm viewing with fewer people.

Seasonal Tips

December and January typically bring the most powerful storms. Dress in waterproof layers rather than just water-resistant clothing, as horizontal rain driven by 50+ mph winds will find any weakness in your gear. Bring binoculars for distant wave watching and a camera with weather protection.

Nearby Food Spots

Morris' Fireside Restaurant offers comfort food with a fireplace perfect for warming up after storm watching. For a hot beverage, Insomnia Coffee serves specialty drinks ideal for taking to-go as you watch nature's show.

Accessibility

Several oceanfront hotels offer storm watching from the comfort of your room, including Surfsand Resort and Hallmark Resort. Public viewpoints with parking include the Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site and the 2nd Street public beach access. Always respect beach closure signs during extreme conditions.

8. Savor Local Seafood & Craft Beverages

Cannon Beach's culinary scene celebrates the bounty of the Pacific Northwest, from just-caught seafood to locally-grown produce and craft beverages. The town's restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops emphasize quality and connection to place, creating dining experiences that complement the natural beauty surrounding them.

Must-Try Experiences

Sample Dungeness crab at Ecola Seafoods, a family-owned fish market and restaurant where seafood is often processed the same day it's caught. For fine dining, Newmans at 988 offers Italian-French cuisine featuring local ingredients in an intimate converted cottage. Don't miss Public Coast Brewing, where award-winning beers pair perfectly with their signature “Dirty Fries” topped with bacon, blue cheese, and buffalo sauce.

Local Secrets

The Cannon Beach Farmers Market (Tuesdays, June-September) connects visitors directly with local producers. For a unique experience, Cannon Beach Distillery crafts small-batch spirits using traditional methods—their sea salt-infused vodka captures the essence of the coast in a bottle.

Seasonal Tips

Summer brings the freshest local berries and vegetables to restaurant menus, while fall and winter are prime seasons for wild mushrooms foraged from nearby forests. Dungeness crab season typically runs December through August, with the sweetest meat often found in winter months.

Noteworthy Spots

Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters serves organic, house-roasted coffee in a cozy setting that draws locals and visitors alike. Sea Level Bakery + Coffee offers artisanal pastries and breads made with regional ingredients. For a sweet treat, Bruce's Candy Kitchen has been making handcrafted confections since 1963, including their famous saltwater taffy in unique flavors like marionberry and huckleberry.

Accessibility

Most restaurants in Cannon Beach are wheelchair accessible, though some of the older buildings may have limited access. Many establishments offer takeout options for enjoying meals on the beach or in your accommodation. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner at popular restaurants, especially during summer months.

9. Attend Seasonal Art Festivals & Events

Cannon Beach has earned its reputation as one of America's top art towns through its vibrant year-round creative culture. Throughout the year, the town hosts several signature festivals that transform the already artistic community into a celebration of creativity, bringing together artists, collectors, and appreciators in shared appreciation of beauty and craftsmanship.

Must-Attend Events

The Spring Unveiling Arts Festival (May) kicks off the season as galleries debut new work with artist demonstrations and receptions. The Stormy Weather Arts Festival (November) embraces the coast's dramatic fall atmosphere with a weekend of gallery events, live music, and the popular Art in Action showcase where visitors can watch artists create original works. For family fun, the Sandcastle Contest (June) brings thousands of visitors to witness impressive sand sculptures created by masters and amateurs alike.

Local Secrets

Beyond the major festivals, look for smaller events like the Plein Air & More festival where artists create works outdoors throughout town. The Cannon Beach Gallery hosts monthly exhibition openings featuring emerging regional artists in a more intimate setting than the commercial galleries.

Seasonal Tips

Book accommodations well in advance for festival weekends, as rooms fill quickly. The Spring Unveiling offers the best weather combined with smaller crowds than summer events. For the Stormy Weather festival, pack rain gear but don't let precipitation deter you—the moody atmosphere enhances the creative experience.

Art Focused Dining

During festivals, EVOO Cooking School offers special dinner shows combining culinary and visual arts. Cannon Beach Cafe features rotating exhibits by local artists, making it a perfect lunch spot during gallery walks.

Accessibility

Most gallery events are wheelchair accessible, though some historic buildings have limited access. Festival organizers typically provide maps highlighting accessible venues and restrooms. The Sandcastle Contest offers designated viewing areas for those with mobility challenges.

10. Enjoy Family-Friendly Beach Activities

Cannon Beach offers endless opportunities for family fun beyond just building sandcastles. The expansive shoreline provides the perfect setting for memory-making activities that connect generations through shared experiences in nature. From treasure hunting to kite flying, these simple pleasures often become the most cherished memories of a Cannon Beach vacation.

Must-Try Activities

Kite flying is practically a local sport, with consistent coastal breezes providing perfect conditions. Visit Once Upon A Breeze kite shop for equipment and advice—their bat-shaped delta kites are especially good for beginners. Beach volleyball sets up easily on the wide, flat sand, while beachcombing after storms often yields fascinating finds from Japanese glass floats to fossilized shells.

Local Secrets

The Cannon Beach Library offers free children's story hours during summer months. For rainy days, Cannon Beach Hardware & Public House uniquely combines a hardware store with a family-friendly restaurant where kids can enjoy watching model trains circle overhead while parents sample local beers.

Seasonal Tips

Summer brings the annual Sandcastle Contest, but you can build your own masterpiece anytime. The Cannon Beach Chamber provides tide schedules so you can plan activities around the best tide conditions. Fall offers excellent conditions for beachcombing after storms, while spring brings ideal weather for flying kites without summer crowds.

Kid-Friendly Dining

Pizza a'fetta offers crowd-pleasing options for even picky eaters, while Cannon Beach Bakery delights with their famous “Haystack Bread” shaped like the iconic rock. Ruby's Roadside Grill features a casual atmosphere and menu items for all ages.

Accessibility

The main beach access points at Gower Street and Tolovana Park offer the most family-friendly entrances with nearby restrooms and parking. Beach wheelchairs are available through the Chamber of Commerce. City Park in downtown provides playground equipment and picnic facilities just steps from the beach.

Plan Your Unforgettable Cannon Beach Adventure

Whether you're drawn to the natural wonders of Haystack Rock and Ecola State Park, the artistic charm of downtown galleries, or the simple pleasure of a sunset beach bonfire, Cannon Beach offers experiences that resonate long after your vacation ends. Each season brings its own distinct character to this coastal gem—from summer's bustling energy to winter's dramatic storms—making it a destination worth visiting again and again.

As you plan your trip, remember that the most memorable experiences often come from slowing down to appreciate the details: the way morning light illuminates Haystack Rock, the intricate patterns in tide pools, or the friendly conversations with local shopkeepers and artists. Cannon Beach invites you not just to visit, but to truly connect with one of Oregon's most beloved coastal treasures.