Cannon Beach Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Experience the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest in this charming seaside village defined by the iconic Haystack Rock and lush rainforest surroundings. Cannon Beach offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, artistic culture, and serene coastal relaxation just 90 minutes from Portland.
There is a reason Cannon Beach is frequently named one of the most beautiful places in the world. As you drive down Highway 101 and the trees part to reveal the Pacific Ocean, the view is nothing short of spiritual. The air smells of salt spray and cedar, and the rhythm of the crashing waves sets a pace that is decidedly slower than the city life left behind.
This isn’t your typical sandy strip; it is a landscape of drama and contrast. Massive basalt formations rise from the surf, remnants of ancient lava flows, while an emerald green temperate rainforest clings to the cliffs above. Whether you are watching a winter storm pummel the shore or strolling through the artistic village on a sunny July afternoon, Cannon Beach offers a profound connection to the raw power of nature.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
Where the Rainforest Meets the Sea
Unlike southern beaches, Cannon Beach sits on the edge of a temperate rainforest. This unique ecology means you are never far from towering Sitka spruce and Western hemlock trees. The interplay between the dense forest and the open ocean creates a habitat rich in wildlife. It is not uncommon to see Roosevelt elk grazing in the meadows near Ecola State Park or bald eagles perching in the driftwood.
Culturally, the town has evolved from a rugged outpost to a refined arts colony. Strict zoning laws have kept chains and high-rises away, preserving a village atmosphere where shingled cottages house world-class galleries, glassblowers, and theaters. It is a place where you can hike a muddy trail in the morning and enjoy a white-tablecloth dinner by evening.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Explore Haystack Rock
Walk out to one of the world's tallest sea stacks at low tide to explore vibrant tide pools filled with starfish and anemones. This protected marine garden is also a nesting ground for seabirds.
Hike Ecola State Park
Traverse lush Sitka spruce forests on trails that offer sweeping panoramic views of the coastline and the abandoned Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. The Clatsop Loop Trail is a local favorite.
Downtown Gallery Hopping
Wander through the walkable downtown district known as one of America's best art towns, featuring glass blowing, bronze sculptures, and local maritime paintings.
Hug Point State Recreation Site
Visit this beach at low tide to see the original stagecoach road carved into the cliffside by pioneers in the late 19th century. The area also features sea caves and a seasonal waterfall.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
Haystack Rock - Rising 235 feet from the shoreline, this is the centerpiece of the beach. It is accessible on foot at low tide (0 mi from downtown, Free). Do not climb the rock, as it is a protected bird sanctuary.
Ecola State Park - Located 2 miles north of downtown, this park offers the most famous postcard view of the coastline. It features hiking trails and surfing at Indian Beach ($5 day-use permit).
Hug Point - Situated 5 miles south of town, this beach allows you to walk a historic stagecoach road carved into the cliff. It is only safe to visit during low tide (Free parking).
Hemlock Street - The village’s main walkable artery, lined with coffee shops, book stores, and art galleries. It runs the length of downtown and Midtown (Free access).
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Cannon Beach is located about 80 miles west of Portland, making it an easy 1.5-hour drive via Highway 26. Having a car is highly recommended, as public transit along the coast is limited. Once you arrive in town, however, you can park your vehicle and walk to most restaurants and beach access points.
Be sure to pack layers. The Oregon Coast is notorious for its microclimates; it can be sunny and warm in town but windy and cold on the headlands. A waterproof windbreaker, fleece layers, and sturdy walking shoes are essential packing items year-round. If you plan to explore the tide pools, waterproof boots are a game-changer.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Summer (July - August)
Pros
- Warmest temperatures
- Lowest chance of rain
- Full calendar of events
- Ideal for beach activities
Cons
- Highest accommodation prices
- Crowded beaches and trailheads
- Traffic congestion on Highway 101
- Restaurants require reservations well in advance
Shoulder Season: Fall (September - October)
Pros
- Often the clearest skies of the year
- Fewer crowds than mid-summer
- Better hotel availability
- Great for hiking without heat
Cons
- Days get shorter rapidly
- Rain probability increases by late October
- Some seasonal shops may reduce hours
- Water is too cold for wading
Off-Peak: Winter (November - March)
Pros
- Lowest hotel rates
- Cozy, romantic atmosphere
- Exciting storm watching opportunities
- No crowds at popular spots
Cons
- Frequent heavy rain and wind
- Limited outdoor activities
- Risk of power outages during storms
- Short daylight hours
Whether you come for the summer sunshine or the cozy winter storms, Cannon Beach provides a sanctuary from the noise of modern life. It is a place to breathe deeper, walk slower, and witness the majestic edge of the American continent.
Sample Itineraries
Classic Cannon Beach Weekend
The quintessential tour of the Oregon Coast's most famous village, focusing on iconic landmarks, beach relaxation, and local dining.
Day 1: The Icons of the Coast
- Morning: Start your trip with a freshly roasted latte and a savory scone from Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters, costing around $15 for two. Walk two blocks down to the beach to see Haystack Rock at low tide, where you can spend an hour exploring the tide pools with volunteer interpreters.
- Afternoon: Drive 2 miles north to Ecola State Park, paying the $5 day-use fee to access the famous viewpoint overlooking the coastline. Hike the short trail to the Indian Beach picnic area for a packed lunch or return to town for fish and chips at Public Coast Brewing for approximately $45.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at The Wayfarer Restaurant featuring Dungeness crab and local oysters, with a bill averaging $120. End the night with a beach bonfire, a local tradition permitted on the sand, using a bundle of firewood bought from a local market for $10.
Day 2: History and Hidden Gems
- Morning: Drive 5 miles south to Hug Point State Recreation Site ideally around 9:00 AM to beat the crowds. Walk the historic stagecoach road carved into the sandstone cliffs and explore the small waterfall that drops onto the beach.
- Afternoon: Return to downtown Cannon Beach to explore the art galleries along Hemlock Street, including the Bronze Coast Gallery and DragonFire Gallery. Stop for a casual lunch at Crepe Neptune, where savory and sweet crepes will cost about $30 for two people.
- Evening: Visit the Pelican Brewing taproom for a flight of local coastal ales and a casual dinner costing around $60. Conclude your trip with a twilight walk along the quiet Midtown beach area to watch the stars appear over the Pacific Ocean.
Nature Lover's Escape
A hiking-focused itinerary that explores the temperate rainforests, rugged headlands, and wildlife of the North Oregon Coast.
Day 1: Into the Rainforest
- Morning: Begin at Ecola State Park and tackle the 2.5-mile Clatsop Loop Trail, which winds through old-growth Sitka spruce and offers views of the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Bring water and snacks, as this hike takes about 2 hours and has moderate elevation gain.
- Afternoon: Head back to town for a hearty lunch at the Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge, spending roughly $50 on their famous clam chowder and sandwiches. Afterward, rent a funcycle or beach bike for $20 per hour to ride along the hard-packed sand during low tide.
- Evening: Drive south to the Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site for a picnic dinner on the sand, costing $30 for supplies from the local Mariner Market. Watch for gray whales spouting offshore during the spring or fall migration seasons before heading back to your lodge.
Day 2: Capes and Caves
- Morning: Drive 15 minutes south to Oswald West State Park and hike the Short Sand Beach trail, a mesmerizing 1-mile walk through a mossy rainforest tunnel. Watch surfers tackle the waves at Smuggler’s Cove while enjoying a breakfast burrito you packed from town.
- Afternoon: Challenge yourself with the hike up Neahkahnie Mountain nearby for the best aerial view on the entire Oregon Coast. The trail is steep, but the summit offers a breathtaking vantage point 1,600 feet above the sea.
- Evening: Return to Cannon Beach for a well-deserved fine dining experience at the Stephanie Inn Dining Room, a prix fixe experience costing approximately $150 for two. Relax afterward with a glass of Oregon Pinot Noir by a fire pit at your hotel.
Day 3: Wildlife and Waterways
- Morning: Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard in nearby Nehalem Bay, located 20 minutes south, for a rental cost of $40 per person. Paddle through the estuary to spot herons, eagles, and river otters in the calm waters.
- Afternoon: Drive back to Cannon Beach for a final lunch at Season’s Cafe, enjoying fresh salads and sandwiches for about $40. Spend your final hours browsing the Icefire Glassworks studio to watch live glassblowing demonstrations.
- Evening: Take one last walk to Haystack Rock to bid farewell to the Tufted Puffins (seasonal) or simply listen to the waves. Grab a bag of saltwater taffy from Bruce’s Candy Kitchen for $15 as a sweet souvenir for the drive home.
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