23 Best Things to Do in Cannon Beach Oregon in 2024
LOOKING FOR FUN THINGS TO DO IN CANNON BEACH?
You’re in the right place! We’ve been visiting the Oregon Coast for years, and Cannon Beach is one of those places that we always make our way back to. We love the tide pools, dramatic coastline, and remarkable wildlife, including bald eagles!
We can’t wait to share all of the best things to do in Cannon Beach with you here!
Getting to Cannon Beach
Before we cover the nitty-gritty of where you’ll best enjoy your time in Cannon Beach, let’s discuss the easiest ways to get there.
Cannon Beach from Seattle
The city of Cannon Beach is just under a four-hour drive from Seattle. From Seattle, you can follow the I-5 south to Longview, Highway 30 west to Astoria, and then continue 25 miles south on Highway 101.
Cannon Beach from Portland
Portland International Airport is the closest airport to Cannon Beach, Oregon. Cannon Beach is a great day trip from Portland. The beach is less than a two-hour drive from Portland. To get to Cannon Beach from Portland, follow Highway 26 West to the junction of Highway 101.
If you don’t have a car, you can take the bus. A bus comes twice a day from Portland to Cannon Beach by Northwest Point. These tickets are sold through Greyhound and Amtrak. It is under a two-hour trip.
Things to Do in Cannon Beach
1. Explore the Downtown Shops
The majority of the downtown Cannon Beach shopping area is found just off Hemlock Street. There are art galleries, specialty shops, boutiques, tourist shops, restaurants, and more. Here are some of our favorite stops downtown –
- Icefire Glasswork – If you time your visit just right, you can watch local artists blow glass. In the store, you’ll find platters, vases, and more.
- Bruce’s Candy Kitchen – Stop by to try the signature Cannon Beach Sea Salt flavored taffy and coconut haystacks.
- Jeff Hull Gallery – Jeffrey Hull has a way of highlighting the moody Pacific Northwest Coast through watercolors.
- Cannon Beach Soap Company – They have a variety of bath bombs, sea salts, and candles made from responsibly sourced ingredients.
Be sure to check out the Cannon Beach activities calendar to find out what events and other happenings are taking place at these downtown spots. The calendar can serve as a great resource for Cannon Beach tourist information.
2. Farmers Market
S Hemlock Street & W Gower Ave
(503) 436-8044
The Cannon Beach Farmers Market is held on Tuesdays from June through September from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. There is a wide variety of fresh produce, wild-caught seafood, and artisan food products. If you’re staying at a place with a kitchen, grab some fresh food for a delicious meal at home.
3. Take Photos at Haystack Rock
If you’re looking to capture the most iconic picture in Cannon Beach, head over to Haystack Rock. Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach is one of two haystack rocks along the Oregon Coast and is the town’s main attraction. The slightly less famous Haystack Rock is in Pacific City. It is 235 feet tall.
The central stretch of the beach is accessible at the end of 2nd Street near the downtown parking lot areas. From this area, it is about a mile of a walk to Haystack Rock. There is parking closer to Haystack Rock in the residential streets. Just be sure to check where you are parking is legal.
Haystack Rock is a short walk from the shore. You can walk to the rock at any time, although the best time to visit Haystack Rock is at low tide instead of high tide.
You cannot climb the iconic Haystack Rock because it is a designated National Wildlife Refuge. It also protects people from falling rocks.
Haystack Rock is about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Portland, and it is one of the most popular Cannon Beach tourist attractions. You won’t want to miss one of the most dramatic rock formations in this part of Oregon!
4. Go Tide Pooling at Haystack Rock
There’s so much stuff to do in Cannon Beach! But one of the all-time best things to do in Cannon Beach is tide pooling at Haystack Rock. The tide pools are full of unique and diverse wildlife. We love the starfish, green anemones, and crabs.
The best time to visit the tide pools is an hour before daily low tides. (Check the tide schedule here)
There is an educational program at Haystack Rock during low tides throughout the year. The volunteers can answer questions about the animals that live there.
If you’re looking for more tide pools, be sure to check out the tide pools in Ocean Shores!
5. Fly A Kite on the Beach
Flying a kite on the beach with Haystack Rock in the background is one of the most picturesque things to do. Rowen and Raven loved running up and down the beach trying to get it to fly. We came back on a windier day and had much better luck.
Don’t worry; if you don’t plan on bringing a kite, you can pick one up at Once Upon A Breeze. They have everything from beginner kites to crazy complicated ones. Even if you don’t end up buying one, it is cool to see the kites they have for sale.
6. Bike on the Beach
We had our bikes with us, so we didn’t need to worry about a rental, but we had a lot of fun exploring the beach. The sandy beaches in Northern Oregon are beautiful!
If you need a rental, check out Family FUNcycles. They rent Fun cycles, toddler trailers, fat-tire bikes, and beach cruisers.
7. Enjoy a Campfire on the Beach
As long as there isn’t a fire ban in effect, campfires are allowed on Cannon Beach. One of my favorite things about a beach vacation is watching the sunset and listening to the waves by the warmth of a campfire. It’s one of the best things to do in Cannon Beach at night.
We have bonfires on the beach whenever we can. It’s definitely one of the most unique things to do in Cannon Beach and makes for such a treasured memory! Make sure to bring some supplies for s’mores.
Remember to keep your fires small and contained in dry sand.
8. Visit Ecola State Park
Just north of Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park is a popular place for hiking, with beautiful views of the coastline and beautiful beaches. It’s one of the most beautiful and serene Cannon Beach attractions.
The park runs along nine miles of the north coast shoreline. In the park, there are great places for a picnic, photography, and hiking.
- Ecola Point Day-Use Area – A grassy bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean
- Ecola Point – The southernmost area of the park and the part of the park closest to Cannon Beach. This point overlooks Crescent Beach with a picnic area with tables available.
- Hike to Crescent Beach – Leave from Ecola Point for a 1.25-mile trail down to Crescent Beach. There is a cave and a waterfall at the north end of the beach.
9. Explore Hug Point State Recreation Area
After you’ve spent time at Haystack Rock and Ecola State Park, head south for the sea caves and a waterfall in Hug Point State Recreation Area. It is a small area along the coast, but there are many beautiful things to see.
The best way to experience Hug Point is by walking along the beach, admiring the burnt-colored sandstone cliffs. The sea caves are at the north end of the beach. You’ll pass the waterfall on the way to the sea caves.
A visit to the Hug Point State Recreation site is one of the best things to do in Cannon Beach for adults and kids alike!
10. Go Crabbing
Crabbing on the Northern Oregon Coast is another one of our favorite things to do in Cannon Beach, OR. We rented a boat and rings from Kelly’s Brighton Marina and headed out into the bay. It was fun to be out on the water and try our hand at crabbing.
We did this in Cannon Beach before we had kids but have since gone crabbing with our kids in Newport and Lincoln City. You will need a capable body to drive the boat and another to grab the trap and pull it up. That said, it’s one of the most fun and best things to do in Cannon Beach for couples.
Oregon Coast crabbing is best in the months that end with an “r,” meaning the fall and winter. It’s one of the best things to do in Cannon Beach in October and November.
The summer months are plentiful as well, so never fear. We went at the end of August and caught enough crabs for dinner for a group of 15 people.
11. Take a Fishing Adventure
We headed out into the ocean to go salmon fishing with Tackle Time Bait and Charter in Warrenton. We fished for about six hours and came back with the limit for each person.
This was our first time fishing out in the ocean, and it was a lot of fun. This is a long time commitment, so if you have quite a few days to spend in the area or you love fishing, this would be a fun option.
If you do get motion sick, be sure to take some Dramamine. The ocean waves are no joke.
12. Go Camping at Nehalem Bay State Park
If you’re looking for an inexpensive place to stay or will be visiting in an RV, check out Nehalem Bay State Park. It is about 25 minutes south of town and where we stayed on our West Coast RV trip. The drive was gorgeous, so we didn’t mind making the drive every day.
The park is on the beach, and we loved having the beach a few steps out of our motorhome door. The park has two day-use areas, rolling dunes along the beach, and a bike path along opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and clamming.
If you are interested in renting an RV or are just getting into RVing, be sure to check out our FAQs for RVs.
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30-Day Free Trial13. Wander Arcadia Beach
Arcadia Beach is about a mile south of town and is a great place to spend the day at the beach. There are tidepool areas to the north and south, and is a popular place for surfers.
Points of interest at the beach are Humbug Point, Lion Rock, and Silver Point. Silver Point is about .6 miles north and only accessible at low tide. Overall, Arcadia Beach State Recreation site is one of the most fun Cannon Beach Oregon attractions.
14. Visit Seaside
A visit to Seaside is one of the most fun things to do around Cannon Beach. About 15 minutes north of Cannon Beach, Seaside is a fun town to explore.
Seaside is bigger than Cannon Beach, with lots of family-friendly activities, an outlet mall, and a historic shipwreck left on the beach.
15. Check Out Oswald West State Park
A visit to Oswald West State Park is one of the best things to do during a family vacation to Cannon Beach. With such striking beauty on display, the cliffs, meadows, waterfalls, creeks, and rainforests are sights you won’t want to miss.
If you want to get up close to nature here, hike up Neahkahnie Mountain. There are two trails to the top of the 1661-foot mountaintop. The North Trail is about 2 miles, while the South Trail is around 1.3 miles. If your family enjoys more advanced hikes, consider the 5-mile round trip to Cape Falcon and back.
If you want to enjoy the shoreline at Oswald State Park, check out Short Sand Beach. It’s a perfect place for a picnic or surfing if you’re wild enough to brave the chilly waters!
16. Enjoy the View of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse
Tillamook Rock Lighthouse is one of the most iconic and best places to visit in Cannon Beach. Completed in 1881, the lighthouse, a little over a mile off the northern Oregon Coast, has a storied past.
Known to the locals as “Terrible Tilly,” the lighthouse has been long decommissioned, but it’s still a striking monument to behold.
17. See a Show at Coaster Theatre Playhouse
Most people visiting the Oregon Coast travel to enjoy the striking beauty of this region of the United States. But when you tire from outdoor adventures, a visit to the Coaster Theatre Playhouse is one of the best things to do in Cannon Beach at night.
This cozy playhouse is a fun place to visit to enjoy a family-friendly night of theater. The 2024 schedule is available now, so check it out to see if one of their shows coordinates with the dates of your trip.
18. Whale Watching
Aside from the striking coastline and lush greenery, we really love the wildlife that Cannon Beach offers, too. From gray whales to orcas and humpbacks, whale watching is one of the best things to do in Cannon Beach.
Ecola State Park is one of the best places to visit to try your luck at spotting some of these captivating creatures of the sea!
Where to Eat in Cannon Beach
19. Tom’s Fish & Chips
Tom’s Fish & Chips is a staple for us when we are in Cannon Beach. Serving burgers, fries, fish baskets, and delicious chowder. It’s definitely one of our favorite restaurants in Cannon Beach.
Trust us; you don’t want to miss out on the clam chowder any time you’re on the Oregon Coast!
20. Pelican Brewing
Pelican Brewing is another option for delicious chowder as well as flatbreads, burgers, and sandwiches. And, of course, lots of beer.
21. Chocolate Café
Chocolate Café is a great spot to stop in for the best chocolates from around the world, as well as their own homemade truffles. There’s a park just across the street, so grab some chocolate and relax at the park while the kids play.
22. Suzy’s Scoops
We are suckers for a good scoop of ice cream. You can’t go wrong with the Cascade Glacier flavors at Suzy’s Scoops.
23. Surfbird
Surfbird is open for breakfast and lunch. It’s a great option for a simple but contemporary meal in a fun setting.
Map of Things to Do in Cannon Beach, Oregon
How to Use This Map: Click on the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest.
If you click the star next to the title of the map, this will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps. Then click on the menu button, go to “Your Place,” and click on Maps. You will see this map added to your list.
What to Pack for Cannon Beach
☑️ Sweatshirt – Even if you are visiting in the summer, you will want a jacket on the beach. It is a good idea to bring layers of clothing.
☑️ Shorts/T-shirts – In the afternoons, the sun comes out, and you’ll want some cooler clothes, especially if you are hiking.
☑️ Raincoat – Especially if you are visiting in the winter, a waterproof coat is needed to stay dry in the winter rains.
☑️ Hiking Boots – In the winter and even into late spring, hiking trails can be muddy and slippery.
☑️ Camera – You’ll be taking pictures around every corner.
☑️ Firewood, roasting sticks, fire starters, and s’mores ingredients – This is needed if you plan to have a bonfire at the beach.
☑️ Picnic blanket – You’ll spend lots of time sitting at the beach enjoying the views of Haystack Rock
☑️ Binoculars – Perfect for birdwatching at Haystack Rock and in Ecola and other Oregon state parks.
☑️ Umbrella – An umbrella, particularly a wind-roof umbrella, is important for the unpredictable rain in the area.
FAQ: Best Things to Do in Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is 90 minutes west of Portland, Oregon, and four hours south of Seattle. The town is four miles south of the US-26 junction along the Pacific Coast Highway. It is a perfect stop on an Oregon Coast road trip.
Cannon Beach is a famous, quaint small town on the beach. It is commonly recognized as one of the best beaches in Oregon. It is most famous for the towering Haystack Rock. The Goonies and part of the Twilight were filmed on Indian Beach in Ecola State Park in Cannon Beach, Oregon.
Whether you’re spending time exclusively in Cannon Beach or going from Cannon Beach to Portland, any time spent in Cannon Beach is worth it. It has so many beautiful places to see, and always somewhere we love spending time as a family.
We have visited Cannon Beach multiple times over the last five years and always enjoy tide pooling at Haystack Rock and exploring the beautiful outdoors.
The best time to go to Cannon Beach is from July through early September. The weather is the warmest with fewer chances of rain. We visited in early September as part of our West Coast trip and had great weather.
Keep in mind that if you aren’t able to visit within that window, you can still have a great time in Cannon Beach. There are plenty of things to do in Cannon Beach when it’s raining.
The closest airport to Cannon Beach is Portland International Airport, which is about 90 minutes from Cannon Beach. From Portland International Airport, take US-26 west for about 75 miles.
Yes, you can swim in the Oregon coast’s Pacific Ocean. Is the water warm? Heavens no! It is freezing. The temperature of the water in Cannon Beach ranges from 48° F in February to 57° F in August. Typically, ocean water is enjoyable to swim in, starting at about 72° F.
That being said, we have seen people swimming at the beach in Oregon. Most of them are surfers wearing wetsuits.
Camping on the beach is not allowed within the city limits of Cannon Beach. There are lots of RV parks near Cannon Beach, or you can stay at one of the many Cannon Beach hotels. You can also look in Seaside for other campsites on the Oregon Coast.
Driving on the beach is not allowed unless you’ve obtained a permit. The police department does issue short-duration beach access permits for those with disabilities or those gathering driftwood.
We did drive out on the beach a little more north in Astoria; however, we wouldn’t recommend driving out on the beach unless you have four-wheel drive.
Dogs are allowed on Cannon Beach as long as they are on a leash or under voice control of the owner.
If you love visiting the beach with your dog, another really dog-friendly beach city in the Pacific Northwest is Ocean Shores.
Conclusion: Best Things to Do in Cannon Beach
We hope you have found this guide helpful in exploring all of the best things to do in Cannon Beach. It is such a beautiful part of the Oregon Coast and a place that we love visiting as a family. There is so much to do, and the cooler temperatures are so nice during the summer!
If you have any questions, please comment below! We love the Oregon coast and are happy to help you plan your vacation. And make sure to follow along on our travels on Instagram @csginger.
Looking for more Pacific Northwest travel tips? Read more:
- 25 Best Small Towns in Oregon
- Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Thor’s Well at Cape Perpetua
- Gold Beach Oregon: 21 Best Things to Do For An Epic Vacation
- 27 Best Things to Do in Ocean Shores, Washington + Camping Details
- 16 Best Things to Do in Forks, Washington
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It is beautiful! I should have gone here last summer, but I had to give up because of the pandemic. Sooner or later I am gonna visit! And by the way, The Goonies is one of my favourite movies!
Oh darn! I hope you get to reschedule soon. You would have a great time there. And the Goonies is such a classic!
I truly loved reading about the ‘Tide Pooling’.
I didn’t know that was such a thing, very unique.
Ohh it is so cool! Be on the lookout for tide pooling next time you go to the ocean. It is such an amazing thing to see.
Fun! It’s been a while since I’ve been here! 🙂
Hopefully you can come back again! It is so much fun there. What did you do last time you visited?
Very interesting activities and places to visit in Cannon Beach. Biking and kiting is good activities for kids. Thanks for sharing tips about this beach.
No problem. Thanks for reading. My kids love when we get the kite going up in the air.
First of all, this place looks amazing. Someday I would like to make it back to Oregon because it is such a beautiful state. Second, you include fantastic
Looks beautiful. I’m now starting to miss going to the beach; I haven’t gone to one for a couple years now.
It is such a gorgeous place. I hope you can visit the beach soon. So much fun and rejuvenating.
I’ve never been to Oregan but whoah that Haystack Rock looks awesome. It looks like it’ll be a good place to visit.
Oh I hope you get to visit Oregon one day. It is a beautiful state.