Cannon Beach, United States, is famous for its dramatic coastal scenery, highlighted by the towering Haystack Rock rising from the Pacific shoreline. This picturesque town embodies the quintessential Pacific Northwest beach experience: wide, sandy stretches, lush forests meeting the sea, and a quaint, walkable downtown filled with local boutiques, cafés, and art galleries. From its iconic sunsets to frequent foggy mornings, Cannon Beach captures both wild natural beauty and small-town charm.
One of the main draws is stepping onto the windswept beach and gazing up at Haystack Rock, a monolithic sea stack that plays host to nesting seabirds and colorful tide pools teeming with marine life. Visitors can enjoy long walks on the sand, bonfires in the evening, and panoramic views that change character with the shifting weather. Ecola State Park, just to the north, offers hiking trails with sweeping ocean vistas and opportunities for picnicking and wildlife spotting. In town, you'll find cozy bookstores, renowned local art, and delightful bakeries specializing in fresh-baked pastries.
Cannon Beach has an inviting, relaxed atmosphere that's both family-friendly and romantic, lending itself well to weekend escapes or extended summer stays. The community prioritizes arts and culture, with events like the annual sandcastle contest and plein air painting festivals drawing a creative crowd. Friendly locals and a laid-back pace encourage visitors to slow down, savoring everything from beachcombing to a leisurely dinner of fresh seafood.
Getting around is easy on foot or by bicycle—most accommodations, eateries, and shops cluster close to the main beach access points. There are a range of lodging options from charming inns and vacation rentals to upscale oceanfront hotels. Don’t miss sampling Dungeness crab at a local bistro or ducking into the galleries that showcase regional artists. Reservations are highly recommended in the busy summer season, when Cannon Beach is at its most lively.
Spring through early fall is the most popular time to visit, thanks to mild, pleasant weather and vibrant wildflower displays in the surrounding forests. Even in cooler months, the dramatic storm-watching opportunities and quieter ambience make this a rewarding destination year-round. Pack layers, be ready for fog or sun, and bring your camera—Cannon Beach’s stunning natural backdrops are unforgettable.
One of the main draws is stepping onto the windswept beach and gazing up at Haystack Rock, a monolithic sea stack that plays host to nesting seabirds and colorful tide pools teeming with marine life. Visitors can enjoy long walks on the sand, bonfires in the evening, and panoramic views that change character with the shifting weather. Ecola State Park, just to the north, offers hiking trails with sweeping ocean vistas and opportunities for picnicking and wildlife spotting. In town, you'll find cozy bookstores, renowned local art, and delightful bakeries specializing in fresh-baked pastries.
Cannon Beach has an inviting, relaxed atmosphere that's both family-friendly and romantic, lending itself well to weekend escapes or extended summer stays. The community prioritizes arts and culture, with events like the annual sandcastle contest and plein air painting festivals drawing a creative crowd. Friendly locals and a laid-back pace encourage visitors to slow down, savoring everything from beachcombing to a leisurely dinner of fresh seafood.
Getting around is easy on foot or by bicycle—most accommodations, eateries, and shops cluster close to the main beach access points. There are a range of lodging options from charming inns and vacation rentals to upscale oceanfront hotels. Don’t miss sampling Dungeness crab at a local bistro or ducking into the galleries that showcase regional artists. Reservations are highly recommended in the busy summer season, when Cannon Beach is at its most lively.
Spring through early fall is the most popular time to visit, thanks to mild, pleasant weather and vibrant wildflower displays in the surrounding forests. Even in cooler months, the dramatic storm-watching opportunities and quieter ambience make this a rewarding destination year-round. Pack layers, be ready for fog or sun, and bring your camera—Cannon Beach’s stunning natural backdrops are unforgettable.
Expected Weekly Budget
$900–$1400 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Explore tide pools around Haystack Rock
- Hike the scenic trails in Ecola State Park
- Browse local art galleries in downtown Cannon Beach
- Enjoy picnics and whale watching at Indian Beach
- Sample local seafood at oceanfront restaurants
- Take a beach bonfire at sunset
- Shop for indie goods and coastal souvenirs
- Rent bikes for a cruise down the sandy shoreline
Notable Sites
- Haystack Rock
- Ecola State Park
- Indian Beach
- Crescent Beach
- Cannon Beach History Center & Museum
- Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site
- Coaster Theatre Playhouse
General Advice
Cannon Beach is the kind of place where nature meets culture—whether you’re here for adventure or relaxation, give yourself time to both explore the coastal wilderness and enjoy the town’s local shops and eateries. The area gets busy on summer weekends, so book accommodations early and plan some outings off the main beach for quieter moments. Layering clothing is smart, as coastal weather can shift rapidly even in summer. Consider spending at least two to three days to really soak in the scenery and artistic vibe.
Security & Safety
Cannon Beach is generally safe and welcoming for visitors. Still, keep your car locked and valuables out of sight, especially in public parking lots near beach accesses. Be cautious when exploring tide pools and rocky areas, as waves can be unpredictable and slippery surfaces may cause falls. Pay attention to posted signs about high tides and wildlife protection zones. In the main tourist season, watch out for bike and pedestrian traffic in busy downtown corridors.
Travel Tips
- Pack layered clothing—even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cool or foggy.
- Footwear that handles both sand and town strolls is a bonus.
- Arrive early to secure parking near popular beach accesses.
- Plan meals ahead—restaurants can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.
- Use the shuttle or bicycles to avoid traffic during busy periods.
- Don’t skip the lesser-known beaches like Crescent Beach for more solitude.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching and whale spotting in spring.
- Check tide tables if you plan to explore tide pools or go beachcombing.
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Traveler Comments
Visited in June 2024
Cannon Beach is my go-to for a chill getaway. Walking under Haystack Rock as the tide rolled out was honestly magical. The seafood at Ecola Seafood is so fresh, and the whole place just felt peaceful, even with summer crowds.
Traveled here in July 2023
Loved the art galleries downtown and the spectacular views from Ecola State Park. The only thing was, parking got a bit tricky by midday, so next time I’ll use the shuttle. The pastries at Cannon Beach Bakery are a must.
Stayed in August 2023
My husband and I spent our anniversary here and couldn’t have picked a better spot. Evening bonfire on the beach, listening to the waves—absolutely perfect. Make sure to book accommodations early if you’re coming in summer.
Visited in May 2024
I hiked from Ecola Point to Indian Beach and the views were stunning the entire way. Keep an eye on the weather though—fog rolled in fast one afternoon and totally changed the vibe. Would recommend for anyone who likes dramatic coastlines.
Traveled here in October 2023
The beach was much quieter in the fall, which I loved. Got rained on during one hike but it just made the forest smell amazing. Some shops had shorter hours than summer, but overall worth it for the solitude.
Visited in April 2024
Traveled solo and had a really relaxing time exploring tide pools and reading in a cozy café. The town is super walkable, and everyone I met was friendly. If you’re a photographer, sunrise and sunset here are unreal.
Stayed in September 2023
Fantastic for families! Our kids loved the tide pools by Haystack Rock—lots of little hermit crabs and starfish. We took bikes along the sand at low tide, then had ice cream in town. We’ll be back next year.
Visited in July 2023
Beautiful place but can get crowded, especially near the main beach entrance. The scenery makes up for it though. I preferred walking south toward Tolovana Beach where it was a bit less busy.
Traveled here in March 2024
Even with some rainy days, we managed great hikes and cozy evenings in a local wine bar. The art scene surprised me—so many creative spaces in such a small town. Bring a rain jacket just in case!
Visited in August 2023
Sunsets over the Pacific from Crescent Beach were breathtaking. We saw puffins nesting at Haystack Rock which our teens thought was the coolest thing ever. Plenty of places for good coffee in the mornings.
Explored in December 2023
Cannon Beach in winter is a different experience but still wonderful. Went storm-watching, did puzzles by the fireplace, and walked the empty sand. Much quieter, though some restaurants close midweek out of season.
Stayed in May 2024
Great spot for a long weekend. We spent half a day gallery-hopping, then rented bikes and explored the coastline. I recommend grabbing a picnic before heading into Ecola Park—there aren’t many food options up there.
Visited in February 2024
Brought my dog and had so much fun on the pet-friendly beach areas. Cannon Beach has plenty of spots where four-legged friends are welcome. Just remember to pack extra towels for sandy paws.
Traveled here in April 2024
Absolutely loved the wildflowers along the Ecola State Park trails in spring. The tide pool creatures around Haystack Rock fascinated our daughter. Restaurants were a bit expensive but the quality was top notch.
Visited in June 2023
Attended the sandcastle contest and it’s such a fun, local event. I liked how easy it was to walk everywhere or just rent bikes. The beach feels endless and there are plenty of cute shops for browsing in the afternoons.
Stayed in May 2023
Had a great family reunion here. We played volleyball, grilled out, and watched the sunset together. One rainy afternoon kept us indoors but there were board games at our vacation rental, so no complaints.
Traveled here in January 2024
Loved watching the waves pound the rocks during a winter storm. Cannon Beach feels cozy and inviting even when it’s gray. Fewer tourists this time of year made it feel more personal.
Visited in July 2023
We enjoyed our stay, but Cannon Beach is definitely on the pricier side compared to some other coastal towns. Still, the scenery is unbeatable and the local seafood was delicious.
Went in September 2023
Spent hours just exploring the coastline and poking around in the little gift shops. Saw seals playing in the surf near sunset. Parking fills up fast so plan ahead but worth every effort.
Traveled here in March 2024
My friends and I came for a spring break hiking trip and loved it. We had great weather for the trail up to Indian Beach and took so many photos. Grab treats at the bakery before heading out!
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