This Town is a Calm Coastal Hideaway! 🌄🐚 - Cannon Beach, Oregon.

Today: Your Overview on all Cannon Beach has to Offer!

Today’s location is on the Pacific Coast! Check out the views below ⬇️

Along the rugged coastline of Oregon is Cannon Beach. It’s a small seaside town renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and charm. As you arrive, the iconic sight of Haystack Rock rises from the shoreline, pulling your eyes towards the expanse of the Pacific Ocean. The rhythmic waves crashing against the sandy shore and rocks, coupled with the salty sea breeze, will surely sell you on Cannon Beach, Oregon.

Strolling through the town, you’ll discover a delightful blend of art galleries, boutique shops, and dining options.

Just a short drive from Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park offers sweeping views of the coastline, lush forest trails, and opportunities to see unique animals such as cow elk on land or whales in the sea. To the south, Oswald West State Park offers some secluded beaches and dense, old-growth forests, perfect for hiking and surfing. And for those intrigued by history, the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, perched on a rugged offshore island, adds a touch of context to the scenery around you.

Cannon Beach, with its stunning natural rock formations, iconic landmarks, and vibrant cultural scene, offers visitors a unique blend of scenic landscapes, outdoor adventures, and charming local attractions.

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Natural Landmarks

  • Haystack Rock: This 235-foot sea stack is one of the most photographed landmarks on the Oregon coast. It is home to various seabird species, including tufted puffins, and is accessible at low tide for tidepool exploration.

  • Ecola State Park: Just north of Cannon Beach, this park offers breathtaking views of the coastline, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. It features several hiking trails, including the famous Clatsop Loop Trail and viewpoints like Indian Beach and Tillamook Head.

  • Oswald West State Park: Located to the south, this park boasts secluded beaches, dense old-growth forests, and popular surf spots. The Short Sand Beach, also known as "Shorty's," is a favorite among surfers and beachgoers.

Beaches

  • Cannon Beach: The main beach offers wide stretches of sandy shores, perfect for walking, picnicking, and beachcombing. It’s also a great spot for kite flying and sandcastle building.

  • Tolovana Beach: Located at the southern end of Cannon Beach, it offers a quieter experience with stunning views of Haystack Rock and ample space for beach activities.

  • Arcadia Beach: A little further south, this beach provides a more secluded setting with more rock formations and tidepools to explore.

Outdoor Activities

  • Hiking: Numerous trails in and around Cannon Beach offer opportunities for hikers of all levels. Ecola State Park and Oswald West State Park provide scenic routes through forests and along the coast.

  • Surfing: The beaches near Cannon Beach, especially Oswald West State Park, are popular surfing spots with consistent waves and beautiful surroundings.

  • Tidepooling: At low tide, areas around Haystack Rock and other rocky outcrops reveal vibrant tidepools teeming with marine life, such as sea stars, anemones, and crabs.

  • Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife, from seabirds nesting on Haystack Rock to whales migrating along the coast. Ecola State Park offers excellent vantage points for spotting gray whales.

Cultural and Local Attractions

  • Art Galleries: Cannon Beach is known for its thriving art scene, with numerous galleries showcasing works by local and regional artists. The annual Cannon Beach Spring Unveiling Arts Festival is a highlight.

  • Shopping: The town's downtown area is lined with boutique shops offering unique clothing, jewelry, and gifts, as well as specialty stores featuring local crafts and products.

  • Dining: A variety of dining options are available, but fresh seafood is a local specialty, with many eateries offering dishes made from locally sourced catches.

  • Festivals and Events: Cannon Beach hosts several events throughout the year, including the Sandcastle Contest, Stormy Weather Arts Festival, and the previously mentioned Spring Unveiling Arts Festival.

Historical Sites

  • Tillamook Rock Lighthouse: Also known as "Terrible Tilly," this lighthouse sits on a rugged rock about a mile offshore. Though no longer in operation and not accessible to the public, it remains an iconic historical landmark visible from Ecola State Park.

  • Cannon Beach History Center and Museum: This museum provides insights into the town's history, including its Native American heritage, pioneer settlers, and the story behind the cannon that gave the town its name.

Where to Stay?

  • Hotels and Inns: Cannon Beach offers a range of accommodations, from luxury oceanfront resorts to cozy bed-and-breakfasts and family-friendly motels.

  • Vacation Rentals: Numerous vacation rentals are available, providing options for those seeking a more private and homely stay.

  • Campgrounds: Nearby state parks offer camping facilities for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.

If you decide to go to Cannon Beach, those traveling from afar should fly into Portland International Airport (PDX), as it is a major hub with numerous flight options. From Portland, renting a car offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The drive to Cannon Beach takes about 90 minutes and winds through picturesque landscapes, including the lush forests and rolling hills of the Oregon Coast Range.

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Alternatively, for those who prefer not to drive, the Columbia County Rider (CC Rider) provides a comfortable and reliable bus service from Portland to Cannon Beach, with transfers in nearby towns like Astoria or Seaside. Upon arrival, you’ll find that Cannon Beach is a small, walkable town, making it easy to get around on foot or by bike. Exploring the town and its surroundings at a leisurely pace allows you to fully experience the natural beauty and charming atmosphere.

See you in Cannon Beach!

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