Cannon Beach

One of Oregon's most picturesque coastal towns, famous for its dramatic Haystack Rock sea stack and wide sandy beaches backed by charming village shops and galleries. It's the quintessential Pacific Northwest beach destination with excellent restaurants and sea views.

Things to do

• Haystack Rock exploration — Wade out to this iconic 235-foot sea stack at low tide to observe tide pools, sea stars, and nesting puffins during summer months.
• Cannon Beach walk — Stroll the wide, sandy beach for miles, collecting shells and enjoying unobstructed ocean views backed by coastal cliffs.
• Ecola State Park hiking — Trek through old-growth Sitka spruce forest with viewpoints overlooking dramatic headlands and secluded coves just north of town.
• Coaster Theatre productions — Catch live theater performances in this community playhouse housed in a converted 1920s movie theater in downtown Cannon Beach.
• Gallery hopping on Hemlock Street — Browse over a dozen galleries featuring local artists' work including paintings, sculptures, and glass art throughout the village.
• Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest — Witness elaborate sand sculptures during this annual summer event where artists create impressive castles and art installations.

Food to try

• Dungeness crab sandwich — Local restaurants serve fresh, locally-caught Dungeness crab on sourdough or brioche with minimal garnish to highlight the delicate meat.
• Fish and chips — Pacific-caught wild salmon or halibut is battered and fried, served with thick-cut fries and local tartar sauce at beachfront establishments.
• Clam chowder — Creamy New England-style or broth-based Pacific Northwest clam chowder made with fresh razor clams harvested from nearby beaches.
• Marionberry desserts — Local bakeries feature Oregon's famous marionberries in pies, cobblers, and tarts, celebrating the state's signature berry harvest.
• Smoked salmon — Locally smoked Pacific Northwest salmon available fresh at delis and specialty shops, often from regional smokeries using traditional methods.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect tide pool ecosystems — When exploring tide pools at Haystack Rock, look but don't touch sea creatures, and never remove starfish, anemones, or other organisms.
• Plan visits around low tide — Access to Haystack Rock and the best tide pool exploration requires checking tide tables; plan your day accordingly as conditions change dramatically.
• Dress in layers year-round — The Oregon coast is notoriously cool and windy even in summer; locals recommend layers including a windbreaker rather than expecting warm beach weather.
• Support local businesses — Cannon Beach is a tight-knit community that values patronizing locally-owned restaurants, galleries, and shops rather than chain establishments.