Top Activities to Do in Cannon Beach, OR
The Oregon Coast has several popular trip destinations along it, but perhaps none have as much acclaim as Cannon Beach. With miles of coastline and biodiversity, shopping and delicious eats, this beach town has much to offer.
Cannon Beach is an upscale beach town that has excellent restaurants, cute wine bars and cafes, and incredible beach views — particularly the massive Haystack Rock that juts up from the ocean floor just off shore.
If you’re looking for some ideas of things to during a weekend getaway to Cannon Beach (or longer!) you’re in the right place. Read on for the top things to do in Cannon Beach from wine tasting to epic hiking.
Before You Go to Cannon Beach
When visiting any Pacific Northwest destination, keep the seasons in mind. Oregon doesn’t see much rain in the summer, but temperatures can still stay quite cool by the coast. On the other hand, winter is very rainy and the wind can cause a chill.
If you’re visiting Cannon Beach in the winter or early spring, come prepared with a raincoat and layers plus double check to see if outdoor attractions are open for visitors. In summer, don’t forget a light sweatshirt.
Now for those Cannon Beach activities you don’t want to miss!
Haystack Rock: Cannon Beach’s Most Famous Attraction
Cannon Beach’s most recognizable landmark is Haystack Rock, which was featured in films like The Goonies and Twilight. While this sea stack is impressive on its own, there’s more to this beach area than just Haystack Rock. You’ll also find tidepools with diverse marine life in them, along with different bird species year-round.
Beyond the mesmerizing ecosystem Haystack Rock, it still makes for a stunning photo-op!
Feel free to search for crabs and sea stars, but since they’re in a protected area, leave them be – nothing within 300 yards of Haystack Rock can be removed from that area. Instead, “touch with your eyes” and bring your camera with you.
The Wine Shack in Downtown Cannon Beach
This wine store in Cannon Beach has a tasting room, where you can sample a variety of the Wine Shack’s own Puffin line of wines. For an $8 tasting fee, The Wine Shack will pour four of their wines for you to try. They’ll reimburse your tasting fee if you buy two of the featured wines, and you’ll likely be tempted to do just that — many of their wines are award-winning.
The Wine Shack’s tasting room is open on Sunday through Thursday from noon until 4:00pm, and they stay open until 5:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.
If you’ll be in town during their annual Oregon Pinot Camp, consider joining to discover some more local favorites.
Coaster Theatre
The Coaster Theatre is a small theater with a community feel that puts on live performances of plays and musicals. If you love the theater, definitely check out what’s playing while you’re in town.
Also, fun fact: the Coaster Theatre is located in a remodeled 1920s roller rink.
The Coaster Theatre is conveniently located right downtown across from the Wine Shack.
Ecola State Park
Filled with hiking trails and scenic viewpoints, you could easily spend an entire day at Ecola State Park. The Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail, Indian Beach Trail, and Clatsop Loop Trail all cut through Cannon Beach, so you won’t need to travel far to reach them. If you like natural sightseeing, you’ll love the varied landscapes here, so come prepared for hours of outdoor adventures.
Ecola State Park charges a $5 admission fee. Before visiting, make sure the park is open, as it sometimes closes for safety reasons due to weather and trail conditions.
Day Trip from Cannon Beach to Tillamook
Not far from Cannon Beach is the town of Tillamook, a fun destination in its own right.
While there, you can take an interactive tour of the Tillamook Creamery, where you can watch their cheese being made. After your tour there’s a cafe where you can purchase Tillamook ice cream and cheeses.
Though the creamery is more famous, I also really enjoyed Blue Heron French Cheese Company in Tillamook. The grounds were lovely with farm animals and seating areas. Inside you can sample and purchase cheeses as well as do some wine tasting.
You can also visit the Tillamook Aviation Museum while in town, which has World War II exhibits, a commercial airliner from the 70s, and blimps.
Tillamook is a one-hour drive away from Cannon Beach, making it a good day trip option if you have time for one during your trip to Cannon Beach. Start your drive early to ensure that you can see attractions before they close.
Cape Falcon Trail
Within Oswald West State Park sits the Cape Falcon Trail. This path will bring you through the rainforest for a little over two miles until you reach a spectacular view at the end. The hike is somewhat easier than others you’ll encounter in Oregon, so it can be a good choice for families and beginner hikers.
Before embarking on this short journey, consider the trail conditions. Recent reviews on sites like AllTrails will often tell you how muddy the trail is – since it gets muddy often, consider wearing old sneakers or shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Shopping in Cannon Beach
If you’re looking for souvenirs or yummy treats to bring home with you, check out some of the shops in Cannon Beach. Bruce’s Candy Kitchen and Cannon Beach Chocolate Cafe sell sweets, and you can buy cute home decor at Sesame and Lilies. Those who forgot to pack toiletries can try the small-batch products at Cannon Beach Soap and Candle.
Leave a positive impact from your visit by supporting the town’s small businesses!
Cannon Beach Art Galleries
Cannon Beach isn’t known for having museums, but it does have a few art galleries to browse.
Spend an afternoon admiring the prints at Archimedes Gallery, creative clocks at DragonFire Gallery, or sculptures at Northwest by Northwest Gallery.
Remember, art galleries don’t just display artwork – they also sell them, so consider buying a piece that catches your eye. It makes for a truly special souvenir!
Hug Point State Recreation Site
Hug Point is a short drive away from Cannon Beach, and it’s not just another trail by the beach. Here, you can see a waterfall, caves, and a tide pool. This recreation site is close enough to Haystack Rock to see it in the distance, but has so much to see right in front of you, Haystack Rock might be far from your mind.
When visiting Hug Point, check the tide first. During high tide, this landmark may not be safe to walk through, so be sure to only visit during low tide. You can use this site to help you determine whether or not to add Hug Point to your itinerary while in Cannon Beach.
Enjoy Your Weekend in Cannon Beach
With plenty of indoor attractions and outdoor activities, it’s no wonder Cannon Beach is some tourists’ — and PNW locals — favorite place to visit. Whether you’ve never been to the Pacific Northwest or you’ve already seen the coast, a trip to this beach town won’t disappoint. If you can’t fit everything you want to do into one trip, that just gives you a reason to visit again!