Cannon Beach
Time Needed: full-day
Experience Type: photo op, scenic views
Cannon Beach is famed for its stunning shoreline, coastal landscapes, and artsy small-town vibe. Iconic Haystack Rock anchors adventures in tide pooling, hiking, whale watching, and exploring galleries and shops, offering a postcard-perfect slice of Oregon Coast beauty.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- See Haystack Rock – Stroll the sandy shoreline to marvel at this 235-foot sea stack, home to vibrant tide pools, nesting seabirds, and breathtaking sunset photo opportunities.
- Visit Ecola State Park – Enjoy ocean views from Ecola Point, hike forested trails, and relax at scenic Indian Beach. An eight-mile stretch of the Oregon Coast Trail winds through the park.
- Go Whale Watching – Spot gray whales migrating along the coast, especially in early-winter and early-spring. Binoculars help, but some days you’ll see them right from the beach.
- Explore Downtown Cannon Beach – Check out art galleries, boutiques, and coffee shops. Don’t miss Bruce’s Candy Kitchen for saltwater taffy and Icefire Glassworks for glass art pieces.
- Discover Hug Point State Recreation Area – Walk along the beach to explore sea caves, waterfalls, and the historic stagecoach road carved into the headland at low tide.
Itinerary Idea: Explore Oregon’s coastline on a full-day guided tour from Portland. Visit Cannon Beach, take in Haystack Rock, and stop at wildlife-rich state parks. Enjoy sweeping ocean views and insights into the region’s nature, history, and culture.
Photo Credit: Rebecca Lane/Unsplash