CANNON BEACH ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE

WHERE IS CANNON BEACH LOCATED?

Who doesn’t love a good road trip? Cannon Beach is easily accessible from both Portland and Seattle, making it a perfect road trip destination in the Pacific Northwest down the Oregon coast!

WHAT IS CANNON BEACH KNOWN FOR?

This quaint little town off the Oregon Coast boasts the world-famous Haystack Rock, towering 235 feet from the edge of the shoreline. You might recognize it from a popular film called “The Goonies”, where a gang of kids goes on an adventure to find a hidden treasure.

CAN YOU CLIMB THE HAYSTACK ROCK?

When the tide is low, you can get right up close to its towering beauty. Back in the 70s and 80s, you were able to drive on the beach, but no more. You are not even allowed to climb on the rock anymore to preserve the wildlife living among the rock.

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Wildlife in Cannon Beach

Visitors often encounter colorful and mysterious forms of marine life covering intertidal rocks and filling tidepools. It is also a great bird-watching destination year-round. Make sure to check the tide schedule for an up close look at the seal life. The water to extremely cold all year round, which could be mind-numbing or feel refreshing!

Things to do in Cannon Beach

The whole town is walkable from your hotel, even if you are staying around the rock. We walked from our hotel at the Hallmark Resort to a beautiful little breakfast place called Lazy Susan. It is a family favorite for us. Pop into the many shops for delicious chocolate, beach paintings, and cute antiques.

You can also rent funcycles, which are 3 wheeled sit down bikes. You will see them all around the beach close to the rock. You can rent them hourly in town.

@ideamist This is the perfect road trip spot! #cannonbeach #cannonbeachoregon #travelvlog #travel2020 #roadtrip ♬ FEEL THE GROOVE - Queens Road, Fabian Graetz

WHERE TO EAT IN CANNON BEACH

LAZY SUSAN: Our favorite breakfast spot. The oatmeal pancakes are a must!

THE BISTRO: One of the few places with live music. Perfect spot for a delicious dinner.

ECOLA SEAFOOD: Family-run seafood stand with fresh seafood options.

PIZZA A’FETTA: Grandma’s secret home made pizza. Gluten free options available!

THE IRISH TABLE: Delicious, healthy and creative options.

For dinner, you can find everything from fresh local seafood at Ecola Seafood to some of the best pizza restaurants like Pizza A’Fetta. Bruce’s Candy Shop has been around for decades and still has that old town feel, where you can watch them make delicious toffee.

WHERE TO HAVE COFFEE AND DESSERT IN CANNON BEACH

SLEEPY MONK: Our favorite coffee spot.

They had a bunch of delicious gluten free options during our visit.

SEA LEVEL: Great coffee and a delicious zucchini bread.

PIE GIRL: Delicious sweet pies, and they offer gluten free options.

OSBURN’S ICE CREAM: A family favorite for decades!

CHOCOLATE CAFE: I always stock up on my Colombian dark chocolate here, but everything else we’ve tried was delicious.

WHAT TO WEAR IN CANNON BEACH

This is us in a sunny day in August. Make sure you bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats, and warm clothes. I packed leggings, t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, sweaters, windbreaker and a bubble jacket.

Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Are fires allowed in Cannon Beach?

In the evening, the beach fires light up the sand. Head down for the sunset and roast marshmallows over the fire. We bought our fire kit with all the s’mores and wood materials for $20 at our Hallmark Hotel. Just be prepared to dress warm. Even when the sun is out, the temperatures might only reach 60 degrees F.

MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN CANNON BEACH

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A post shared by 🔸Lallie & Alex 𖤥 ideamist (@roundtripweekend)

This photo was taken at a hidden passage located around 1760 S Hemlock St.

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A post shared by 🔸Lallie & Alex 𖤥 ideamist (@roundtripweekend)

This photo was taken at the sand dunes around 699-601 Ocean Ave

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A post shared by 🔸Lallie & Alex 𖤥 ideamist (@roundtripweekend)

Haystack Rock during low tide, perfect for shots using the reflection of the water.

This photo was taken at a beautiful garden around 3098 Pacific Ave

This photo was sunset by the Haystack Rock. This was shot from The Hallmark Resort.

FAQ:

ARE DOGS ALLOWED IN CANNON BEACH?

Yes, Cannon Beach offers many dog-friendly parks and shops.

Dogs are allowed on the beach, as long as they are under voice control of the owner or on a leash.

ARE DRONES ALLOWED IN CANNON BEACH?

Yes, Drones are allowed but restrictions apply. We were able to get beautiful drone shots of the Haystack Rock, without disturbing the wildlife. Please make sure to check the rules at:

https://www.ci.cannon-beach.or.us/hrap/page/drone-regulations