Cannon Beach Tours and Activities

Cannon Beach which includes a beach, mountains and landscape views
Cannon Beach showing landscape views, a sandy beach and a coastal town
Photo provided by Oregon Tourism Commission
Cannon Beach featuring landscape views and a beach
Cannon Beach featuring dining out, outdoor eating and café scenes


Spectacular coastal scenery and a street lined with eclectic boutiques and fine galleries make this resort town the perfect weekend getaway.

About two hours’ drive from Portland, Cannon Beach is known for its natural beauty, thriving arts and craft community, and charming village atmosphere maintained through strict limitations on the number of large chain stores and restaurants. 

Cannon Beach’s wide shoreline stretches for 9 miles (14 kilometers). It’s part of Oregon’s 363 miles (584 kilometer) of coastline, all of which is open and free for public use. From mid-December to January and March to June, keep your eyes on the sea as you may spot migrating gray whales.

If you prefer a walk in the forest, explore Ecola State Park. For a small admission fee you can walk trails through coastal forests thick with conifers and dotted with viewpoints. Don’t miss the south facing view from Ecola Point, which looks out over Cannon Beach’s famous landmark, Haystack Rock. 

Haystack rock is a 235-foot-high (72-meter) basalt sea stack flanked by two other rock formations known as the Needles. At the base of these monoliths are tide pools teeming with crabs, algae, anemones, sea stars and other organisms. Haystack Rock and its surrounding intertidal pools form a marine garden and are an Oregon Islands National Wildlife Reserve. Climbing the rock is not permitted and you must not disturb or remove the wildlife.

Back in the quaint Cannon Beach village, wander down Hemlock Street, where you’ll find most of the boutiques and art galleries, and the cozy Coaster Theatre Playhouse. There are also stores specializing in antiques and collectibles, home décor, surf wear, gourmet food and textiles. Watch local glass-makers in action at Icefire Glassworks. Glass art can be purchased at many of the local galleries. 

Festivals in May and November showcase the best of the area’s new art. In June, thousands of visitors come to the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Festival, which has been running since 1965. Visit the Cannon Beach History Center and Museum year round, Thursdays through Monday. The Museum is home to the original cannon, from the shipwrecked USS Schooner Shark, for which Cannon Beach was named.

Plan a trip to see Cannon Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland
Homewood Suites by Hilton Hillsboro/Beaverton
Mark Spencer Hotel

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach Hotel Collection

Cannon Beach Hotel Collection

3.5 out of 5
1116 S. Hemlock Street, Cannon Beach, OR
Cannon Beach Hotel Collection
Surfsand Resort

Surfsand Resort

4 out of 5
148 West Gower, Cannon Beach, OR
Surfsand Resort
Tolovana Inn

Tolovana Inn

2.5 out of 5
3400 S. Hemlock, Tolovana Park, Cannon Beach, OR
Tolovana Inn
Inn at Haystack Rock

Inn at Haystack Rock

2.5 out of 5
487 S Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR
Inn at Haystack Rock
Hallmark Resort - Cannon Beach

Hallmark Resort - Cannon Beach

3 out of 5
1400 S Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR
Hallmark Resort - Cannon Beach
Inn at Cannon Beach

Inn at Cannon Beach

3 out of 5
3215 South Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR
Inn at Cannon Beach
The Ocean Lodge

The Ocean Lodge

3.5 out of 5
2864 South Pacific Street, Cannon Beach, OR
The Ocean Lodge
Lighthouse Inn

Lighthouse Inn

2.5 out of 5
963 South Hemlock, Cannon Beach, OR
Lighthouse Inn
The Haystack House-Cannon Beach Oceanfront Home Steps to Haystack Rock & Midtown

The Haystack House-Cannon Beach Oceanfront Home Steps to Haystack Rock & Midtown

Cannon Beach
The Haystack House-Cannon Beach Oceanfront Home Steps to Haystack Rock & Midtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Cannon Beach

In Cannon Beach, Oregon, visitors can enjoy stunning sunsets, exhilarating surfing, and captivating birdwatching. Essential experiences include leisurely beach walks, relaxing picnics at scenic tables, and even virtual tours to explore the area from the comfort of home. Don't miss the chance to create unforgettable memories on your trip to this picturesque coastal destination.

Shopping

Cannon Beach offers charming shopping experiences. The Turnaround Market is a great spot for local goods, just 11.3km away. If you're up for a drive, visit the Seaside Carousel Mall and Seaside Antique Mall, both providing unique finds and delightful souvenirs, located 7 and 12.9km away, respectively.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Seaside Golf Course, just 11.3km from Cannon Beach, surrounded by stunning landscapes. Alternatively, visit Gearhart Golf Links, 16.1km away, for another delightful golfing experience. For family fun, the Astoria Aquatic Center, 35.4km from Cannon Beach, offers a refreshing swimming environment.

Adventure

The Fort to Sea Trail offers an exhilarating hiking experience with stunning scenery, located 112.9km from Cannon Beach. For a shorter trek, the Angora Peak Trailhead, 11.3km away, boasts breathtaking views. Don’t miss the Cape Falcon Trailhead, 14.5km from town, for more outdoor adventure.

Nightlife

Cannon Beach offers a charming nightlife with the Coaster Theatre, just 966m away, showcasing captivating performances. For family fun, the Captain Kid Amusement Park, located 9.7km away, provides arcade thrills. The nearby Liberty Theater, 35.4km from Cannon Beach, presents a blend of culture and romance.

Find the best attractions near Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach, Oregon, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring captivating beaches, impressive rock formations, and nearby state parks. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, visitors can explore the scenic landscapes and engage in adventurous activities. For a perfect experience, be sure to check out local attractions and consult a Cannon Beach map to navigate the area effectively. This charming coastal town offers a delightful getaway for anyone seeking adventure and breathtaking scenery.

  • Haystack Rock: A stunning natural monolith rising 235 feet above the shoreline, Haystack Rock is renowned for its unique marine ecosystem. Visitors can explore tide pools teeming with sea stars and anemones at low tide, all while enjoying breathtaking ocean views.
  • Ecola State Park: This scenic park offers a blend of adventure and nature, featuring lush forests, rugged coastline, and panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Hike along well-maintained trails that wind through old-growth trees, or enjoy a picnic with stunning views.
  • Tillamook Head: An exhilarating hike to Tillamook Head rewards visitors with sweeping ocean views and a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. The trails here are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the area's natural beauty.

Best time to go to Cannon Beach

The best time to visit Cannon Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Cannon Beach falls in August, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Cannon Beach falls in February, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January44.4°F (6.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
March45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.7°F (8.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.9°F (13.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July59.2°F (15.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August60.3°F (15.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
October54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November48.0°F (8.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December43.7°F (6.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cannon Beach

To save money during your visit to Cannon Beach, plan your trip between November and January when accommodation prices are lower. Avoid Saturdays for the best rates, as Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay. Take advantage of free attractions like Haystack Rock and Hug Point State Park. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices and consider eco-certified options. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal can also yield significant savings. Walking is a great way to explore the area without spending on transportation.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cannon Beach are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cannon Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Cannon Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your Cannon Beach hotel reservations with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.