The BEST Weekend in Cannon Beach, Oregon!
Cannon Beach is located in Northwest Oregon and is known for its pristine beaches, breathtaking coastal views, and dramatic rock formations. Matt and I explored the town a few weekends ago and today I’m going to be revealing the top things to do including best hikes, beaches, where to stay and what to pack!
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HOW TO GET THERE
Cannon Beach is situated approximately 80 miles west of Portland, Oregon, along the Pacific coast. It’s also about 25 miles south of Astoria, Oregon, which is another notable coastal city in the region.
WHERE TO STAY
On our trip we stayed at Cannon Beach Hotel Collection. They have 4 different boutique hotels- Cannon Beach Hotel, The Courtyard, McBee Cottages, and the Hearthstone Inn. We booked a room in the McBee Cottages. The room has everything you would need if you’re looking to spend a few days at the beach. The location was also perfect because it was within walking distance to haystack rock and the downtown area.
Other options for accommodations:
- Hallmark Resort – I’ve personally never stayed at this resort myself, but I’ve heard fantastic reviews about it. However, it does come with a higher price tag. If you’re looking to splurge or are celebrating a special occasion, it’s definitely worth considering!
- Inn at Cannon Beach
- Surfsand Resort
- Schooner’s Cove Inn
- Lighthouse Inn
WHAT TO DO
Explore Haystack Rock
Take a stroll on the beach, marvel at the towering sea stack, check out the tide pools at its base, and snap some photos against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
Ecola State Park
Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails at Ecola State Park. Enjoy panoramic views of the coastline, explore old-growth forests, and keep an eye out for wildlife such as deer, eagles, and whales.
Parking costs 5$ per vehicle– they have pay stations that accept credit cards near the parking area.
If you are looking for Incredible views without a lot of effort just head over to the view point.
If you want to work a little harder for a view, there are multiple hikes to choose from, with two of the most popular ones being the Clatsop Loop trail from Indian Beach, and Ecola Point to Indian Beach.
We opted for the less crowded route and decided to take the trail down to Crescent Beach! This trail is steep and can be slippery, so if you decide to do this one, watch your step and be careful!
Pelican Brewing
Pelican Brewing offers a wide array of craft beers on tap and welcomes families and dogs. During our visit, we savored a cup of clam chowder, indulged in a couple of Mexican coffees, and shared the flavorful teriyaki burger. The food at Pelican Brewing impressed us, and we’re already looking forward to returning for another amazing dining experience.
MacGregor’s Whiskey Bar
Located inside the main hotel lobby (of Cannon Beach Hotel Collection) is MacGregor’s Whiskey Bar. We stopped in for a quick bite to eat and Matt wanted to sample some allocated bourbon. The bar had an extensive selection of whiskeys to choose from and the food did not disappoint.
Hug Point Recreation Area
Hug Point is known for its sandstone cliffs, hidden sea caves and a waterfall that descends onto the beach. This was one of my favorite places that we explored during our trip. There’s a ton of history here! Back in the day, Stagecoaches used to travel the beach before the highway was built. As the name “Hug Point” suggests, the stagecoaches had to hug the coastline to avoid the incoming tide.
You can even walk along the original road and see the marks from the wheel ruts that are carved into the rocks! Make sure you check the tides before visiting and be careful because the rocks are extremely slippery.
To reach the waterfall, head north on the beach and walk for approximately half a mile.
Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge
On our last night we went to dinner at Driftwood Restaurant and Lounge. We ordered a cup of clam chowder, the prime rib and fish and chips. The service and food was top notch.
Sea Level Coffee
This cozy cafe offers scratched bake goods, sourdough bread, exceptional coffee and an inviting outdoor patio space.
Other COFFEE options include:
- Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters
- Insomnia Coffee Co.
- Bald Eagle Coffee House
Downtown Cannon Beach
Shop and Dine in Downtown Cannon Beach. Along Hemlock Street, you will find several charming shops, galleries and boutiques. It’s a great place to pick up unique souvenirs, locally-made crafts, and artwork inspired by the Oregon coast. After shopping, indulge in one of the town’s many restaurants and cafes.
If you’re looking for fish and chips on a budget, Tom’s Fish & Chips is the place to go. If you’re craving an afternoon pick me up or a smoothie, I would recommend checking out Oasis Cafe.
Cannon Beach Bakery is the place to go for a sweet treat. Matt indulged in a butter cookie from the bakery and he absolutely loved it. 😋🍪
Oswald West State Park
Oswald West State Park is located about 10 minutes south of Cannon Beach and is full of beautiful hiking trails through lush coastal forests. We checked out the ½ mile Short Sand Beach trail which leads to stunning limestone cliffs and there’s even a waterfall on the beach. For the best experience I would recommend exploring the area at low tide!
Oher great hikes in the park include:
Attend Festivals or Events
Cannon Beach hosts a range of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Sandcastle Contest, Spring Unveiling Arts Festival, and Stormy Weather Arts Festival. Check the event calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.
WHEN TO VISIT
The best time to visit Cannon Beach depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities.
If you’re looking for sunny and warm temperatures you are going to want to visit July-August. However, this is the peak tourist season in Cannon Beach so be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices for hotels.
For mild weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons May-June or September-October. During these times, you’ll still enjoy pleasant temperatures and have a better chance of finding accommodations without breaking the bank.
November-February brings cooler temperatures and the possibility of rain, but it’s also a quieter time to explore the area.
We visited in mid-January. It rained quite a bit during our trip, but on the flip side there weren’t many people and we didn’t need to make any dinner reservations. Regardless of the season, I think there’s something special about Cannon Beach year-round.
WHAT TO PACK
- ☔ Rain Jacket: In the Pacific Northwest, a reliable rain jacket is essential. This one has been my go to!
- 🧥 Insulated Jacket: One of my favorite hooded puffy jackets by Columbia.
- 🗃️ Travel Wallet: This wallet has been a game changer. It can hold up to 10 cards and even some cash!
- 📱 Portable Charger: I can’t tell you how many times this has saved me! It’s compact size makes it great for portability and charging on the go.
- 🎒 13 L Daypack: This is my favorite daypack by Osprey packs! I love the simplicity and the dual side pockets.
- 🎒 24 L Daypack: If you need a little more room check out this pack by Gregory.
- 🧦 Hiking socks: Having the correct socks can help prevent blisters. These ones are my favorite and have held up well over many years!
- 📸 Camera: I am always impressed by the quality of the photos and videos captured using this camera. It’s an excellent hybrid option for both photography and videography.
- 👖 Thermal Leggings: If you’re visiting during the cooler months and you’re looking for a cute pair of thermal leggings, you’re going to want to check these out! (Feel free to use my code NICOLE for 10% off! ✨)
- ☀️ Sunscreen: Another essential rain or shine. I love the scent of this one!
- 🩴 Flip Flops: If you plan to visit in the warmer months or stay at a location with a pool, having a pair of flip-flops is a must.
- 🍅 Insulated Cooler: Keep your drinks cold and have healthier options on the go with a portable cooler. I got this one for Christmas and we bring it on every road trip!
WATCH THE 48 HOURS IN CANNON BEACH VIDEO FOR MORE TRAVEL TIPS!
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