Cannon Beach, Oregon: All You Need to Know Before Vacationing
Situated in far northwestern Oregon, Cannon Beach is a quintessential tourist destination for vacationers. This is one of the most scenically beautiful coastal locations along the Pacific Coast. It is most well-known for being home to Haystack Rock. Haystack Rock is a gorgeous and monumental rock formation that lies just off of a picturesque beach. Cannon Beach is home to less than 2,000 residents. Nonetheless, this small town is a mecca for sightseers and outdoor adventurers alike.
Main Attractions in Cannon Beach
If you are planning a trip to lovely Cannon Beach in the near future, there are a few must-see attractions that you should visit when you go. These are among the prime points of interest to explore:
- Haystack Rock and Cannon Beach: Haystack Rock is a 235-foot igneous rock formation that rises picturesquely out of the Pacific Ocean. During low tide you can walk through very shallow water from Cannon Beach to Haystack Rock. While Haystack Rock is the primary focal area of Cannon Beach, the beach itself is a lovely place to spend an afternoon as well.
- Ecola State Park: This park is located on the northern end of Cannon Beach right on the coastline. It is most notably the endpoint of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition across North America. When at the park, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area, view an abundance of wildlife, and enjoy hiking, camping and other outdoor recreational activities.
- Hug Point State Park: This is another state park that spans 43 acres right on the Pacific Coast. It is named for a large cape that juts out into the ocean, and it is most famous for its sandstone caves and a seasonal waterfall. Hug Point State Park is also home to a section of the famed Oregon Trail.
Other Things to Do in Cannon Beach
As you can see, one of the prime things to do in Cannon Beach is to spend time outdoors enjoying the incredible scenery. These natural areas are ideal for everything from hiking and cycling to camping, picnicking, or even flying a kite. However, there is more to see and do in this small town including visiting these hot spots:
- Icefire Glassworks: Situated in the downtown Cannon Beach area, this glassworks shop is individually owned by a local resident. The building itself was constructed in part by materials from a salvaged shipwreck, making it a fascinating building to tour. Inside the shop, you can learn more about glass-making and view some truly exceptional works of art.
- Cannon Beach History Center and Museum: This is a small venue, but it is filled with incredible details and artifacts related to the history of the area. Cannon Beach History Center and Museum includes everything from Native American history and the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Oregon Trail and even modern history.
- Cannon Beach Gallery: Art lovers will have a wonderful time touring the Cannon Beach Gallery. This gallery features a standard collection of works largely from local and regional artists, and it also has periodic featured exhibits that will keep you coming back for more.
Where to Stay in Cannon Beach
When you are planning to spend a few days or more enjoying all that Cannon Beach has to offer, you’ll need a place to stay. There are some lovely hotels and other lodging options to consider throughout the area. These include:
- Argonauta Inn -The Waves: This is a beautiful hotel that offers home-like comforts with reasonable prices. It is situated right on the oceanfront in the downtown area in a historic home. Because it is located in a home, there are a very limited number of rooms available. Be sure to make your reservations well ahead of your trip if you plan to stay here.
- Arch Cape Inn and Retreat: The Arch Cape Inn and Retreat is an elegant, chateau-style lodging choice that boasts impressive interiors. Priced on the higher end, it is located in a private area. It is most ideal for couples who are planning a romantic weekend on the coast.
- Cannon Beach Hotel Bed and Breakfast: If a hotel is not quite right for you, the Cannon Beach Hotel Bed and Breakfast is a wonderful alternative. This is a beautifully decorated, beach-style home that boasts friendly, personalized service as well as comfortable rooms, great food, and a fabulous location.
- Loon Lake Lodge and RV Resort: If you prefer camping, Loon Lake Lodge and RV Resort is an excellent choice. This is a lakefront community that has a wide range of camp sites and RV spots to choose from with the amenities and services you need for comfort. These include outdoor sports amenities, a dock on the lake, and more. Lodge-style rooms and a motel are also available.
How to Get to Cannon Beach
Because of Cannon Beach’s small size, the primary methods for traveling to this area are by car or bus. If you plan to fly, you can fly into Portland’s airport and rent a car. The Portland International Airport is approximately a 90-minute drive from Cannon Beach.
If you are traveling by car, the town is located on scenic Highway 101 at the crossroads with Highways 26 and 30. These are smaller highways that pass through numerous small towns. Plan to take your time and enjoy the scenery on your way.
If you plan to travel by bus, you can purchase a ticket through NorthWest POINT in either Astoria or Portland. The bus travels between these two cities, and it stops locally at Teresa’s Family Market terminal.
When you arrive in town, keep in mind that there is no car rental service available in Cannon Beach. If you don’t have a car, plan on using Cannon Beach Shuttle. This is a shuttle that runs between Seaside and Cannon Beach several times per day. The town of Cannon Beach is pedestrian-friendly.
Summing Up
Cannon Beach is a must-see small town and beach community that you should plan to visit while traveling to or along the Oregon coast. Whether you have a few hours or a few days to explore the town and beach, you will not be disappointed. After exploring these points of interest, share your thoughts and experiences for others by posting comments below.
