Cannon Beach OregonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cannon Beach, Oregon.
1. Haystack Rock
ICONIC NATURAL LANDMARK
Haystack Rock is a massive towering rock formation off the coast of Cannon Beach, complete with adjacent stone 'needles' and vibrant tidepools. The landmark is adorned with flocks of seabirds and is one of the most photographed natural features on the Oregon coast. Visitors can explore the base of Haystack Rock during low tide to discover colorful sea stars, anemones, and other marine life.
2. Ecola State Park
PANORAMIC COASTAL VIEWS
Ecola State Park is perched dramatically on the edge of a headland and offers breathtaking panoramic coastal views. The park features easy walking paths to scenic picnic areas and extensive hiking trails through old-growth forests. Visitors can spot wildlife including Roosevelt elk, eagles, and during migration season, gray whales.
3. Oswald West State Park
SURFING AND HIKING PARADISE
Oswald West State Park encompasses a magnificent coastal forest with miles of hiking trails and a secluded sandy beach. The park's Short Sand Beach (nicknamed 'Shorty's') is a popular surfing destination nestled in a protected cove. Hikers can enjoy trails leading to stunning viewpoints of the Pacific Ocean, including the Cape Falcon Trail with its dramatic cliff views.
4. Hug Point State Recreation Area
CAVES AND WATERFALLS
Hug Point State Recreation Area features fascinating sea caves, a seasonal waterfall, and tide pools along a scenic beach. Visitors can view the remnants of an old roadway carved into the point that was once used by stagecoaches during low tide. The area's unique geological features and natural beauty make it a perfect spot for exploration and photography.
5. Cannon Beach Arts Association
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
The Cannon Beach Arts Association supports and promotes the arts through exhibits, events, and educational programs. The gallery showcases the work of local and regional artists in various mediums including painting, sculpture, and photography. Visitors can experience changing exhibitions throughout the year and sometimes meet artists during special events.
6. Bronze Coast Gallery
FINE ART COLLECTION
Bronze Coast Gallery is a premier fine art destination featuring an impressive collection of sculptures, paintings, and mixed media works. The gallery specializes in bronze sculptures but offers a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums from nationally recognized artists. Art enthusiasts can enjoy the welcoming atmosphere while browsing investment-quality pieces that capture the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
7. Coaster Theatre Playhouse
LIVE PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Coaster Theatre Playhouse offers year-round live theater performances in a charming historic building that was once a roller skating rink. This community theater presents a variety of productions including musicals, dramas, comedies, and special events. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy professional-quality performances in an intimate setting that has been entertaining audiences since 1972.
8. Cannon Beach Farmers Market
LOCAL FOOD AND CRAFTS
The Cannon Beach Farmers Market brings together local farmers, food producers, and artisans in a vibrant community gathering. Visitors can find fresh produce, artisanal foods, handcrafted items, and live music during market season. The market provides a perfect opportunity to experience local flavors and connect with the area's agricultural community.
9. Cannon Beach History Center
LOCAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Cannon Beach History Center preserves and showcases the rich heritage of the North Oregon Coast through engaging exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore displays about indigenous peoples, early settlers, shipwrecks, and the evolution of this artistic beach community. The museum also hosts special events, lectures, and educational programs throughout the year.
10. Cannon Beach Distillery
CRAFT SPIRITS TASTING
Cannon Beach Distillery crafts small-batch, award-winning spirits using traditional methods and locally-sourced ingredients. Visitors can enjoy tasting flights of unique rums, whiskeys, and other spirits in their inviting tasting room. The distillery's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a standout destination for spirits enthusiasts exploring the Oregon coast.
11. Astoria Column
HISTORIC PANORAMIC MONUMENT
The Astoria Column is a towering 125-foot monument located on Coxcomb Hill offering spectacular 360-degree views of the Columbia River, Pacific Ocean, and surrounding mountains. The column's exterior features a spiral frieze depicting significant events in Oregon's early history. Visitors can climb the 164-step spiral staircase to reach the observation deck for breathtaking vistas of the region.
12. Columbia River Maritime Museum
PACIFIC NORTHWEST MARITIME HISTORY
The Columbia River Maritime Museum showcases the rich maritime heritage of the Columbia River and the Pacific Northwest through comprehensive exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore collections featuring shipwrecks, Coast Guard rescues, fishing, and navigation on one of the world's most dangerous river bar crossings. The museum's highlights include the lightship Columbia, interactive displays, and an extensive collection of maritime equipment and vessels.
13. Seaside Promenade
HISTORIC OCEANFRONT WALKWAY
The Seaside Promenade is a historic 1.5-mile paved walkway that stretches along the oceanfront offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and easy beach access. This beloved landmark, locally known as 'the Prom,' has been a center of Seaside's beach culture since the 1920s. Visitors can stroll past charming beach cottages, oceanfront hotels, and numerous benches perfect for watching spectacular sunsets.
14. Cannon Beach Chocolate Cafe
ARTISAN CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE
Cannon Beach Chocolate Cafe delights visitors with handcrafted artisan chocolates made using traditional European techniques and premium ingredients. The cafe offers a variety of chocolate treats including truffles, drinking chocolate, and specialty confections with unique flavor combinations. Chocolate lovers can watch the chocolatiers at work while enjoying the warm, inviting atmosphere of this beloved local establishment.
15. Bruce's Candy Kitchen
ICONIC COASTAL SWEET SHOP
Bruce's Candy Kitchen is a beloved, family-owned candy shop that has been delighting visitors with colorful handmade confections since 1963. The shop is famous for its signature salt water taffy, hand-pulled in full view of customers, along with homemade fudge, chocolates, and other sweet treats. With its pink-striped exterior and nostalgic charm, Bruce's has become an iconic destination that captures the essence of a traditional beach vacation.