The 15 Best Things to Do in Cannon Beach, Oregon

The charming coastal town of Cannon Beach is a popular weekend getaway destination for Oregonians and visitors from around the Pacific Northwest.

Cannon Beach may be small, but it’s quite famous and has been featured in tons of TV shows and films, including Point Break and The Goonies. Cannon Beach has miles of pristine beaches, jaw-dropping views of the coast, a waterfall, and several state parks nearby.

With so many things to see and do, it’s hard to know where to begin! So we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Cannon Beach for you.

See Adorable Puffins at Haystack Rock

Haystack Rock is one of the top things to see in Cannon Beach. This 235-foot-tall stack of prehistoric basalt rock is a marvel to behold, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light reflects off the water and casts a beautiful glow.

01.

Enjoy the Outdoors at Ecola State Park

Getting lost in the natural beauty of Ecola State Park is one of the coolest things to do in Cannon Beach. This 1,023-acre nature park is home to old growth rainforests, ancient rock formations, tide pools, and plenty of hiking trails with stunning ocean views.

02.

Explore Hug Point’s Deep Caves and Waterfalls

Hug Point State Recreation Site is where you’ll find some of the best sights in Cannon Beach. Located just five miles south of town, Hug Point boasts a seasonal waterfall, sandstone cliffs hiding deep caves, and tide pools that only reveal themselves during low tide.

03.

Go Surfing at Short Sand Beach

Fondly called “Shorty’s” by Cannon Beach locals, Short Sand Beach is one of the best places in Oregon to catch some waves. This beach is located within Oswald West State Park and you can get there straight off Highway 101.

04.

Try Your Hand at Tidepooling in Cannon Beach

One of the coolest things to do in Cannon Beach is to explore the tide pools – it’s like a beachcomber’s paradise! Tidepools form when the ocean’s waves crash against rocky shores and create small pools of water.

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Image courtesy of Cannon Beach History Center & Museum