With plenty to see and do in the area, Cannon Beach is a great spot for a romantic getaway or families on their annual holidays. Walk along the sandy beach with the iconic Haystack Rock, with gorgeous coastline views set within a charming village by the sea.
Location of Cannon Beach
Located on the west coast of Oregon, Cannon Beach is a popular destination due it offering both adventure and relaxation. You will be able to enjoy great beach access, hiking trails and beautiful landscapes, unique art galleries, high-end hotels and delicious restaurants.
Activities
Haystack Rock is an icon for Cannon Beach, especially as it is considered to be the world’s third-largest monolith. This is a great photo opportunity spot as the sand, water and sky combine to create beautiful scenery. You may even have the chance to see puffins and many other sea creatures who inhabit this particular area. Many of the hotels and bed and breakfasts often offer views over the coastline and this incredible rock. You should then explore Ecola State Park which is home to two sandy beaches as well as plenty of hiking trails, areas for picnics and plenty of spots for camping. At the Ecola State Park, you will have incredible coastal views. Any history buffs will have the chance to walk the same trails of Lewis and Clark. You can also take one of the hiking trails to Indian Beach which is a great spot for Oregon Coast Surfers. Explore some of the wonderful caves at Hug Point when the low tide is in. Only three miles south of Cannon Beach, you will be able to find sea caves, a small waterfall and the remains of the old cliff-side roadway, making for some spectacular sights.
You will find a variety of unique and interesting art galleries throughout Cannon Beach, each carrying different media from fine art to affordable crafts. A lot of the works that can be found in the art galleries are made by local artists and craftsmen. If you want fine paintings, sculptures and ceramics then the Northwest by Northwest Gallery is a great place to stop by. For fine art, paintings and cast bronze sculptures you should stop by the Bronze Coast Gallery. If more colourful and fun art or fine crafts are up your alley, then the Dragon Fire Studio and Gallery is the right choice for you. Another great pastime is to explore the shops of Cannon Beach, often found in the buildings along with Spruce and Hemlock beach. Each shop has fun and unique items for you to browse. Souvenirs and delicious sea saltwater taffy and old-fashioned sweets are best to get from Bruce’s Candy Kitchen. If you want to find some unique toys or souvenirs to take home, Gepetto’s Toy Shoppe is a great place to stop by. You may even want to get something a bit more festive in the year-round Christmas store called Yuletide Christmas Shop.
For some more unique activities, you should check out live glassblowing at the Icefire Glassworks. You will be able to get up close and learn about the wonderful and complicated art of glassblowing. You will get a chance to shop for unique pieces and watch as new glass pieces are being created in the shop by the artists. If you are a bit partial to whiskey then you should head over to the Cannon Beach Distillery for a delectable tasting. Using top of the line ingredients to distil, mature and bottle the whiskey, you will be able to enjoy each sip neat and at room temperature. None of the whiskeys features dyes, sweeteners or artificial ingredients, so enjoy sipping on some premium flavours and watch the world go by with coastline views. If you want to learn a new skill on your trip, look no further than enjoying a culinary experience at EVOO. You will be able to have dinner, a demonstration and a cooking lesson in your visit. As the dinner is prepared you will be given tips on preparing food and how to serve as a chef. The menu is never the same as it changes seasonally, but you will be able to enjoy a three-course meal that has a paired wine for every course, plus dessert and coffee to finish the evening.
Where to Stay
Cannon Beach has plenty of options to stay during your visit, especially with a great selection of oceanfront lodging that give you beautiful coastal views across the beach and maybe even featuring Haystack Rock. With resorts, classic hotels, home rentals and campsites, Cannon Beach accommodates all types of travellers, be it couples, families, large groups and even pets. The Wayside Inn is a great spot to stay for ocean views, as well as being set at the quieter end of Cannon Beach, having access to local grocery shops, coffee shops and bakeries. It is only a short walk to the centre of Cannon Beach where you will find a variety of restaurants, galleries and shops. The Sea Sprite Guest Lodgings have two properties that are perfect for families, honeymoons or even hosting intimate weddings. Both properties offer ocean views and have unique rooms that offer the comforts and conveniences of being at home. If you are looking for a bit more privacy with a holiday rental property, Anchor’s Retreat is a great option. With five bedrooms and the capacity for ten people, you will be able to look out over the beach on the wraparound deck and enjoy delicious meals in the large kitchen.
When to Go to Cannon Beach
Being a seaside town, the best time to visit Cannon Beach will be when you can enjoy the hot-weather activities that the area has to offer. The best time to visit is between late July and early September, with August usually having the peak of hot weather.
How to Get to Cannon Beach
You can get to Cannon Beach from Portland Airport, with plenty of shuttle buses to pick and drop you off.
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