Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach
4.5
About
Marvel at the rugged beauty of Cannon Beach against the backdrop of Haystack Rock jutting out of the Pacific coast. Walk on the soft sand all the way to the mouth of Ecola Creek to spot Tillamook Lighthouse at a distance. While you’re at it, don’t miss the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum. You can camp overnight to discover all the attractions in the area; light a bonfire by the beach to stay warm. At low tide, walk out onto the sandbar to get closer to the sea stacks.
Visit in June to catch the annual sandcastle contest.
– Tripadvisor
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24 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,534 reviews
Excellent
1,978
Very good
468
Average
69
Poor
13
Terrible
6
Karen M
Chicago, IL136 contributions
Aug 2021
Haystack Rock really is as beautiful as all the photos you have seen, and especially dramatic at sunset. The beach can get crowded, but you can walk for miles, and easily escape the worst of the crowd, which tends to congregate around haystack rock. We walked for three miles before turning back. The town that has grown around the beach is cute, but very touristy and expensive.
Written September 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gwen W
Murfreesboro, TN1,767 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
What a beautiful place! This beach was so family and dog friendly - we loved watching all the dogs run free and have a great time. There were also people building phenomenal sandcastles and flying enormous kites. What a beautiful day on the beach and in the little village close by. People were very conscious of wearing masks as well.
Written September 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leah C
Las Vegas, NV464 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Cannon Beach was absolutely breathtaking! Not only was I reliving some of my fondest Twilight Movie scenes, but I was taking in the Pacific Ocean and Mother Nature's landscape. The Haystack Rock, which is the focal point of the beach, was absolutely massive. When I first gazed on it, my heart skipped a beat and I actually said "oh my god!" The shear size of the rock will literally take your breath away. It's like its own unclimable Island. Lol. We got there around 930am on a Sunday, and it wasn't crowded at all. We found parking at the top of the hill and walked it down the boarded steps. People were walking, running, with their dogs, and it was just majestic. I hope to make it back there again! Enjoy the photos. ✌️
Written February 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hrach Hovhannisyan
Portland, OR25 contributions
Jan 2023
Well, I won't make an invention, by saying, that Cannon Beach is a Must See when you visit Oregon for the 1st time! (Even when it's not your 1st time lol). Haystack Rock is just amazing.. and the beach itself is beautiful especially during sunrise and sunset. Sun is setting right behind the ocean and the rock.. so you have nice silhouettes and beautiful colors if you are lucky! And the sun is rising right behind the town, from the mountains, hitting the top of the rock first! Consider, that there is always more people during the sunset compared to sunrise. Also, if the weather is good or it's a summer time, again expect many people out there..
When you visit Cannon Beach, it's also a good idea to visit Ecola State park (less than 15 min drive from there) and the Hug Point (again less than 10 min drive from Cannon Beach). Both are very nice and in the same area!
Cannon Beach as a town itself is also nice, couple cute restaurants and cafes to visit and just have a little walk in nice summer days...
As a photographer, I go there many times each year.. So if you are interested to learn some nice images taking there, I can help you with that as well! :)
When you visit Cannon Beach, it's also a good idea to visit Ecola State park (less than 15 min drive from there) and the Hug Point (again less than 10 min drive from Cannon Beach). Both are very nice and in the same area!
Cannon Beach as a town itself is also nice, couple cute restaurants and cafes to visit and just have a little walk in nice summer days...
As a photographer, I go there many times each year.. So if you are interested to learn some nice images taking there, I can help you with that as well! :)
Written March 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Von1287
Albany, NY771 contributions
Sep 2022
This was really cool! We came in the morning when it was not super busy and it was my birthday! The rock changes in your perspective as you move closer to it which is pretty awesome. It looks so tiny from afar and then huge when you get up to it. Very cool beach and we saw plenty of people enjoying the water!
Written February 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Old Pro
Seattle, WA2,457 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Quaint little town on the Oregon coast I can be pricey and very difficult to find lodgings during High season. Booked your hotel months early if you plan on going in the summer. A few decent restaurants and lots of buzzing around. You probably don't need to spend more than one or two days here however
Written May 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bernie
Canada310 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Cannon Beach is one of America’s best beach. This towering giant of a rock is fabulously breathtaking! I am amazed by the natural beauty of this place. The entire beach and the reflexion of the wet sand is a natural masterpiece. A must visit place in Oregon.
Written May 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brmusicman
Chicago, IL2,969 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We stayed here for a weekend during October 2020, at an accommodation right on the beach.
Highly recommended. At least in October, the beach was never overly crowded.
The beach is VAST, both long and deep. It’s wonderful for long walks. It was a photographer’s paradise: the light constantly changed as the weather changed, the sky was big, the beach was full of interesting rock formations that all held fascinating and beautiful forms of intertidal life. The sea breeze and the crashing waves were most relaxing.
This being the (gorgeous, highly recommended) Oregon coast, don’t go expecting lots of sitting in the beach, playing in the water, etc. While you could enjoy some sitting (a few people built small fires at night), this is more of a walking beach. It’s just gorgeous—a real highlight of our time in Oregon.
The town of Cannon Beach is a nice destination, too: some interesting art galleries, some fun touristy shops, and some good restaurants.
Highly recommended. At least in October, the beach was never overly crowded.
The beach is VAST, both long and deep. It’s wonderful for long walks. It was a photographer’s paradise: the light constantly changed as the weather changed, the sky was big, the beach was full of interesting rock formations that all held fascinating and beautiful forms of intertidal life. The sea breeze and the crashing waves were most relaxing.
This being the (gorgeous, highly recommended) Oregon coast, don’t go expecting lots of sitting in the beach, playing in the water, etc. While you could enjoy some sitting (a few people built small fires at night), this is more of a walking beach. It’s just gorgeous—a real highlight of our time in Oregon.
The town of Cannon Beach is a nice destination, too: some interesting art galleries, some fun touristy shops, and some good restaurants.
Written October 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveling One
Greenville, SC740 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
We came here in mid-July and it was COLD our first day the temperatures were around 60, windy, and a little bit of rain. Our second day we had sunshine but it was still pretty chilly in the evenings. Despite the cold, we had a good time exploring this beach! Its a beautiful walk between Haystack Rock and Bird's Rock to bird watch! We saw lots of common murres but no puffins. Also loved how driving into Cannon beach the first thing you see is Haystack Rock when you get a glimpse of the ocean! The sunsets here are phenomenal as well.
For the town of Cannon Beach we found it charming in a way but also incredibly touristy, overpriced, bland food, and CROWDED. I was pretty shocked to see how crowded the town was in a year of a pandemic. I can only imagine how crowded it gets in a normal summer season! Despite that, we loved the views, bird watching, and nearby hiking. Its a very small and popular town. I recommend staying here or Sea Side for a few days for the views & hiking on your Oregon trip.
For the town of Cannon Beach we found it charming in a way but also incredibly touristy, overpriced, bland food, and CROWDED. I was pretty shocked to see how crowded the town was in a year of a pandemic. I can only imagine how crowded it gets in a normal summer season! Despite that, we loved the views, bird watching, and nearby hiking. Its a very small and popular town. I recommend staying here or Sea Side for a few days for the views & hiking on your Oregon trip.
Written July 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura R
Guttenberg, NJ235 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
We went when it was extremely foggy and we could barely see Haystack rock. It’s a very pretty beach, and clean. We went in mid August and the water was very cold. The town is extremely small and there is very little to do there.
Written August 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2Freckles
Pleasant Hill, CA119 contributions
Are dogs allowed on the beaches in Oregon? Specifically interested in Cannon Beach. Dog would be on leash. Thanks!
Jayecat
2 contributions
We brought ours last weekend.
We did have several off leash dogs approach us, which was fine but might not be for all dogs.
Tricia R
Folsom, CA50 contributions
Is the beach open?
Madeline Cook
Portland, OR106 contributions
No it’s not at this time
Sylvie S
Denman Island, Canada39 contributions
I would like to spend christmas with my family somewhere with a lot of character and christmas spirit ...thinking of cannon beach and would like to find a cozy inn???? any recommendations?
ImOnThePath
1,233 contributions
Sorry, no. We were camping.
gigglesunlmtd
Surrey, Canada179 contributions
I am wondering if anyone have tried to take Amtrak from Portland to Cannon Beach? If so, was it worth it? What other things can you do in the area? We don't have a car but would love to visit Cannon Beach.
Bebe
Texas40 contributions
We used Wildwood Adventures. A small group on a luxury van that stops at the highlights along the coast near Cannon Beach.
vacay43085
1 contribution
We plan on taking a day trip from Porland to the coast, with kids (9 and 7) that do not do well in the car with hills and curves. There are different routes (US26 and OR6) to take, but how are they for kids with motion sickness?
Boh
Barnstable, MA22 contributions
I guess it really depends where you want to go. Let’s say you want to get to Cannon Beach - then I’d say take 26 all the way. Then you could travel south on 101 to view the coast. It’s easier to pull into the scenic stops if they are on your right. And do pull in, especially after Oswald State Park for those views at the Neahkahnie Viewpoints.
If you are running out of time and need to head back, then pick up 53 and head back to 26. There will be 10 miles of curvy roads. Just take it easy.
If the kids are doing well and you are not done exploring, then head down to Tillamook and back by route 6. Once again, curvy and much longer than 53, but you would be heading uphill, generally, and there are enough passing lanes to avoid becoming the head of the parade.
We're flying into Portland on Sat Aug 3 about 1200. Is there a way to get from Portland to CB?
CMR01
Pleasanton, CA119 contributions
Yes,it's not hard. We just used an Oregon Map and followed the best route. We did not go through Astoria although that is an option. I can't remember the names of hi ways...a map will be most useful or Google Map it.We did not go into Portland at all just stayed on the outskirts and had a lot of I 5 traffic. Not sure if this helps. You can do it easily is the main idea.
meshouse
Salt Lake City, UT53 contributions
Heading to Cannon Beach area. Would you recommend going to the part of the beach with Haystack Rock and Ecola State Park with Indian Beach on the same day or do that over two days? I have a nine year old and five year old coming along too.
Monica S
13 contributions
This is definitely doable in one day, even with kids.
TamaraKyoko
Seattle, WA3 contributions
Is there any place for live music or karaoke in Cannon Beach?
Penney B
Shawnee, KS10 contributions
I did not see anything like that, but I was on the beach.
Cannon Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Cannon Beach
- We recommend booking Cannon Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Cannon Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Cannon Beach:
- Oregon Coast Day Trip: Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock (From $130.00)
- Oregon Coast Tour from Portland (From $139.00)
- Northern Oregon Coast Day Trip to Cannon Beach Area (From $130.00)
- Private - Northern Oregon Coast Tour from Portland (From $517.63)
- Private Northern Oregon Coast Day Trip (From $330.00)
- Hotels near Cannon Beach:
- (0.06 mi) Surfsand Resort
- (0.11 mi) The Courtyard
- (0.13 mi) Cannon Beach Hotel Collection
- (0.15 mi) The Lighthouse Inn
- (0.08 mi) Ecola Inn
- Restaurants near Cannon Beach:
- (0.10 mi) Wayfarer Restaurant
- (0.13 mi) Newmans at 988
- (0.16 mi) Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters
- (0.13 mi) Bald Eagle Coffeehouse
- (0.13 mi) MacGregor's of Cannon Beach
- Attractions near Cannon Beach:
- (0.12 mi) Cannon Beach Surf Lessons & Rentals
- (0.16 mi) Icefire Glassworks
- (0.13 mi) Cannon Beach Gallery
- (0.13 mi) Cannon Beach Surf
- (0.15 mi) Family FUNcycles