Cannon Beach
Famous for Haystack Rock towering 235 feet from the edge of the shoreline, long sandy stretches of beach and beautiful State Parks nearby, Cannon Beach offers an exceptional Oregon Coast experience only 90 minutes from Portland. A walk along the beach is a visual treat, with ever-changing vistas of ocean, mountains and rugged coastal outcroppings including Haystack Rock, a National Wildlife Refuge where visitors will discover colorful tide pools and nesting seabirds including Tufted Puffins. Just minutes from downtown Cannon Beach is Ecola State Park, perched dramatically on the edge of a headland and offering panoramic coastal views, easy walking paths to scenic picnic areas and extensive hiking trails.
The picturesque small-town village by the sea is easily walkable and visitors can explore meandering pathways, enjoy public art and courtyards spilling over with flowers. Known as one of the Northwest’s top art towns, Cannon Beach is filled with art galleries, specialty shops, cafes and fine dining restaurants. Visitors can watch glassblowers at work in their studio or attend year-round live theater performances. A wide selection of luxurious oceanfront lodgings overlook this remarkable stretch of coastline, putting visitors just steps from scenic wonders and minutes from outstanding recreation areas and exceptional Oregon Coast sightseeing.
The beauty of Cannon Beach has not gone unnoticed. Featured in Stephen Leatherman’s book, America’s Best Beaches, Cannon Beach was rated Best Overall Beach in the state of Oregon. It was named one of America’s Best 100 Art Towns by author John Villani and National Geographic listed Cannon Beach as “one of the world’s 100 most beautiful places” in their June 2013 issue.
Major annual events include the Northwest’s longest running sandcastle contest; arts festivals including the Stormy Weather Arts Festival, Spring Unveiling and Plein Air & More; a yoga festival and the Savor Cannon Beach Wine & Culinary Festival.
Featured activities
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Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce
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Coaster Theatre Playhouse
The Coaster Theatre Playhouse has been a vibrant part of the artistic community in Cannon Beach since 1972. From its early beginnings as the Coaster Roller Rink in the 1920’s, this historic site operated as a skating rink through the 1950’s. In 1972 the building was purchased by Maurie Clark, a Portland patron of the arts and the Coaster Theatre was founded. The Coaster Theatre’s inaugural season brought the PSU Summer Stock Company to Cannon Beach and the first Dicken’s Play that began a memorable holiday tradition and remains a wonderful theatrical experience years later. In 2001 the theatre became a not-for-profit organization and each year the Coaster Theatre Playhouse produces 5 plays and 2 musicals in addition to special events selected to entertain all visitors to the Oregon coast.
Featured dining
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Public Coast Brewing Co.
Public Coast Brewing proudly celebrates three great Oregon traditions: our 363 miles of publicly owned coastline, delicious craft beers brewed on site, and tasty Northwest food. We use fresh, local ingredients whenever possible, to bring you the juiciest burgers, fresh-catch fish and chips, house-made root beer, delicious stout shakes, and the best onion rings on the Coast. Lots of indoor seating, a seasonal, dog-friendly outdoor patio, wrap-around bar, big windows onto the beer-making process and a fun selection of kid’s activities will keep everyone entertained. Stop in for our weekly small-batch beers with unusual recipes and seasonal flavors, or grab a growler to go.
Featured accommodations
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Arch Cape Inn & Retreat
Step out of your vehicle and into a world with beauty so dramatic it quiets the mind and stirs the heart. Arch Cape Inn & Retreat, an oasis of art, romance, nature and exquisite food and wine.
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Hallmark Resort & Spa Cannon Beach
Renowned for its legendary customer service, idyllic oceanfront locations and a newly updated look, the locally family-owned and operated, Hallmark Inns & Resorts, Inc., boasts two properties along the scenic Oregon coast—in Cannon Beach and Newport, Oregon. The Hallmark Resort in Cannon Beach is the closest property to Haystack Rock and is the only hotel in Cannon Beach with a full spa. Many of the rooms at both properties include: kitchenettes, fireplaces, balconies, and two-person spa tubs. Both are pet and family friendly and feature indoor, heated salt-water pools with hot tubs, saunas and fitness rooms.
Featured Events
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Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest
Cannon Beach will host its 53rd annual Sandcastle Contest Saturday, June 17 2017, the oldest competition of its kind in the Pacific Northwest and the most popular event in Cannon Beach. Dozens of teams of professional sand sculpture artists, amateur groups and families will construct remarkable creations in the sand during the event. The Masters division teams compete for cash prizes and construct large, elaborate creations often utilizing construction forms similar to those used for pouring concrete in order to accomplish their monumental size. Although the contest on Saturday is the highlight of the weekend, visitors will find plenty of other activities to keep them busy. Weekend activities include a Friday night parade, Saturday night beach bonfire with live music and Sunday morning 5K fun run and walk.
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Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest 2017
Festival Facts & Rules: Sandcastle Contest began in 1964 when a tsunami washed out the Elk Creek Bridge and residents were relatively isolated until a new bridge could be built. That spring local families gathered for a Sandcastle Contest to entertain their children and attract visitors. That Sandcastle Contest became one of the largest sandcastle contests on the west coast.
Contest rules are simple and no themes are mandated. This often results in a creative and sometimes colorful commentary on current events. Each team is given a plot of sand within a designated viewing area and sand may not be added or removed. Only natural materials found on the beach such as sticks, shells, rocks, and seaweed may be used for ornamentation. No artificial coloring, paint, flour, sugar, starch, adhesives or cement may be added.
Beach Access & Parking: Signs will be posted on Hwy 101. Police will be supervising traffic flow and parking. Park only where you are directed. Remove your vehicle from the beach prior to 4:00 pm to avoid incoming tides, traffic citations and towing. If you are staying in Cannon Beach you will have a nice walk out to the beach to view the contest.
Registration: Registration closes at 12:00 pm on Friday, June 16th. Limited to 100 entries. All others are returned immediately. To be eligible for Master’s division you must have won awards in large division at this or other sandcastle events. Choice of subject is up to contestants. This is a wholesome, family fun time, Risqué ideas are unacceptable. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Lodging: On your mark, get set, go! You’ve got plenty of great options here to choose from for festival weekend. Are you looking for a five-star resort? Or maybe a cute little bed and breakfast? Are you bringing your family to enjoy a vacation home? Enjoying the north Oregon Coast in your RV or camping might be just the thing. From motels to hotels, we are ready to help make your stay a memorable one.
Check out our website at www.cannonbeach.org to plan your stay, gather the latest contest information, and enjoy the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest.
For more info
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Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce
2nd & Spruce, PO Box 64
Cannon Beach, Oregon 97110
Information Center: (503) 436-2623
Email: chamber@CannonBeach.org
Website: www.cannonbeach.org
