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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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.
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Tillamook Rock Lighthouse
West of Tillamook Head, this lighthouse was constructed on top of a rock 1.2 miles seaward off Tillamook Head in 1881. The construction of this particular lighthouse was thought to be incredibly risky, but its five workers beat the odds. Because this lighthouse was built on a rock, it is not accessible to the public. However, visitors can easily see it and a beautiful view of the surrounding ocean from Ecola State Park and Seaside. This lighthouse stands 133 feet above sea level with 62-foot-high tower on basalt rock islet. Exposure to storm waves led to the nickname "Terrible Tilly." It was replaced by a whistle buoy in 1957 and is the only privately owned Oregon coast lighthouse on the National Registry of Historic Places; now used as a columbarium, a storage place for ashes of the deceased.
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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Haystack Lodgings
Haystack Lodgings operates four (4) quaint and unique boutique Inns on the North Oregon coast. The Inn at Haystack Rock and the Blue Gull Inn in Cannon Beach and the Inn at the Prom and the Gilbert Inn in Seaside each providing clean, comfortable, and affordable accommodations with a verity of floor plans and amenities to choose from. Each of our location are just steps from beautiful beaches, famous landmarks, and nature’s grand creations. In Cannon Beach there is Ecola State Park and Haystack Rock and in Seaside there is the Lewis and Clark Monument at the Turnaround and the Aquarium. You’ll also find spectacular sunsets, the refreshing sea breeze, hiking, surfing, clam digging, fishing, golf, art galleries, shopping and family amusement all just minutes away.
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Land's End at Cannon Beach
Land's End at Cannon Beach is a cozy, 15 room inn with spacious, light-filled suites and studios and fabulous ocean views. Most of the suites and studios have whirlpool tubs, fireplaces and balconies. The suites have fully equipped kitchenettes. All rooms are dog friendly and smoke free. Land's End is located on the ocean in the heart of downtown Cannon Beach, just steps away from the beach and world class galleries, shops and restaurants. Relax in the outdoor whirlpool spa, rain or shine. Take a morning walk to explore tide pools at Haystack Rock. Enjoy the sea breeze from the oceanfront terrace, where the Pacific sunsets are spectacular events. Hiking, surfing, fishing, golf, horseback riding, historic sites, and family amusements are just minutes away.
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
