The One Pacific Coast Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
There’s a stretch of the Oregon Coast where the Pacific feels larger than usual, where sea stacks rise like monuments and the shoreline carries a story older than the postcards. This town’s identity was shaped by early exploration, sealed by an 1846 shipwreck, and still marked by a cannon hauled from the surf.
From cliffside viewpoints, you can trace the same rugged headlands that Lewis and Clark wrote about in 1805, then drift back into a beautiful downtown built for slow wandering and warm bakery mornings. This is Cannon Beach, and it earns its fame the honest way.
Historic Landmarks
Cannon Beach's story is tied to Oregon's earliest coastal exploration and maritime history. Lewis and Clark reached this stretch of shoreline in 1805, and the town's name later came from the 1846 wreck of the USS Shark just offshore. Today, those moments live on through a handful of memorable landmarks.
Start at Ecola State Park, one of the most iconic historic and scenic stops on the Oregon Coast. Along with its famous viewpoints, the park is home to Clarks Point of View, where visitors can stand above the cliffs and take in the same sweeping Pacific panorama that stunned explorers more than two centuries ago.
To dive deeper into local history, visit the Cannon Beach History Center and Museum. Small but packed with detail, it covers all eras of Cannon Beach's past, including the Native Tillamook people and the town's coastal industries. You can also see the recovered USS Shark cannon on display, one of the most tangible reminders of the shipwreck story that helped give Cannon Beach its name.
For one of the most dramatic landmarks in the area, look out toward the horizon for the Tillamook Rock Light, nicknamed "Terrible Tilly." Built in 1881 and famously battered by storms, the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1957, but it still feels like a piece of coastal folklore when the ocean is churning. On clear days, you can sometimes spot it from viewpoints in Ecola State Park, adding an eerie and unforgettable detail to the landscape.
Things to do
When you're ready to slow the pace down, Cannon Beach's walkable downtown is part of the fun. Spend an hour wandering the small shops and storefronts along Hemlock Street, where you'll find a mix of locally owned boutiques, gift shops, and little places that are perfect for browsing on a foggy afternoon.
For an easy treat-yourself morning, stop by the Cannon Beach Bakery and pick up something warm for the day ahead. It's the kind of classic beach-town bakery that feels like it's always been there, perfect for grabbing pastries, bread, or a simple breakfast before heading out.
If you love old-school seaside sweets, Bruce's Candy Kitchen is a must. Pop in for saltwater taffy and chocolates, and you'll instantly see why it's one of those "vacation tradition" stops people remember long after they've gone home.
For a quirky Cannon Beach experience you won't find just anywhere, make a stop at Cannon Beach Hardware & Public House, a hardware store that doubles as a taproom. It's equal parts practical and hilarious, and it's a fun spot to unwind with a drink after a day out exploring.
If you're in the mood for craft beer and a relaxed meal, Public Coast Brewing Co. is another favorite local hangout. It's an easy, low-key way to end the day, especially when the coastal air turns crisp and you're ready to warm up indoors.
Accommodation
Many of Cannon Beach's most popular places to stay sit close enough to the ocean that you can fall asleep to the sound of the surf. If you're aiming for classic coastal views, lodging near the beach makes it easy to catch sunrise walks or sunset skies without getting in the car. Options like the Schooner's Cove Inn offer a convenient location near the sand, while properties like AvantStay include homes and rentals with porches that look out toward Haystack Rock.
If you prefer a quieter, more upscale stay, the Arch Cape Inn is a charming option just outside the busiest part of town. Built in the style of a European château, it features ten rooms and beautifully maintained gardens, ideal for a slower, more relaxing Oregon Coast weekend.
Nearby towns
One of the best things about using Cannon Beach as a base is how many scenic stops sit within easy driving distance. To the northeast, Astoria sits along the Columbia River and is one of Oregon's most historic cities. Founded in 1811, it's often recognized as the oldest American settlement on the Pacific Coast. History fans can visit the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park nearby, while nature lovers can stop at Klootchy Creek County Park to see the Klootchy Creek Giant Sitka Spruce, once considered the largest tree in Oregon.
About 26 miles south, you'll reach Rockaway Beach, a laid-back resort town with mountain backdrops and a long stretch of sand. It's a fun add-on for anyone continuing down the coast, and it's also a jumping-off point for scenic experiences like the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad and forest walks leading to the massive western red cedar near the Rockaway Big Tree Trailhead.
It dominates the imagination
Cannon Beach dominates the imagination of Oregon travelers for a reason. Few places offer such an easy mix of coastal drama and small-town charm: towering sea stacks and tide pools, rainforest hikes and panoramic viewpoints, galleries and cafés, plus the kind of moody weather that makes the Pacific Northwest feel legendary.
It's the perfect place for a long weekend, with beachside inns and cozy cottages that make it hard to leave. Use Cannon Beach as your base and you can explore the wider Oregon Coast, follow in the footsteps of early explorers, and still have time to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures, like a sunset walk past Haystack Rock. Cannon Beach is one Pacific Coast town you don't want to miss.
