This Is The Friendliest Small Town On The Pacific Coast
Renowned for its dramatic coastal cliffs, rugged coastline, and soft sandy shores, the Pacific Coast is one of the best travel destinations in the United States. With beach towns aplenty, good vibes and hospitality are ingrained in the region. However, while many associate the coast with California’s sunshine and fun-loving spirit, the friendliest small town on the Pacific Coast actually resides in Oregon.
In place of California’s countless high-rise condos and private beaches, the town of Cannon Beach is a friend to its environment and to all who pass through. Located around 90 minutes from Portland, the beach town and its namesake shore were once named one of the most beautiful places in the world by National Geographic. While Cannon Beach has all the traditional coastal charms, it also has much that sets it apart: jaw-dropping coastal landmarks, unique community events, and a heritage rooted in warm welcomes.
A History Of Warm Welcomes
Hosting anywhere from 750,000 to 1,500,000 people every year, Cannon Beach is a friendly tourist town with a history of welcoming nomads, sightseers, and settlers. Although the community was only officially incorporated in 1957, its landscapes, landmarks, and coastal charms have drawn people for centuries.
Indigenous groups were the first attracted to its shores, followed by American settlers in the late 1800s. Dazzled by its beaches and rugged ocean views, word spread quickly of the town’s beauty. In time, Cannon Beach blossomed into a spirited tourist town, which it remains to this day.
What Is Cannon Beach Known For?
As its name suggests, much of the tourism in Cannon Beach is linked to its breathtaking shores and coastal landmarks. Bordering the mighty Pacific, the Oregon town is known for its headlands, tidepools, and sandy beaches. Prominent shores include the 9-mile coastline at Ecola State Park, skirting the Tillamook Head promontory. Within the park’s borders, Ecola Point and Indian Beach are its top attractions, each boasting viewpoints and stunning coastal scenes.
However, the most famous attraction in Cannon Beach is Haystack Rock. Located at the town’s namesake beach, Haystack Rock towers 235 feet high, impossible to miss from any point on the nearly four-mile shore. A designated National Wildlife Refuge, the iconic sea stack protects one of Oregon’s 7 Marine Gardens. Peering inside its tidepools, visitors can observe colorful sea creatures like crabs, anemones, and sea stars. In spring and summer, guests can also see adorable tufted puffin colonies during their nesting season.
Where Did Cannon Beach Get Its Name?
While its heritage is rooted in tourism, Cannon Beach’s legacy of kindness also extends to its name. Before sinking in 1846, the USS Shark was a legendary naval schooner with a history of goodwill. Its legacy is tied to the abolitionist movement, as the ship was used to protect freed slaves on the coast of Africa. Despite sinking near the mouth of the Columbia River, the Shark’s crew survived—as did some of its cannons. One of these cannons washed ashore on the land now known as Cannon Beach, and the rest is history. Today, the original name-inspiring cannon is exhibited at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, a reminder of the ship’s heroism.
Cannon Beach Community Spirit
Today we know Cannon Beach as a friendly tourist town, but much like a phoenix, the town was once forced to rise from the ashes. In 1964, tourism floundered in Cannon Beach after a tsunami flooded its downtown and washed away the Elk Creek bridge. Refusing to give up its longstanding legacy of tourism, resilient townspeople came up with a plan to attract visitors and boost community morale. That spring, the first Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest was held, sparking a new tradition and once again welcoming visitors to their beautiful shores.
Popular Events in Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest (June 21, 2025)
A time-honored tradition, the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest has welcomed people of all ages and abilities to showcase their creativity every year since 1964. One of the oldest sandcastle competitions on the Pacific Coast, attendees can observe world-class sculptors at work and marvel at their magnificent creations. In previous years, the event has showcased elaborate designs, from classic medieval castles to life-sized human models. The event also hosts amateur-friendly competitions, including a small group, teen, and junior division.
Stormy Weather Arts Festival (November 7 to 9, 2025)
Founded in 1988, the Stormy Weather Arts Festival is another beloved Cannon Beach event rooted in community, creativity, and tourism. Formed by a committee of local artists and gallery owners, the festival began as a way to spotlight the town’s vibrant art scene. Its quirky name comes from its founders, who posed a concern about the town’s unpredictable weather in November. Leaning into the whimsy, the Stormy Weather Arts Festival has taken place the first weekend in November ever since. Each year, the event features a fabulous range of gallery exhibitions, musical entertainment, hands-on workshops, kids' craft events, and other creative fun.
Dog-Friendly Fun In Cannon Beach
In Cannon Beach, even your four-legged friends are welcome to join in the fun. At the town’s main shore, dogs are allowed on-leash or off-leash, as long as they are within sight and trained to obey vocal recalls. Many restaurants and cafes in Cannon Beach also offer pet-friendly outdoor patios. Popular sites include Pelican Brewing, Sea Level Bakery + Coffee, and the Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge.
Mellowed by saltwater air, beautiful shores, and endless leisure, it is unsurprising that beach-town locals are some of the friendliest people in the United States. Cannon Beach residents are no exception. However, the Pacific Coast town sets itself apart with its history of banding together to welcome tourists even in times of hardship. Whether visiting for its dog-friendly shores, colorful festivals, or simply to see the iconic Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach locals will have you feeling right at home.
