This Small Pacific Coast Town Has The Best Downtown
The Pacific Coast gets plenty of love for its beaches, but the real fun starts when you wander into the towns along the shore. And if one place truly steals the show with its art scene, food, museums, and gorgeous resorts, it is Cannon Beach, Oregon. Just when you think it cannot get better, Haystack Rock comes into view along the shoreline, making the entire experience feel straight out of a postcard. So pack your walking shoes, hit the streets, and get ready to discover what makes downtown Cannon Beach so magical.
Haystack Rock
Okay, Haystack Rock is not technically downtown, but you can still spot it from the shoreline, giving Cannon Beach some of the most unforgettable downtown views on the Pacific Coast. If you want to view this natural marvel for yourself, you can park your car at the lot on Hemlock and Gower Avenue, right next to City Hall. Walk down Gower towards the beach and look south. You’ll be greeted with incredible views of the 235-foot-tall rock! In fact, during low tide, you can even walk out to the rock, observing the tidepools and marine life up close. A few of the creatures you might be able to spot on the rock include tufted puffins, sea stars, crabs, anemones, nudibranchs, and limpets. Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons are occasionally spotted on the rock as well.
Art Scene And Museums
Named as one of the 100 Best Small Art Towns in America, Cannon Beach has a very active and engaged art community. You’ll find over 15 galleries in the area, many of which are located downtown. The Cannon Beach Arts Association Gallery, on Hemlock Street, is the perfect place to start your art adventure, showcasing fine arts and crafts from local and regional artists. Next, walk several blocks north up to DragonFire Gallery, which exhibits affordable and original pieces from across the Pacific Northwest. Art media in this gallery range from glass and ceramic to metal and paint.
If you are in the mood for a live show, check out the calendar at the Coaster Theatre Playhouse. Established as a roller rink in the 1920s, the building was later converted into a theater in the 70s, today hosting all sorts of musicals, plays, and special performances for the public. Afterward, visitors can wrap up their arts and culture tour at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, which has been operating in the community for over two decades. Here, you can explore a variety of Cannon Beach-related history through interactive exhibits, rotating exhibitions and art shows, free lectures, and more.
Coffee Shops And Restaurants
Make sure to arrive in Cannon Beach hungry, because there are some fantastic cafes and restaurants you are going to want to try during your visit. If you arrive in the morning, you can start the day at Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters, a beloved local coffee shop on Hemlock Street. All of the coffee here is certified organic and roasted in small batches, meaning that you are certainly in for a good cup of joe! For a late breakfast or lunch, look no further than Lazy Susan Cafe, also on Hemlock. Using seasonal ingredients, a few of the dishes you can currently find on the menu include omelets, waffles, poached eggs, seafood stew, shrimp sandwiches, and more. And, of course, you deserve a good drink during your vacation.
Public Coast Brewing Co. is just the place, a local brewery that serves an extensive list of craft beers, along with grass-fed beef burgers, veggie burgers, fish and chips, and fish tacos, among other tasty pub grub.
Resorts And Inns
After wandering through galleries and museums, spotting wildlife at Haystack Rock, and enjoying a cold beer, it is time to wind down at one of the town’s stunning hotels or inns. Travelers looking for a truly luxurious experience will love the Hallmark Resort & Spa, an oceanfront resort with beach access, a spa, hot tubs, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and more. As a plus, you can enjoy complimentary cookies and popcorn during your stay!
The Inn at Haystack Rock is another excellent place to spend the weekend, located right in the heart of town on Hemlock. With 23 guest rooms to choose from, this setting is particularly intimate, with guests able to enjoy the peaceful inn courtyards and gardens. You can enjoy an assortment of amenities during your stay, including fireplaces, hot tubs, kitchens, private patios, and more.
Far Beyond The Beaches
You are likely already familiar with Cannon Beach. What you may not know, however, is just how much there is to do in town beyond the beaches and outdoor recreation. Art galleries, breweries, coffee shops, and resorts are abundant, making even a rainy day in town an exciting one. Haystack Rock in the background just rounds out the entire stay. Who knows what else you might discover during your trip?
