Cannon Beach is a beautiful spot on the Oregon Coast with big sandy beaches and impressive rock formations. The town is famous for Haystack Rock and other sea stacks, and it’s great for sunbathing, beachcombing, tidepooling, surfing, picnicking, and more.

In 2013, National Geographic featured Cannon Beach as one of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world.

The beach connects to Tolovana Beach, offering an extended walk along the shoreline with stunning ocean views.

Multiple access points provide parking, and the town has a variety of lodging, restaurants, shops, and services for visitors.

If you want to explore Ecola State Park, a trailhead is located at the north end of the beach.

Haystack Rock and Marine Garden

Haystack Rock is the most iconic landmark on the Cannon Beach coastline. This 235-foot monolith sits just offshore and is surrounded by smaller sea stacks, including a narrow group called The Needles. It is one of three Haystack Rocks along the Oregon Coast, with the others near Bandon and Pacific City.

During low tide, you can walk to the rock and explore tidepools full of marine life, including mussels, barnacles, sea anemones, crabs, sea slugs, and starfish.

The area around Haystack Rock is called the Marine Garden because of the wide variety of ocean plants and animals. Cliffs and sea stacks also provide a home for seabirds such as puffins, black oystercatchers, and cormorants.

Both Haystack Rock and the intertidal zone are part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and are protected by law.

Cannon Beach – Things to Do

From walking along sandy beaches and spotting wildlife to exploring tide pools, hiking trails, and art galleries, Cannon Beach offers exciting activities for visitors of all ages.

Beachcombing & Hiking

Beachcombing is one of the most popular activities at Cannon Beach. Visitors can find seashells, weathered driftwood, and other treasures left by the ocean. While the sandy shore has fewer rocks, discovering one is always exciting.

Exploring tidepools around Haystack Rock is another favorite activity, offering a chance to see colorful marine life up close. The coast also has trails that provide stunning views of cliffs, forests, and the Pacific Ocean.

Surfing, kite surfing, and kayaking

The waters around Cannon Beach are perfect for various water sports. Small and big waves are great for surfing, windy days are ideal for kite surfing, and the calm ocean allows for kayaking. Be careful of rocks near the shore when enjoying these activities.

Cannon Beach City

Cannon Beach City has plenty to see and do. You can visit the History Center and Museum to learn about the town’s past, check out local art at the Jeffrey Hull Gallery, or enjoy a show at the Coaster Theater. There are also several restaurants and cafes where you can eat and relax.