Exploring Things to Do in Cannon Beach, Oregon

August 22nd, 2020 | Posted by: Grace Kim

Known for the iconic Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach is a perfect weekend getaway spot for both locals and tourists. Only an hour and a half drive west of Portland, Oregon, Cannon Beach is a part of the Tillamook tribe, a Native American tribe from coastal Oregon of the Salish linguistic group.

As one of the worlds 100 most beautiful places, Cannon Beach maintains an authentic feel of Oregon. Keeping the small town feel, chain stores such as McDonald’s and Safeway are discouraged from building. That’s why when you walk around town, you’ll be surrounded with tons of local mom and pop and artisan shops along the streets of town.

But that’s the charm that Cannon Beach brings. Appreciating the upbringings of small businesses in a quaint town along the pacific coastline. With visitors from all around the world, you can’t go wrong with trying out local restaurants and breweries while enjoying the outside breeze.

Haystack Rock

Let’s keep it simple: pictures just don’t do justice.

Also known as the Rock Beach in Oregon, Haystack Rock is what many come to Cannon Beach for. Witnessing natural beauty along the pacific coastline, Haystack Rock rises 235 feet out of the sand.

The moment we stepped foot in the sand, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Haystack Rock was a lot bigger than expected, as the shoreline stretches with beautiful vistas of the ocean and mountains.

The rock is home to flocks of birds, including tufted puffins, gulls and cormorants. There are several entrances into the beach from the street level, as you’ll find a bunch of photographers trying to capture the best angles of the infamous rock.

Haystack Rock Parking

When making your way towards Cannon Beach, you’ll have a few parking options to chose from. If you’re lucky and come early enough, you’ll be able to find parking on the streets. But if you can’t seem to find one, there are other options.

Park your car at the Public Parking Haystack Rock Lot. The parking lot is extremely convenient as it’s only two blocks away from the beach. It’s a super friendly area so even if you choose to take a nap in your car before heading to the beach, you’ll be safe and sound. Spaces might be limited, so make sure to grab a spot early enough.

Start a Campfire on the Beach

The beach is open to the public as you’ll witness atypical activities than on most beaches. Such as starting campfires as they are allowed on the beach. And for this reason, you’ll probably smell someone cooking up s’mores right before the sun sets. Just remember to watch where you’re stepping as you’ll find ashes along the sand.

There are also a ton of Inns and Vacation Rentals along Cannon Beach’s shore as you’ll question where everyone’s getting their chairs from. Explore your options when choosing for a lodge on Cannon Beach. And once you’ve decided where you’re going to stay during your visit, start stocking up on food and snacks to cook at your campfire.

Best Time to Visit Cannon Beach

Just simply viewing Haystack Rock from your Inn is worth the visit. But if you want to get the full experience during your visit to Cannon Beach, I’d recommend the best time to visit is between late August through early-October. I visited Cannon Beach in August and loved everything about my experience. The weather is very predictable as you’ll be able to witness gorgeous sunsets setting behind the mountains on the right.

Yes, it will be hot if you’re visiting in the summer. But, dip your feet in the ocean and feel as if you’ve never stepped foot into colder water. If you plan on visiting between May and early June, there’s a high chance of experiencing extremely cool winds. But if that’s the case, you won’t be able to have a relaxing campfire on the beach, so plan accordingly.

Note: When summer fog is present, there is apparently no wind.

Note: Winter storm season typically starts around mid-October through February. Sometimes even through April.

5 Best Restaurants in Cannon Beach

Keeping the mom and pop shop feel along the coast, there are a handful of restaurants to dine in during your visit. But, if you’re visiting to catch sunset, make sure you either get food before or order takeout at least an hour before restaurants close.

Why am I warning you to plan dinner? Because after shooting sunset, we were scouting for food for about 40 minutes before we ended up asking a restaurant if they could give us two cups of hot water in order to eat the ramen noodles in our trunk.

Majority of the restaurants close at 10:00 PM, which means that the kitchen closes earlier. And because chain stores and restaurants aren’t within the vicinity, we couldn’t wait another 90 minutes to eat.

To help you avoid this happening to you, here are the top restaurants to go to when visiting Cannon Beach.

1. Pelican Brewing

Get ready to wait on line if you don’t come before rush hour. Pelican Brewing is hands down the most popular restaurant along Cannon Beach’s coast. Not only are they known for their seafood, but also for their rotating taps, brewery tours and outdoor patio seating.

Cross your fingers that you get a spot outside in order to enjoy the breeze while enjoying your drink on tap. Well, maybe in that case, make that two drinks.

2. The Wayfarer Restaurant and Lounge

Enjoy fresh, delicious seafood with a glass of whiskey alongside the Whiskey Lounge. The Wayfarer Restaurant‘s menu focuses on high quality, local, and seasonal ingredients. Known for their troll-caught salmon, these dishes encapsulates classic coastal eats for all: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

If you’re visiting with kids who probably cannot finish an entire plate to themselves, no worries. Kids menus are also available, so it’s a perfect place to dine in for families and couples apart.

3. Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge

Open for over 75+ years, Driftwood offers extraordinary long-lived steak and seafood with a full bar and outdoor deck. As a place for both locals and visitors, dine in at Driftwood during your visit to Cannon Beach.

Quality food is what they strived for, as steak, seafood and other produce are purchased from local businesses. Plus, on cooler evenings, gather around the fire pit, try their infamous Aperol Spiritz Cocktail, and socialize with people from all around the world.

4. Mo’s Restaurant

What’s better than indulging in homemade clam chowder along the shoreline? If you’re not looking for fancy, Mo’s Restaurant is the perfect place to hang out and relax while enjoying the views of the beach.

Along with their chowder, Mo’s probably has the best fish and chips and burgers in town. Can’t beat the view while double fisting some of the best quality food in your hand, right?

5. Pig ‘N Pancake

Looking forward to breakfast when you wake up? You’re in luck because you’ll find some of the best pancakes as early as 7:00 AM in the morning.

Pig ‘N Pancake has 5 locations around Oregon, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t try out the one along Cannon Beach. Keep in mind that this location closes at 3:00 PM, so swing by before heading out of town, or right after catching sunrise.

Bottom Line

Noted in Stephen Leatherman‘s book, Cannon Beach was rated as Oregon’s Best Overall Beach. It was also named as one of the world’s 100 most beautiful places in America’s Best 100 Art Towns. Bottom line is that Cannon Beach is definitely worth your time visiting as there will be endless jaw dropping experiences. Food and views, what more can you ask for?

Enjoy homemade clam chowder and local produce along the shoreline. Make some s’mores on a campfire on the sand. Or, take hundreds of photos of Haystack Rock while enjoying the sun setting. Just make sure that if you’re running on limited time, watch out for weather conditions on Cannon Beach’s Webcam.

Even if you only stop by Cannon Beach while visiting Portland for a couple of hours, the 90 minute drive is totally worth it. Just remember to grab a meal early enough where restaurants don’t close their kitchen. Or perhaps, just ask a restaurant for hot water to make yourself a cup of ramen noodles at dawn.

Exploring Things To Do in Cannon Beach, Oregon