10 Best Things to Do in Cannon Beach Oregon

Last updated: December 1st, 2023 | Originally published: December 1, 2023
Things to do in Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach, Oregon is probably our favorite place on earth, and the first place we tell anyone to check out when they visit Seattle.  We like to believe that Cannon Beach would be a world-class destination if the weather were about twenty degrees warmer.  If you’re wondering if Cannon Beach is worth the 1.5 hour drive from Portland, or the 3.5 hours from Seattle, the answer is an emphatic yes. In this article we’ll discuss what we think are the 10 best things to do in Cannon Beach, Oregon.

For openers, the pre-historic, wind-swept forest appearance of the Oregon coast is spellbinding. It is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. Then, of all the places to see on the coast, Cannon Beach is arguably the most memorable.

If you love strolling the sand and sniffing beach shops it doesn’t get much better than here. The following are the ten best things do do in Cannon Beach, Oregon.

Must-Do: Things to Do in Cannon Beach, Oregon

Must-Do attractions are typically the reason we’ve decided to visit.

1.  The Beach and Haystack Rock

Things to do in Cannon Beach
Things to do in Cannon Beach, Oregon

Haystack Rock, the iconic, other-worldly monolith that defines Cannon Beach, stands in the surf like a sentinel.  Once upon a time, y’all could climb upon the large rocks between Haystack and the shore, which gave access to a cove where seals hung out.  

Now, the eco-troopers in the red trucks swoop in every morning and monitor the place like prison guards. We’re lucky if we get away with poking an anemone.  We get why they do it, but we don’t have to like it.

It’s hard to beat Cannon Beach when the sun is out, and it rarely feels overcrowded (except during the Sandcastle Contest).  It’s a terrific place to fly a kite or ride a three-wheeled bike.  Set the dog free to chase the gulls or chase them yourselves.  Dig a sandcastle beside a 300’ Kraken and fight to keep the surf from destroying it.  

This is our happy place, and we hope you love it, too. This is the best thing to do in Cannon Beach, Oregon, and probably the single best thing to do on the Oregon Coast.

2.  Bruce’s Candy Kitchen

Things to do in Cannon Beach
Things to do in Cannon Beach, Oregon

Bruce’s pink and white awning is unmistakable on the north end of the strip.  A family-run business that has been serving the town since 1963, they make their own chocolate and taffy right there in the shop. It’s delicious!  Take a minute to watch the taffy-making process, then try a piece for free.  

It always feels crowded in Bruce’s Candy Kitchen — in a good way.  Have you ever felt crowded by confections?  Everywhere you turn is a different sort of candy or toy, lunchbox or stuffed animal, all colorful and irresistible.  In the center of the store is a large wooden ship covered in buckets of taffy.  It’s a diabetic feast for the eyes.   We’ve been coming here since 1980 and the place is every bit as good now as it was then.  

Related Article: 20 Best Things to do on the Oregon Coast

3.  Town of Cannon Beach

Things to do in Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach, Oregon things to do

We’ve walked the strip of most every town on the Oregon Coast.  Cannon Beach isn’t the biggest or the cheapest, but it is the nicest and most beautiful. Walking the town is surely one of the best things to do in Cannon Beach, Oregon.

The Mariner Market is a great country store and has most every food or supply you need.  There are two impressive candy stores, the above-mentioned Bruce’s, and Schwietert’s (a local chain).  Dubers for Variety (Dew-bers) has been the variety store since 1961 and continues to deliver beachy schlock better than the rest.   The Bakery is legit Art galleries seem to multiply like single-celled organisms — I’m not sure who’s loving that (they’re always empty).  Kite shops, surf shops, new restaurants popping up all over; you name it, Cannon Beach has it.

I remember a time when most of the hotels were dumps.  Now the hotels have upped their game. You can expect to spend $200/night or more for a place to sleep.  If that doesn’t fit the budget, Seaside is a neighboring town with rooms closer to $100/night.  

For RVers: Cannon Beach RV Resort is the best place to stay. Sea Ranch RV is a somewhat acceptable back-up plan.

4.  Ecola State Park / Indian Beach

Things to do in Cannon Beach
Things to do in Cannon Beach, Oregon

The most beautiful view of the Oregon Coast might be from Ecola Point.  From the trails on the bluff you can see Bird Rocks at Chapman Point, Haystack Rock and the Needles, Silver Point, and Castle Rock in the far distance. The trails are super short and the payoff is huge.

Indian Beach has terrific views of the Tillamook Lighthouse and a wide stretch of sand to enjoy.  The rocks at the south end are great for the kids to explore, and a nice assortment of smaller sea stacks add to the ambiance.

If you want to get away from the ever-growing crowd at Cannon Beach, give Ecola State Park a try — it is one of the most beautiful things to do in Cannon Beach, Oregon.

Should Do: Things to Do in Cannon Beach, Oregon

Should-Do attractions receive a strong recommend.

5.  Wayfarer

Things to do in Cannon Beach
Is it worth visiting Cannon Beach?

If I have a bone to pick with Cannon Beach, it is with the quality of the restaurants.  However, one place that consistently delivers good food is the Wayfarer. In our opinion, the Wayfarer is the nicest restaurant in town these days. 

Established in 1977, this place has watched mid-town CB grow up all around it.  Thankfully they have maintained their sweet view of Haystack Rock despite the vertical rise of nearby hotels.  

The dinner menu is elegant, if not limited, so we are more likely to enjoy a morning meal at the Wayfarer than an evening meal.  The breakfast prices are reasonable — about $15 – the selections are broad and the food is superb.  We recommend waiting for a window table if one isn’t immediately available because the view definitely adds to the experience.

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6.  Seaside Rides and Games

Things to do in Cannon Beach
Tilt-a-Whirl — things to do in Cannon Beach, Oregon

Seaside is an active beach town seven miles north of Cannon Beach.  Their strip is less artsy and refined than Cannon thanks to the carnival appeal of games and rides.  The town is built specifically for tourism, and that is why we love (and hate) it. Driving to Seaside is one of the best things to do in Cannon Beach.

Some of the more prominent attractions are the Funland Arcade, which is three buildings of ticket-producing video games plus a Fultano’s Pizza; the Ten Tiny Tees putt-putt course; the Tilt-A-Whirl/Bumper Cars amusement rides.  Schwietert’s candy store is probably the largest beach-side purveyor of sweets we’ve ever seen, and The Seaside Candyman has every flavor of salt-water taffy known to man (something like 170 flavors).  

If you’re classy and you don’t like cigarette smoke near your baby stroller, perhaps this isn’t your place.  That said, the less-attractive element is avoidable.  

7.  Lewis & Clark Turnaround and Beach Swings

Things to do in Cannon Beach
Best swing set on earth

Continuing with Seaside, at the end of the strip is the Lewis & Clark Turnaround. This is the place where Lewis and Clark supposedly turned their expedition around and headed home.  It has some historical merit, a nice statue, and benches to sit upon. It’s the last structure before you hit the beach.  

Just down the steps from the turnaround is the famed Seaside swing set.  This is nothing but a big swing set on a beach, but at the same time, it’s a big swing set on a beach!  It feels a touch stupid to put a basic children’s playground toy on a top-ten.  You’re probably wondering if Safeway Grocer is number eight on the list, followed by a neat-looking tree and the friendly dog we just pet.  

The swing set is magical, though.  Kids love it.  We’ve pushed every one of our little ones on it while looking out at the ocean and it’s a good time.  The bigger kids can launch themselves into the sand.  Dogs are running around.  There’s a neat looking tree over there.  Check it out.

8.  Pizza A’ Fetta — Cannon Beach, Oregon

Things to do in Cannon Beach
Delicious pie — Is Cannon Beach worth visiting?

They claim it’s award-winning pizza and we believe them because we want to believe!  It’s even ranked top 50 in the nation according to their website.  No joking, Pizza A’ Fetta makes one of the best pies we’ve ever tasted.  We eat here every single time we visit.  If this place were near my home, it would be the first place I’d call to get sauced.

You can dine in or grab a slice from the take-out window.  Either way works, but the dine-in menu offers a much larger selection.  A slice is about $4, and an 18” pie will run you $30-35. Don’t miss Pizza A’Fetta. It is one of the best things to do in Cannon Beach!

Related Article: 15 Best Things to do in Big Sur California

9. Silver Point / Hug Point

Things to do in Cannon Beach
Is Cannon Beach worth visiting?

A forty-five-minute walk down the beach from Haystack Rock, just past the Tolevana Motel, is Silver Point.  It is easy to spy because there are nameless, twin sea stacks in the shoreline.  This is a definitive point to look to and utter those famous last words, “Let’s walk to those rocks.”  

Once you arrive at Silver Point (and your knee is functioning well-enough), it is easy to look to the next spot in the distance, Hug Point, and decide you’re up for the challenge.  From Haystack Rock to Hug Point is about four miles.  Hug Point is pretty cool because the tide must be out to get around the rock bench.  On the other side is Hug Point State Park, another beautiful stretch of golden sand.

Hug Point is typically about where we cut the walking, but if you’re a dynamo you’re probably eyeing Castle Rock about two miles further.  At this point we say good luck to you.  

10.  Seaside Aquarium

Things to do in Cannon Beach
Seaside — Things to Do in Cannon Beach

Let’s be honest:  this is a cute, little aquarium at best.  It’s better than a tide pool so it costs $9 bucks to get inside ($4.50 for kids; 5 and under are free).  They have an array of sea stars, a wolf eel, and an awesome Giant Pacific Octopus.  All of this is cool, but to me there is one main reason to go:  The Seals.

You can hear the seals barking and clapping before you walk in the door.  They have about ten of them in a small enclosed pool by the entrance.

These slick water puppies are absolutely darling.  Every-one of them has learned to slap their flipper against their belly or on the water, as if to say, “Look at me!  Feed me!”  For a couple bucks you can buy seal food, and Greta, Cosmo, Scully and the gang will serenade you to throw the small fish.  It’s hilarious and the kids love it.  Mom and dad love it, too.

An Honest Conclusion for Things to Do in Cannon Beach

Is Cannon Beach worth visiting?

If you find yourself within three hours of Cannon Beach, you simply have to visit. This magical location is one of the best kept secrets in the USA. We give it our strongest recommend. That is all.

We would like to thank you for stopping by our website. We are the Hoffmann family, a full-time RV road school family with special needs children that have made seeing the country our way of life. If you would like to know what we’re all about, check us out. In the meantime, God bless and travel happy!

Things to do in Cannon Beach
Map of Things to Do in Cannon Beach

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