Cannon Beach is a Oregon coastal town known for its natural beauty, vibrant local culture, and rich ecological significance. The Clatsop-Nehalem Confederated Tribes, historically inhabit this coastal region. Their culture, shaped by the abundant natural resources of the Pacific Northwest, is deeply connected to the land and sea.
Whether you're planning a day trip or an extended stay, we think this charming town offers something for everyone. Explore the tidepools at Haystack Rock, feast on delicious local seafood seafood, and explore the many art galleries in town.
Discover Cannon Beach, Oregon: A Coastal Gem
One of the best parts of Cannon Beach is its accessibility. Located just 80 miles west of Portland, this sweet coastal town is an easy 90-minute drive via Highway 26. Drive through lush forests in the coastal mountain range - the journey is beautiful and doable as a day trip.
Use TripCheck.com to scope out HWY 206 before you leave town, and remember to carry chains with you in the wintertime as the pass can get snowy.
Getting to Cannon Beach from Portland
Wintertime Activities in Cannon Beach
Don’t limit your Cannon Beach visit to the summer! We think wintertime is an incredible time to enjoy all this town has to offer. See our favorite wintertime Cannon Beach activities, below.
We’re excited to take over Cannon Beach February 6th-9th, 2025! Join us for a weekend of seaweed and sustainable seafood-centric programming including a Seafood Trivia at Pelican Pub on Thursday night, at Seaweed Cyanotype art classes (one on Saturday and one on Sunday), Hope In The Water documentary series screening + panel discussion, and a Temaki Workshop, all about Japanese comfort food.
Learn about local hotels HERE. Part of the mission of Winter Waters is to encourage visitors to book local accommodations and enjoy their time visiting the Oregon coast in the wintertime, so we hope you’ll join us all weekend.
Bonus: there will be Winter Waters seaweed-centric menu specials going on across town - so even if you don’t attend all of the Winter Waters events, there will always be something fun to and delicious to enjoy.
Winter Waters Weekend!
Layer up in waterproof gear and head over to the heart of Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock, a towering sea stack rising 235 feet from the shoreline. This iconic natural landmark is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and is home to vibrant marine life, including tidepool creatures and nesting seabirds like tufted puffins. During low tide, go explore the base of the rock to find colorful starfish, anemones, and other tidal wonders. Its ecological importance makes it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
Always practice beach safety when exploring the intertidal zone, be aware of waves, and never turn your back on the ocean.
The Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP) was developed in the mid-1980s to preserve the fragile Haystack Rock ecosystem and provide interpretive information to visitors. Between mid-February and Late October, during daytime low tides, HRAP presents interpretive programs at Haystack Rock with intertidal life forms on display.
Explore Haystack Rock
Cannon Beach has miles of sandy shores perfect for wintertime activities like taking long, leisurely walks with a hot cup of coffee in hand. The backdrop of the Pacific Ocean makes it an Instagram-worthy spot, no matter the weather.
Hunt for unique shells, driftwood, or even agates as you stroll along the shore. Poke through washed- up kelp and beach grass for tiny crustaceans, or create intricate sand drawings or build sandcastles, even in cooler weather—just bundle up!
If you want to take it a step further, dedicate some time to picking up litter, protecting the beach’s natural beauty, and contributing to its preservation.
Hit the Beach
Cannon Beach is known for its art scene, with SO many excellent galleries showcasing works by local and regional artists.
Many artists in Cannon Beach draw inspiration from the town's natural beauty, including the iconic Haystack Rock, rugged coastline, and changing weather. The Cannon Beach Gallery Group creates community among artists, galleries, and art lovers, ensuring the art scene thrives year-round.
The compact size of Cannon Beach makes it easy to explore many galleries within a short time span. The downtown area of Cannon Beach is mostly wheelchair-friendly, with sidewalks, ramps, and crosswalks connecting galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Make sure to check out Basalt Studio - the working studio and showroom of ceramicist Michelle Valigura. along with Chef Jane Hashimawari of Ippai PDX, Winter Waters is hosting a Temaki-making workshop at this space on Sunday, February 9th. See more info HERE.
Discover Local Art and Culture
For those who love hiking no matter the weather, nearby Ecola State Park offers trails with breathtaking coastal views, picnic spots, and access to hidden beaches. Check out Clatsop Loop Trail or Crescent Beach Trail for a moderate hike.
Hug Point State Recreation Site also has short, easy trails to explore. For something a bit more challenging, try Oswald West State Park’s Cape Falcon Trial - walk through dense coastal rainforest leading to panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from Cape Falcon. Sometimes you can see whales from here, so bring your binoculars!
Or, watch surfers (yes, people actually surf here in the winter) at Short Sands Beach. Stroll through forested trails to this secluded beach.
Hiking
Cannon Beach is home to a handful of excellent restaurants that highlight local, sustainable seafood like Dungeness crab, pink shrimp, and albacore tuna. A few of our favorites are Ecola Seafoods, Anna’s Table, Bistro, and Driftwood.
In the wintertime, you can find fresh, sustainable Dungeness crab on the menu at many restaurants. Also look out for sustainable groundfish like rockfish, lingcod, and blackcod (sablefish).
For more details on activities and events, check out the Cannon Beach Visitor’s Center's guide.
