20 Fun Things To Do In Cannon Beach Oregon

1. Eat Local Seafood

Nothing is better for really increasing flavor and sustainability in your evening meal than some fresh, locally caught seafood. Most of the time, seafood gets caught and delivered to local markets or restaurants within a day, providing maximum freshness and flavor for the customer.

This provides great dining while also being more environmentally friendly by cutting back on transportation miles. In choosing seafood from local people, you ensure that small-scale fishermen get pocket money to conduct their business most sustainably so that marine ecosystems are maintained.

Additionally, seafood from locals expresses distinct flavors and traditions of the region, enhancing the uniqueness of the dishes. 

2. Wildlife Watching

Wildlife watching at Cannon Beach can involve viewing diverse coastal species in their natural environment. A range of seabird puffins, cormorants, and gulls find an excellent habitat here, particularly around Haystack Rock. This becomes their meeting ground during the breeding season.

Seals are often seen on rocks relaxing or playing in the waters near the beaches. You will even glimpse gray whales migrating past the Oregon coast during the seasonal migrations. Starfish, anemones, and crabs other fascinating marine creatures that emerge from the tide pools at low tide make wildlife watching rewarding.

3. Beach Horseback Riding

This beach horseback riding in Cannon Beach provides a different and memorable experience to appreciate the beauty of the Oregon Coastline. You will be able to see sandy shores while feeling the rhythmic sound of the waves and fresh ocean breeze from mounted guided horseback rides.

Enjoy the breathtaking views of Haystack Rock and the surrounding landscape, creating a serene setting picturesque, and peaceful while you witness this scenery from a horse's back.

The slow gait of the ride is perfect for an easy ride, suitable for both experienced and inexperienced horse riders. The connection between horse and rider, plus the beauty of the coastal environment, makes for a rather peaceful and very memorable adventure. 

4. Visit Cannon Beach Farmers Market

One of the nice seasonals in Cannon Beach is the Farmers Market, which showcases the best of the local community. Open during summer months, this Cannon Beach Farmers Market is a hub of fresh, locally grown produce filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, along with artisan bread and cheeses.

In addition to the fresh produce, there are handcrafted products. This is a great way to support Cannon Beach area farmers and artisans as you enjoy the flavors and creativity of Cannon Beach.

5. Enjoy Bonfire On The Beach

There is no better way to wind down and enjoy the beauty of Oregon's coastline than a beach bonfire at Cannon Beach. As the sun begins to set and twilight transitions into the sky, get cozy with your friends or family around a popping fire while feeling the warmth as the cool ocean breeze drifts by.

Roasting marshmallows over the flames would not be complete without it, for these sweet gooey treats would only complement the surroundings.

The wave sounds in the background are very soft; therefore, this situation is perfect for making stories, laughing, or relaxing. Created from the flickering of the firelight, the shadows on the sand are cast in an ethereal glow, and the moment seems ever magical and memorable.

6. Enjoy Fat Biking On The Beach

Beach fat biking in Cannon Beach offers a real adrenaline rush and a very distinct ride across the broad, sandy shores. Fat bikes have large, low-pressure tires that just float across the soft sand without a problem, so they're perfect for beaches.

You can rent a fat bike and cover more ground as you appreciate the lovely coastal scenery, including the famous Haystack Rock and rugged coastline. As you cycle past the coastline, the ocean breeze will be refreshing on your skin as the waves pound rhythmically close by.

It's a joining of the joy of cycling with the beauty of the beach, offering quite an amusing and adventurous way of connecting with the natural environment. 

7. Visit Oswald West State Park

Only a few miles south of Cannon Beach, the Oswald West State Park sets another attractive state park against the proximity of the coast, equipping it with a huge variety of use options. The grounds are a hiking paradise, with miles of trails meandering through old-growth forests and along stunning coastal cliffs.

One of the park highlights is the hike down to Short Sand Beach, a small protected cove framed by towering trees and rocky outcroppings. This beach is known to locals as Shorty's and is a fun place to take to the surf, with properly shaped surf that provides excellent learning grounds for new surfers and experienced ones alike. 

8. Shopping in Downtown Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach's downtown shopping is a delight, epitomizing the artistic and coastal charm of this little town. Quaint streets play host to boutique shops, art galleries, and other specialty stores stocking unique, thoughtfully handpicked items.

You will find some local handmade jewelry and pottery, along with other interior home decor inspired by the coast, in the shops of Cannon Beach.

On display in these many galleries will be works by local and regional artists, ranging from breathtaking landscapes to contemporary pieces, sure to delight the art lover. Many of these stores also feature truly one-of-a-kind items, making shopping here a type of treasure hunt in itself. 

9. Participate In Sandcastle Contest

The Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest transforms the Cannon Beach shoreline into a platform full of art expression, with each piece representing detailed, creative sand carvings. This well-attended event takes place every June, as talented amateur and professional sand carvers come from all around the region to display their craft. 

Participants of all ages and skill levels come together to build elaborate sandcastles, sea creatures, and other intricate designs that morph the beach into a temporary outdoor art exhibit. It is a fun, family event that seems to build community spirit while bringing out an audience in amazement at the talent displayed.

10. Relax And Enjoy Luxurious Spas

Cannon Beach's ultimate relaxation is spent at the spa in its serene coastal setting. Luxurious Cannon Beach spas are equipped with a range of treatments sure to invigorate your body and mind. Treatments include indulgent massages that relieve tension and stress and rejuvenating facials that leave your skin radiant, all for maximum relaxation.

Many of these also vaunt treatments inspired by the ocean, from seaweed wraps and salt scrubs that implement the curative powers of the ocean. Along with traditional spa facilities, you can frequently come across wellness bundles containing aromatherapy sessions, hot stone massages, or even yoga.

11. Visit Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach is the unknown, dark, secluded stretch along the Oregon coast, offering seclusion, peace to the human soul, and serene nature. Getting here involves a scenic hike that begins at Ecola State Park. Between the towering rocky cliffs and the wonderfully green forests lies the beach, which gives it a calm, private atmosphere.

Its seclusion and inaccessibility make it just the right place for finding solitude and quiet reflection. If you are looking for a quiet picnic, photographs of the rugged coastline, or just listening to the soothing sound of waves, Crescent Beach has always had a perfect backdrop to offer you peace and isolation. 

12. Visit Steidel's Art Gallery

Steidel's Art Gallery in Cannon Beach is a landmark of art lovers due to the collection of contemporary works that have vast diversity. This gallery, located right in the heart of Cannon Beach, offers a display of varieties that include paintings, sculptures, and mixed media by local and regional artists. 

The gallery takes its visitors into a world of expressive and thought-provoking art, changing constantly with new exhibitions and special events featuring emerging and established artists. Steidel's Art Gallery also enables artists to connect with the community and share their creative visions, therefore being at the forefront of cultural institutions in Cannon Beach. 

13. Discover The Tillamook Rock Lighthouse

Also known to some as Terrible Tilly, the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse is one of many classic pieces of historical architecture that is resting about one mile off the Oregon coastline, adjacent to Canon Beach.

Built upon a rugged, lonely rock, the lighthouse went into service in 1881 and was famous throughout the region for the conditions that its keepers had to endure. 

Today, it stands as a hauntingly beautiful relic to view from shore, not exactly hiding in the mist, but adding to its mysterious allure. No longer open to the public, the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse stands like a sentry to the wildness and resolve of the Oregon coastline, an inspiration to the imagination. 

14. Explore Cannon Beach History Center And Museum

The Cannon Beach History Center and Museum gives insight into the culturally rich past of the town, evidenced in exhibits showcasing maritime heritage and local culture. This historical cannon, found on the beach, belonged to a shipwrecked vessel and had fired up local legends and historical inquiries. 

The exhibits of the museum include artifacts, pictures, and stories that reveal how Cannon Beach has evolved from a coastal settlement to one of the popular tourist destinations.

Explore logging and fishing exhibits regarding this town, notable figures in its history, and insights into natural and cultural elements that have influenced Cannon Beach.

15. Discover the Beautiful Hug Point Falls

Slightly south of Cannon Beach, Hug Point is that scenic coastal attraction epitomizing attraction through natural beauty and secretive charm. This location is only accessible during low tide. Beautiful rock formations, tide pools, and other interesting geological features are found in this picturesque spot.

There are also nice caves and sea stacks that appear with the falling tide, giving loads of room for exploration and adventure. But what makes this place a worth-visiting hidden gem for nature lovers and adventurers alike is the combination of waterfalls, caves, and ocean scenery.

16. Dine At The Bistro

The Bistro is another friendly restaurant in Cannon Beach, full of atmosphere and with great food offered. It is centrally located, almost equidistant to Cannon Beach's center, and will prepare for customers a menu consisting of a variety of dishes made from fresh local ingredients.

Bistro is most famous for its creative presentation of classic dishes, including seafood, steaks, and vegetarian options.

There's also a comprehensive wine and craft beer list on offer to accompany the tasty food. The Bistro has focused on quality and promised to showcase the best local produce, it has carved out its special niche as a top venue with locals, and alike in their quest for that special dining experience.

17. Experience Surfing

Cannon Beach offers a good experience for both learning and advanced surfers to enjoy varied waves and beauty. A variety of surf breaks are accessible that accommodate many different skill levels, ranging from gentle waves to bigger swells that experienced surfers might enjoy.

Waves are consistent and hence suitable all year round, though summer usually enjoys the warmest water and most settled weather. The view from these waves, Haystack Rock, and the coastline makes every session not just a workout but a view to appreciate, a beautiful view Oregon can offer.

18. Visit Haystack Rock

One of the largest landmarks on the Oregon coast is Haystack Rock, located just off Cannon Beach. Rising 235 feet from the ocean's edge, this immense sea stack is one of the most photographed landmarks of Oregon and is one of the principal features that make up this rugged beauty of the region. 

More interestingly, at its base and in the tide pools around it, live all the marine life that your heart could desire: starfish, sea anemones, crabs. Wildlife buffs and tide pool adventurers both will be endlessly fascinated.

The rock is also home to several species of birds, including puffins and cormorants, therefore, enhancing its ecological importance. 

19. Visit Cannon Beach Library

The Cannon Beach Library is a community center a warm invitation to become a part of it who can consider it as their cultural and educational hub. Being centrally located, the Cannon Beach library offers many services and diverse programs aimed at engaging and informing people.

You will find thoughtfully chosen books, magazines, audiovisual materials, and other forms essentially, all possible genres and subjects. Various events occur within the library, from author talks to book clubs, or educational workshops targeting every age and every interest.

Additionally, there are storytimes and children's programs that foster a love of reading and learning among families. 

20. Hike To Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park, located just north of Cannon Beach, is one of the more natural wonders, with vast stretches and numerous hiking opportunities. The trail winds through old-growth forests, placing one directly into the peaceful beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

As you hike, there are nice views of the rugged coastline and the expansive Pacific Ocean, there are several panoramic viewpoints along this hike.

One of the highlighted features of the park is the historic Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, which dramatically stands offshore as a sentinel. The lighthouse itself is not visitable, but its silhouette from afar gives beauty to the park and allows a peek at maritime history.