Collecting Moments on the Oregon Coast: Our Weekend On Cannon Beach
The Oregon coast has always been enchanting to me. I love the wind-shaped coastal trees, the vibrant green ferns, and the constant roar of the Pacific Ocean. There’s something about this rugged stretch of coastline that keeps calling me back.. When our kids were younger, we would drive our RV from Montana and I love our memories riding bikes, flying kites on the beach, and exploring tidepools. It had been nearly nine years since our last visit, and we decided it was time for a quick weekend getaway. One destination in particular had always pulled at me: Cannon Beach. With its iconic coastline, charming downtown, and laid-back atmosphere, it seemed like the perfect place to reconnect with a destination that had given our family so many wonderful memories.
During our trip, we stayed at a fabulous resort that provided a comfortable home base and easy access to many of our favorite attractions. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer Oregon Coast adventure, I’ve gathered some of my favorite recommendations below to help you make the most of your visit to Cannon Beach and the surrounding area.
Haystack Rock
Haystack Rock is one of the most iconic landmarks along the Oregon Coast. Formed approximately 17 million years ago, during a period of intense volcanic activity, this towering sea stack rises more than 235 feet above the shoreline. Every time I arrive in Cannon Beach and catch my first glimpse of its distinctive silhouette, I’m immediately captivated. Maybe I just have a thing for impressive rock formations—the same feeling washed over me when I first saw the famous Pitons in Saint Lucia and Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica.
Haystack Rock is also one of my favorite places to visit with kids and fellow tidepool enthusiasts. As part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and a protected marine garden, it serves as an incredible outdoor classroom where nature comes to life. During low tide, colorful tide pools emerge around the base of the rock, revealing sea stars, giant green anemones, crabs, and other fascinating marine creatures.
Adding to the experience, volunteers from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local conservation organizations are often on-site to answer questions, help identify tide pool residents, and point out nesting seabirds high above on the rock. If you’re lucky enough to visit in late spring or summer, you may even spot one of Haystack Rock’s most famous residents—the tufted puffin. Make sure you check the tide schedules before your visit so you can time your visit accordingly.
Where to Stay
Surfsand Resort is the kind of place that you choose for its location, but stay for the extra amenities! Famous for its prime beachfront access and views of Haystack Rock, we loved our room at Surfsand. The beds were incredibly comfortable, the bathrooms felt fresh and luxurious, and the fireplace made the space especially cozy after a day of exploring the coast. One of our favorite features was the private patio, where we could step right onto the beach and enjoy the ocean views.
What really elevated our stay, though, were all the thoughtful extras included with the resort. Guests can enjoy fresh-baked cookies every afternoon, beer tastings on Fridays, ice cream socials on Saturdays, and nightly s’mores on the beach. There are complimentary bikes available for exploring town, a convenient shuttle service to downtown Cannon Beach (though it’s an easy walk), and an indoor pool and hot tub for relaxing after a day outdoors. Families will especially love the daily glass starfish scavenger hunt, a fun tradition that adds a little extra magic to the stay. Another highlight is the on-site Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge, one of Cannon Beach’s most beloved dining spots. I highly recommend enjoying brunch here with view of Haystack Rock.
Ecola State Park Hiking
One of the reasons we wanted to stay in Cannon Beach was the easy access to Ecola State Park and the hiking trails: Crescent Beach and Indian Beach. Leading to pristine beaches, the trails take you through old growth rain forests and offer amazing views of the coast. And if you don’t want to hike, you should still drive up to the park to take in the stunning vistas! Both trails can be muddy, so wear good footwear and hiking poles are also a good idea.
Crescent Beach is shorter at 2.5 miles round trip, but has steeper sections. The beach is only accessible via trails or other beaches, so it feels more remote. If you time it during low tide, the tidepools were amazing and from the beach, you get a glimpse of Haystack Rock.
Indian Creek is an amazing four-mile, round trip hike. I give this one the nod with better views and the forest seems a little more secluded. Go early and you may see some elk and the birdsong was beautiful. When we arrived at the beach, we watched the surfers out enjoying the waves. You can also drive to this beach and the parking area sits above the creek, so one idea if you have kids that aren’t up for the full hike, have someone from your group hike back up and then drive around to meet those who opted to stay on the beach.
Nearby attractions
Downtown Cannon Beach: This is such a fun place to stroll along the quaint coastal cottages featuring shops, art galleries, bookstores and a even a funky little market to pick up beach toys, snacks and your favorite beverage. Don’t miss stopping in for some saltwater taffy from the different candy shops.
Short Sand Beach: Less than 10 minutes from Cannon Beach is the trailhead to Short Sand Beach. Go early to snag a parking spot and it’s an easy half-mile hike through a lush old-growth rainforest, following a beautiful stream as it winds toward the coast. The reward is a stunning crescent-shaped bay that is popular with surfers and offers fascinating tide pools and caves to explore during low tide.
Manzanita: Just 25 minutes south of Cannon Beach, this charming beach town offers relaxed coastal vibes and the most gorgeous seven-mile stretch of sandy beach. It’s great area to ride bikes and enjoy walking the small town’s downtown Laneda Avenue lined with locally owned boutiques, art galleries, coffee shops, and coastal gift stores.
Tillamook: No doubt you’ve experience Tillamook icecream or cheese and their new creamery is worth the drive down. Go early to beat the crowds and you’ll enjoy some delicous cheese samples, learn about cheesemaking and be sure to grab some lunch in their cafe. A new natural grass mini-golf course also just opened called The Mook and we enjoyed playing a round. On past trips, we’ve loved camping at Cape Lookout State Park which offers some wonderful hiking trails.
Is the Oregon Coast on your travel wish list?
I’d love to help make it happen! And yes—I can help plan trips throughout the United States, from accommodations and rental cars to tours, activities, and all the details in between. There are thousands of incredible destinations waiting to be explored, with options for every travel style and budget.
I’d love to help you collect those memories—there is nothing better than time together. The late-night swims, the ice cream stops, the card game after a day in the sun—the little things, the little moments are the big things in life. Reach out to me at [email protected] or fill out a quote request here. I am an Certified Travel Advisor and my assistance is 100% complimentary.
