Located on the stunning Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach is one of the most beautiful and charming coastal towns in the Pacific Northwest. Famous for its dramatic shoreline, outdoor recreation, art galleries, and fresh seafood, Cannon Beach offers something for everyone.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway or an extended coastal vacation, here are some of the best things to do in Cannon Beach and the surrounding area.
Explore the Beaches of Cannon Beach
One of the top things to do in Cannon Beach is simply walk the beach. The Oregon Coast is known for its long, scenic, and wild stretches of sand, dramatic rock formations, tide pools, and incredible wildlife.
It would not come as a surprise if we suggested you bike the beach. Here’s why.
At low tide, the beach in Cannon Beach stretches more than seven miles, running from the north end of town all the way to Arch Cape. Along the way you’ll discover beautiful coastal spots like Arcadia Beach and Hug Point, each offering unique scenery and tide pool exploration. That’s a lot to travel on foot which is the reason we like to bike the beach. You will see so much more if youride a bicycle on the beach than on foot.
Something to keep in mind: tides are time-sensitive. Unless it’s an extremely low tide (around -1.5 ft to -2.0 ft or lower), you’ll likely run out of time to make it back to your destination before the water rises too much and that perfectly packed sand to walk and bike on disappears.
No matter the season, walking and biking along the coastline offers breathtaking views and unforgettable photo opportunities.
Hiking Near & Around Cannon Beach
Outdoor lovers will find some of the best hiking on the Oregon Coast near Cannon Beach.
Ecola State Park is one of the region’s most popular destinations for hiking and scenic viewpoints. The park offers miles of forested trails overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with incredible views of the coastline.
One of the park’s most famous beaches is Indian Beach, a favorite for surfers and photographers alike.
Ambitious hikers can even follow trails through Ecola State Park that eventually connect to
Seaside.
Another nearby outdoor gem, although not in Cannon Beach, isOswald West State Park, a short drive south of town. This park combines forest hikes, dramatic coastal viewpoints, and a beautiful hidden beach that’s popular with surfers.
Because coastal weather can change quickly, visitors should always bring water, snacks, and extra layers when hiking along the Oregon Coast.
Walk Around Downtown Cannon Beach
Beyond the shoreline, exploring the town itself is one of the most enjoyable activities in Cannon Beach.
The town is highly walkable and full of charm. Visitors can stroll through the north end, midtown, and south end, discovering cozy neighborhoods, unique beach homes, and welcoming local businesses.
Cannon Beach is especially known for its vibrant arts community, with numerous galleries showcasing local and regional artists.
Restaurants and Dining in Cannon Beach
Food is another highlight of visiting Cannon Beach. The town offers an impressive variety of restaurants, seafood markets, cafes, and breweries.
Local favorites include—bear in mind there are many great options we are not mentioning:
- Seasons Cafe – a long-time favorite for creative coastal cuisine
- Ecola Seafoods – a local seafood market and restaurant known for incredibly fresh fish
- Anna’s Table – an intimate dining experience with exceptional seasonal menus
- Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge – a classic oceanfront restaurant with spectacular views
Because the town sits directly on the Pacific Ocean, fresh seafood is always a highlight when dining in Cannon Beach.
Shopping in Cannon Beach
Shopping is another popular activity for visitors. The north end of Cannon Beach features the largest concentration of boutiques, gift shops, toy stores, and art galleries.
Visitors can find everything from handmade artwork and coastal décor to souvenirs and locally crafted goods.
In midtown, several unique local businesses are also worth visiting:
- Icefire Glassworks – beautiful handcrafted glass art and live demonstrations
- Cannon Beach Arts Association & Gallery – showcasing regional artists and rotating exhibits
- FunCycles – offering bikes, beach gear, toys, kites, and outdoor fun for visitors of all ages
Exploring the shops of Cannon Beach is a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon between beach walks.
The South End has a nice cluster of businesses in the Tolovana area, Tolovana is a neighborhood in Cannon Beach, the Surfcrest Market and Pizza – fun pizza place, Sea Level Bakery, Mo’s, Warren House Pub and the Fresh Foods grocery store. Further South it is mostly residential along with the Cannon Beach Academy Elementary school.
Here is a more comprehensive list of stores, coffee shops, eateries, galleries, and other stores maintained by the local chamber of commerce.
Wildlife Watching in Cannon Beach
Nature lovers will appreciate the abundant wildlife on the Oregon Coast. The Cannon Beach area is home to elk, marine life, seabirds, and many migratory bird species.
Near the north end of town, visitors will find a bird observation area near the ponds, where a variety of coastal birds gather throughout the year.
A nearby paved trail follows Ecola Creek, offering a peaceful place to walk while keeping an eye out for wildlife along the water.
Bring a pair of binoculars, sit on one of the benches, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the coastal ecosystem.
Experience the Magic of Cannon Beach
There are many great destinations along the Oregon Coast, but Cannon Beach holds a special place for visitors from around the world.
With its stunning beaches, scenic parks, local restaurants, art galleries, and outdoor adventures, Cannon Beach remains one of the most memorable coastal towns in Oregon.
And the best way to experience it is simple: take your time, explore, and enjoy everything the Oregon Coast has to offer.
Enjoy your Cannon Beach visit!
